Evolution of Vampires

Vampires were once feared as malevolent beings rising from the grave, linked to misfortunes like plagues and famine. The 17th and 18th centuries saw vampire panics fueled by disease, leading to gruesome hunts and exhumations. However, the modern vampire emerged in literature, evolving from monstrous figures to seductive characters, starting with Polidori's influential story and culminating in Stoker's iconic Dracula.