Vampire Types Around the World

Vampire Types from Around the World Africa - Adze/Asasabonsam/Impundulu/Ishologu/Loango/Obayifo/Romanga Adze: Sorcerers amongst the 'Ewe' tribe in southeastern Ghana and southern Togo in Africa were thought by the tribe's folk to be possessed by a vampire spirit known as 'Adze'. This vampire has the appearance of a firefly and flies around preying on young children, drinking their blood but also drinks coconut water and palm oil. If caught it will revert to human form. Asasabonsam: This vampire originates from the Ashanti people of southern Ghana and is also found in the Togo and Ivory Coast areas. These vampire creatures hide in tree in dense forests and attacks and kills anyone who walks underneath it. The 'Asasabonsam' is of human form except for its iron teeth and hook like legs that it uses to trap its victims. Possibly also known as Asambosam, and Asanbonsam. Axeman: A vampire from Surinam that actually appears in the form of a bat. Invariably a woman, the axeman appears perfectly normal during the day, but after dark she changes into a bat. In this form, she flits about the village seeking her prey. Once she finds a sleeper whose foot is exposed, she carefully scrapes away a fragment of flesh from the big toe until blood trickles. She will then feed till she is engorged before returning home. Her victim will awaken feeling drained and weak. To prevent an axeman entering one's hut, simply prop a broom across the doorway. Very similar to many vampires of South East Asia. Impundulu: Witches in the Eastern Cape region keep these vampire creatures as servants which they use to attack their enemies. The 'Impundulu' is passed down from mother to daughter in the witch's family. Similar to the 'Incubus' in the fact that it is able to transform into a handsome male and seduce its witch mistress. This vampire is thought to possess an insatiable appetite for blood and will drain its victim to the point of death if allowed to do so. Ishologu: Under research, but may well be another name for Impundulu. Loango: The supposed cause of the vampiric condition was because the person had been a sorcerer or other form of mystic. It was said to lie in its coffin with its eyes open. It would become more active and ten times stronger with the moon. It was reported to be able to turn into a bat. To kill it you had to burn it by night when there is no moon, or else nail it to the ground with a nail. Carefully burn every little fragment, for even the smallest will be enough for the whole monster to be reborn again. According to lore it would emit horrible long moaning while being burned. Otherwise this section is still under construction. Obayifo: This vampire originates amongst the Ashanti tribes living on the Gold Coast, although it does reappear under different names with neighboring tribes (for example, in Dahomean folklore it is called the 'Asiman').The 'Obayifo' is another example of witchcraft as this 'living vampire' is the spirit of a male or female witch that is able to leave its body and flies around at night feeding upon young children. This vampire, which has the appearance of a glowing ball of light, is also said to cause blight in crops. Besides drinking blood, the 'Obayifo' is partial to the juice of some fruits and vegetables and will destroy whole fields if it drinks too much of this. Romanga: under research, but it is possibly an erroneous spelling of Madagascar's Ramanga Wume: A vampire of the Slave Coast region that was caused by being a criminal in life or else being the victim of a curse. The only reference made to stopping its activities was to bury it in a secret place.

Albania - Kukudhi/Lugat/Sampiro/Shtriga Kukudhi (possibly also known as Kukuthi): Reportedly the final stages of development in a vampire. The kukudhi could live at home during the day, no longer required to return to its grave, and is even thought to have traveled as a merchant. Requires further research. Kukuthi: Besides the normal use of a stake, hamstringing is also considered useful in the case of Kukuthi. From further research it seems that Kukuthi and Lugat may be interchangeable terms. Otherwise still under research. Lugat (possibly also known as Liougat, Liouvgat, Liugat, Ljugat.): The 'Lugat' does not kill its victims; it will only feed briefly on the victim and, as such, is relatively harmless. In this myth, unfortunate Albanians of Turkish descent will turn into a vampire upon death, driven to go out at night in a shroud and high heel shoes to spread death and destruction. A will-o'-the-wisp will indicate where the tomb lies. Like the rest of Eastern Europe, these legends were reported more frequently after the 16th Century - the Eastern Orthodoxy's flexible position on superstition seems to be a major cause for the myth's increase in popularity. Sampiro: Albanians of Turkish descent were said turn into vampires upon death. They were driven to go out at night in a shroud and high heel shoes to spread death and destruction. A stake through the heart is the preferred method of dispatchment. From the looks of it just another name for Lugat, but still under research.

Shtriga: A vampire like witch. It was said to be similar to the Strigoi of Romania.

Armenia - Dakhanavar Dakhanavar (also called Dachnavar and Dashnavar): protected a valley near Mount Ararat by sucking blood from the feet of travelers. When two men slept with their feet under each other's heads the Dakhanavar mistook them for a monster with two heads and no feet and was never heard of again.

Assyria - Akakarm/Akakhura Akakarm/Akakhura: Each still under research.

Austria - Habergeiss/Schrattl/Vampire Reports from Austrian-controlled Serbia prepared by Austrian officials between 1725 and 1732 introduced the word vampire into European consciousness. In 1755 the town of Olmutz in Austria was itself the scene of several vampire reports. Habergeiss: From the Styria region. It is a much nastier version of the German 'Alp' that can change into various animal forms. Schrattl: A term used in the Karnthen region to describe a being bearing many similarities to the German 'Alp'.

Australia - Mrart/Yara-ma-yha-who Mrart: A vampire-like creature (often referred to as a ghost) that was specifically powerful in the dark, often trying to drag victims away from a campsite. Aborigines also believed a second soul existed that could sometimes inhabit another person's body or could live in the bush and torment its living relatives. Dead bodies were weighted down in aboriginal burial rites, or their legs were broken. The possessions of the dead were destroyed and its campsite abandoned. Talamaur: A living vampire found in Australia, as well as other parts of Polynesia. This creature could communicate with the spirit world, making one of these spirits its servant which it could then send among the living. One version of the Talamaur (also known as tarunga) could send out its soul to drain the remaining life essence from a fresh corpse. Yara-Ma-Yha-Who (also known by Yara-Ma): This vampire like creature is found in Aboriginal culture. The 'Yara-Ma-YhaWho' has the appearance of a four foot tall red man with an exceptionally large head and mouth. Having no teeth, this creature swallows it food whole and uses suckers on the ends of its toes and fingers to drain its victim of blood. This vampire, like the 'Asasabonsam' {see Africa}, hides in fig trees and attacks people as they walk underneath. According to legend if you were unlucky enough to be attacked more than once by these creatures you might gradually become shorter and eventually become a 'Yara-Ma-Yha-Who'. Localized Koori legend tells of a short creature with a huge head and mouth, whose feet and hands have suckers like an octopus. It drops on people from its fig tree and drains them of blood, later returning to swallow them whole and regurgitate them. The whole process is non-fatal though you will eventually turn into a furry bush creature.

Babylonia - Ekimmu/Lilitu/Utukku Ekimmu: People who suffered a premature or violent death, were unfulfilled in love or simply had an improper burial were destined to become one of the most feared vampires in Assyria and Babylon. This ancient spirit was the result of the soul of the recently departed being trapped in limbo unable to find peace. It would therefore wander the earth and attack those unfortunate enough to cross its path. The oldest of all the myths seems to be the Babylonian Ekimmu, in which the ghost of an unburied person, and in some cases a spirit who does not receive enough offerings, dwells underground and emerges at night to feed off the living. While the Ekimmu seems to have influenced several neighboring cultures, other regions on Earth seem to have developed similar legends in parallel evolution. Lilitu: (also called 'Lilith') this vampire, found in Jewish/Babylonian myth, drank the blood of babies and young children. Utukku: This vampire spirit is another instance of a 'trapped soul', in that the 'Utukku' was thought to be the spirit of someone who had recently died but had returned from the grave unable to find rest. There are, however, some instances in which this vampire is described as a demon.

Belarus - Mjertovjec Mjertovjec: The Mjertovjec is an apostate (someone who renounces their beliefs), werewolf or witch who has died. This vampire will follow poppy seeds from its home back to its tomb.

Bengal - Chordewa Chordewa: The Oraons (or Uraons) of Bengal believe in this vampire witch that can change into a black cat. Otherwise, still under construction.

Benin - Asiman/Obayifo Asiman: Possibly also seen as Aziman, Azeman, Asema and Aseman (last two of Surinam). Vampire of the Fo-Dahomey tribe. Obayifo: Witches that travel at night in the guise of a glowing ball and suck blood from children.

Bohemia - Ogoljen Ogaljen: It was reported that to stop the creature's activities you needed to put a little earth from the tomb in its navel. Bury it at a cross -road.

Bosnia-Herzegovina - Blautsauger/Lampir Blautsauger: The Blautsauger is a hairy vampire with no skeleton, but has large eyes. It can turn into a rat or a wolf (preferred wolf form). The creature hid dirt from its tomb behind its back in an attempt to get people to eat dirt from its tomb so they'll become vampires also. Scattering hawthorn flowers along the road from its home to the tomb will slow it down. Lampir: Supposedly interchangeable with the term Vukodlak, otherwise still under research. Possibly known as Lampiger and Lampijer in the Balkan states. Another off shoot of note is Lampijerovic. This was used by the Balkan Gypsies to describe the child of a Vampire.

