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"Wake Not the Dead" (Laßt die Todten ruhen) by Ernst Raupach, published in 1823, is a foundational work in vampire literature that explores the perilous consequences of tampering with the natural order. It is perhaps one of the earliest vampire stories. The story was translated into English in Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (1823) without crediting Raupach, and was often misattributed to Ludwig Tieck in the English-speaking world.
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Wake Not the Dead (Laßt die Todten ruhen) by Ernst Raupach

“Wake Not the Dead” (Laßt die Todten ruhen) by Ernst Raupach, published in 1823, is a foundational work in vampire literature that explores the perilous consequences of tampering with the natural order. It is perhaps one of the earliest vampire stories. The story was translated into English in Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (1823) without crediting Raupach, and was often misattributed to Ludwig Tieck in the English-speaking world.

The story is set in Burgundy, France and revolves around Walter, a grief-stricken widower who, consumed by his longing, succumbs to the temptation to resurrect his beloved wife, Brunhilda, through necromancy. Despite warnings to let the dead rest, Walter’s love drives him to disturb the peace of the grave. Brunhilda returns, but she is transformed into a vampire, embodying both the seductive allure and the terrifying menace of the undead.

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The Mysterious Stranger (Der Fremde) by Karl von Wachsmann

When The Mysterious Stranger first appeared in English in Chambers’s Repository for February 1854, it had no author credit and remained anonymous until 2013. The English translation is actually an abridged version of the original German novella Der Fremde by Karl von Wachsmann. Other changes were moving the setting to the “Carpathians Mountains”. In the original German it seems it was set in “the Carniolan mountains” in present-day Slovenia.

The story follows a group of travelers in Austria who take refuge from wolves in a haunted castle called Castle Klatka. They are rescued by a mysterious stranger named Azzo von Klatka who lives in the castle ruins. One of the travelers, Franziska, begins to fall ill with the same symptoms as vampire victims, suggesting Azzo may be a vampire. The story has been pointed to be one of the influences to Dracula.

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Marsyas in Flanders by Vernon Lee

“Marsyas in Flanders” by Vernon Lee, published in 1900, is a richly atmospheric story that blends elements of mythology, art, and horror. The tale mixes elements of classical mythology with Christian themes. It centers around an ancient carving of the crucified Christ – minus its arms and cross – which washes up in the 12th century on a beach in Flanders. Once ownership of the relic is established, it is hung in the local church at Dunes and miracles start to happen. This turns the minor fishing village into a place of pilgrimage and worship. But the miracles become stranger and more threatening – demonic, even and the church authorities are forced to step in and investigate. What they find causes them to take very drastic action.

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