by J. Brown

Created on: September 08, 2009

Vampirism has many definitions depending on where one looks. One more realistic definition describes a type of person who by their own preference or by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain prefers dark places, the feel of cutting, and the taste of blood. They also enjoy the idea of morbidity and death. The second definition refers to a mythical creature. A vampire is said to be an undead creature with abnormally long canine teeth ("fangs") to suck the blood of humans (and other living creatures, in some stories) for nourishment. They are also said to be abnormally strong with heightened senses. However, while they have free reign at night, they are weak in the sunshine.

The difference between one dead and a vampire of the first definition is obvious. A dead person does not show any signs of being alive while a vampire merely loves the idea of showing no signs of being alive. The difference between one dead and the second definition of vampire is more tricky. A vampire is supposedly undead. They have to die in order to reach their vampire state, but once they've reached said state, they are undead. This is not alive, though they show all signs of being so. A vampire appears to be living, but they carry out no life functions. All they need to remain animated in this undead state is the blood of humans or other living creatures. There are many stories and legends as to why this promotes undead life, though there is little if any scientific background.

Possibly the most contreversial debate on vampires is that of whether or not they have souls. In one dead, there is no soul present as far as can be seen. But with the mythical creature, there are explicit signs of life and in some stories personality and traditionally soul revealing actions and decisions. However, this debate is one embeded thoroughly in myth and half baked pseudo science. The answer to this answer lies in the unreality of the imagination of those daring to dream about these creatures. The soul itself is an unknown substance to humankind as it is. Whether it is contained in a creature of myth is even more mysterious and proper debate cannot be held on the subject considering that there is not enough evidence real or otherwise.One's time may be better spent studying real known creatures.

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