History Extra podcast Mutilated corpses and undead mothers-in-law: vampire epidemics through history
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Nov 21, 2025 John Blair, a medieval history expert and author, dives into the chilling concept of vampire epidemics across cultures. He reveals why myths of undead mothers-in-law proliferated and explores the stark differences between literary vampires like Count Dracula and historically feared corpses. Blair discusses the symptoms attributed to vampires, the bizarre remedies used to combat them, and how societal trauma shaped these beliefs. Plus, he highlights the romantic tales of undead returning to lovers, showcasing the complex interplay of culture and fear throughout history.
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Corpses, Not Ghosts, Are The Threat
- Belief in animated corpses is distinct from ghost beliefs and centers on the corpse retaining power to harm the living.
- Written evidence for such beliefs first appears clearly in Mesopotamia by the 7th century BC.
The 'Vampire Belt' And Shamanic Roots
- Vampire-like beliefs cluster across a 'vampire belt' from NW Europe through the Near East to China and SE Asia.
- They often coexist with shamanistic traditions and appear where people fear recently dead individuals causing harm.
Words Shape What We Fear
- 'Vampire' and 'zombie' are misleading modern labels with distinct origins and meanings.
- Blair prefers terms like 'dangerous dead' or 'walking dead' to avoid conflating separate cultural phenomena.
