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Introduction
Vampires are mythical creatures that appear in ancient folklores. Most cultures have their own version of the vampire although they share a common characteristic; that is, the lust for human blood. There is no particular gender to the vampire character. Male and female vampires do exists even in ancient literatures, making the vampire one of the most gender neutral characters. The depiction of the female vampire in human culture, however, is an interesting way of looking into the development of women, particularly on how society views women and their social status over the course of time. One of the most obvious platforms wherein the evolution of the female vampire can be observed is in its depiction in the film industry. The surging popularity of featured films with female vampire protagonists can be observed as a rising trend of modern film making. Over the years, the female vampires, as it is shown on featured films, have evolved significantly. Today, female vampires are depicted in the movies as sensually attractive, but deadly, which is a far cry from the traditional portrayal of the vampire character in ancient literature. Hypothetically, the development of the female vampire, particularly in film, also reveals the development of the status of women in society. Most likely, there is a significant relationship between the social status of women and how they are depicted in popular culture, particularly in vampire films.
Origins of the Vampire Character
The vampire character, particularly female vampire, and its depiction in movies is not a unique creation of the film-making industry. In fact, belief on vampires and similar evil entities that feed on human blood and flesh predates recorded history and has been observed in almost all cultures around the globe. According to scholars, folklores that talks about supernatural creatures that feed on human blood have been existent throughout the emergence of human society and has been handed down from generations to generations (Shepherd; Tiziani 134). Myths about these supernatural creatures have been around for so long that determining its exact origin would be futile. Nevertheless, these myths have shaped human imagination about vampires and how they are portrayed in movies. One of the earliest vampire figure in the history of mankind have been traced back to the myths and legends of ancient Mesopotamia about 3,000 B.C. According to scholars, the vampire myths may have emerged out of the attempt to understand and explain the bad things and misfortunes that early humans experience in life. Death and diseases, for instance, are attributed to evil spirits and demonic deities that dwell in the underworld or in desolate places that are sent by the gods to punish humans for their misdeeds. There are many characteristics of the modern vampire as depicted in the movies, which can be traced back to the vampires of the ancient world. One of the earliest demonic beings comparable to vampires in ancient mythology, for example, is the Sumerian goddess, Lamashtu. Lamashtu, in Sumerian mythology, is a daughter of the sky god, Anu, and is believed to be the most terrible of all female demons. Accordingly, Lamashtu “slew children and drank the blood of men and ate their flesh”. Lamashtu is also believed to bring nightmares, cause miscarriage among women and bring diseases. Another Mesopotaminan mythical being comparable to the modern day vampire is Lilitu. Describe as a winged woman with bird talons for feet, Lilitu is already known in ancient Mesopotamia around the 3rd millenium B.C. as a female demonic spirit who brings sickness and death; steals children for prey and seduces men to become her slave and servants ( (Eahr 1; Jewish Virtual Library; Nydle 10). Lilitu also appears in Hebrew mythology as Lilith; a human-like being believed to be the first wife of Adam (Eahr 1). The book “Hebrew Myths: The Book of Genesis” by Robert Graves and Raphael Patai, points out to the contradictory statement in the book of Genesis as a biblical account of the myth of Lilith (Graves & Patai). The first chapter of Genesis in verses 26 to 27, for instance, mentions that God created the first man and woman simultaneously. Accordingly, this verse proves that appart from Eve, who was created out of Adam’s own flesh and blood, there was a female human also created by God from his own image alongside Adam. This first woman, according to Hebrew mythology, was Lilith (Graves & Patai). Supposedly, Lilith was going to be Adam’s helpmate, but she refused to become subbordinate to him. Accordingly, Adam and Lilith never found peace together because she take offence being underneath Adam when he wished to lie with her (Graves & Patai). When Adam forced her obedience, Lilith deserted him to dwell and copulate with demons in the Red Sea wherein she bore hundreds of demon children in a day (Graves & Patai). According to the myth, Lilith stubbornly refused to return to Adam even after she was fetched by the three angels sent by God. In punishment, God cursed Lilith by killing one hundred of her demon children daily and made her kill her own children if she could not kill a human infant because of an angelic amulet (Graves & Patai).
