Vampiric iconography and motifs from "summary" of The Secret History of Vampires by Claude Lecouteux
Vampiric iconography and motifs have been around for centuries, from folklore to popular culture. These representations of vampirism are often used to explore themes of death and the supernatural, as well as to provide insight into the dark side of human psychology.- Vampires have long been associated with dominion over the night, from shadows and mist to avoidance of sunlight; their iconography and motifs are just as captivating as their lore.
- Mirror imagery is sometimes integrated into vampiric stories, serving as a metaphor for the vastness of time, mortality, and doubts of one's own identity.
- The use of fangs are also commonplace amongst vampiric motifs, stressing the predatory nature of these mythical creatures, as if licking their lips in anticipation for fresh blood.
- Wolves have remained highly symbolic of vampire literature, parallel to their enhanced strength due to lupine ancestry and natural demeanor as apex predators.
- Night blooming flowers add another pour of visual mysticism to vampiric iconography surrounding the surrealism of the night sky.
- Siamese cats have been connected to vampirism since the 1400s, used both as symbols of mystery and gifts of protection for those superstitious of oppressive vampire power.
- Throughout folklore and legends, illustrations of vampires have often depicted them wearing a cape or cloak – a common feature in much of their traditional garments.
- In many tales, vampiric actives take place within castles deep in the woods or nearby bodies of water, presenting a Gothic atmosphere typical of any adventure featuring these magnificent monsters.
- Crystalline goblets and caskets not only open the door to other aspects of mystical craft but also allude to a sense of aristocracy amongst vampires, a luxury they clearly covet.
- Candelabras provide iconic settings of campy horror, reminding us of supernatural forces falling within and beneath the illuminated flames.