Brazil - Jaracacas/Lobishomen Jaracacas: Still under research. Said to eat from the breasts of nursing women, while using its tails to keep the infant from crying and waking its mother. Lobishomen: This creature was reported to be small, stumpy and hunch-backed, with bloodless lips, yellow skin, black teeth, bushy beard and the looks of a monkey, the bite of this vampire turns its female victims into nymphomaniacs. To dispose of Lobishomen, get it drunk on blood and crucify it to a tree while stabbing it.

Bulgaria - Armenki/Drakus/Grobnik//Krvopijac/Nejit/Okostnik/Opachina/ Plotenik/Topyak/Ubour/Ustrel/Vipir Armenki: Evil spirits that reportedly attacked young mothers and their babies for blood. There are several mentions of this creature in Bulgarian Mythology books, but not a very detailed description. Drakus: Possibly a term used in the Rhodopes region to describe a vampire. Grobnik: Name for vampire in the Kukush, Struga and Ohrid districts of Bulgaria. Krvopijac: One becomes a Krvopijac by smoking or drinking during Lent. Reportedly it only had one nostril. To locate your Krvopijac, get a nude teen virgin on a black foal to ride through the graveyard. Where the horse won't go is where your vampire is. To rid oneself of it chain it to the coffin with a garland of wild roses; when the evil becomes apparent: a wizard (or a Djadadjii monk), holding a small saint's image up in the air calls forth the soul of the demon inhabiting the corpse and forces it to go in a bottle of blood that he will then immediately throw into a fire. Nejit: Under research. Okostnik: Another Bulgarian term used to name a vampire. Opachina: Another of the regional terms used in the Rhodopes to identify a vampire. Plotenik: Possibly also known by Plotnik, Plutnik and Plutenik. It was a common term used in northern Bulgaria. Topyak: Name for vampire in South-Western Bulgaria. Ubour: The Ubour (also known as Obur) is a gluttonous blood drinker; it can be enticed with excrement or rich food. This vampire is created if the spirit refuses to leave the body after a violent death. After forty days of burial the corpse will dig itself out of its grave and begin to cause poltergeist-like trouble, creating sparks as it moves about, for its mourning family and relations. This vampire is unusual in that it eats normal food and will not attack humans to drink their blood until all other sources of nourishment is gone. Ustrel (possibly also known as Istral, Istrel): This vampire was believed to be the spirit of a child born on a Saturday that had died

without being baptized. On the 9th day after burial it would come out of its grave and attack livestock to drink their blood. If more than five cattle or sheep were attacked in any one night the owner of the herd would be forced to hire a 'Vampirdzhija' (vampire hunter) to destroy it. Vipir (also known as Vepir or Vapir): It appears that this is the modern form due to cross over of Russian culture. Burma (also known as Myanmar) - Kephn/Swamx/Thaye Kephn: Few books do more than mention this creature, to include Montague Summers "The Vampire - His Kith and Kin". Further research required. Swamx: Possibly an erroneous spelling of Swawmx. Under further research. Thaye (also possibly known as Tasei): These are evil people condemned to be disembodied spirits. They can appear as tall dark people with huge ears, long tongues and tusk-like teeth. They enter town at noon or by dark and usually cause minor illness.

China - Chiang Shih/Kiang-Kouei/K'Uei/Hsi-hsue-kuei Chiang Shih (also known as Kiang-shi, Chiang-shi Ch'iang-shih, and Ch'ing-shih, possibly also known as Kuang-shii, Giang shi and Xianh-shi): This terrifying vampire creature is said to be caused by either the demonic possession of a recently deceased corpse, violent death or suicide. It has been documented in two forms; in one it is a tall and murderous, walking corpse with green or white hair all over its body. This version has long, sharp claws, serrated teeth, glowing red eyes and foul breath which will knock you dead at twenty paces. In this form it will leap out of graves to attack people traveling at night and can also learn to fly if it survives long enough to mature properly. In its more usual form it can appear human and not be recognized as a vampire until it does something that will give it away. For example, like the Slavic vampire, it is unable to cross running water, has the ability to transform into a wolf and is allergic to garlic. Powered by the moon, it can be held in place by a circle of rice around it. The Chiang Shih often dwells underground (influences from the Ekimmu of Babylon) and was first journalized by J de Groot in The Religious System of China in 1892. Kiang-Kouei: possibly another regional name for Chiang Shih, but not much on the details or description as of yet to be sure. Requires further studying. K'Uei: In all likelihood slang, or regional, version of Kiang-Kouei. Hsi-hsue-kuei: Translated as 'suck-blood demon'. Also known as Kuang-shi, Kuang-shii or K'uei. Otherwise still under research.

Crete - Kathakano Kathakano (also known as Catacano): This creature is much like your generic vampire, but can only be killed by chopping of the head and boiling it in vinegar. Croatia - Pijawika/Kuzlak Pijawika: Croatia was the site of one of the first vampire epidemics of the modern age. In 1672 Giure Grando, late of Khring on the Istrian peninsula, Croatia, apparently returned from the grave and caused many deaths. To kill a Pijawika, cut off its head and stick it between its legs. Kudlak: In Croatian and Slovenian lore on the peninsula of Istria, a person born with a caul (embryonic membrane still attached to the top of the head, forming a veil) was destined to become either a kudlak or a kresnik. A person so destined to become a kudlak would begin already begin a career of evil while still alive - his soul would leave his body at night in animal form and fly through the air to attack people or to magically do other harm to the community he lived in. When he died, he became an undead vampire who was then an even greater threat to the community. But if a person born with a caul became a kresnik, he became a champion of the community. While he lived, his soul left his body in animal form at night to fight against both living and undead kudlaks. According to one account, a person born with a red or dark caul became a kudlak but a person born with a white or clear caul became a kresnik. Kuzlak (possibly also known as Kozlak): It is supposedly created when an infant is not breast-fed enough and dies. It was said to amuse itself by throwing dishes and saucepans in the kitchen and by moving about carts in the courtyard. The reported way to deal with this creature was to call a Franciscan monk, who will transfix it with a hawthorn bough plucked high in the mountains. The Czech Republic - Murasi/Ogoljen Murasi: Under construction. Ogoljen: The Ogoljen wanders about with soil from its tomb in its navel. Bury it at a crossroads to get rid of it. There is also a Moravian vampire who drops its death shroud and wanders about naked. It can be destroyed by stealing its shroud. France - Aloubi/Incubus/Melusine/Moribondo/Succubus Aloubi: Possibly also known as Alouby. Not much available in writing, most of what I have heard is passed down folklore. Another of many needing further research. Incubus: This vampire demon is the male incarnation of the well documented 'Succubus'. The 'Incubus' appears to be a form of

energy vampire and regularly preys on women at night until they are drained of all physical and sexual energies. This can occur through intensive love-making and by tormenting the victim's dreams with terrifying nightmares. The 'Incubus' is similar in concept to the Scandinavian 'Mara' and, like Slavic and Gypsy vampire folklore; it has the ability to father children. Melusine: Reportedly a daughter of a king who was cursed for use of magic. Moribondo: This creature assaults cattle in particular. Protection for the herd is provided by moving the cattle through a circle of fire. Succubus: The female counterpart to the 'Incubus', this creature attacks men during their sleep using similar methods.

