Member-only story
Vampires Then and Now
Evolution from monster to hero
Many years ago, I read some of the theories of Bruno Bettelheim regarding how children process fairy tales. Parents the world over tell their children stories. They feature fantasy creatures, unlikely scenarios, and often are quite dark. The stories by the brothers Grimm were eponymous.
Bettelheim and others have theorized that these stories help children solve a variety of problems — sibling rivalries, fears of the dark, of predators lurking nearby, of becoming lost or separated from their parents, of physical or emotional violence…. As children struggle to find meaning in these dark aspects of life, fairy tales help them to process and make sense of the severe difficulties that are an intrinsic and unavoidable part of life.
What gives children the courage to face fears and to overcome difficulties?
In a sense, do the dark shadows created on our spirits by terrifying stories help create resilience within us? Do video games, movies, and other creations serve the same purpose today that Beowulf, Evil Stepmothers, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Dracula once did?
And why is it that while our ancestors portrayed vampires as terrifying, we now imagine they sparkle in the sun, or are charming sophisticates touring with rock bands?
