True Blood HBO, Vampire Diaries and Twilight

At the risk of sounding a bit, Anne Rice-ish does anyone else wonder who would come out on top in an epic battle between Bill Compton, Eric Northman, the delicious Salvatore brothers and of course, the Twilight vamps? Can you imagine the battle? Glitter, blood and wacked out eyes would be just the beginning! At the moment, Damon and Northman get my vote, (though knowing Eric any erotic fantasies including the darker Salvatore would likely be shattered by a little broke back vampire action!)

All joking aside it seems to me there has been quite a bit of squabbling over what makes a true vampire, with Anne Rice taking pot shots and Stephanie Meyers, not to mention fans arguing it out. The truth of it is this, there are enough myths, legends and folklore to go around and the different approaches taken by these authors are well within reason.

Vampires are not a new idea; it is thought that these entities actually date back to prehistoric times though they were not known by the name vampire. As stories of their exploits began to be told and re-told in the 18th century, the term vampire appeared. What may surprise you is the number of different myths surrounding not only the creation and destruction of these creatures, but their appearance and characteristics as well. For example, some ancient traditions depict the undead as OCD, which means placing a bag of rice near the body will keep the newly created vampire busy for quite some time!

Final Thoughts

As a vampire fan from way back none of the recent stories upset me too much, I personally enjoy the different spin an author places on the characteristics, abilities and myth of the vampire. One that I thought was particularly interesting was Dracula 2000 (shockingly enough that is Gerard Butler as the historic master vampire). SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER- If you plan on watching this movie turn around now before it is too late!

******************************************************************************************** By the end of the movie, it is suggested that Dracula is actually Judas Iscariot, the disciple the betrayed Christ. Hence the aversion to silver, (money he was paid for the betrayal), cross and holy water (obvious reasons)! Bet you have never heard that slant on the old myths before!