Germany - Alp/Bluatsauger/Dockele/Doppelsauger/Gierach/Gierrach/ Girrach/Nachtzehrer Alp: This creature is similar in behaviour to the 'Incubus' as its victims are generally women which it attacks at night, drinking milk from their nipples and causing them to have horrible nightmares, although it will also drink blood from the nipples of men and young children. The 'Alp' is generally believed to be a demon, although there are accounts in which they occur as spirits of recently deceased relations. There are also instances which state that children may become an 'Alp' if the mother suffers a long and painful childbirth and is forced to use a horse collar to ease the pain. It can also appear in animal form, linking it with some werewolf myths, can fly like a bird and, like the 'Mara', will ride a horse to exhaustion. Somewhat comically, the 'Alp' is said to wear a hat in almost all of its manifestations. A butterfly called Alp sometimes came out if its mouth. Put a lemon in the vampire's mouth to stop its activity. There is a possibility that the Alp was also known as the Alb and/or the Alf, according to "Handwörterbuch des deutschen Aberglaubes", but further research is needed. The following names have also been used, Alpen and Alpmann, but I think they are more of an off shoot of Alp since they are described more as Incubi (in looks and actions). It is still in need of research but worth mentioning. Bluatsauger (possibly also seen as Blautsauger, Blutsauger, Blut-Aussauger): The Bluatsauger is a hairy vampire with no skeleton, but has large eyes. It can turn into a rat or a wolf (preferred wolf form). The creature hid dirt from its tomb behind its back in an attempt to get people to eat dirt from its tomb so they'll become vampires also. Scattering hawthorn flowers along the road from its home to the tomb will slow it down. Also see Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dockele (possibly also known as Dockeli): An Alp like creature in the form of a cat that sucks blood. Doppelsauger (possibly also known as Dubbelsüger): This is another 'breast-obsessed' vampire (of which there are many in Europe) and is documented in northern regions of Germany. The 'Doppelsauger' will leech the life from its living relatives by attacking them and eating their breasts. It was believed that these vampires were caused by a mother allowing her child to again drink milk from her breast even though it had been weaned onto solid food: this child would then become a 'Doppelsauger' after its eventual death. Gierach/Gierrach/Girrach: Possibly differing regional spelling. Each is described to be similar to the Nachzehrer (see below). Nachtzeher (also known as Begierig, Neuntöter, Nachzehrer, or Nachttoter): A child born with an amniotic membrane over their head (cauls) or anyone who dies by drowning becomes a Nachtzehrer. It lies in its tomb with its left eye open, gnaws upon its shroud or itself and grunts like a pig. It causes plagues (and also ties cow's tails together). This revenant creature was believed to cause the death of its victims through its own psychic abilities. Whilst still in the grave it would devour its own burial shroud and flesh causing its family and relations to slowly waste away. The 'Nachtzehrer' is traditionally found in times of plague epidemics and is believe to carry the pestilence about its person as it is covered in sores and stinks of decay. It was thought that if you were buried with your name still attached to your burial clothing you might become a vampire such as this. To deal with it, shove something in its mouth (such as a stone or a coin to stop it from chewing), one can also put a lump of earth under its chin or bind its jaws together with linen or chop the head off with an executioner's axe. Garlic will keep this one at bay. Minister Georg Röhrer reported these creatures in detail to none other than Martin Luther. The Neuntöter from Pomerania is similar to the Nachzehrer, but must be decapitated between 11pm and midnight after it was forced to eat the ashes of a burnt silver spoon. There is the possibility that this creature had been called Begierig in some locations, but mostly isolated reports are seen.

Ghana - Adze/Asasabonsam Adze: under construction Asasabonsam: These vampires have hooks for feet and come in three types (male, female and child). They have iron teeth and dangle their feet down from trees onto victims. Asasabonsum also sucks blood from the thumbs of sleeping people. These creatures are also reported in the Ivory Coast and Togo areas.

Greece - Alitos/Anaikatoumenos/Anakathoumenos/Anarracho/Bruculaco/ Callicantzaros/Catacano/Empusa/Lamiai/Vrykolakas Anaikatoumenos: Mentioned in Montagues books, but still under research.

Anakathoumenos: Mentioned in Montague's books, and possibly just a variation of Anaikatoumenos, but still under research. Anarracho: Mentioned in Montague's books, but still under research. Alitos: Mentioned in Montague Summers book, but further research is needed. Bruculaco: This creature has swollen, hard skin (as if tanned) and sounds like a drum when struck and it also spreads the plague. It can scream once per night, if you answer the call you will die. Cut of its head and either burn or boil it to kill it for good. Callicantzaros: A child born between Christmas and the Twelfth Night (5 January) becomes a Callicantzaros after death appearing between Christmas and Twelfth Night each year to tear people to pieces with its extended fingernails. The rest of the year it exists in some nether world. Catacano: This creature (known as the happy vampire) grins constantly, showing its pearly whites. It spits blood on people who subsequently become its victims if they are hit by said bloody discharge - it burns. To kill it, isolate it behind salt water or boil its head in vinegar. Empusa: (also called 'Mormolykiai' or 'Mormo') The 'Empusas' were vampire-demon attendants of Hecate, a Goddess from Greek mythology. These demons would often manifest themselves in human form, most commonly as Phoenician woman, and go about attacking people at night. Lamiai: This vampire originates from Greek myth in which the first 'Lamiai' was a Queen of Libya who went insane following the murder of her children by Hera. In revenge she began to travel the earth drinking blood and feeding on the flesh of infants and, like the 'Succubus' and other such 'sexual' demons, would appear as a beautiful woman to seduce men into lovemaking then devour them in a gruesome fashion. After feeding, the 'Lamiai' would take out its eyes in order to rest and it was only then that she could be destroyed. Vrykolakas: Tales of this vampire are documented in both Greece and Macedonia. People were generally believed to become one of these if they had committed suicide or had suffered a violent death. Those who led an immoral life were also thought to become a 'Vrykolaka'. Like many other common myths it was necessary for the vampire to request entry and be admitted into the household in order to be fully able to attack. The 'Vrykolaka' would, therefore, call the name of its intended victim at the door of that person's home and then, once inside, would sit on the individual's chest until they suffocated to death. In reality, the reason for the 'victim's' death was more likely a heart-attack as the feeling of a constricted chest (and indeed of being sat upon) is a usual symptom. The term is possibly derived from the older Slavic compound term 'vblk'b dlaka', which originally meant wolf pelt wearer.

Gypsy folklore - Bibi/Dhampir Bibi: under research. Dhampir: The product of a union between a mortal woman and a vampire. The Dhampir was thought to have special abilities, to help it to hunt other vampire. Haiti - Loogaroo Loogaroo: This West Indian vampire is said to go to a 'Devil Tree' each night and remove its skin. It then flies off in search of its victims, in the form of a sulfurous ball. Hungary: Farkaskoldaus/Liderc/Nora/Pamgri Farkaskoldus: Characteristics: when dying it takes on the aspect of a werewolf. Liderc: This vampire-like being was similar in behaviour to the Incubus or Succubus in that it could kill victims by 'loving them to death' (i.e. exhaustion through sexual activity). Nora (possibly also known as 'Nore'): This unusual creature was 'invisible', a sprite or an imp, was humanoid in appearance, but was also very small, bald and ran on all fours. This vampire-creature attacked the breasts of women who were irreverent or known to be immoral and would make them swell painfully. The remedy for this ailment was to cover the affected breasts in Garlic and thus prevent the 'Nora' from 'attacking' again. The result of this creature's attack is more likely an explanation for a sexually transmitted disease or other illnesses caught through prostitution at the time. Pamgri: Listed in a book on the history of vampires, but requires further study.

Iceland - Alfemoe/Draugr Alfemoe: The Icelandic equivalent to the German Alp. Draugr: Mentioned in several of the 'Phantoms and Revenants' type books of differing languages. Possibly more of a 'were' creature than a vampire. Here is some new information I got on this creature, it seems that there are several regional differences in spelling and pronunciation. Drauger- Icelandic Saga- this is an animated corpse that comes forth from its grave mound or shows restlessness on the way to the burial place. This creature is also know as an Aptrgangr (after-goer or one who walkers after death.) The Drauger is the roaming undead most frequently encountered in Icelandic Sagas. Whichever name used, the undead of

Scandinavia was a physical body, the actual corpse of the deceased. The physical descriptions of the undead in Scandinavian cultures are said to be "hel-blar" or black as death. Another term used to describe the undead is "na-fole" meaning corpse pale. The other characteristics of the Draugr are that it can swell to an enormous size and also heavy which suggests that the swelling be not due to decay gases. Described as being uncorrupt for many years after death. The creature has extreme strength. They tend to kill by crushing their victim to death. The Drauger also reportedly possessed magical powers, they had knowledge of the future, can control the weather, shape-shifting capabilities. The Drauger could also move magically through the earth, as though they were swimming through the stone. Luckily for the Vikings there were precautions that they could take against the Drauger. These precautions were practiced from Viking times to present to prevent the dead from rising again in Scandinavia. Some of the easier ways to prevent the dead from rising they could place an open pair of scissors on the dead persons chest, laying straws crosswise under the shroud, they would also tie the big toes together so that the legs could not be separated and needles run into the soles of the feet. The precautions listed above were always done directly to the corpse, the following however, were precautions taken on the things surrounding the corpse to prevent it from rising. When the coffin is carried out, the bearers would stop at the door, just within the threshold and they would raise and lower the coffin three times in different directions, thus forming the sign of the cross. Once this has been done all the chairs and stools on which the casket had rested on, must be turned over. During the actual burial, in the churchyard, the parson must pray for the rest of the dead and binds the grave itself with magical words, thus making it impossible for the dead to escape. The Scandinavians also had special corpse doors in the home. These were bricked up openings that could be torn down to remove the coffin, feet first. Then the doorway would be resealed again firmly. This was done immediately, because it was believed that the dead could only enter a home from the way that they were removed. By removing the corpse feet first it was thought that they were depriving the undead of a clear view of how they were removed from their home. Considering the time period during which the legends of Scandinavia were created it is no surprise that they were unaware of the effect that the germs from the corpses had on them. So, of course, they believed that the dead were just trying to spread evil. As the draugr was dead it was felt that they had a longing for the things of life and even envied those still alive. They felt cold, hungry and longed for their loved ones. So to express their feelings and needs they killed things. They would decimate livestock of those that they cared about by running them to death. To kill the Drauger, one must overcome them by hand to hand combat, wrestling it until it has been subdued. Then the combatant must decapitate the ghost with a sword. Some traditions have the hero leap or walk between the head and body three times. Or the hero could drive a wooden stake into the headless body. The final step was to burn the remains until they became cold ashes and then either bury the ashes in a remote spot or throw them out to sea. Draug was an Old Norwegian term which may have had cross over Note that the Drauger and the Grendel of Beowulf display a lot of the same characteristics. The Grendel was a giant shape-shifting creature, a dweller of the supernatural environment. The Grendel spends most of its time acting out motives of envy and desire for the things in life (does this sound vaguely familiar.). Incorporated are elements from the old Germanic culture of Anglo-Saxons and newer influences of Christianity Fylgia: Vampire of Icelandic folklore, under research.

