The link between vampirism and eroticism
Β Β Β Β It is no secret that there is a definite link between vampirism (specifically in media) and eroticism, sexuality, and sensuality but why? How did that come to be and can it be traced back to a specific piece of media?
Β Β Β Β Connections to the βfirstβ mention of vampires in literature can be traced back to Lilith in biblical texts, vampires in media didnβt really kick off until the 19th century with a newfound interest from writers and readers alike! The 19th century brought us so many bloodsuckers; for example, The Vampyre by John William Polidori, Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, and Dracula by Bram Stoker, of course!
Now that we know sorta when the vampire really started to engulf the literary world, we must tackle the connection between sensuality and eroticism with them; so why do we think vampires are sexy? What is the connection of eternal life, a hunger for blood, and a deep undying love?... And you CANβT say Twilight!
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β A vampire is neither dead nor alive, gently caressing the border of something riddled with decay and something blooming with life, and that isnβt the only way that these beautifully undead creatures have blurred the lines throughout fictional history. In Bram Stokers Dracula movie adaptation, it is obvious that the audience is meant to feel not only frightened, but curious of the vampire; him blurring the line between predator and sensual lover, really tapping into the connection of bloodlust and lust in and of itself.
Now, that can be seen in many horror genres; I could talk about zombies or werewolves until the rooster caws, but sensuality has existed in vampire lore since essentially the beginning of it. Throughout history in vampire media, we as the audience have seen vampires almost attract their prey with their charm and sensual nature, like sirens. The vampire has turned an act of violence into an act of love and lust, usually shown to induce feelings of ecstasy in the one being fed on, not only the vampireβfurther blurring the lines between sexual acts and violence between predator and prey.
We can even see this in the new 2024 portrayal of Nosferatu, where Count Orlok is not your typical attractive, The Vampire Diaries-esque vampire, but the eroticism persists. With this specific vampire portrayal, the audience can gather that lust can be ugly and terrifying; it can be brutal and painful. At the same time, this highlights that a vampire is connected to sensuality in a much deeper way, in a way that indulges them in the heights of their power over a mortal life.
Vampires have constantly worked to be morally grey creatures, captivating humans and readers for centuries. I think at the end of the day, vampires attract the typical person due to their mystery and charm that has been documented in literary fiction since the vampires first debut. We never truly know how 'good' or how 'bad' they are... and it only makes us want them more!
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