#vampire legends

Vampire Legends: The True Story of Kisilova

"Europe, 18th century: fifty years have passed since a terrible plague epidemic claimed the lives of all members of the Habsburg dynasty. Now, the subjects of His Majesty face a new threat. In the remote Serbian hinterlands, in a town called Kisilova, a series of brutal, unexplained deaths have been recorded. Fearing a new wave of plague, the residents have begun to abandon their homes. Summoned personally by the Duke of Württemberg, imperial emissaries arrive in Kisilova to investigate and put an end to the mysterious deaths. Our heroine and her companion must conduct an investigation, interview witnesses, examine every nook and cranny of the town, while solving numerous puzzles along the way. Will they be able to uncover the secrets of the local officials and identify the mysterious figure hiding beneath a wide cloak, who is trying to hinder their plans?"

Vampire games are one of my weaknesses. Wonderful characters, quite interesting storytelling, cutscenes. Atmospheric soundtracks, colorful locations. (I just love statues in games!)

The video is in French but the English subtitles are available on YT.

He did an amazing job with this video, through a lot of researches about different cultures, themes and symbolisms on the matter.

It’s a Cossack (Russian/Ukrainian folk north of the Black and Caspian seas) legend.

The story tells of a Cossack man (just referred to as Cossack) traveling to meet up with his regiment. While on his journey, he happened to met with another man traveling to a nearby village, so he joined the stranger.

While the two were offered hospitality at the village, one of the women of the home/inn collapsed. The stranger left, and Cossack, having witnessed something not right, followed the stranger accusing him of being a vampire.

The two then got into a fist fight, with the stranger having the upper hand. The fight ended as roosters began to crow, and the stranger fled into a nearby grave. Cossack returned to the village to report what he saw and led the village men to the grave.

They dug the vampire, who was unable to move due to the light, up, built a funeral pyre, and used pitchforks to throw the vampire into it.

Once the vampire had been reduced to bones by the fire, creatures began to flee from within it. The story lists serpents, lizards, maggots, rats, and scavenger birds as the creatures that emerged. The villagers attempted to crush all of them and throw them back into the fire. This continued until only ashes remained. Now finished, the Cossack continued his journey.

This week saw the birthday of British author, Terry Pratchett, so we're delving into the Discworld, and taking a look at his novel Carpe Jugulum - featuring a turf war between the (fan favourite) Lancre Witches, and the encroaching Count Magpyr and his vampire family.

Me: You mean like in Dracula (1897) where the Dracy Babes snuck into a dude’s room and wanted to devour him in a very sexy way?

Or in Carmilla (1872) where a vampire spends all her time hanging out with a teenage girl and says that she loves her but it is a selfish love that will destroy her and then goes into her room at night to feed on her for months in a metaphorical and abusive lesbian awakening?

Or in Varney the Vampire (1847) where he sucks blood from women’s breasts?

Or maybe in the 1740s poem The Vampyre by Ossenfelder where the nerrator says that if the woman he’s into doesn’t respond to his advances he’s going to go get turned and then come into her room at night and feed on her which he sometimes calls “kissing” her?

Or maybe even in folklore where dead lovers were said to return as vampires and sleep with living women to produce human vampire hybrids?

http://hangelbel.com/spookysearch/images/pic2.jpg

New Orleans, Louisiana – City of Voodoo: What to Expect for Halloween 2024

New Orleans is famous for its unique blend of history, mystery, and culture. Known as the “City of Voodoo,” this vibrant city comes alive during Halloween, offering some of the most thrilling and memorable events in the country. For Halloween 2024, New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

The Mystique of Voodoo in New Orleans

The city’s association with Voodoo dates back to the early 18th century, when enslaved Africans brought their spiritual practices to Louisiana. New Orleans’ version of Voodoo has since evolved, becoming a blend of African traditions, Catholicism, and local folklore. Voodoo isn't just an esoteric practice here—it’s a cultural pillar deeply intertwined with the city’s music, cuisine, and festivities.

Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen, still captivates the imagination of locals and tourists. Visitors can explore her legacy by visiting her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or participating in the Voodoo rituals and ceremonies that are part of New Orleans’ vibrant history.

Halloween 2024: What to Expect

New Orleans is one of the best cities in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween, thanks to its spooky atmosphere and unique celebrations. Halloween 2024 promises to be more thrilling than ever, with events that blend the city’s historic past with modern-day fun.

1. Krewe of Boo Parade

This annual Halloween parade is a massive street party filled with elaborate floats, live music, and costume contests. The Krewe of Boo Parade will take place in the French Quarter, and it’s a family-friendly event that showcases New Orleans' creative flair. Expect floats themed around local legends, spooky creatures, and, of course, Voodoo.