India - Apsaras/Baitel/Bhuta/Brahmaparush/Chedipe/Churel/ Gayal/Hanh Saburo/Hantpare/Jigarkhor/Jigarkhwar/Kali/Mah`anah/ Masani/Pisacha/Punyaiama/Rakshasa/Yaksha Apsaras: Similar to the 'Alp' of Germany but with more elfin features. Baitel (Also known as Baitala, Baitel, Vetal, and Vetala): under research. Bhuta: Appearing at night as shadows, flickering lights or mists, the Bhuta are souls of those who died untimely. They are mostly harmless, although they will attack babies who have just fed as they love milk. They can transmogrify into owls or bats. It was believed that those who were physically disabled, insane or suicidal were destined to become a 'Bhuta' following their death. These vampires inhabited wastelands and graveyards in the form of 'willo-the-wisp' type lights or shadowy, ghostly apparitions. The 'Bhuta' were said to cause severe illness in those it attacked as these vampires mostly fed on the intestines and excrement of the recently buried. They were also believed to be able to possess individuals in order to attack newly-fed babies in an attempt to digest the milk that had drunk from their mothers. Brahmaparus: This bloodthirsty monster took ghoulish delight in completely consuming the people it attacked. Its method of devouring its victims was highly ritualized: the 'Brahmaparush' would begin by drinking the blood through a hole in the skull, following that the brain would also be consumed. This feeding ritual would not be complete until the vampire performed a macabre dance whilst deliberately entangled in the intestines of the corpse it had destroyed. Chedipe: The Chedipe (lit. prostitute) enters a house at night sending all into a trance and sucks blood from the toe of the male of the house. Churel: A woman, who has died unnaturally or in childbirth during the festival of Divali, may return with her feet on back to front. The Churel (also known as Jakhin, Mukai or Nagulai) attempts to dry the blood of the men of the family. The 'Churel' were extremely ugly vampires with sagging breasts, black tongues, thick, rough lips, wild hair and back-to-front feet. They were thought to be bitter and angry due to their untimely death and as a result attacked their families and attractive, young men. In western India

the churel was also known as a Jakhin, Jakhai, Mukai, Nagulai and Alvantin. Gandharvas: Blood-sucking Hindu incubi. Otherwise still being researched. Possibly erroneously seen as Gandharven. Gayal: The 'Gayal' was a male spirit which had returned from the grave unable to rest as the burial rites had not been correctly carried out on the deceased. This angry spirit would attack members of his family in revenge for their religious malpractice. Hanh Saburo: Indian forest vampires which can control dogs. They will attempt to lure or drive travelers into the forest to attack them. Hant-pare: under research. Jigarkhor: Female vampire that is similar to the Jigarkhwar. This is possible just the feminine name for such. Jigarkhwar: Still under research, said to eat the liver. Kali: This vampiric Goddess possessed a terrifying countenance and was said to appear on battlefields during long and bloody wars. Her skin was charred black in tone, her eyes and eyebrows were blood red and she had an extremely long tongue with which she became drunk on the blood of her victims. Mah`anah: under research. Masani: The 'Masani' (also known as Masan) attacks travelers at night as they pass by the burial grounds in which this female vampire hides, sleeping by day in a funeral pyre. The ash from this pyre is what gives this vampire her black-skinned appearance. Pisacha: The 'Pisacha' (trans. Flesh Eater) was, in religious teachings, a personification of Brahma's anger at the immorality and vices that had developed in humanity. This grotesque deity took pleasure in the consumption of whole corpses but also had the ability to cure diseases if approached in a respectful manner. Punyaiama: The Punyaiama (pure race) looks like an old woman. It passes a magic thread down a chimney and sucks the blood from the sleeping or mad/drunk women. It is also reported to be a cannibal. Rakshasa (Rakshasis feminine form): These vampires would appear to men and lure them to their death but would also attack babies and pregnant women to drink their blood. There were many legends associated with the 'Rakshasa' (trans. 'Injurer'): some believed that if a child were forced to eat human brains then it would become one, others believed that these vampires caused stomach sicknesses in people who had trespassed into their territory and that these fanged creatures dwelt in trees from which they could spy on those traveling underneath. Some were ogres or demons living in cemeteries having a human, humanoid or halfanimal shape. They have fangs and attack infants and pregnant women. First described in Atharva Veda. Closely related to the rakshasa were the 'yata-dhana' (or 'hatu-dhana') , who were sorcerers would seemed to follow the rakshasa. Yaksha: under research.

Indonesia (also known as Java) - Buo/Daitja/Pontianak Buau: Among the Dayak people of Borneo, the ghost of an enemy slain in battle, supposed to drink the blood of its victims. Possibly just a regional different spelling of Buo Buo: Warriors of Borneo slain in battle can become Buo. Daitja: May be more of an incubus type creature, but still under research. Pontianak: A Pontianak is a woman who died either a virgin or in childbirth. Out of jealousy it will attack infants or emasculate the men it seduces. They fly at night as birds, but in human form, the hole in their backs is a dead give-away. To escape one, pluck a strand of their long black hair.

Ireland - Bhean Sidhe/Deamhain Fhola/Dearg-Dul/Dreach-Fhoula /Fear Gortagh/Leanhaum-Shee/Murbhheo/Neamh-Mhairbh/ Bhean Sidhe: under construction. Deamhain Fhola: Possibly also seen as Deamhan Fola. Possibly a regional variation of Dearg-Dul. Otherwise, still under research. Dearg-Dul (also possibly known as Dearg-Due, Dearg-Dililat, and Dearg-Diulai): Meaning a drinker of human blood. According to Montague Summers, this Irish vampire can be held at bay by piling large amount of stones on its grave - but no Irish mythologist can find any reference to it. Dreach-Fhoula (possibly also seen as Dreach-Shoula, Droch-Fhoula): Pronounced droc'ola and means 'bad' or 'tainted blood' and whilst it is now taken to refer to 'blood feuds' between persons or families, it may have a far older connotation. During a lecture in 1961, the Registrar of the National Folklore Commission, Sea'n O' Suilleabha'in, mentioned a site which he called Du'n Dreach-Fhoula (pronounced droc'ola) or Castle of the Blood Visage. This was allegedly a fortress guarding a lonely pass in the Magillycuddy Reeks in Kerry, and inhabited by blood-drinking fairies. He did not give its exact location, and cultural historians have spent years hunting through archives for more specific information. It might indeed have been the inspiration for the name Dracula rather than Vlad Dracul. Bram Stoker, after all, never visited Eastern Europe and relied entirely on travellers' accounts. Abhartach is only one among many blood-drinking noble and chieftains that populate Irish folklore; and the blood-drinking undead feature in Geoffrey Keating's History of Ireland, written in 1626-31. Stoker may well have read the legend of Abhartach

in another History of Ireland, written by Patrick Weston Joyce and published in 1880. Around the same time, manuscript copies of Keating's work were on display in the National Museum in Dublin. Fear Gortagh: Meaning 'hungry grass'. Although this is not a person but a place, it is still worth mentioning. It is a spot where someone has died of starvation. The hunger is said to linger and can suck up your vital energy. Leanhaum-Shee: Possibly also known as Leanan-sidhe, Leanhaun-shee, Leanhaun-sidhe. Very little other than word of mouth reference can be found, but it is said to be similar to the Incubus/Succubus. An off shoot of this may be the Lhiannan-shee of the Isle of Man. Murbhheo: Gaelic for the living dead. Neamh-Mhairbh: Term used for the undead.

Israel - Aluga/Estrie/Motetz Dam Aluga (or Aluka): under research, possibly a derivative of Hebrew word for leach. Proverbs 30:15. Two more possible variations of this are ALOUQÂ and ALOUQUE. Estrie: A Hebrew spirit, always female and invariably assuming the shape of a vampire. The Estrie is considered to be an incorporeal spirit of evil that has taken the form of flesh and blood, and lives among humanity to satisfy its need for blood. Its favourite prey is said to be children, all though no one is considered safe when it needs to feed. It could change appearance at will but reverted to its demonic shape when flying about at night. If injured or seen in its natural state by a human, the Estrie had to acquire and eat some of the person's bread and salt or it would lose its powers. Motetz dam: under research.

