11 What powers are most commonly ascribed to vampires?
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This article is from the Vampires FAQ, by BJ Kuehl bj@alpha1.csd.uwm.edu with numerous contributions by others.
11 What powers are most commonly ascribed to vampires?
There are many different versions of the vampire myth, both in legend
and in fiction, therefore any ability you could name has probably been
been ascribed to vampires at some point. Here are some of the powers
traditionally ascribed to European vampires (the kind most often
portrayed in movies and literature)...
- Ability to change shape. Common animate forms assumed are: wolf, bat,
rat, cat, owl, fox, weasel, raven, spider, scorpion, moth and fly.
Inanimate objects which might also be assumed are mist, orbs of light,
even a ball of dust like you find under your bed [q.v. ch'ing shih,
loogaroo 2.03]. In some myths, the vampire's true form is inhuman,
and they shapechange into humans [q.v lamia, baital, bejang, jaracara,
rakshasas 2.03].
- Strength, speed and sensory perception far greater than that of humans.
- Ability to summon and control animals, particularly rats and wolves.
- Mind-control...may command mortals, strike fear with a look, or cause
selective amnesia.
- Ability to control the weather...summoning rain clouds and fog.
- Ability to command some form of magical or mystical beings, with the
implicit idea that the vampyre is in league with an evil entity.
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