Influence of Ancient Greeks and Romans on the Vampire Myth
It should be noted that there are strong influences of ancient Mesopotamian culture, particularly in religious and superstitious beliefs, on Greek and Roman culture. Scholars, for instance, observe that there are certain parallels in the works of the Greek poet, Homer as well as that of the Roman poet, Hesiod, to the epics and legends of ancient Mesopotamia (Penglase 3). Most likely, this cultural exchanges and assimilation occurred out of conquest or trade contact between the people of the Near East and that of the Mediterranean region. Whatever factors that bind this two civilizations together, the cultural influence of the ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in the belief of mythical beings, on ancient Greek and Roman culture could not be undermined. Lilith and other vampiric characters of Mesopotamia, for instance, have its own counterpart in the Greek and Roman mythology; one of which is the goddess, Hecate. There is much confusion as to the parental lineage of Hecate. Some Greek writers believed her to be the daughter of the Titans Perses and Asteria and once ruled as a major titan goddess before the rule of Zeus while others believe her to be a daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that Hecate is one of the most powerful goddess. In Greek and Roman mythology, Hecate is known as “the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy”. Just like the Mesopotamian goddess, Lilith, Hecate was also associated with the underworld and is also depicted as having demonic powers. According to Greek mythology, Hecate is “a spectral being, who at night sent from the lower world all kinds of demons and terrible phantoms, who taught sorcery and witchcraft, who dwelt at places where two roads crossed each other, on tombs, and near the blood of murdered persons”. Interestingly, just like the well-known characteristics of vampires, Hecate’s approach is anounced by the howling and whining of dogs. In Greek work of art, Hecate is depicted as a terrifying three-headed monster, but it is also believed that she can change shape and assume different life forms . Of lesser divinity are Hecate’s companions the Empusa; the Lamia and the Mormo who were believed to be hematophagous or blood-sucking monsters . These mythical creatures have the ability to change shape and guise as beautiful women so they can lure men and eat their flesh and blood.
The Modern Female Vampire
The historical viewpoint of how the myth of vampires emerged over time provides a link that connects the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome to the Western culture, as it is known today. As observed, the vampire character, as it is depicted on film, is not unique, but rather a product of ancient myths and folklores that goes back thousands of years ago. One of the major characteristics of female vampires that has been retained over time is their hematophagic nature or their thirst for human blood. and their use of beauty and sensuality in order to decieve their victims. Also a common theme among vampire movies is the ability of the vampire to create other vampires out of their victims. Most likely, this contagious characteristic of vampirism can be attributed to the ancient Greek belief that being a vampire is a disease. According to scholars, the vampire belief has always been “a theory of contagion” (Hampl & Hampl 636). The term ‘nosferatu,’ for instance, that was used in the popular Dracula novel by Bram Stoker, “is an archaic term derived from the Greek ‘nosophorus,’ which means plague carrier” (Hampl & Hampl 636). The modern female vampire, as it is portrayed in the movies today, is believed to have been largely influenced by the Slavs. According to scholars, the Slavic version of the vampire must have emerged sometime in the 9th century out of the confrontation between Christianity and paganism (Guomundsdottir 3). The oriental influence to the Slavic version of the vampire is also a likely possibility considering that there are certain similarities in characteristics between the two vampire myths. Other scholars believe that the Slavs may have adopted their vampire myth from Turkey, which the latter also adopted from India. There are, however, major differences between the oriental versions of the vampire than that of the Slavic version. One of which is that oriental vampires are incorporeal while that of the Slavs are corporal (Tiziani 134). The vampire entities of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Greece, for instance, are deities and spirits. These entities tread the line between immortality and mortality. Although they can live indefinitely, the modern vampire as popularized by the Slavs can be killed by various means. The Slavs believe that the dead may rise again and become a vampire if their death was problematic. By some demonic powers, these corpses come back to life with supernatural powers and an insatiable thirst for blood. However, these vampires can also be destroyed. The most popular method of killing a vampire is by driving a wooden stake to his or her heart or by decapitating and burning (Guomundsdottir 3). Most likely this new version of the vampire became popular primarily because people can relate themselves with these characters. These entities tread the line between immortality and mortality, which makes them more mysterious and interesting. The Slavic version of the vampire also became the most widely adopted version of the vampire in fictional and romantic literature. Eventually, these literary vampires became the inspiration of the modern vampire films. In fact, most vampire films were directly adapted from the literary version.
Two Types of Modern Vampire
Scholars classify modern vampires into two types: the old and the new (Guomundsdottir 1). The old version of the vampire is depicted both in literature and the movies as purely evil characters, which is consistent with the vampires described in most folklores and myths. These types of vampires are the ones that are featured in horror films, which is a common genre in the early vampire films. Camilla, a film adaptation of the novel of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu with the same title, can be considered as an old vampire genre. The movie, is decribed by one critic as a “Victorian-gothic-pseudo-lesbian-lady-vampire thing”. Rightfully so, because this vampire movie contains all the elements of the classical interpretation of female vampires; someone who feels no remorse from killing people, even innocent ones. Le Fanu’s ‘Camilla’ predates the famous ‘Draculla’ of Bram Stoker and is considered as “the first vampire story to have a female vampire as its protagonist”. The new vampire, on the other hand, is more interesting than terrifying. The new vampire have evolved from horror to fantasy. From being feared, the new version of vampires are characterized to become more appealing and even desirable. These new vampires supress their thirst for blood, which contrast with the traditional vampires of ancient folklores. As observed by critics, “the vampire has since evolved into a romantic hero, a model boyfriend whose lust for blood is rivaled only by his devotion to a female love interest and his angst about being an immortal killing machine”. The female vampire has similarly evolved from loathsome and fearsome beings into an amiable figure. The female vampires featured in popular films such as in Twilight and Underworld, are not only seductively beautiful and fashionable, but also are also morally good. From being the antagonist, female vampires have become the heroic character in many vampire films today.