Italy - Strega/Stregoni benefici/Strix Strega: under research. Stregoni benefici: under construction, reportedly not an evil creature, in fact an ally against evil/bad vampires. Strix: This creature was a night demon from ancient Rome which attacked infants, Ovid described them in Fasti. This Strix developed into the Stegra - a woman who flies about in bird form and attacks infants. These were also chronicled in the Saxon capitulary of Charlemagne in 781.

Japan - Hannya/Kappa/Kasha/Krappa Gaki: Wailing corpses who thirst for blood. They have the traditional pale skin, hollow features and lack of body temperature. They have spectacular shape shifting abilities and can change into not only animals, but also look like other humans. They can even impersonate a living person. Hannya: Usually female. A Hannya was once a truly beautiful woman that became insane and then possessed by a demon. She was transformed into a hideous creature that drank blood and ate children. Some of Japan's most disturbing and frightening examples of monster art present the hannya in many of its hideous forms. Kappa: The Kappa were said to be ugly, green child-like creatures that drag horses and cows into their watery homes where they suck the blood from their anuses. They will leave the water to steal fruit, rape women and steal people's livers but can enter into binding agreements promising not to attack people. Another Japanese vampire legend involves a vampire cat taking the form of a prince's concubine after killing her. Kasha: Still under research. Krappa: is supposedly similar to the Pelagganan of Malaysia, and the Phi Krasue of Thailand, otherwise under research. Kyketsuki (Possibly also seen as Kyuketsuki): Vampires of Japanese folklore that can be induced to live on honey rather than blood.

Lithuania - Aitvar Aitvar: Similar to the Alp of Germany but reportedly has very large hands and feet. Still further research being conducted.

Macedonia - Vryolakas Vryolakas: A messy wine drinker in life, when undead it can be killed by a nail through the navel or pouring oil over the body. It

can be deterred by scattering bird seed on the tomb (it'll stop and count the seeds, one per century). Madagascar - Ramanga Ramanga: A living vampire whose job it was reportedly to eat the nail parings and drink the spilt blood of those of high rank so that these items could not be used against the nobles. This vampire is from a tribe known as Betsilo, and otherwise still under research

Malaysia - Bas/Bâjang/Langsuyar/Mati-Anak/Pelesit/Penanggalan/Polong Bas: The Bas is a spirit believed in by the Chewong people of Malaysia. The food of the bas was ruwai, which is loosely translated as soul, vitality, or life. The Bas most often hunted pigs, but were said to occasionally attack humans, if hunger-driven enough, or by accident. The most common way to keep the Bas away was to build a fire, which it saw as a sign of civilization or humanity, and it would stay away. Bâjang: A Malaysian vampire assumed to be male, appearing as a cat and normally threatening children. The Bajang can be enslaved and turned into a demon servant and is often handed down from one generation to the next within a family. It is kept in a tabong (bamboo vessel) which is protected by various charms. While imprisoned it is fed with eggs and will turn on its owner if not enough food is provided. The master of such a demon can send it out to inflict harm on his/her enemy, the enemy usually dying soon after of a mysterious disease. According to traditions the Bajang came from the body of a stillborn child, coaxed out of it by various incantations. Langsuyar: Much like the Pontianak (which it is also known as the Langsuyar or Langsuir), it is recognized by her long fingernails, green robe and the hole in her neck. She died during childbirth. This hole is where she feeds on infants' blood. They may fool men into marrying them as humans but at the first big dance they get over excited and fly off into the trees. The Langsuyar was recorded by Sir William Maxwell in the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society circa 1885. Mati-Anak: Possibly a different name for Pontianak, otherwise still under research. Pelesit: The Pelesit was a vampiric being that took on the form of a house cricket. If someone was being attacked by a Polong, the pelesit generally accompanied it. The Pelesit would arrive before the Polong, enter the victim's body, and prepare the way for the Polong. Penanggalan: Like the Phi Krasue of Thailand, the Penanggalan consists of a head and some entrails. The Penanggalan actually separates from its whole, female form into a motionless, headless, gutless body and flying head. It seeks out the blood of children or the blood from childbirth. Polong: The Polong was a very small Malaysian female (1 inch tall), which was believed to be a witch's familiar. In return for daily blood from the witch, the Polong would do many tasks, including attacking the witch's enemies.

Mexico - Camazotz/Chupacabra/Cihuacoatl/Cihuateteo/Civatate/ Tlacique/Tlahuelpuchi Camazotz: Described as a 'man-bat' with a sharp nose, large teeth and claws, the Camazotz is an integral part of Mayan agricultural myth. The descent of the Camazotz into the earth is linked to the planting of maize. Chupacabra: under research. Cihuacoatl: under research. Cihuateteo: The Cihuateteo ('right honourable mother') is either a stillborn baby or a mother who died in childbirth which attacks and paralyses babies. It flies and is chalked white on its hands, arms and face. Offer it bread to fill them up so they don't go attacking humans. If you don't have any bread, meteorites will do. They die if they are caught in sunlight - one of the few vampire legends to actually mention sunlight. Civatate: under research, possibly the same as cihuateteo. Tlacique: under research, but possibly another name for tlahuelpuchi. Tlahuelpuchi: TTlahuelpuchi: The Tlahuelpuchi could transform itself into several different animal types (usually leaving its legs behind) and attacked infants, and occasionally adults or children. It is most often female, and generally thought to be a witch of some kind. Belief in the tlahuelpuchi (plural: tlahuelpocmimi is prominent in at least the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. Most typically, the tlahuelpuchi is a woman born with a curse. When she enters puberty and has her first menstruation, she craves blood. At night she transforms into an animal such as a cat, a dog, a turkey, a vulture, or a flea. In some versions of the belief, she leaves her legs behind in the form of a cross before she goes out in animal to seek her victims. Her favorite victims are infants but she also attacks adults and cattle. Most typically, a tlahuelpuchi only requires blood once a month. But according to some versions of the belief, she thirsts for blood four times each month. The tlahuelpocmimi join together in societies and make a pact to not infringe upon each other's territories while seeking for prey. A tlahuelpuchi will also not prey upon her family or neighbors in order to remain incognito. It is difficult to detect a tlahuelpuchi. But one test is to offer an enchilada containing garlic to a woman suspected of being a tlahuelpuchi.

Montenegro - Tenatz Tenatz: A term used interchangeably with Lampir, which is the local variation of Vampir. Believed to be the body of a dead person that had been possessed. The Tenatz wandered the night and sucked blood from its sleeping victims. They reportedly could transform into mice to escape.

Morlacchia - Vrukolak Vrukolak (also known as Vukodlak): This creature is contagious; it prefers to devote itself to relatives and friends; it shrieks when it is transfixed. It reportedly became a Vampire by predestination or contagion, but also when a dog or cat jumps on its bed where it died, or when it is murdered without anyone seeing the assassin. Special Activities: Profaning tombs when alive and sucking blood when dead. You rid oneself by nailing it to the coffin (by planting a nail through its heart), or else, as soon as it is dead, cutting its tendons and piercing it all over its body.

Namibia - Otgiruru Otgiruru: The Herero people believe that this vampire, which looks like a dog, kills those who answer its call

Peru - Gierach/Pishtaco Canchus: The Canchus were possibly devil worshippers who sucked the blood of the young. Requires further research. Gierach: Oddly enough Germany has a similar word too. Perhaps this is a transplanted term. Still under research. Pishtaco: This is a vampire which feeds off your fat first, then goes for the blood. Pumapmicuc: Vampire under research.

The Philippines - Aswang/Bebarlangs/Danag/Mandurago One must admit that the subject of Philippine vampires is quite difficult and confusing. To my understanding there are over fifty ethnic groups in the Philippines, and each one has its own dialect. Moreover, there are specific names for different types of Philippine vampires. But, at the same time, these names are interchangeable as you go from one place to another. (The same problem of variable, inter-changing names for different types of vampires also occurs in European lore, such as Romania.) Aswang: The Aswang was seen as a beautiful maiden by day and a fearsome flying fiend by night. The Aswang can live a normal life during daylight hours. At night however the creature is led to the houses of its victims by night birds, where it lands on the roof of the victim and proceeds to feed via a long pointed tubular tongue which reaches from the roof to the bed below and pierces the skin of the sleeping victim. Its nourishment is always blood, and it prefers to feed on children. The creature is recognized by its swollen form after feeding, it looks almost pregnant. It is said if the Aswang licks a person's shadow it is believed that the person will die soon afterwards. Reportedly when the Aswang flies home before dawn (looking pregnant from the blood) it then breastfeeds her children. Possibly also known as Aswang-Mananaggal. Recently I found even more information to stir into the pot and make it more confusing. In the Philippine Islands today, the term aswang, in its broadest meaning, applies to all the vampiric witches and sorcerers in Philippine lore. One type of aswang is a woman who changes into the form of a large bird at night. In this form, she has a very long, hollow tongue with a sharp point at the end. She lands on the thatched roof of her victims. The tongue reaches down through a crack in the roof. The tip of this tongue inserts into the neck of a sleeping person and draws up the blood. The favorite victims are young children and pregnant women. When this type of aswang returns to her own home before dawn, she changes back into human form. But her breasts and belly are swollen with blood. She then breast feeds the blood to her own children. Sometimes this type of aswang is called the tik-tik or wak-wak. But in some Philippine lore the name tik-tik is given to a small owl-like bird which accompanies this type of aswang at night. The smaller bird makes the sound "tik-tik" which forewarns the potential victims of the nearby presence of the aswang. (According to a woman who grew up on the Philippine island of Mindanao, this type of aswang was called the tyanak. Her American husband mentioned that the correspondence between different names for different types of Philippine vampires tended to be switched around as you go from one region to another. But the name tiyanak often applies to an infant who becomes a vampire as the result of having died without being baptized. Another type of aswang is a man or woman who separates at the waist at night. The top half then grows wings and flies off to seek victims. This type of aswang is also sometimes said to have a long tongue. It has a reputation for snatching unborn babies from the wombs of pregnant women. He or she can be destroyed by casting salt onto the lower part of his body after he becomes detached. The

