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The Ageless Appeal of Vampires in History

by Will on April 26, 2009 · Comments

in Commentary, Fan Art

200904262127.jpg What is it about vampires that makes the world so fascinated with them? 24 Hours Vancouver has a story looking at the history of vamps in culture, and why Twilight has touched such a nerve with the imagination of young and old alike–

“For some reason, Stephenie Meyer has caught on with a sort of Harlequin vampire,” said Hector Williams, a professor of classical archeology at the University of British Columbia who specializes in vampires. “It’s a new form that’s been put with an attractive group of young people. Before that, vampires tended to be middle-aged or older.”

Williams said the Twilight phenomenon doesn’t surprise him but that it’s only one of many versions of the fanged bloodsucker that have seduced the public.

“Vampires have been around for centuries,” he said. “[They’ve had an appeal] for the last 200 years.”

Check out the rest of the article at 24 Hours Vancouver.

[Fan art by Petite-Madame]

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  • TwilightFreak09
    Thank goodness the idea of vampires changed from Dracula to Edward Cullen. Lol
  • abby0936
    haha yeah tell me about it!
    Creepy succubus Dracula vs. GORGEOUS PERFECT Edward
    I don't think that's a tough call. haha
  • TwilightFreak09
    Hahah at least Edward dressed normal. Not in long dark cloaks.
  • ya lol :D
  • joanna86 aka Charlie's Angel
    hahaha don't forget about the totally gorgeous Nosferatu!! LMAO!
  • i love rob
    Amen to that!!!!
  • shadow
    nice drawing
  • it is a coolio drawing :D
  • Sammybooily
    WOW this picture makes rob look fat lol
  • yay first to comment :)
    of course. edward is sexxyyy . hehe
    why wouldn't he be appealing...
    yumm.
    www.allthatglitters-xo.blogspot.com
  • abby0936
    I think that it's AMAZING that people actually specialize in vampires.
    Forget law school, where do I have to go for that? haha
  • TeamJBTL
    hahah right??

    Its pretty awesome!
  • MMMMMMMM. PICTURE EDDIE U LOOKING FINE
  • The face of the 'Edward' drawing looks a lot like Robert. The rest of his body...not so much. LOL
  • amanda
    ive always been fascinated with vampires...theres something sexy about them for sure.
  • i love rob
    There is!!!! I wonder why that is?????
  • coolio drawing lol ...........and i have always loved vamps they r my fave........and thank god vamps have changed from the older loooking vamps to edward emmet and jaspar cullen lol :D
  • Nicole
    I don’t get it... Dracula... hmm..... I grow up in Romania, in the same city were "Dracula" was... and all the Hollywood stories are so fake abut Dracula and his existence...
    I like Edward better and I wish that he was the real one that invented the whole vampire thing... I don’t believe vampires really exist in real life: D... and people that are studying vampires I think they are wasting time with just a myth… sorry
  • abby0936
    Oh I agree. I know I said it was amazing, but I meant it in, how do you study a fictional figure? They must just read the old stories over and over again to come up with this crazy image. But people specialize in crazy things. The ubsurd part is that they get paid for it! haha
  • Nicole
    Hmmm they pay well? I may try it... what is the point to teach elementary if I could get easy money just from readying about vampires... ha ha ...
  • abby0936
    Haha. I don't know if they get paid well. But I'm sure some college professors get paid well enough, depending on the school! Forget about those elementary kids! Go find some university that wants to know about bloodsucking vampires! haha
  • Nicole
    LMAO...
  • TEAM EDWARD
    lol. I've been doing alot of research on vampires for a long time! The whole creepy Dracula to perfect Edward thingy is....kinda funny! lol
    This pic of Edward is funny ....yet hot!! lol :D
  • cutesweetiezzz
    Vampires are just awesome.
    End of story. :)
  • ya they r sweeeeeet lol :D
  • crookedsmile
    Archeology and vampires - I don't get the connection. Did I miss something in my education. They are fictional right? *looks around nervously*
  • quamquam20
    hahaha yeah, but myths impact human behavior. It's a bit odd though, unless they just phrased it weird.
    A recent example is that 16th century burial in Venice. Before she was buried, the woman had a brick stuffed in her mouth, which they thought prevented vampires called "shroud eaters" from munching on their burial cloths. And that's like... funerary or ritual archaeology. Dunno why they make it seem like "vampire studies" is a concentration.
    I have no idea where this dude is getting the 200 year thing from, unless he's referring to their literary appeal. Vampire myths have been around since ancient times (which he would know, being a Classical arch. dude) and occur in some form in almost every culture.
    Are you an archaeologist?
  • crookedsmile
    No LoL! But I do love vampires (well just one vampire really). I know what you mean when you say myths impact human behaviour. I know one story thats had an impact on mine lol! :)
  • quamquam20
    Yeah, I didn't know how in depth I should go. I didn't want to tell you stuff you already knew haha
    I'm an archaeology major and I can talk about it for... a really, really long time and people are like "ok, we get it. shut up."

