Over the last several centuries, the public perception of vampires has been colored by their depictions in the media, most famously by Bram Stoker, and later joined by Anne Rice, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Joss Whedon. Some of these depictions are rooted in fact, some have arisen through folkloric tradition, and still others are complete fabrications of the authors’ own design. This section aims to dispel the many myths and misconceptions of being a vampire.

MYTH #1: Most Vampires are Devil Worshippers, Goths, or Sexual Deviants

This is the single most widespread misconception about vampires out there. While these individuals exist, they are a minority in the vampire population. Unfortunately, they are also the most visible members of the vampire community, which tends to perpetuate the stereotype.

Add to that the fact that many Satanist groups, Gothic subcultures, and others have hijacked the vampire image for their own, which only furthers this negative depiction of the vampire.