Where did Dracula originate from?

Answer 1

Briefly: the original historical Dracula philosophy comes from South-Eastern Europe, Romania. It was then used as a source of inspiration to Bram Stoker's delightful book 'Dracula'.

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The story of Dracula was born, edited and partly based on South Eastern European culture. 'Dracula' novel was written by Bram Stoker, who spent several years researching South Eastern Europe's folklore, geography and stories about zburători (night-flying dead) and vampiri (vampires) and thus became addicted to the local mythology and especially to the word dracul. This word originates from the Romanian language, basically meaning 'the devil'. It is also frequently used as to define 'dragon'.

The fictional (made-up) character of Dracula is inspired from bloodthirsty ruler Vlad Țepeș that lived in Romania, Eastern Europe, between 1431 and 1476. His name was originally Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia and Transylvania - middle and southern parts of Romania. He was also known as Vlad III Drăculea, as nicknamed by his father.

Vlad Țepeș father's name was called Vlad II Dracul(no 'a' at the end), he was a member of a secret knight fraternity called The Order of the Dragon, protecting European freedom and Christianity from Turkish and Muslim invasions. As a son of Vlad Dracul, little Vlad Țepeș was nicknamed Drăculea, which in Romanian language translates 'the son of the devil'.

Vlad III Țepeș (Drăculea) is most famously known as 'Vlad the Impaler'. He was called so due to his preferred method of executing bad people, boyars and invaders (by leaving them die slowly, while impaled on sticks).

The beautiful book 'Dracula' is a nice fictive story, based on inspirational fantasy. Historians argue that Bram Stoker knew little of real historical character Vlad III Țepeș (Drăculea), except for his nickname. In his fictional book, Stoker includes no real details about Vlad's reign and does not mention his use of impalement.

Summary:

Where did Dracula originate from?

Dracula relates to South-Eastern Europe, Romania. It was firstly a Romanian ruler to be called 'Drăculea' (Vlad III Țepeș of Transylvania and Wallachia). His bloody personality inspired Bram Stoker to write the book 'Dracula'. The book is based on inspirational fantasy and does not relate on true facts.
Romania.