The Vampyre: A Tale

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The first vampire story in English prose, "The Vampyre," significantly shaped the modern image of the vampire as an aristocratic seducer. The tale follows Aubrey, a young Englishman who befriends the enigmatic Lord Ruthven, a newcomer to London society. Aubrey travels with Ruthven to Rome but parts ways after Ruthven seduces a mutual acquaintance's daughter. In Greece, Aubrey meets Ianthe, who shares local vampire legends. Shortly after, Ianthe is killed by a vampire, though Aubrey does not suspect Ruthven's involvement and continues traveling with him. After a bandit attack leaves Ruthven mortally wounded, he extracts a promise from Aubrey to remain silent about his death for a year and a day. Aubrey later realizes that Ruthven's acquaintances suffer misfortunes. To his shock, Ruthven reappears in London, reminding Aubrey of his oath. Ruthven then begins to court Aubrey's sister, leaving Aubrey in a state of despair. As the wedding approaches, Aubrey attempts to warn his sister by writing a letter detailing Ruthven's true nature, but it arrives too late. On their wedding night, she is found dead, drained of blood, and Ruthven has mysteriously vanished. This gothic horror tale transformed the vampire from folklore into a figure of high society intrigue.