    But yeah, when archaeologists find all of our Twilight stuff, they'll think it was a cult.
  • TeamEdward(THE_BIG_DAY!<3)
    Who care about "middle aged" vampires when everyone want Edward "FREAKING" Cullen!!
  • ya lol hahahah :D
  • Natalie
    outside of Twilight- has anyone seen any other vampire movies worth watching? The only ones I have seen are Interview w/ a vampire and My Best Friend is a vampire (that one was completely dodgey so I don't believe it counts) lol
  • abby0936
    I can't think right now, but I don't think I have.
    But Interview with a Vampire was awful for me! I was too young when I watched it and I was traumatized! haha
  • Natalie
    I didn't really care for interview w/ a vampire either- I think mainly I didn't care for their long hair. other than that I really don't remember alot of the movie
  • abby0936
    Yeah, like I said I was young, so I don't remember much.
    But I do remember them eating rats and dinner. And it was very bloody. Blood + Abby = not a good sight! haha
  • Nicole
    Do you like the scary movies?
  • Natalie
    vampire stuff I can deal with - but like demonic possession and stuff scare the crap out of me
  • Stormy
    Watch the Lost Boys, great movie
  • Natalie
    will do, I have netflix so I will put it in my que - I also requested Van Helsing
  • mlj (Team Pea Coat)
    Van Helsing is good (Hugh Jackman = SEXY) but the vampires in it are pretty evil.
  • Natalie
    k thanx...I thought the same thing about Hugh Jackman
  • TeamEdward(THE_BIG_DAY!<3)
    I truely believe that some sort of Vampire is out in our world (hopefully it's edward cullen)
  • ya i agree
  • Aly
    THe one who looks exactly like Robert Pattinson only paler?LOL ROb would freak ourt if he saw him
  • tweter76 . . . vamplover
    I have to agree that I believe in the supernatural. My friends and I talk about it all the time. There is just too much history about many things we now refer to as "myth." Lots of people think it's crazy . . . but I don't think it is.
  • Immorta1
    I agree with him. Anne Rice wrote the popular Vampire Chronicles. They made two of her books into movies. Lestat was middle-aged and attracted an older audience.
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    In my opinion...All the other vampires that have come about in history..are just fake figments of the imagination!!! Edward cullen and the rest of the cullens...Are the TRUE vampires!!! I have loved vampires ever since I was very little, BUT the Cullens..Make my Love even more apparent!!!! There is nothing Fictional about Twilight..Its just all tooo real to be fake!!!!!! ... :) Lmao!!!!
  • abby0936
    Well if they are real, I call dibs on Emmett! haha =D
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Hahaha...Thats fine with me!!! Im crazzzzy for Edward!! Lmao..
  • RobRocks
    O hale no Edward is mine and has been so BACK OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Hahaa..Hey no no its cool !!!! I knew I wouldnt be the only one whos insanley Robsessed..Im fine with it..The more women he has the better !!!! :) Lmao!!!
  • abby0936
    haha
    Hey you guys can fight over Edward all you want.
    I love the book Edward but the movie Edward isn't my fav.
    But book and movie Emmett are mine! =D
    But I don't think I'll be fighting off as many people as you guys will be! haha
  • RobRocks
    OMG girl wheres the fight in you? You are losing your touch LMAO ...
  • yeah I'm backing RobRocks in the fight for Edward...she always wins hands down!

