The Evolution of Vampire Myths

Vampire myths have evolved significantly over time, reflecting societal fears and misunderstandings. Historical events, like the rabies outbreak in Hungary and Romania, contributed to the characteristics we associate with vampires today, such as aggression or aversion to light and garlic. People misidentified symptoms of rabies in their neighbors as signs of vampirism, highlighting a lack of medical knowledge during that era. This transformation of vampires into cultural symbols serves to showcase how folklore intertwines with our perception of health and disease.