Vrykolaka

I didn't mention this in the previous post, but allow me to do so now. Forget every cliche Hollywood has taught you about vampires, including wooden stakes, holy water, crucifixes, etc. Some or possibly most vampires you will read here won't fit completely in that mold. Having said that, lets continue with the next stop on our "tour".

The first documented story of vampires possibly came from Ancient Greek lore. One kind believed to roam the lands of Greece and Macedonia is the Vrykolaka. There are several ways to become a Vrykolaka: suicide, violent death, improper burial, cursed by a priest, and excommunicated from the church.

Their method of killing is quite unique. A Vrykolaka would request entry into a person's household possibly someone they once knew. Next, they would call out the victims name before sitting on their chests and suffocating them. There are those who have survived these so called "attacks". But those who didn't were believed to have been turned into a Vrykolaka. In reality, the most logical explanation for this is a heart attack. Of course, people are going to believe what they want to believe.

There is a way to kill these vampires. You can choose a traditional method by driving a stake through it. Or pin it to its coffin so it won't rise. Other methods are cutting off its head and placing it out of the creatures reach, burning the body or having the ban lifted by a priest (in cases of excommunications). Then again you may not have to do it yourself. The Sabbatarian and his Fetch dog may take care of the Vrykolaka for you.

A Sabbatarian is a person born on a Saturday and are endowed with holy powers such as the ability to see these invisible horrors and fight them. A Fetch Dog is the constant companion of a Sabbatarian, a white magic familiar who helps chase away ghosts and vampires.

Sabbatarians are believed to have the ability to turn themselves invisible in some areas. So, if you are ever in Greece or Macedonia, be nice to the lonely dog you see wandering around. He may be a Fetch Dog accompanied by someone who could save your life.


Sources:

Sheryl Nantus (check out her new book "The Second Line")

The Lion's Grove

Comments

Unknown said…
Actually the 'sitting on their chest' part might also stem from a common condition called Sleep Paralysis. The survivors were likely suffering from that. The victims, as you said, probably a heart attack.

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