Get ready to see some cool and creepy pictures of vampires. In the past, we shared an informative article that included many cool images of gory zombies. Today, we thought we would share some bloody vampire images from various sources. We have also included a section about the possible origins on these corpses with sharp fangs that are ready to drink the blood of a human (or animal).

For information about the hybrid of one human and one vampire, visit our post on The Dhampir.

What Is A Vampire?

A vampire is a human corpse that is said to leave its grave and suck the blood of poor innocent people at night. However, depending on the vampire, they may also like drinking animal blood (but of course, it is not wanted as much as human blood). Interestingly, there is not just one version of the vampire. Although some are able to turn into bats or even wolves, others cannot. One method used to kill one type of vampire, may not kill others. However, there is one universal characteristic, and that is draining of a vital bodily fluid. Of course, the bodily fluid is usually blood.

How Are Vampires Killed?

There are several traditional methods for repelling or even killing a thirsty vampire. However, not all will work for all types of vampires. Some common traditional methods (or weapons used) are exposure to direct sunlight, a stake right through the chest, holy water, a crucifix, fire and more.

When Did The Vampire Myth Begin?

Although vampiric entities have been recorded in most cultures around the world, it is still unclear exactly when the myth first arose. However, the vampires that most people are familiar with today (such as famous Dracula) are believed to have Slavic origins that are only a few hundred years old.

There are many variations of the vampire from around the world. For example, there are the Asian vampires like the Chinese jiangshi (also known as a Chinese “hopping” vampire or zombie. It is a type of reanimated corpse in Chinese legend and folklore. The creature has very similar characteristics to the modern vampire. It is depicted as a stiff corpse that kills living creatures (which is usually at night) to absorb their “life force”. Just like a modern vampire, during the day, it will rest in a coffin.

There are even legends of female vampire-like creatures such as the hideous manananggal. The manananggal is an evil, man-eating and bloodsucking monster with huge bat-like wings. She is said to fly into the night for the purpose of preying on women who are sleeping in their homes.

Older Versions Of The Vampire

Although most people are familiar with the vampires that are human corpses out to drink the blood of their victims, they may not be aware that there are other older versions. Older versions were not believed to be in human form, but instead supernatural entities that may be demonic.

Do Real-Life Vampires Exist?

According to an article on DiscoverMagazine.com, real-life vampires actually do exist. For several years, researchers have been studying real vampires living in New Orleans and Buffalo. Of course, they are not real vampires who possess supernatural powers. However, many not only have fangs, but they also live a primarily nocturnal life. Perhaps the most interesting similarity between them and a real vampire is their claim that they need human or animal blood so they can feel healthy.

Is It Dangerous To Drink Blood?

According to Dr. Kent Sepkowitz, it is not unheard of to hear about humans who actually drink blood. In fact, it is even an acceptable delicacy in many countries. He says that even if you were to drink blood that is not the same blood type as your own, it is unlikely to cause any serious health problems. However, it is important for blood drinkers to beware of infections like HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Why these particular three? These three infections travel through the bloodstream.

Although it is not clear whether ingesting infected blood would actually result in the transmission of an unwanted and very dangerous infection, it is better to be safe than sorry. Besides the risk of infection, blood drinkers could also risk suffering from an iron overdose and Toxic Porphyria.

Cool Vampire Pictures

Vampirella

Statue Of Vampire Children

 Hopping Vampire 

Vampire Art

Vampire Graffiti

Count Dracula: The Most Famous Vampire

Count Dracula is the primary fictional character of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. He is the most famous vampire that is unlike other vampires of Eastern European folklore. Instead of being portrayed as a repulsive corpse-like creature, Dracula exudes an aristocratic charm. Like some vampires, at will, he can change into the form of a bat, wolf or even a big dog. This centuries-old vampire lives in a decaying castle with three very beautiful female vampires right beside him.

What Inspired The Creation Of The Count Dracula Character?

It is believed that some aspects of the Count Dracula character were inspired by Vlad III the Impaler (1431–1476/77). Vlad III the Impaler (also known to use his patronymic as (Vlad) Dracula) was a three-time Voivode of Wallachia. The 15th-century Romanian general ruled from 1456 to 1462.

Abraham “Bram” Stoker (8 November 1847 – 20 April 1912)

The Real Dracula: Vlad the Impaler

The Cover Of The First Edition

The First Confirmed Motion Picture Representation Of Dracula

The vampire Count Orlok is a fictional character (the first confirmed motion picture representation of Dracula) based on Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. He is played by German actor Max Schreck (6 September 1879 – 20 February 1936). Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens is a classic 1922 German Expressionist horror film directed by F. W. Murnau (December 28, 1888 – March 11, 1931).

Why Wasn’t The Character’s Name “Count Dracula”?

Nosferatu was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Hence, the studio was not allowed rights to the novel and certain details (such as names) had to be changed. This is why the character “Count Dracula” became “Count Orlok”. Instead of the term “vampire”, “Nosferatu” was used, and so on. The unauthorized adaptation had eventually lead to a lawsuit by Stoker’s heirs. Although the court ruled that all copies of the film had to be destroyed, luckily, one print survived.

The Shadow Of Count Orlok: An Iconic Scene From The 1922 Film Nosferatu

A Stencil Of Dracula

Dracula In A Coffin

Dracula Figurine

A Child Dracula

Conclusion

Although many people are vampire fans, not all are aware of the fact that there are not just one version of this mythical being. There are different variations from around the world (including older versions that are not even human). Their varied history and folklore is what makes them such an interesting creature that has appeared in many successful books and movies for decades. As long as the world continues to thirst for vampires, the character will continue to thirst for the blood of its victims in the world of entertainment. We hope you liked our pictures of vampires.