One would believe that the origin, like the mythical creature, emerged from the dark woods of the Greek and Rumanian countryside. However, according to Katharina Wilson, "Both linguistic studies concerning the etymology of the term "vampire" and the first recorded occurrences of the word in major European languages indicate that the word is neither Hungarian nor Rumanian" (577). ... Transylvania became the "home" for vampires when Bram Stoker wrote Dracula in 1897, a story which is loosely based on Rumanian leader Vlad Drakul, who ruled Transylvania in the late 1400's. ...

• Word Count: 2902
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School