upper half can then no longer re-connect with the lower half. According to one source, a woman from Mindanao, this vampire is called the aswang. But, according to two other Philippine informants, the specific name for this type of aswang is mannananggal. This name derives from the Philippine word tanggal which means "to separate." You might recognize a resemblance here with the Malaysian penanggalan as described under The Penanggalan of Malaysia is quite similar. The similarity in names might simply be due to the fact that Malaysian and Philippine languages share common roots. But then it is also possible that Malaysian and Philippine beliefs in the supernatural have common roots. A third type of aswang is a man or women who can change into all sorts of animal forms, including that of a bird, a dog, or a pig. Again, it is frequently said that the favorite victims are young children and pregnant women. This type seems to correspond the more specific meaning of the name aswang. Most often such an aswang is a man but there are also female aswangs of this type. A fourth type of aswang, the mandurugo, occurs in a Tagalog folk tale. According to this tale, at one time a certain girl was the most beautiful women on her island. She was also a mandurugo. When she was 16 years old, she married a husky young man. He withered away and died within a year after the marriage. She next married another man soon after, and he suffered the same fate as the first husband. The same sequence was repeated with her third husband. She then married a fourth husband. But he was warned in time. He went to bed one night, with a knife under his pillow, and feigned sleep. When he felt something over him pricking his neck, he struck with his knife and stabbed the creature on top of him. It was too dark to see the creature, but he heard a screech and the sound of flapping wings. In the following morning, his wife was found dead at some distance from his cottage with a knife wound in her chest. There is much more to be said about Philippine lore concerning the aswang. The subject really deserves a whole lot more time. In the Philippine Islands today, the term Aswang, in its broadest meaning, applies to all the vampiric witches and sorcerers in Philippine lore . Bebarlangs: A tribe found in the Philippines that had members that practiced a form of psychic vampirism. They apparently sent out there astral bodies and fed on the life forces and vitality of individuals Danag: A Filipino vampire held to be very ancient as a species, responsible for having planted taro on the islands long ago. The Danag worked with humans for many years but the partnership ended one day when a woman cut her finger and a Danag sucked her wound, enjoying the taste so much that it drained her body completely of blood Mandurgo: A Filipino vampire found in the region of Capiz, said to appear as a beautiful woman during the day and as a foul flying fiend at night. The Mandurugo ("bloodsucker") uses her beauty to attract and wed young men, thus providing her with a constant blood supply.

Poland - Njetop/Ohyn/Przypoludnica/Upier (male)/Upiercsa (female)/ Vjesci/Wieszczy Njetop: under research. Ohyn: A vampire reportedly caused by the presence of teeth and a caul at birth. under research. Przypoludnica: under research. Upier (or Upior) and Upiercsa (or Upiorcsa): Quite probably a variation on the root Slavic word Opyri. Were said to have a harelip and the tip of the tongue pointed like an insect's sting. It reportedly became a Vampire by natural causes (such as when born with teeth). They supposedly tolled bells at night and cried out the names of some inhabitants who die almost at once. Preventive cures were to bury it face downwards well covered by the earth. Vjesci (also known as Vjeszczi or Vjescey): According the myths, a person who would become a vampire was born with a caul (membrane cap) on his head at the time of birth. When such a child was born, the cap was removed, dried, ground up and fed to the person on their seventh birthday. These actions were done to prevent the person from becoming one of the Undead. The potential Vjesci looked perfectly human, but was restless and easily excitable. He also had a ruddy complexion. At the time of his death he would renounce God. His body would cool much slower then a normal corpse and the limbs would remain limber. The lips and cheeks would remain red and spots of blood would seep from his cheeks and fingernails. The Vjesci never actually died. At Midnight after his burial, he would awake and eat his clothing and then bits of his own flesh. He then left the grave and attacked family member, by sucking out all their blood. Not sated, he would then move on to the neighbors. There were several steps to be taken in ridding the community of this creature. First all people in the town would receive a Eucharist wafer. Then a little earth was placed in the creature's coffin to prevent it from returning there. A crucifix or a coin would be placed in the Vjesci's mouth if it was still in the coffin for it to suck on. A net would be wrapped around the creature's body with the understanding that the creature could only untie one knot from the net a year and he could not raise from the coffin until all the knots were untied. A bag of seeds would be placed in the coffin for similar reasons. Lastly the body would be placed face down in the coffin, so when the creature awoke, it would merely dig deeper into the earth instead of coming up to terrorize peasants. Wieszczy: Preventive cures were to bury it with a cross made of willow tree under the armpits, the chin and the chest; put a little earth taken from the threshold of its home on the coffin. Wupji: (pronounces as "woopyee") under research

Polynesia - Talamaur Talamaur (possibly also known as Tarunga): This creature sucks the life from the dying and sometimes devours the heart of healthy men while they sleep.

Portugal - Bruxa Bruxa (female) or Bruxo (male): Generally a woman that was a human at day, a bird by night: it sucks the blood of children, and was a popular excuse to murder women during the Inquisition. It is often erroneously spelled Broxa/Broxo. Bruxsa is a possible regional variation, but this may be more of a Mara type creature.

Prussia - Gierach/Stryz/Viesczy Sprinkling poppy seeds in the grave of this vampire will send it to sleep or keep it busy (a stocking or fishing net to unravel will do just as well). East Prussia (now North Poland) reported vampire epidemics in 1710, 1721 and 1750.

Romania - Bobon/CEL-RÃU/Iele/Nosferatu/Samca/Strigoiu/Vircolac/ Zburator/Zmeu All Romanian vampires are particularly active on St George's day (23 April) and St Andrew's Day (30 November). They can take on the shape of dogs, cats, frogs and insects. A Vircolac (Also known as Varcolaco, Varacolaci, Murohy, Moroii, Muroni, Strigoi mort, Strigoi vii, Strigoiaica, Strigoica, Srigoiu and Strigol) drains the energy from people. To kill it, cut out the heart and split it, nail in the forehead (or in eyes and heart if female), dump the body in the mountains, shove garlic in the mouth, or you can even smear it with pig fat on St Ignatius Day. For reference Moldavia and Walachia were both used to form Romania in 1859. Bobon (masculine) Boboanà (feminine): Another regional name for vampires. CEL-RÃU: One of the names used to indicate vampires and other evil beings. Mostly mentioned because it used as a polite term so as not to get notice from the evil creature. Iele: Name used to indicate a malevolent creature that was too dangerous to be named. Obviously it was used interchangeably for other vampire names. Nosferatu (possibly also known as Norferat): Nosferatu is old Slavonic for plague carrier, it does not mean undead. A myriad of causes are quoted - the illegitimate son of two illegitimate parents or the seventh son of a seventh son, a bastard, born with a caul, if the mother had not eaten salt while pregnant or had been looked at by a vampire while pregnant. The Nosferatu feeds on its family and makes husbands impotent. The more I have looked into this word the more obvious it seems that it is a transplanted word associated with Romania in outside literature. To my understanding it is not actually a Romanian word; it is not seemingly found in dictionaries nor is it used there. The more you dig, the less you realize you know… Priculics: A vampire of Wallachia who was said to appear during the day as a handsome young man. By night as a large black dog that drank the blood of those it encountered. Perhaps more of a werewolf, further research forthcoming. Samca (also known as Aripa Satanei, Avestitsa, Baba Coaja): Very malevolent and bloodthirsty monster, half woman half bear. Strigoiu: A Strigoiu is a dead red-headed woman, who squats in deserted houses at night. To kill it, nail it through the chest or blow up its coffin. Vircolca: under research, possibly related to vampires of Greece. Zburator: Although word was used to describe many things that flew in the air, it is believed it was another polite term used to name a vampire without calling attention to oneself. Zmeu: under research.

