The History of Dracula
Vlad the Impaler
In Dracula, the fictional character of Count Dracula was based off of the real life historical figure Vladimir Tepes (Vlad the Impaler). Vlad the Impaler was a three time voivode (prince) of Wallachia in the fifteenth century. Ruling over Transylvania and what is now Romania, Vlad earned his name by becoming notorious for impaling his enemies and criminals on wooden stakes. His father, who called himself Dracul was a part of the Order of the Dragon and Vlad went on to call himself Dracula meaning "son of the dragon" or "son of the Devil". Both belonged to the House of Drăculeşti, a line of rulers that were constantly fighting the Dăneşti for the throne. Vlad the Impaler himself, regardless of his bloody reputation, was a Christian Crusader and surrounded himself with religious figures and icons. At an early age, Vlad and his brother Radu were held hostage in Adrianople, after being released Radu decided to stay because it is where he grew up. After committing his many atrocities, Vlad was again imprisoned. While imprisoned, it is recorded that he took pleasure in mutilating and torturing animals. After getting back in the good graces of his superiors he took the title of Prince from a member of the Dăneşti line but soon was attacked by the Turks. He died battling them in 1476. Although it's unsure how exactly he died, there is no doubt that he was decapitated and his head was displayed at the Sultan's palace in Constantinople on a stake. The character of Dracula can be traced back to Vladimir Tepes. Vlad and Dracula have astonishing similarities and conversations that Jonathan has with Dracula proves this. Vlad had a treacherous brother, and Dracula speaks of him; in the same quote he constantly refers to those from the past as "we" and acts as though he was there. Any historical background that Dracula gives for himself has to do with this voivode. The manner of Vlad's death also corresponds to Dracula seeing as the only way to ensure a vampire is dead and will not come back it to cut off its head. |
"In his speaking of things and people, and especially of battles, he spoke
as if he had been present at them all" - Jonathan Harker (Stoker 33)