Delve into the surprising history and science behind vampire folklore. Explore the origins of the word "vampire," which entered the English language in the 1730s following reports from Eastern Europe, and the etymology of the word "sanguine," connecting it from its Latin root for "blood" to the ancient theory of the four humours. Discover the real-life creatures behind the myth, specifically the three species of vampire bats native to Central and South America, and learn about their unique feeding habits (they lap, not suck, blood) and the anticoagulant "Draculin" found in their saliva.

Learn the literary roots of the modern vampire, revealing how Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 novella Carmilla established many famous tropes 25 years before Bram Stoker's Dracula. This summary also uncovers the practical, historical origins of the vampire-hunting toolkit, explaining how garlic was used to ward off "miasma" (bad air) and how wooden stakes were used to pin bodies to their graves, a practice rooted in a misunderstanding of natural decomposition. Finally, explore the compelling medical theory that the rare blood disorder porphyria, with its symptoms of severe sun sensitivity, receding gums, and pale skin, may have inspired the classic vampire characteristics.



Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab



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