Russia - Ereticy/Mjertovjec/Odoroten/Upierczi/Vampir/Wampir/Xloptuny Eretich: (literally meaning "heretic") came to be a special term for a vampire, applied to anyone who became an undead vampire as the result of dying outside the Christian Orthodox Faith. But it applied most especially to evil sorcerers and witches who returned from graves after dying and who had sold their souls to the devil while they were still alive. The only reason I leave this one separate from Ereticy is the fact that it is always specific about the faith involved. Ereticy (also known as Eretik, Eretnik, Eretica, Eretnica or Erestun): are either re-animated corpses brought back by sorcerers to begin feeding on their relatives or women who'd sold their souls to Satan and who sleep on graves and make unseemly noises in the public bathhouses. Inovercy: Requires further research Majky (Possibly also known as Nejky, Navjaky, Navje): Ukrainian forest spirit in shape of beautiful young maiden. Otherwise still under research,

Mjertovjec: Having a purple face, it was said to be active from midnight until the cock crows the third time in the morning. Supposed causes were if it were the son of a werewolf or a witch; or else if during it's lifetime it had behaved as a werewolf, a sorcerer, an apostate, or if it had cursed its own father or the church. To destroy the Mjertovjec you had to sprinkle poppy seeds along the road leading from the tomb to the house of the deceased. When the evil became apparent transfix the Mjertovjec through the chest with a nail to the coffin, or else burn it. Odoroten: under construction. Upierczi: It was reported to become a vampire after suicide, violent death or practice of witchcraft during its lifetime. Said to cause droughts, going as far as drying the dew on plants. To rid themselves or the Upierczi they had to drown it in a lake or river (salt water was not indicated). If it were transfixed with a nail, it could be hit no more than once or it would revive. Vampir: Heretics, witches and suicides were considered to turn into Vampires (also known as Oupyr, Upierczi, Upyr, Vopyr and Wampir) after death. They cause drought and while running them through with a stake will kill them, if you strike more than once it will revive. Wampir: Also possibly known as vieszcy and upierczi in some areas. These creatures appear exactly as normal humans and have a "sting" under their tongue rather than fangs. They are active from noon until midnight. They reportedly can only be destroyed by burning. When burned, its body would burst, giving rise to hundreds of small, disgusting animals (maggots, rats, etc.). If any of these were to escape, then the wampir's "spirit" will escape as well, and will later return to seek revenge. Xloptuny: under research.

Saudi Arabia - Afrit/Algul/Ghul Afrit: A name sometimes used for genie type beings, but also regionally used to describe blood drinking nomads. Further research required. Algul: Possibly also seen and/or known as Alqul. Still under construction Ghul (male) Ghulah (female): Said to live near graveyards and/or desolated areas. Otherwise still under construction

Scotland - Baobban Sith/Burach Bhaoi/Glaistig/Redcaps Boabban Sith (also Baobhan Sithe and Baobhan Sith): Occasionally seen as crows or ravens, usually these vampires are young maidens in long green dresses (which hide their cloven hooves). They are afraid or repelled by horses and cause massive wounds on the necks and shoulders of men they dance with. Another tale is of a beautiful but deadly faery woman who would haunt the wild and lonely places of Ross-shire. For unknown reasons this vampire like creature has been associated with Ireland also. Burach Bhaoi: May be more of a faery type creature, but further research is needed. Glaistig: I think it is more of a spirit creature similar to a will-o-the-wisp, but further research is needed to be sure either way. Redcaps: They were a malevolent spirit that haunted abandoned sites, especially places where violent deeds had been committed. They were said to get their redcap by soaking it in the blood of humans. Still under research.

Serbia - Jedogonja/Krvopija/Milo/Vlkodlak Jedogonja: Mentioned in passing in several works about vampires of the Slavs. Although other than region little else was noted. Krvopija: Term taken from Serbian dictionary. Possibly related to the Krvopijac of Bulgaria. Milo (also known as Mulo): A Milo was generally a dead gypsy (but even a stallion or a lamb); it can grow after death (when it is a still-born baby) up to the age of eight; it wears very white brand new clothes, and willingly drinks even wine. Sometimes it has the aspect of a vegetable. It lives and is active at the stroke of noon as well as at night. It became a Vampire by being still-born or else by being murdered. Odd activities, it was said to boil the women it liked the most in a great cauldron in order to de-bone them more easily and make them similar to itself. Cure: To call a dhampir (degenerate son of a vampire) who will eliminate it after a hand-to-hand struggle, sustained by magic practices. Vjestitza: The vjestitza (plural: vjeshtitze; pronounced as "vyeshtitza" and sometimes also known as vestizsa) is another female witch of the Balkan countries whose main prey was infants but were also sometimes blamed for adult illnesses. The vjestititza is typically an old woman whose soul leaves her body at night when she goes to sleep. Her soul then takes the body of a hen, a black moth, or a fly. In this form, she enters houses and feeds upon the blood in the heart of her victims. On certain nights, the vjeshtitze in such forms meet together in the branches of trees to hold coven meetings. An old woman may join such a coven if she agrees to follow the rules prescribed by the veteran members. The vjeshtitza were most powerful during the first week of March. A protective ritual during this time was to stir the ashes in the hearth of the house with two horns which were then stuck into the pile of ashes. Like the witches of Western Europe, it was believed that a vjeshtiza could not drown. So, when a woman was accused of being such, she was sometimes bound and cast into water. If she floated, she was guilty. If she drowned, she was

innocent. Vlkodlak: The Vlkodlak has the congested face of an impenitent drunkard and blood-coloured skin; always aged more than twenty and can remain active for a maximum of seven years, then becomes a man again and repeats the process in another part of the country. It became a vampire by committing one of the following misdeeds in its life: murder, perjury, incest with its mother; or else following one of these two mishaps: being killed by a werewolf or else eating lamb killed by a werewolf. They were said to cause eclipses. Reported preventive Cure: Cutting off its toes and thumbs. Putting a nail in its neck. When the evil being becomes apparent pierce its navel with a branch of hawthorn and cover all its hair parts with tow, then set fire to it with candles used for the death vigil.

Siberia - Aniukha Aniukha: Although it has never been seen by anyone, the Aniukha is supposed to be a small creature that sucks up the life blood of infants. It takes the help of a Shaman to get rid of it.

Silesia - Sriz Sriz: This creature has the habit of going up the highest church steeple in its village, where it pronounces the names of some of the inhabitants. It was said to make those people die whose names it pronounces.

Slovakia - Nelapsi Nelapsi: Generally thought to be another name for Upir. Reason for this condition was the thought that the creature has two hearts and thus two souls. Otherwise this section is still under construction.

Slovenia - Kresnik/Krsnik/Kruvnik/Kudlak/Pijavica/Volkodlak/Vukodlak Kresnik (also known as Krsnik): Appears to be a kind of vampire hunter, which was the bitter enemy of the Kudlak. The root of the word is krat, meaning a cross, helping to show that the kresnik was a force for good. Still requires further research. Kruvnik: Under construction. Kudlak: It appears to be a shortened (slang) version of Volkodlak and similar names vampire like creatures, otherwise still under research. Pijavica (also known as Pijawica): A Slovenian vampire. It is created as a result of evils perpetrated during a person's mortal life, particularly incest, which is guaranteed to cause ones, return as a member of the un-dead. It generally feeds on relatives or descendants. Otherwise under research still. Volkodlak: A Slovenian Volkodlak looks drunk, is over 20 years old and can only be undead for 7 years, then having to repeat the process elsewhere. It causes eclipses and can be killed by piercing its navel with a hawthorn branch and setting it on fire with vigil candles. Vukodlak: Under research.

South America - Asema/Lobishomen Asema (possibly also known as Aseman or Azeman): An old man or woman who lived in the community and took off their skin and became a vampire at night, flying through the air as a ball of blue light and drinking peoples blood, sometimes till they died. It seems probable that this creature is similar to that of Africa, Surinam. The Lobishomen: (mainly found in Brazil) were small in stature, stumpy and hunch-backed, resembling a monkey, but with a yellow face, bloodless lips, black teeth, bushy beard and plush-covered feet. Special Activities: makes its victims (all women) into nymphomaniacs. To rid yourself of it, let it get drunk on blood in order to catch it more easily, then crucify it on a tree while stabbing it.

Spain - Bruja Bruja: Bruja is the Spanish name for witch. They are similar to the Strega (of Italy) and Bruxa (of Portugal). This was a living vampire, usually a female, who could transform themselves into various kinds of animals. They are generally reported attacking children.

Thailand - Krassy/Phi Krassy: Possibly a slang or regional term for Phi Krasue. This term is also used in Laos. Phi {or Phi Song Nang}: One of countless spirits from Thai mythology, the Phi Song Nang is basically identical to the Pontianak of Indonesia and Malaysia, it attacks young men mostly. A seer or 'Maw Du' should be called in to make spells and incantations to get rid of this Phi. The Phi Krasue is similar to the Pelagganan of Malaysia and Krappa of Japan in that it consists of a head and entrails and has a tendency to feed from people's bottoms with its long tongue

Tibet - Bdemxhong/The Wrathful Deities Bdemxhong: Under research. The Wrathful Deities:Also known as the 58 blood-drinking deities, these vampires are figures representing the brain's reason and the deceased's (metaphorically) vampiric activities, which appear to the spirit of the recently dead from the eighth day onwards whilst they wander the karma-dominated zones of the afterlife in Buddhist teachings. These include: Bhagavan Vajra- Heruka, Vajra-Krotishaurima, Ratna-Herucka, Padma-Heruka, Dark-Green Ghasmari, plus eight Kerimas and the Lotus Order.

