The Vampire Myth

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 440.

Do the undead roam the Earth drinking human blood? Or is there a medical explanation for vampirism?

Now read the article below and answer the questions which follow.

When Arnod Paole was attacked by a vampire, he knew what to do to save his soul. He tracked the creature to its grave and thrust a stake through its heart, smearing his own body with the blood. He would often retell the tale to fellow villagers, drawing gasps of admiration. Life carried on as normal, that is until Paole fell and broke his neck. He was buried at the local graveyard where he seemed to come back to life.

Villagers began complaining about being bothered by Paole, and dead bodies were found, drained of blood. Rumours of vampirism spread and a group of Austrian Army officers were sent to investigate. They dug up Paole's body, and confirmed everyone's fears.

The officers reported that Paole's body was complete, to the point that there was no sign of decay. They claimed to have seen fresh blood flow from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth. They also said that Paole's old skin and finger nails had been shed, and that new ones had replaced them. On seeing this, it is claimed that the officers then proceeded to drive a stake through his heart, at which point an audible groan was heard and Paole began to bleed profusely.

This is one of many reports of vampirism from an officers account in the 1730's entitled 'Seen and Discovered'. The report goes on to mention several exhumations in the area, and the supposed 'Epidemic of Vampirism'. It wasn't argued at the time that something was indeed happening to the bodies post-mortem, but does this prove the truth behind vampirism?