REAL VAMPIRES

If you have read Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight sequel, then you probably know the Cullens. Meyer’s description of a vampire in her book differs a lot from that of the old myths. The Cullens do not sleep in coffins, nor did they burst into flames when exposed to sunlight. They do not sleep either. The old myths say that vampires burst into flames when they are directly exposed to the sun. They sleep inside a coffin during the day and goes out at night to hunt for their prey. The only common thing with their description is that, vampires drink blood.

Both definitions about vampires are not true. Real Vampires do not glitter like diamonds when exposed to sunlight like Edward Cullen nor do they burst into flames like that of the old stories. They sleep, unlike the Cullens; they do sleep, but not inside a coffin like Dracula.

Not all vampires crave and drink blood. According to Rune Thower, there are kinds of vampires. First, is the Psychic Vampires or psy-vamps.

These vampires do not feed on human blood, but they ”feed” on the “life energy” of people around them. The vampire can choose his victim and what type of energy he would take. Their victims would feel “drained” whenever the vampire is next to the victim.

The second is the “Spirit-Influenced” Vampires. They are those who live by the demonic acts. They let their bodies be controlled by some “spirits” or demons. It is said that the spirits and demons can give people special abilities in exchange for partial possessions.

The third one is the Viral Vampire. These are the ones that seem to have the most right to be called vampires. The “virus” is the cause for their transformation. It is passed on from one body to another through blood, sexual secretions and saliva. Photosensitivity, increased night vision, dual personality, anemia, blood cravings and red meat cravings are just some of the effects in the human-vampire transformation.

Fourth, the Vampires by Birth. They are the ones who can trace their vampirism through their ancestors. This type of vampirism may be genetic. They usually don’t know what they are. Only when they reach the puberty stage, the begin to act differently.

National Geographic Channel also featured a real live vampire named Don Henrie. He is also known as “The Vampire Don” and a self-proclaimed “Vampire Emperor”. He admitted that he drinks blood and that it is human blood.

So you see, vampires are not only seen on movies and read on books. Vampires do not necessarily suck all the blood out of their victim; they do not burn under the sun. They are human beings too. They could be anywhere; they could be living in your neighborhood. They could be your friend, they could be you.