Skip to content

Tag: short stories

silhouette of fan behind glass door
Stories 4

The Vampire of Croglin Grange by Augustus Hare

An intriguing account of vampirism was related by a certain Captain Fisher, to Augustus Hare, who wrote of it in the Story of My Life. The Vampire of Croglin Grange is a vampire legend that was said to have actually taken place in Cumberland, England. The story first appeared in Story of My Life by Augustus Hare, written in the 1890s. Hare claimed it was an actual story but when investigated, seemed very similar to Varney the Vampire and when visiting the place, found many differences with the story.

The story tells the tale about an old house three siblings are renting. During one summer, the sister tries to sleep when a strange creature appears at her window and begins knocking at the window before letting itself inside before biting her.

By Mirror Posted on

photo of person taking down notes
Stories 0

Aylmer Vance and the Vampire by Alice and Claude Askew

“Aylmer Vance and the Vampire” by Alice and Claude Askew, published in 1914, is an entry in the detective genre with a supernatural twist. The story follows Aylmer Vance, a psychic investigator, who is called upon to unravel the mystery surrounding a haunted house plagued by a vampiric presence. The case involves a beautiful young woman who is inexplicably wasting away, her life seemingly drained by an unseen force. Vance’s investigation reveals a dark tale of love and betrayal, culminating in a confrontation with the vampire. The Askews blend elements of gothic horror with detective fiction, creating a narrative rich in suspense and eerie atmosphere. 

By Mirror Posted on

"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.
Stories 0

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.

By Mirror Posted on

bran castle behind trees
Stories 0

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.

By Mirror Posted on

jesus christ
Stories 0

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.

By Mirror Posted on

man in long coat standing in a cemetery
Stories 0

Ken’s Mystery by Julian Hawthorne

“Ken’s Mystery” by Julian Hawthorne was first published in 1883 in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. It’s a mystery story set in the late 19th century, following Ken, a young man home from an educational trip to Europe from which he has returned with an old and mysteriously banjo. He tells the story about what happened that halloween night in Ireland when he was walking home late and met a mysterious and beautiful woman in a graveyard who asked him to play his banjo for her. Later the same night, he met her again. But there was something strange about her, and as he played, he felt his life force being sucked out from him. The story is described as part vampire story and part Irish Samhain story, much inspired by Irish folklore.

By Mirror Posted on

pexels-photo-19797387.jpeg
Stories 0

The Vampire Maid by Hume Nisbet

“The Vampire Maid” by Hume Nisbet, published in 1900, is a captivating gothic horror story that explores themes of seduction, mystery, and supernatural danger. The story follows a weary traveler who seeks rest and respite in a secluded countryside cottage. There, he meets a strikingly beautiful and enigmatic young woman named Ariadne Brunnell. As the traveler becomes increasingly enchanted by Ariadne, he begins to notice strange and disturbing changes in his own health and vitality. The narrative gradually reveals Ariadne’s true nature as a vampire who sustains herself by draining the life force of those who fall under her spell.

By Mirror Posted on

Stories 0

Luella Miller by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

“Luella Miller” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, published in 1902, is a haunting exploration of a woman whose parasitic influence leads to the demise of those around her. Set in a small New England village, the story revolves around Luella Miller, a seemingly helpless and beautiful woman who relies on the care and devotion of others. As friends and family members succumb to mysterious illnesses and die after tending to her, it becomes apparent that Luella’s neediness and helplessness are lethally draining their life force.

By Mirror Posted on

beige concrete house
Stories 0

The Stone Chamber by Henry Brereton Marriott Watson

“The Stone Chamber” by H. B. Marriott Watson, published in 1899, is a gothic tale that delves into the supernatural with an air of creeping dread. The story centers on an old, secluded mansion that houses a mysterious stone chamber, long sealed and shrouded in dark legends. The protagonist, drawn by curiosity and a sense of adventure, decides to uncover the secrets of the chamber, only to unleash a malevolent presence that had been trapped for centuries.