Trinidad - Sukuyan Sukuyan: The Sukuyan from Trinidad, these vampires resemble the Loogaroo of Haiti. It would leave its skin at night, and travel as a blue ball of light in search of blood. If caught, a sukuyan would undergo a transformation into an animal, and without its skin would be unable to resume humanoid form.

Ukrainian - Dvadushni/Mavok Dvadushni: Under research. Mavok: Under research.

West Indies - Asema/Loogaroo/Sukuyan Asema: An elderly person by day, a skin shedding ball of flying blue light by night, the Asema will drain a person to death if it liked the taste of their blood. Killed by sunlight (hence a mixture of seeds and nails will keep them busy - picking, dropping, picking... till dawn). Better yet, you can shrink the skin while they are a ball so they can't fit back into it. Known in Surinam as the Asema, in Haiti as the Loogaroo and in Trinidad as the Sukuyan (also known as Sucoyan). Their roots are thought to be the Aziman of the Fo peoples of Benin. Loogaroo (also known as Ligaroo): Supposedly a type of vampire-witch. Requires further research.

Yugoslavia - Mulo/Tenatz/Vlkodlak/Vukodlak In 1725, villagers of Kisilovo in the Vojvodina region of Serbia reported that Peter Plogojowitz had returned from the grave - the Austrian government report on this incident used the word 'vampire' for the first time. The French version of the word 'vampyre' was introduced into the language seven years later when Arnold Paole was blamed for dozens of deaths of people and cattle around the town of Medvegia, Serbia. He was apparently bitten by a vampire while fighting on the Turkish front in Kosovo. The detailed description of his corpse being dug up (with growing hair, flesh complexion and fresh blood evident) as well as his dramatic staking became one of the best selling government reports ever. Mulo: A Mulo is a dead gypsy who wears white and is active all day and night. It will boil the women it wants and fillet them. To dispatch it call in a Dhampir (a vampire's degenerate son) who will defeat it in combat. Tenatz: A living vampire of sorts, also see Montenegro - Tenatz, otherwise still under research. Vlkodlak: A Serbian Vlkodlak looks drunk, is over 20 years old and can only be undead for 7 years, then having to repeat the process elsewhere. It causes eclipses and can be killed by piercing its navel with a hawthorn branch and setting it on fire with vigil candles. Vukodlak: The Montenegrin Vukodlak can turn into a wolf and only goes out in the full moon. Crows will not go near its tomb.

Vampire Types Europe

Aluka- Hebrew term meaning, "horse-leech" found in Proverbs 30:15, still debated as a type of vampire. Baobhan Sith- Scottish vampires told to be fairies which dance men to exhaustion and then drain them. Carpathian- type of vampire popularized by Bram Stoker's "Dracula", subject to progressive madness Dearg-due- Irish vampire, typical mythological vamp except that it cannot shapeshift and may be defeated by building a cairn of stones over its grave. Incubus- European sexual vampires. They are spirit vampires of a demonic nature. The general way they feed is by having sexual relations with the victim, exhausting them, and feeding on the energy released during sex. They may enter homes uninvited and can take on the appearance of other persons. They will often visit the same victim repeatedly. A victim of an incubus will experience the visits as dreams. The female version of an incubus is a succubus. Kathakano- see Vrykolakas Krvopijac- Bulgarian vampires also known as obours. Look like normal vampires except that they have only one nostril. They can be immobilized by placing wild roses around their graves. Lamia- Greek quadrapedal vampire which had an animal body and female head, preyed upon men. Moroii-Rumanin who will become a vampire after death but are able in life to send out there souls to Strigoi. Murony- Wallachian Nachzerer- German. These are ghosts of the recently dead which return to kill their families. Strige- Eastern European vampires who will attack people at night. "Bird of ill omen" will sometimes attack with a whole flock of strigoi sometimes attacking a single victim. The strigoi use their long, sharp beaks to peck holes in their victims and drink their blood. Strigoi- Rumanian Vampire who is a corpse animated by the return of the soul. Upier- Russian vampires appear exactly as normal humans and have a "sting" under their tongue rather than fangs. They are active from noon until midnight. May only be destroyed by burning. When burned, its body will burst, giving rise to hundreds of small, disgusting animals (maggots, rats, etc.). If any of these escape, then the wampir's "spirit" will escape as well, and will later return to seek revenge. These creatures are also called vieszcy and upierczi. Vampire- Slavic, has become the common name for any thing which takes vitality or energy from another Varcolaci- Mythical Rumanian Vampires that eat the sun and the moon and cause eclipses. Vrykolakas- Medieval Greece vampire described as being "swollen" and "distended," vrykolakas can walk in daylight without being harmed. The vrykolakas may only call to be let into a specific house once a night. In addition to sucking blood, vrykolakas also cause nightmares. They may be destroyed by exorcism or burning. Wampir- see Upier North America South America Bâjang-Male spirit in the shape of a polecat. Jaracara- Brazilian vampires represented often as snakes. Said to eat from the breasts of nursing women, while using its tails to keep the infant from crying and waking its mother. Lampir- Originated from the coast, have seven fangs: four on top and three on the bottom for removing the victims throat {Thanks to Mr. Tiernan for the information on this type of vamp!} Central America Civateteo- Mexican vampires also reputed to be witches that breed with human men, producing vampire offspring. They were believed to be linked to the god Tezcatlipoca. Africa Asasabonsam- African type of vampire with hook feet. Sucks blood from sleeping persons thumb. Nosferatu- a type of Nigerian vampire with the incisors becoming the fangs, also possessed super -human strength. The word "nosferatu" (pronounced nos-FERU-too) means "that of the devil" {Thanks to Mr. Tiernan for the placement, pronunciation, and translation} Otgiruru-Typical ugly undead variety of vampire. Ramanga- A living vampire whose job it was to eat the nail parings and drink the spilt blood of those of high rank so that these items could not be used against the nobles. This vampire is from a tribe known as Betsilo from Madagascar {thanks to Mr. Hughes for the placement} Asia

Baital- Indian vampires which are reputed to be half man half bat. Hanh Saburo- Indian forest vampires which can control dogs. They will attempt to lure or drive travelers into the forest to attack them. Loogaro- West Indies vampires which appeared as old women, these vampires go abroad at night as blobs of light, much like the will-o'-the-wisp. Often depicted as elderly people. Rakshasa- another Indian vampire. Powerful spirit vampires which usually appear as humans with animal features (claws, fangs, slitted eyes, etc.) or as animals with human features (flattened noses, hands, etc.). They often appear as tigers and are powerful magicians. They eat the flesh of their victims in addition to drinking blood. Australia Phillipine Islands and Surrounding Aswang- Philippine Islands vampires capable of flight Langsuir- Lady spirit in the shape of a night owl. Said to be a woman who died in childbirth or of shock from the news of a stillborn child. Has the ability to fly.{thanks to Mr. Hughes for the placement} Langsuyar-see Langsuir Mati-anak- The stillborn child of the Langsuir. Also known as Pontianak {thanks to Mr. Hughes for the placement} Penangglan- Malaysian vampire who preyed upon small children and infants Pontianak- see Mati-anak Middle East Dakhanavar- (also called Dachnavar and Dashnavar) protected a valley near Mount Ararat by sucking blood from the feet of travelers. When two men slept with their feet under each other's heads the Dakhanavar mistook them for a monster with two heads and no feet and was never heard of again. Gjakpirës- Albanian (don't even ASK about the pronunciation...I haven't a clue!) Massâcet- Turkish Mulo- Serbian vampires which normally appear as people wearing white clothes. They are active both day and night, and can assume the shapes of horses or sheep. They eat their victims in addition to drinking their blood. Ogoljen- Czech. The Ogoljen wanders about with soil from its tomb in its navel. Bury it at a cross roads to get rid of it. There is also a Moravian vampire who drops its death shroud and wanders about naked. It can be destroyed by stealing its shroud. {Thanks Kieth S!} Oupire- Slavic Volkoslak- see Mulo Wukódlak- Serbian Unknown Nationality (Help with placing these appreciated) "Vampire" in many languages: (as opposed to the name for a vampire in different countries) Arpad: Hebrew [thanks to ioia for this one} Draugar: Scandinavian {Thanks to BalSagoth for this one} Súmaire: Ireland Topyak: South-Western Bulgaria. Upyr: Old Polish {Thanks Marianna} Vampire:English, Descended of the Maygar word vampir. Vampiro:Spanish and Italian Vampir: German,Dutch,Albanian, and Turkish Wampir: Polish {Thanks Marianna} Wampira: Serbian Vaimpír: Irish (also "deamhan fola")