Vlad the Impaler: The Early Years of Dracula

This chapter explores the formative years of Vlad the Impaler, emphasizing his birth in Transylvania and the political upheaval in Wallachia amid conflicts with the Ottomans and Christian kingdoms. It details his contentious upbringing, rivalry with his brother Radu, and the brutal tactics he employed to secure power, which forged his notorious reputation. The narrative intertwines historical elements with the mythical figure of Dracula, illustrating how tales of his cruelty were embellished and spread through early media, shaping his legacy.