2. The Mortuary Haunted Mansion

If you're looking for a spine-chilling experience, visit The Mortuary Haunted Mansion. Set in a real mansion that once served as a funeral home, this attraction has a reputation for being one of the scariest haunted houses in the country. For Halloween 2024, the Mortuary Mansion will feature new terrifying scenes and actors, all designed to send shivers down your spine.

3. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

While Halloween may be associated with scares, New Orleans celebrates with music as well. The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, happening over Halloween weekend, brings together top artists from various genres for an epic festival. Fans of both music and art will enjoy the diverse lineup and immersive installations at City Park. Expect a mix of rock, indie, and electronic music, alongside large-scale art displays that add a mystical vibe to the festival.

4. Ghost and Vampire Tours

New Orleans is a city steeped in ghost stories and legends of vampires. Ghost tours around the French Quarter and Garden District will take you to haunted houses, old cemeteries, and eerie alleyways where spirits are said to linger. Vampire enthusiasts can take specialized tours that dive deep into the folklore of these blood-sucking creatures, believed to have been part of the city's dark past.

5. Voodoo Ceremonies and Rituals

For those looking to immerse themselves in the spiritual aspect of New Orleans, Voodoo ceremonies are held in various parts of the city during Halloween. Visit the Voodoo Museum or join local practitioners in St. Louis Cemetery, where you can witness authentic rituals honoring ancestors and invoking spirits.

Costumes and Culture

Halloween in New Orleans is more than just a night for kids to trick-or-treat. The entire city dresses up, and the streets are filled with people in costumes ranging from the terrifying to the artistic. Whether you're channeling Marie Laveau, dressing as a ghostly pirate, or going all out as a mythical creature, you'll fit right in.

Tips for Enjoying Halloween 2024 in New Orleans:

Book early: Hotels fill up fast, so be sure to book accommodations well in advance.

Bring your costume: Costume shops in New Orleans can help with last-minute ideas, but for the full experience, come prepared.

Stay safe: With the massive crowds, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re partying in the French Quarter late into the night.

Explore the city: Beyond Halloween events, New Orleans offers delicious food, iconic jazz clubs, and scenic river cruises.

For Halloween 2024, New Orleans will be the ultimate destination for those looking to combine history, mysticism, and pure fun. From the haunted streets of the French Quarter to the lively Krewe of Boo Parade, and from ghost tours to music festivals, the “City of Voodoo” promises a hauntingly good time.

The year was 1932. A young girl stormed down Royal Street, visibly panicked, her stride broken only by the diligent interception of a police officer. Her story sounded a bit farfetched: tied up by two brothers, along with several other victims, and held captive so the brothers could drink their blood.

The girl claimed that she was only able to escape due to her captors’ carelessness in securing her ropes. Somewhat skeptical, the police agreed to follow her back to the home on the corner of Royal and St. Ann. Once the police and the girl arrived at the home, which was owned by the Carter brothers, they were horrified to find, as the girl had described, four other victims, half-dead, tied to chairs in one of the rooms.

All victims had their wrists wrapped with bandages, moist and stained with blood. Two more bodies wrapped in blankets were tucked away in yet another room. The unmistakable suffocating odor of death permeated the apartment.

It seemed the brothers left early each morning just before daybreak and returned every evening just after dark. Immediately upon their return, they would take the bandages off each of the captive’s wrists and, using a knife, reopen their wounds until blood flowed freely from the victims’ cuts. They caught the blood in cups from which they drank until their hunger was sated. The brothers would then redress the wounds with fresh bandages. They spoke very little and gave no concern for their victims’ well-being. Rather, the kidnapped were no more than a food source headed for certain death.

As Always: text is provided only in the event of access expiration or post deletions from the hosting site. Whenever possible, always read the article at the link provided.

Note: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-orleans-vampire-legends-with-local-expert-jonathan_us_59d6dc32e4b0cf2548b335e1

New Orleans Vampire Legends with local expert Jonathan Weiss Father Sebastiaan, Contributor 10/06/2017 11:12 pm ET Updated 10 hours ago

New Orleans is considered by far one of the most haunted cities in America and of course the centrepiece of vampire myths. We know New Orleans as a vampiric city because of Anne Rice’s Novels and the Originals TV show, however is there some truth behind these myths? I had the pleasure to interview most likely the Crescent City’s most prominent vampire expert Jonathan Weiss. When you meet Jonathan you might recognise him for his cameo on the opening scene TV show the Origins.  He has been a purveyor of macabre history and professional tour guide in the French Quarter for 15+ years and without a doubt one of the most knowledgable people on the vampire legends of NOLA.