The Evolution of Vampires: Medieval through Modern Day
Abstract
Medieval ideas about vampires continue to influence the portrayal of vampires in modern media. Although modern vampires are portrayed with more powers and abilities than their medieval counterparts, the categories of traits remain consistent. This paper makes these points by using five characteristics (creation, physical characteristics, relationship to blood, social life, and death/weakness) to examine the evolution of vampires from Medieval European lore to modern day media. The sources examined range from the 13th century to 2017. From the Medieval era up to 1897, vampire characteristics do not change much at all. Bram Stoker’s Dracula marks the first major change in vampire characteristics and provides the foundation for all future vampire media. Though Dracula sets the stage for all modern vampire media, vampire characteristics remained static in imitation of Dracula until the 1980s. The movie The Lost Boys is the second great divergence of vampire characteristics and the first piece of media to evolve from the standard set by Dracula. Though it is not as popular or as directly influential as the Dracula book, The Lost Boys opens the door for the subsequent rapid evolution of vampires seen in media today.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 2:30 PM
Room Number
252
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Arts and Humanities
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Brian Maxson
The Evolution of Vampires: Medieval through Modern Day
252
Medieval ideas about vampires continue to influence the portrayal of vampires in modern media. Although modern vampires are portrayed with more powers and abilities than their medieval counterparts, the categories of traits remain consistent. This paper makes these points by using five characteristics (creation, physical characteristics, relationship to blood, social life, and death/weakness) to examine the evolution of vampires from Medieval European lore to modern day media. The sources examined range from the 13th century to 2017. From the Medieval era up to 1897, vampire characteristics do not change much at all. Bram Stoker’s Dracula marks the first major change in vampire characteristics and provides the foundation for all future vampire media. Though Dracula sets the stage for all modern vampire media, vampire characteristics remained static in imitation of Dracula until the 1980s. The movie The Lost Boys is the second great divergence of vampire characteristics and the first piece of media to evolve from the standard set by Dracula. Though it is not as popular or as directly influential as the Dracula book, The Lost Boys opens the door for the subsequent rapid evolution of vampires seen in media today.
