Ep 33 Why VAMPIRES? Vampires in Literature, Pop Culture, and Digital Media

Today on the Besties & the Books Podcast Ashley and Liz discuss some of our favorite monsters: Vampires, and attempt to understand why these undead, blood sucking creatures have dominated spooky lore, art, and literature throughout the ages… as a way to set the scene for our TWILIGHT Mini Episode Series launching THIS FRIDAY! 

Where did the idea of vampires come from? Depending on the geographical location and culture, it varies. Could it be as simple as a way for humans to rationalize horrible things like plague and the unfortunately somewhat frequent occurrence of being buried alive?

Or maybe vampires symbolize the manifestation of denied desires, or women refusing to conform. Did the idea of the modern vampire originate with Bram Stoker’s Dracula? Or is there more to the story dating back hundreds more years to Lilith? 

We answer these questions and also discuss the presence of vampire lore in our own lives. And of course, we’ve got a vampire themed fave and fail of the week, and a spooky smash or pass. Edward.. here… we… come!

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Liz 
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Ashley
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Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing:  “The Right Way Isn’t The Only Way” Sweater from @thebeanworkshop | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! 

Liz is wearing: “Always Lilith, Never Eve” Crop Hoodie from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Besties and the Books Podcast!
• 3:55 Article & Research Credits
• 5:35 Fav and Fails VAMPIRE EDITION!
• 13:05 What IS A Vampire?
• 15:00 Where Did Vampire Myths and Legend Originate?
• 17:49 LITERALLY Where Did Vampires COME FROM?
• 23:50 When Did Vampires Start Appearing in Literature
• 28:06 The Female Vampire
• 34:00 Where Did the Inspiration from Dracula Come From?
• 37:48 Why Are Vampires Now SeggZ?
• 40:33 Vampires in Digital Media
• 42:42 What Were Your First Experiences with Vampires in Pop Culture?
• 49:50 Twilight Fever
• 52:28 Unhinged Smash or Pass