After finishing the novel of Dracula, I was very curious about any possible connections, or real life scenarios that would give Stoker this monstrous idea for a book. I also was curious on the reoccurring importance of religious artifacts, whether they are used for either good or evil, attacking or defending.

After doing some research, I found that one of the main sources of Stoker’s inspiration was a real life ruler, and tyrant known as Vlad the Impaler. Born to his father Vlad II who was ruler of Wallachia, Vlad was born into power. Vlad then joined the Hungary Order of the Dragon Insignia, where he was given the nickname Dracul. This meaning dragon in ancient romania, or devil. This meaning his name was “son of the dragon” or “son of the devil”. The reason for the battle against the Ottoman empire was because of the christianity belief. He was an extremely smart young man who was brought up to study multiple subjects giving him a wildly important education from Constantinople. The christianity connection to Vlad could be in inspiration for his weakness in Stoker’s novel. With this Vlad was raised to be extremely violent as well as all children were brought up surrounded by constant training, fighting, and mentally and physically straining the body to become stronger. Vlad was the most feared man in his given setting and even saying his name was enough to send armies in full retreat. Vlad was also one of the first people who encouraged gunpowder which could also be the source of the new age, technologies in this novel as well. Vlad, being ruthless received the nickname “the Impaler” by his favorite form of killing people, impaling them through stakes through the mouth. Much like Dracula, Vlad spread his mission and goal across the landscape killing as many Turkish men, women and children as he could for his past torture. Looking at the impaler, there is no doubt that Stoker had inspiration from the tale of Vlad the Impaler. The connections with sheer brutality as well as the connection to christian and religious lore.