TED Talks Daily

Why don’t vampires cast reflections? | Eric Nuzum

18 snips
Oct 26, 2024
In this podcast, Eric Nuzum, an author uncovering the evolution of vampire lore, dives into the chilling myths surrounding these creatures. He explains why vampires don’t cast reflections, revealing their deeper symbolic ties to societal fears. Nuzum examines how historical misunderstandings and pop culture have transformed vampire narratives from terrifying figures to sparkling icons. He also critiques the media's impact on our perception of vampires, suggesting they reflect our most profound anxieties.
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INSIGHT

Vampire Evolution

  • Vampires change over time, reflecting cultural fears.
  • 16th-century vampires explained misunderstandings about death, like decomposition.
ANECDOTE

Rabies and Vampires

  • A rabies outbreak in 18th-century Hungary/Romania fueled vampire beliefs.
  • Symptoms like light aversion and aggression were mistaken for vampirism.
ANECDOTE

Nosferatu Bootleg

  • Nosferatu, a hit vampire film, is actually based on an illegal bootleg.
  • Bram Stoker's widow sued for copyright infringement and ordered all copies destroyed.
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