16 June 2019, Sunday
So first, the mysterious death of Vlad the Impaler - some say he was betrayed by noblemen for refusing to pay tribute to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and killed during the winter of 1476 or 1477, being stabbed in the back with spears. Another theory is that he was killed by an Ottoman disguised as a servant for his continued defiance of the Sultan, also stabbed by a spear to his back. Most historians conclude that he was assassinated by someone hired by his enemy, but they are not sure which enemy.
Next, the name “Dracula” - Vlad’s father was decorated by the King of Hungary, Sigismund of Luxembourg, in Nunberg in 1431 with the Order of the Dragon, meaning of superior class. It was also known as the Order of the Draculestis. This medieval knightly order aimed at defending the cross and destroying its enemies, symbolised by the old dragons, with the help of St George. In the 5th century the dragon became the symbol of the devil - “Dracul” in local language. Vlad inherited this title. Vlad was called ‘Dracula’ meaning “the Devil’s Son”. No one knows for sure, but this is probably how the name “Dracula” came about. But some say Vlad wasn’t all that cruel - he was good to the poor, considered a national hero by the peasants of Wallachia. There are always 2 sides to a story and one shouldn’t be too quick to judge.
Third, let me talk a bit about vampires as explained here in Romania. Since pre-history the hunter discovered that when an animal is killed, the blood drains from it and so does life. Hence, blood became associated with the source of life. According to the belief here, the real vampire who inspired Bram Stoker was a Magyar countess of the Renaissance period, Elisabeth Báthory, who originated from a very old and prosperous family in Transylvania, but of Hungarian origin (at that time Transylvania came under Hungarian authority).
Starting in 1600 for a period of 10 years, she committed numerous acts of torture, mutilation and murder of young girls. In fact, the Guinness Book of World Records names her as the most prolific female murderer. The number of her victims cannot be confirmed, but it is estimated to be about 80 young girls. The atrocities described most consistently included severe beatings, burning or mutilation of hands, biting the flesh off the faces, arms and other body parts, freezing or starving to death, burning the girls with hot tongs and then placing them in freezing cold water, and covering them in honey and live ants. She was also suspected of cannibalism.
After her trial for which more than 300 witnesses gave evidence, including some of the survivors, she was found guilty but was not executed due to her family status and influence. Instead, she was imprisoned in her own castle and placed in solitary confinement. She was kept bricked in a set of rooms, with only small slits left open for ventilation and the passing of food. She remained there for four years until her death.
After her death, stories began to circulate, describing her vampire-like tendencies (most famously the tale that she bathed in the blood of virgins to retain her youth). These stories were considered to be unreliable, but may have influenced the writer Bram Stoker. However, to make his horror stories more appealing (taking into account the audience at that time) he probably chose a male protagonist and the name “Dracula” for its suggestive and macabre potential. This is the common belief here in Romania.
No comments:
Post a Comment