By Mirror Posted on

grayscale piano keys
Stories 0

The True Story of a Vampire by Count Eric Stenbock

“The True Story of a Vampire” by Count Eric Stenbock, published in 1894, is a haunting and evocative tale that delves into the dark allure of vampirism. The story is narrated by an old man who recounts the tragic events that befell a noble family when Count Vardalek, a mysterious and charismatic stranger, enters their lives. The Count exudes a sinister charm, gradually insinuating himself into the household and exerting a mesmerizing influence over the young heir, Gabriel. As Gabriel’s health deteriorates, it becomes evident that the Count is a vampire, feeding off the boy’s vitality.

By Mirror Posted on

Stories 0

Clarimonde or La Morte Amoureuse by Théophile Gautier

“La Morte Amoureuse” (“The Dead Leman”) by Théophile Gautier, published in 1836, is a haunting and lyrical tale of love and vampirism. The story centers on Romuald, a young priest, who is torn between his sacred vows and his passionate love for the mysterious and beautiful Clarimonde. After her death, Clarimonde returns as a vampire, seducing Romuald and drawing him into a nocturnal existence filled with forbidden pleasures and moral dilemmas. Here, translated By Lafcadio Hearn (1908)

By Mirror Posted on

Free winter wolf image
Stories 0

Dracula’s Guest by Bram Stoker

A chilling short story by Bram Stoker, believed to be a deleted chapter from his iconic novel “Dracula.” Set on Walpurgis Night, the eve of May Day, the story follows an unnamed Englishman who finds himself traveling through a remote corner of Transylvania. As he ventures deeper into the eerie landscape, he encounters unsettling omens and inexplicable occurrences.

By Mirror Posted on

moonlight on a dark sky
Stories 0

Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu

One of the earliest works of vampire fiction, featuring a female vampire and her relationship with the protagonist. “Carmilla,” written by Sheridan Le Fanu in 1872, predating Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” by twenty-six years. The novella follows the protagonist Laura, who becomes entangled with the enigmatic Carmilla, a beautiful and seductive stranger. As their relationship deepens, Laura begins to experience mysterious illnesses and disturbing nightmares. Le Fanu’s tale explores themes of desire, sexuality, and the supernatural, with Carmilla embodying both allure and danger. Through its eerie atmosphere and psychological depth, “Carmilla” has left an indelible mark on the vampire genre, influencing countless subsequent works in literature, film, and popular culture.

By Mirror Posted on

gazebo against trees
Stories 0

The Transfer by Algernon Blackwood

The Transfer by Algernon Blackwood was first published in the magazine, Country Life, in 1911, tells of a child’s fascination with a barren patch of land in a big garden known as the Forbidden Corner. A story involving a mysterious and vampiric transfer of life force. It follows a governess who witnesses the visit of her employer’s brother, a psychic vampire who seems to suck the life force from all around him.

By Mirror Posted on

green frog
Stories 0

The Story of Chugoro by Lafcadio Hearn

“The Story of Chugoro” by Lafcadio Hearn, published in 1900, is a haunting tale rooted in Japanese folklore. The story recounts the eerie experiences of Chugoro, a man who mysteriously vanishes for several days, only to return with a strange tale of being seduced by a beautiful woman who turns out to be a frog and a vampire-like spirit. Through vivid descriptions and a delicate exploration of supernatural themes, Hearn delves into the chilling consequences of human encounters with the spirit world. “The Story of Chugoro” exemplifies Hearn’s ability to weave cultural folklore into compelling and atmospheric prose, offering readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese myths and legends. His most famous works are retellings of Japanese and Chinese folktales, in particular those of a ghostly or macabre nature.

By Mirror Posted on

grayscale photo of a graveyard
Stories 0

The Tomb of Sarah by Frederick George Loring

“The Tomb of Sarah” by F. G. Loring, published in 1900, is a gripping vampire tale set in the English countryside. The story revolves around the discovery of an ancient tomb belonging to Sarah, an infamous and mysterious figure from the past. It tells what happens when the tomb of the evil Countess Sarah, murdered in 1630, is disturbed during the restoration of a church. As the tomb is opened, it becomes clear that Sarah was no ordinary woman; she was a vampire.

By Mirror Posted on