    And if you guys get the vamps then I'm calling dibs on the wolf pack...jacob and paul are mine!!
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Yeah yeah..Ok Spaceheater!! Hhahaha..LOL..Go ahead and be on RobRocks side!!! Hmm..Maybe we should have a challenge.!!! Lmao!!! :) Im pretty freakin Robsessed.. :)
  • abby0936
    i got your back!
    me and robismysl vs teamspaceheaters and robrocks!
    Should be good! haha
  • your on!!! lol!
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    hahahhaa... Love the pic of Jake by the way!!! Its awesome!!!..Im a nice person, bieng mean isnt my foraty!!! I was only jk.. :) Lmao!!!
  • I'm not mean either...I'm just filthy minded!
  • RobRocks
    we all know that...LMAO thats why we get into trouble everyday...
  • I'm an angel me! *blinks innocently*
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Yes it should!!! I am excited to see how this all plays out...:) Lmao....hahaahaha
  • I wouldn't be too excited cause you're going DOWN!! LMAO
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    hahaha..Oh i see..Yeah..Im already backin down!!! Lmao... :) :)
  • abby0936
    geeze woman!
    looks like I'm left fighting for an Edward that I don't even want! haha
  • RobRocks
    Put in their place...LMAO thanks for the back up.
  • we girls gotta look after each other!! lol
  • abby0936
    Me too!
    But don't worry, with me on your team, we'll def win! haha
  • RobRocks
    You know I have a gps that tracks sluts right? and im coming to hunt you down and feed you to the dogs. Run while you have a chance LMAO
  • abby0936
    Oh I wont be doing any running!
    The only running I'll be doing is when Edward/Emmett and I are running away from your crazy self! haha
    And I have a gps too! Thank you very much! (Even though I don't know where she is at the moment lol)
  • RobRocks
    LMAO.....yea you wont be running because you've already lost. LMAO
  • RobRocks
    24/married w/3 kids.
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Yup!!! U Defineltyhave more of a chance with Rob...Hahaha..I feel so young..... :( Lmao
  • abby0936
    You can have the muts! haha. jk jk.
  • RobRocks
    OMG that scank from hale. LMAO
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Hey call a truce!!! Lol..Robs urs..Can i have permission to obsess over him a little though?? lol.. lmao! :)
  • RobRocks
    Yes but keep it on the down low...AND yes his MINE!!!!!!!!!!!! and dont forget it >>>LMAO
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Hmm..Im 16..Its not like i have a chance,,U prolly have more OF a chance than i do!! lmao..HAHA :)
  • RobRocks
    yes i would but you cant just back down like that ...didnt your momma ever teach you to fight for what you want? Nice playin wit ya though....LMAO
  • I'm 30 ...only for another day then I'm 31 dang! Sheesh I'm getting old!
  • no happy birthday yet!!...I still have one more day of being 30 and on the 29th I will graciously accept that I am 31 and that my life is over as I have moved boxes from being in the 25-30 range, to 31-35 urghhhhhhhh!
  • only 16...I have to behave now... good job deedee gone to sleep! lol
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Why how old r u ?? lol.. Hhahaha..
  • RobRocks
    I know it right?!!!
  • RobRocks
    HAHA Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!! I told you first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....and yea you are getting old LMAO
  • tweter76 . . . vamplover
    No doubt!
  • I knew we had it in us to make sure Rob stayed yours...these girls didn't even put a a proper fight! LMAO
  • RobRocks
    LMAO>>>>
  • abby0936
    Hey, I dont really want Edward or the dogs.
    If this were a fight over Emmett you'd all be done for! haha
  • giving up so easily! LOL
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    yeah I play nice!!! LOL
  • LOL....just a word warning for future when you're fighting with the big girls you gotta stand your ground a little more and not give up so easily!
  • abby0936
    I wasn't aware we were fight with "the big girls" haha
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Sorry..I actually would rather be on ur side..then against it..Seems like u 2 girls r pretty awesome!!!!
  • abby0936
    Well I'm always up for a good fight! lol =D
    Even with the big girls!
    Heck I'm prob considered a big girl! But whatev! haha
  • abby0936
    Wow I missed like half of that whole conversation because half of it was at the top of the posts!
    I can't keep up with this stuff! haha
  • lol...we've been at this a while you'll get used to it! The worst is when conversations spread between different post...then you'll really get lost!
  • abby0936
    ok I'm new at this so it's tough to get used to!
    But I definately plan on getting used to it! =D
  • tweter76 . . . vamplover
    I concur!
  • abby0936
    Sounds good!
    We'll show Rosalie and Bella who's boss! lol
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Oh totally!! I love Bella though, thats gonna be so hard for me!!! She is as sweet as they come!! And that shield of hers, welll..Idk..I dont know if its gonna be that easy!! And with Rose, well, We will figure somethin out!!! lol
  • abby0936
    Yeah I love Bella too! And Rose will prob just take me out. I might have to find another way around her! lol
    But it def would be hard to take Edward away from Bella but hey, as long as you're happy! haha
    Maybe we can just have shared custody or something! lol
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Oh yeah!!! Shared custody sounds excellent!!!! I wanna be turned first, Its the only way!!! lol.. :)
  • abby0936
    haha! ok
    I'll call my lawyer. Or if we wait a couple years I can represent us both! haha
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Perfect!!! Ill be on this website everyday until it ends, so i can wait a couple years!!! Honeslty I hopethis website never ends..When the movies are finished they should continue to post stuff about all the actors..lol :)
  • abby0936
    Oh I concur. I will probably still be here! haha.
    Even when I'm in law school and I should be reading and studying my butt off, I'll probably still be here using this site for my obsession with Kellan Lutz and the Twilight series in general. haha
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Same here..My LOVE for Everything Twilight will never subside!!! I am a fan.I intend to keep it that way until the day I die!!! :)
  • abby0936
    Me too! Even my tombstone will something like "Unconditionally and Irrevocably" or have some quote!
    I'll prob make it so they read parts of Twilight at my funeral too! haha. Maybe they can burry me with the books too!
    That sounds a little sick doesn't it? lol
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    No not sick at all..!!! i would like my casket to possibly have a pic of bells and edward on it!! lol
  • abby0936
    haha ok. At least it's not just me! lol
  • RobismySL_ TeamPatzz&Stewy
    Nice!!! lol..No way..Not just you right their with ya sista!!!
  • wow the drawing looks exactly like him, what a great artist
  • hartsafire
    Anyone read the necroscope series by brian lumley, those are some kewl vamp books if you can get past all the ESP, but have to agree Stephenie gave us a new outlook on our favorite myth the vampire, big Team Cullen fan
  • Twilighter74
    Hi! I was just noticing that nobody has mentioned Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel? Didn't know if there's a rivalry between these worlds of vampires and the Twilight world... But I love them all! Definitely recommend watching both of these series' if anyone is longing for more vampire love stories! Can be just as heartbreaking and obsessive!
  • pink_topaz06
    it's Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
    A TV station used to show it here but i didn't watch it. LOL.. :)
  • mlj (Team Pea Coat)
    There was another TV series on a long time ago ( I am showing my age here) called The Kindred....it was REALLY good! Vampire in love with a mortal.
  • bianx
    somehow i dont find vampires attractive or sexy at all. i prefer werewolves--that's what drew me in to the saga and a reason why im such a jacob fangirl.
  • destined to be a cullen
    i guess vampires now has new (maybe "improved") image to the world.. it's not just all about biting people and drinking blood anymore, it's more of love now.. immortal love - just as immortal as they are.. stephenie meyer is so great for introducing that!..
  • I'd never read/watched anything vampire-ish before Twilight.

