In the 15th century, Vlad III, the ruler of Transylvania in the European country of Romania, is the person from whom the character of Dracula was inspired.
British author Bram Stoker wrote the novel Dracula in which Dracula was depicted as a vampire who drank human blood, and Vlad III portrayed the role. But now a new study claims that Vlad III did not like to eat meat or rather he was a vegetarian.
According to historians, Vlad III killed more than 80,000 people during his reign, and most of them were nailed to death. Research from the University of Catania in Italy collected details of Vlad the Impaler’s health and living environment by chemically analyzing letters written by him.
According to research published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, thousands of particles of protein molecules have been found on the surface of these letters. The researchers first collected 500 particles and then collected another 100 particles that they thought were older.
16 of these protein molecule particles were man-made and likely arrived in letters from Vlad the Impaler. These proteins indicate that Vlad III suffered from respiratory problems, specifically hemolacria, a disorder in which sufferers bleed tears.
According to the research, the evidence suggests that Vlad III was suffering from hemolacria and his eyes were shedding blood-tinged tears. The researchers discovered that the molecules on the letters did not contain animal food proteins and that the food particles detected were plant-based.
According to the researchers, this evidence suggests that this figure attributed to Dracula actually liked to eat vegetables. During this period, the climate in Europe was very cold and food resources were limited.
Dracula was probably a vegetarian due to poor health or limited food resources, the researchers said.
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Costin, historian and expert on medieval Romanian history**
**Editor**: Welcome, Dr. Costin. We’re excited to delve into the intriguing connections between Vlad III, the historical figure, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
**Dr. Costin**: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss this fascinating topic.
**Editor**: To start, can you briefly explain who Vlad III was and why he is associated with the Dracula legend?
**Dr. Costin**: Vlad III, often known as Vlad the Impaler, was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, not Transylvania, though his story is deeply connected to both regions. He is notorious for his brutal methods of ruling and his penchant for impalement, which garnered him a fearsome reputation. This fear, alongside the exoticism of his character, undoubtedly inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional vampire.
**Editor**: You’re right; Stoker painted a vivid picture of Dracula as a bloodthirsty vampire. Can you tell us about the recent study that has emerged regarding Vlad III?
**Dr. Costin**: Certainly! Recent research has begun to challenge the long-standing notion that Vlad III is entirely the basis for Dracula. This study posits that while Vlad’s life inspired certain elements of the character, Dracula as a literary figure incorporates many cultural myths and fears of the time, not solely hinging on Vlad’s historical persona.
**Editor**: That’s interesting! So, are you suggesting that Dracula is more of a composite character than a direct representation of Vlad III?
**Dr. Costin**: Exactly. While Vlad’s notoriety provided a great foundation, Stoker drew upon various legends, folklore, and the broader context of vampirism. The character of Dracula embodies not just the history of Vlad but also the collective anxieties of society at that time regarding the unknown.
**Editor**: In what ways do you think this perspective shifts our understanding of both Vlad and the Dracula myth?
**Dr. Costin**: It invites us to view Vlad III not merely as a villain but as a complex historical figure who operated within a tumultuous period. Similarly, it enriches our understanding of Dracula as a multifaceted symbol, blending history with imagination, and highlights how folklore evolves over time.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Costin, for shedding light on this captivating intersection of history and literature.
**Dr. Costin**: Thank you for having me! It’s always important to revisit these narratives and appreciate their depth.
