The particular idea of the vampire has its origins in Eastern European lore. However, the simple idea of undead corpses returning from the grave exists in many cultures. Sometimes they're seen as merely a type of ghost , or other times they may be a flesh and blood creature such as the zombie . Vampires, as we understand them today, did not feature prominently in medieval English sources. However, the concept of the undead or revenants, beings that returned from the grave to harm the living, did exist. These creatures were often described in folklore and ecclesiastical texts rather than in literature. Medieval England had its own share of supernatural beliefs, heavily influenced by both Christian doctrine and older, pagan traditions. These beings were believed to rise from the grave, often as a result of improper burial practices, curses, or as divine punishment. They were sometimes said to cause misfortune, illness, and death among the living. One of the earliest medieval ...
Folklore, magic, facts and fiction from Talia Felix and hoodoo-online.com where those who need magic can DO MAGIC.