Please welcome author Serena Zane!
Vampire mythos
classic vs. modern
Serena Zane
Over the centuries the mythos of the Vampire has both
fascinated and disgusted us. Like a car accident, we just can't look away. The
thought that something so beautiful could be so dangerous is almost irresistible
for the human race.
As a person, I have a love of all things paranormal:
vampires, werewolves, witches, etc... As a writer, the history of each has
taken on a sort of morbid fascination for me. Due to the fact that there are so
many different legends that have been created about the Vampire, I took what I
loved most about each and then added my own twist on the vampire vs. werewolf
wars of legend.
Zaniac vampires, as I like to call them, are created. In
their own sub-culture, a priestess in Egyptian times fell in love with a young
warrior. However, he spurned her affections, and as a curse she created the
first vampire. Each vampire after that was created from this first 'original'.
Zaniac vampires can shape-shift, fly, have heightened senses, mind-control, and
telepathy. Silver can kill them. As is traditional, they cannot be exposed to
sunlight, are affected adversely by Holy Water, and a good old fashioned stake
will take them out. While they can 'fall in love' and do so intensely, there is
no such thing as a 'lifemate' unlike in my favorite novels by Christine
Feehan. They do have a marriage ceremony
that ties them for life and vampires do not believe in open relationships once
married. Adultery is punished by death. However, before marriage, they are
rather promiscuous. Zaniac vampires are immune to drugs, or disease, and are of
course immortal.
The legend I have created to make this my own is a twist on
the old vampire vs. werewolf wars. In Zaniac history werewolves were held as
slaves by the vampire race. Werewolf blood is like a drug for vampires,
creating a sense of euphoria. It is highly addictive. The werewolves rebelled
back in the Middle Ages and a great war was started creating a rift between the
two species. In the Dark Warrior series, vampire Damon Blake falls for Nikki
Adams, who is part-werewolf. This creates numerous issues that Zaniac's can
experience throughout this ongoing series. My newest release, Bane, explores
how old grudges and beliefs can effect one's life. In my Hunter Diaries series,
the vampires are very traditional and follow the old school form of vampire
legend. In my release Insidious Whispers, Phoenix is endowed with a magical
ability that will surprise you.
Just for fun, I have included a comparison chart below of
some of my favorite vampire legends. Check it out, and let me know what you
think!
