The Vampire Hunters, who were they?
It is the purpose of the Vampire Hunters to shed light on the real activity of vampire killers, through research of many sources including long lost books and other written historical records. In spite of all the fictional portrayals of vampires and vampire hunters in the media, there were real vampire hunters throughout history who practiced their craft with a vengeance.
But who were these vampire hunters, what were there skills and how did they operate? Moreover, who or what did they actually hunt and kill?
Firstly, we know that they were true believers in the adversary they were charged with pursuing and destroying. Not only were they believers, but they were employed within communities and societies of believers.
How easy it is in this modern age to discount and ridicule the beliefs and superstitions of people living in a bygone era, who attempted to understand and cope with life as they experienced it. Without significant education, modern healthcare or scientific understanding, the world was a lot more dark and frightening. Death and pestilence was all around and there was little hope or support other than that provided through religion and religious belief
The power of religion fueled superstitious belief systems and conveniently divided the world into good and evil, black and white. In this respect, the people were surrounded by evil doers; vampires, werewolves, and witches. The church and various folk superstitions were the only popular defense against the forces of evil in this scenario.
Many of the early vampire hunters, as with witch hunters, were clergy members, or those affiliated with the church. In many eastern European communities, vampire hunters were seen as individuals possessing psychic abilities or masters of the occult. This was a war between those possessing supernatural powers and capabilities, a war between good and evil.
What we are discussing in this article is the vampire hunter in Europe and North America. There were vampire traditions and vampire hunters in other parts of the world as well – but we’re not going there.
The Vampire Hunters, who did they really hunt and kill?
It is interesting that many educated people, such as clergymen, at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 
20th century, still believed in and wrote about vampires and vampirism. They often wrote scholarly books and articles on the subject and provided guidance to the vampire hunters, as well.
I will present many of these writings as posts and pages in this blog, as evidence of their beliefs and the knowledge required by those attempting to confront and kill the vampire.
There is little or no empirical evidence or research today to support the existence of vampires or vampirism. Most of the research done previously on the subject, was anecdotal, consisting of various stories and reports by prominent theologians, and scholars, quite often from 3rd parties and woefully suspect when viewed through today’s scientific standards.
However, real or fictional, the vampire continues to play a major role in our society and culture and is a tremendously popular media character, symbol and icon. On the other hand, the identity and role of the vampire hunters remains obscure. We know they existed historically, but who were they and if vampires were purely imaginary, who did the vampire hunters pursue and kill?
Disclaimer:
The thoughts, ideas and information contained herein is not necessarily presented as factual, nor does it reflect the beliefs of the site administrator and owner. Most of the information comes from historically significant written records that reflect the views, and opinions of the writer and will be so documented.
Further, the site administrator does not advocate violence or prejudice towards any individual (living or dead) based on suspicion that they are a vampire, or practice vampirism. This is based on the lack of scientific evidence in support of the existence of vampirism at the present time
The reader and visitor are encouraged to pursue their own research in this field and to formulate their own views and ideas concerning the vampire hunters and vampires.
Pages
Posts
- 09-10-2011 - A Note About Vampires Review
- 01-09-2011 - Vampire Hunter, Poser
- 25-08-2011 - Real Vampire Hunters: Montague Summers?
- 24-08-2011 - The Classic Vampire Killer
- 24-08-2011 - Secret Download Page