The Dhampir
Everyone has heard of vampires, in their various incarnations, but how many amongst us have heard of the Dhampir? Several modern mediums have picked up on the Balkan folklore, most notably Vampire Hunter D, which follows a dhampir predictably named “D” and Blade which stars a dhampir vampire hunter hero. Other notable Dhampir cultural references are Blood Rayne and Castelvania, which are video games, and Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft and Vampire The Masquerade both of which are table top roleplaying games. The dhampir is a very popular modern cultural creature.
However, what many do not know is that the dhampir is an ancient Balkan folklore creature existing in the tales of the Roma people, gypsies of the Balkans. They are created when a vampire father breeds with a human mother. Makes sense considering a body must be alive to carry and nurture a child. Interestingly enough, folklore tells that the dhampir are born with all the vampire powers and none of their weaknesses. Also, dhampir are said to be able to see vampires, even when they are invisible, and are believed to be especially adept at killing them. Dhampir, then, are the perfect hybrid of vampire. They’re strong without the downfalls and can kill vampires better than any other.
All in all, the dhampir, at least for me, is a less interesting creature than their vampire predecessors. For me, weakness makes the creature, no creature should be without them, else they’re just a powerhouse monster. That said, Vampire Hunter D and Blade are both really good spins on dhampir idea and both are infused with their weaknesses, though they’re not necessarily vampire weaknesses, with the exception of the character Blade who has a thirst for blood.
So what do you think? Vampires or Dhampir?
Kristyn
April 19, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hey I thought I left a comment here, Okay I’ll take out the swears this time so you don’t delete it,lol, I like the good old Vampire best, can’t beat the real thing.
April 22, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I like the good ol’ vampires too. The Dhampir don’t have enough weaknesses for me. Vampires are supposed to be, in some way, a tortured breed. Dhampir are so over the top. All vampire good, no vampire bad.
Thanks for stopping by Bob!
September 8, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Dhampirs do have weaknesses they are said to have no emotions they can’t feel any emotions there lies their weakness
February 9, 2009 at 8:17 am
Well I think that Vampires are The Ultimate Bread of demons. They look like humans, talk like humans and yet there is something very different about. They can’t live with humans because they are hunters and goarge themselfs wiht human blood. Any intelegent human would recognize that they do not reflect the true nature of their kind and this would mean a vampire fire.
there is a lot of conflict between humans and vampires but i like the idea of a dhampire a lot more, and the nutorious “D” makes the pain and strife of their breed seam so much deeper. How could you ever really understand the true nature of vampires without an antagonist to unfurl their hidden weaknesses and their true powers.
The dhampire also has been a defender of the human race and I hope that makes emo people stop wishing they were vampires; it’s preaty sad when someone thinks they will be a vampire someday.
July 5, 2009 at 1:43 am
What a wonderfully interesting blog you have, I shall be back to read more.
September 10, 2009 at 4:03 am
In thine own self opinion thy would choose thou Dhampir. Thee person or creature in question appears more interesting, when compared to thee legendary books of Vampire hunter D it sparks thine imaganation even more.
Thy hast never known untill a few years ago as to what a dhampir was however thy hast known there predecessors quite well.
LUGIA FLYHIGHT