Dracula

Perhaps the most famous vampire of all times was Count Dracula. Many movies have used his character, but the novel, written by Bram Stoker, in 1897, played a very important role in his career as a well known vampire. The name of the book was "Dracula" and many say that this is the birth of the legend of the famous Count Dracula. Bram Stoker's character in the Dracula novel, was compared to one of the best-known figures of the Romanian history - Vlad Dracula, nicknamed Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler).

The vampire is truly a global creature, with myths related to the dead which rise to drink the blood of the living coming out of cultures all around the world. The victims of a vampire either dies or becomes a vampire. Vampires could also be made in a variety of ways: a child born under certain omens, a cat or other animal jumping over a dead body, someone who committed suicide, and practicing witchcraft are some activities thought to be the cause of vampirism. In order to protect yourself from a vampire, there are a few things that can be helpful: garlic, silver cross, sunlight or fire, cross or crucifix, holy water, mountain ash (rowan). It is believed that it is possible to become a vampire if: you are born the 7th son of the 7th son,  if a dead body has been reflected in a mirror or a child who dies unbaptized (known as "moroi"). 

Vampires are usually "night people" on a biochemical level. They have inverted circadian rhythms, with body cycles such as temperature peaks, menstrual onset, and the production of sleep hormones in the brain occurring at the opposite time of day from most people. They have difficulty adjusting to daytime schedules and frequently work nights. They tend to be photosensitive, avoiding sunlight, sun burning easily, and having excellent night vision. Their vitality ranges widely, and they can be vigorous and active one day, depressed and languorous the next.

There have been many recent movies about vampires: "Dracula" ("Bram Stoker's Dracula" - complete title), directed by Francis Ford Coppola made from the legend of count Dracula a modern masterpiece, "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles" starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst and Antonio Banderas, is another impressive movie, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" series, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar has been a real success.

The stories of vampires date back to thousands of years ago. Each country has its own spin on the legend of the vampire.