S1 E6 | The Origins of Vampirism: Elisabeth Bathory, Vlad the Impaler, and Other F**ked Up Sh**

Ever wondered how a 15th-century prince known for his brutal methods became the inspiration behind one of literature's most iconic vampires? Join us as we dig into the bloody history of Vlad the Impaler, the Prince of Wallachia, whose violent exploits and the symbolism of blood might have shaped Bram Stoker's Dracula. From Vlad's tumultuous rise to power and his infamous impalement techniques to his tragic end in battle, we navigate through a fascinating mix of dark humor and historical facts that bring this notorious figure to life. But the horror doesn't end there. We also explore ancient and cultural practices to prevent the dead from becoming vampires, including decapitation and garlic-filled graves. Discover how diseases like porphyria and tuberculosis fed into vampire lore and catch the chilling tale of Mercy Brown, the "vampire" of Rhode Island. To lighten the mood, we share quirky personal anecdotes, quirky side stories, and even a surprisingly cheerful account of Elizabeth Bathory's horrific crimes. We wrap up with a cryptic personal experience, leaving a haunting question mark in your mind. Get ready for a wild, informative ride through the shadowy legends and realities of vampire history! Support us on Patreon. Follow Nash Flynn @itsnashflynn  Follow Angel Luna @GuerrillaJokes  Follow us on instagram(@deathandfriendspodcast)!  This is a KnaveryInk podcast. Topics: Vlad the Impaler, Bram Stoker, Dracula, Vampire History, Dark Humor, Blood Symbolism, Impalement, Ancient Cultures, Vampire Myths, Porphyria, Tuberculosis, Mercy Brown, Elizabeth Bathory, Jazz, Wicca, Witchcraft, Santeria, Personal Experience, Cryptic, Vampires, Vampirism