Skip to content

Tag: vampire short stories

abandoned prinkipo greek orphanage buyukada island turkey
Stories 0

The Vampire by Jan Neruda

Translated from the 1871 Czech original Vampyr. The story is set on the Island of Büyükada outside of Istanbul. It is called Prinkipos in the story as it is the Greek name for it. The Narrator tells us about what happened on an excursion to the Island with a few strangers. One of them is a sickly young girl. There is also a strange young man, who appears to be an artist saying he wants to paint everything he sees. It turns out that the locals call him The Vampire because whenever he draws someone he dies shortly after.

By Mirror Posted on

black metal frames
Stories 0

An Episode of Cathedral History by M. R. James

“An Episode of Cathedral History” by M. R. James, published in 1914, is an example of gothic horror that blends scholarly intrigue with supernatural dread. The story unfolds in an English cathedral town where the renovation of an old cathedral disturbs a long-forgotten tomb. This disturbance unleashes an ancient, malevolent entity that wreaks havoc on the town. It has often been deemed a vampire story. The story’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a palpable sense of unease, using the cathedral’s history and the unsettling presence within its walls to explore themes of hidden evil and the consequences of uncovering dark secrets.

By Mirror Posted on

close up photography of concrete tombstones
Stories 0

The Blood-Drawing Ghost: An Irish Vampiric Folktale

The Blood-Drawing Ghost is an Irish folktale found in “Tales of the Fairies and of the Ghost World”) (1895) collected and transcribed by Jeremiah Curtin, an Irish-American scholar among others.

John has three sweethearts but can only marry one. He hides his blackthorn walking stick in the haunted church graveyard, promising to marry whichever girl retrieves it. Kate agrees to go. As she nears the stick, a corpse in an open grave calls for help. Under its spell, Kate helps the corpse, which climbs onto her back and orders her to carry it through town.

By Mirror Posted on

This lurid tale centers on two wealthy and morally corrupt brothers, Conrad and Herman, who rule as ruthless feudal barons from the Castle of Gardonal near the Italian Alps. Conrad, who governs the valley lands with the help of foreign ruffians led by his cruel right-hand man Ludovico, commits countless atrocities, including blackmail, torture, and forced marriage. The oppressed villagers, pushed to their limits by Conrad's tyranny, seek the aid of a powerful sorcerer named Innominato after a series of heinous acts, including arson and kidnapping. Innominato, driven by his own motives, promises to oppose the baron and orchestrates a dark plan involving a vampire to exact justice. As the baron wrestles with fear and a desire for revenge, he falls into Innominato's trap, leading to a fittingly gothic climax on the day of his forced wedding to Teresa, the daughter of a popular farmer. This tale, devoid of true heroes, vividly portrays the struggle between the wicked and the oppressed, with deceit and revenge at its core.
Stories 0

The Last Lords of Gardonal by William Gilbert

This lurid tale centers on two wealthy and morally corrupt brothers, Conrad and Herman, who rule as ruthless feudal barons from the Castle of Gardonal near the Italian Alps. The oppressed villagers, pushed to their limits by Conrad’s tyranny, seek the aid of a powerful sorcerer named Innominato after a series of heinous acts, including arson and kidnapping. Innominato, driven by his own motives, promises to oppose the baron and orchestrates a dark plan involving a vampire to exact justice.

By Mirror Posted on

Stories 0

Each Man Kills by Victoria Glad

“Each Man Kills” by Victoria Glad, published in 1913, is a gripping short story that delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the unsettling power of guilt. The narrative revolves around a man who is haunted by the consequences of a crime he committed. As he grapples with his conscience, the weight of his actions begins to manifest in increasingly disturbing ways. Glad’s story is a psychological thriller that explores themes of remorse, retribution, and the inescapability of one’s past deeds.

By Mirror Posted on

building
Stories 0

In the Vault by H.P. Lovecraft

“In the Vault” by H.P. Lovecraft, written in 1925, is a tale of horror that delves into the macabre consequences of disrespecting the dead. The story centers on George Birch, a negligent and callous undertaker in a small town. One day, Birch finds himself trapped in a burial vault with several recently interred coffins. In his desperate attempt to escape, he carelessly climbs over the coffins, disturbing the corpses within. As he finally breaks free, Birch realizes too late the ghastly retribution he has invoked—his leg bears the unmistakable marks of a vampire.

By Mirror Posted on

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