The Female Vampire as A Reflection of the Evolving Status of Women
Traditionaly, women are expected to exhibit characteristics that are considered as feminine such as meekness, The evolution of the female vampire character reflects the rising status of women in society. It is quite noticeable that at the start of the feminist movement in the 19th century, the portrayal of the female vampire character has also developed from being a subbordinate character to the male vampire, to being the main character and even the heroine in many recent films. Women sexual desires are also amplified in vampire films, which characterizes freedom of expression and gender equality. Female vampire films also reveal many things about the nature of women when it comes to resolving conflicts. Unlike men who are bestowed with the physical strenght, women have fragile physique which makes them physically inferior in defense and aggression. For the same reason, most women use deception because it is more convenient than confrontation. The rise of the new genre of the female vampire also coincides with the first wave of feminism. Many writers during the era adopt themes that relates to women radicalism and gender equality. Women began to take on roles that were previously off-limits to them such as pursuing higher education in colleges and universities or taking new jobs that were once dominated by men. Another milestone was also achieved when women gained the right to vote in the early 20th century. These successes in the feminist movement gained momentum and also reflected in popular culture. The female vampire in the 19th and 20th century represents the ideals of the feminist movement, which sends a subtle yet strong statement regarding women’s increasing power and influence in society. As seen in the movies, women evolved from being a damsel in distress to someone who is in control and sure about herself. From being the helpless victim, society gradually realized that women can also become the canny predator. Ultra Violet, Underworld Trilogy and Twilight are just a few examples wherein the female vampire does not only possess powerful characteristics, but are also the heroine of the story plot.
Conflicting Role Portrayal of the Female Vampire
The concept of the female vampire in the context of female criminality contradicts with the traditional female values. Males commit crimes more frequently than females and so the concept of a female assassin that lusts on blood and human flesh is a contradiction to the norms. Women, for instance, are known to commit only minor crimes such as fraud, larceny and prostitution, but murder, as what most vampires do, is not a feminine characteristic. The normal state of affairs is that women are often passive victims while men are the agressor. This set up, however, does not hold true with the portrayal of the female vampire character. The female vampire is unique in a sense that it deviates from the common female stereotype. However, if the roles of female vampires is compared to male vampires, there still exist a trace of degradation of character, which most gender activists would consider as a form of gender inequality. According to one observer, there exist three degrading models of the female vampires in film; the child, the servant and the enemy. An example of such female vampire stereotype is Rebekah of The Vampire Diaries. Rebekah is portrayed as a childlike vampire character, prefering proms and dances, which is quite inappropriate for a woman who has lived for over a thousand years. There was also the vampire Jesicca in True Blood whose childish character does not command respect. The character of Claudia in the Interview with the Vampire is also an interesting portrayal of a female vampire. Being turned into a vampire as a child, Claudia feels like she was trapped in a child’s body after living for several hundred years. Servant vampires are also rampant stereotypes of the female vampire character. Among the popular examples are Esme and Alice of Twilight.
Creativity and Freedom of Expression
The evolving role of female vampires in literature and film benefits not only the feminist ideals, but also the advancement of creativity and freedom of expression of the film making industry. The female vampire character have achieved a versatility wherein it does not have to adhere to a certain genre. This development means that film makers have more leeway or freedom of expression as to how to portray their vampire characters, focusing more on the creative aspect than gender sensitivity. One of the movies that exhibited a versatile female vampire character is the movie ‘Van Helsing’. Written and directed by Stephen Sommers, Van Helsing featured the legendary vampire slayer, Van Helsing and other major European vampire characters including the legendary count, Dracula, his brides, the werewolf and the Frankenstein monster. One of the interesting feature of this film is on how the vampires and the monsters were portrayed. There was a keen sense of romanticism that is undeniably reflected in the characters and the entire plot of the movie itself. Dracula, for instance, is featured with a rock-star aura with his good-looks and passionate personality. But equally interesting is the portrayal of Dracula’s brides. Consistent with how modern female vampires are portrayed, Dracula’s brides are overflowing with sensuality. They can, however, shift into terrifying winged monsters at will. It is also interesting to note that despite the fact that the movie has a vampire theme, it does not ilicit the shock and dreadfulness associated with traditional horror films.
Conclusion
Female vampires has been existent since the ancient times. It is an age-old character that were originally pictured in myths and legends as demonic deities. These vampire characters, however, have evolved into a human being that treads between mortality and immortality. Over the years, female vampires characteristics have developed over time particularly on how they are portrayed in the literature and the movies. The development of the female vampire character also reflects the development of the female character as a whole. Modern vampire movies, for instance, portray female vampires not only as sensual predators, but also heroines that demands reverence and respect. Evidently, women the power and ability of women today are increasingly recognized and respected. Not all female vampires, however, have reached this level of development. There are some movies, for instance, that portray female vampires with degrading characteristics that reflects the prevailing issues of gender inequality. In conclusion, the development of the vampire character in the movies provides a picture of how women’s role in society has developed and changed over time.
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