    When I started reading Twilight early last year.. I was afraid to read it cause I had the image of old, creepy, disgusting, men in my head. *shudder*
  • destined to be a cullen
    i bet you like the vampires now.. of course, with the cullens in mind..
  • ejaz
    Strictly for the more mature people here, check out Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake series of novels. I personally feel that the sexiest vampire in all vampire literature is one Jean-Claude, the most important vampire in that series. There are also werewolves and other magical creatures. Hamilton's vampires are traditional ones i.e sun-allergic, fanged and undead but they are also very sexual creatures (hence the rating warning!) and I must give prior notice that some of the books are rather bold.
  • 30yearoldtwifan "Team Slade"
    Beautiful pic of Edward. Vampires are something I have always loved, ever since Le stat from Ann Rice many years ago. Its something about never dying that is just so interesting, the type of vampire from say 30days or John CarpendersVampires are more demon like, there are so many different ways to portray them.
  • 30yearoldtwifan "Team Slade"
    I have left this link before but for anyone interested in a new Author that series is similar to Twilight, but more mature get this series.I couldn't put it down, Its about a vampire Cain who falls in love with a human girl named Felicity, It is a great read, and nothing has compared to the Twilight series, but this series really reminded me of it. Check it out. You will not be disappointed.


    http://www.myspace.com/venomaddiction
  • RustyHalo
    I love the picture of Edward but it looks like he's been seriously splurging on too many Mountain Lions! And is that a Stephanie Meyer book he's reading? Haha
  • ninarez
    I actually think that Edward would look good in black, especially with the bronze hair and all. I can't wait to see if he'll wear that black cape the Volturi lends him at the end of New Moon.
  • MATILDA
    HE LOOK REALLY FAT!!!
  • TheLionFellIn<3W/Ceci-ROBECI
    HALE yea I'm happy that there was such a change in vampires... lol Bless Stephenie for bringing Edward into my life... oh I sound psychotic but it's true... The drawing is really good... lol... though the lower part of my Rob looks... um strange? hehe... still good =]
  • tweter76 . . . vamplover
    Amen sister!
  • TheLionFellIn<3W/Ceci-ROBECI
    "Amen" right back at ya sista'... LOL...
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