Dracula: History and Myth. By Manning Leonard Krull

See Castlevania First

— Posted by Manning on April 12th, 2012

I love this parody Castlevania poster by deviantART member ninjaink:


See Castlevania First
by *ninjaink on deviantART

Wallachia or Walachia is a historical and geographical region of Transylvania. It is situated north of the Danube and south of the Southern Carpathians. Wallachia is sometimes referred to as Muntenia (Greater Wallachia), through identification with the larger of its two traditional sections; the smaller being Oltenia (Lesser Wallachia). It is known as being the home of Castlevania, the ancestral castle of Count Vlad Dracula, and for having laws preventing the Belmont family from visiting the country, even during vacation months.

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The Book of Were-Wolves, 1865

— Posted by Manning on January 21st, 2012

aka “The Book of Were-Wolves, being an account of a terrible superstition”

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was a Vicar in the Church of England in Devon, an archaeologist, folklorist, historian and a prolific author. Baring-Gould was also a bit eccentric. He reputedly taught classes with a pet bat on his shoulder…

This book is one of the most cited references about werewolves. The Book of the Were-Wolf takes a rationalistic approach to the subject.

The book starts off with a straightforward academic review of the literature of shape-shifting; however, starting with Chapter XI, the narrative takes a strange turn into sensationalistic ‘true crime’ case-studies of cannibals, grave desecrators, and blood fetishists, which have a tenuous connection with lycanthropy. This includes an extended treatment of the case of Giles de Rais, the notorious associate of Joan of Arc, who was convicted and executed for necrosadistic crimes…

You can read the entire book online for free.

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DRAC — a Romanian Princess’ dog, buried in a cemetery outside Paris

— Posted by Manning on December 29th, 2011

I was wandering around Le Cimetière des Chiens — the Dog Cemetery in Asnières-sur-Seine, just outside Paris, on a gloomy day a few weeks ago and noticed this tomb for Drac, a dog belonging to a Romanian Princess!

The inscription on Drac’s tomb translates as follows:

DRAC
1941-1953

Loyal companion during tragic times
Precious friend in exile

S. M. Queen Elisabeth
Princess of Romania

A little research reveals that “Queen Elisabeth, Princess of Romania” is probably Elisabeth of Romania (Wikipedia link here) who died in the south of France in 1956.

Rest in peace, Drac!

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About Dracula: History and Myth

Dracula: History and Myth, was started as a place to put my photos and notes from my trip to Castle Poenari, aka the real Dracula's castle. This site also collects information and links pertaining to the historical Dracula, Dracula in fiction, and other miscellaneous things like vampires, Romania travel, etc. Enjoy! — Manning

Other blogs and websites by Manning Krull

Dracula: History and Myth. Copyright © 2011 Manning Leonard Krull. All rights reserved.