Dracula Or Vlad
Dracula and Vlad the Impaler are closely linked, but they are not the same.
Vlad the Impaler (Vlad III, Voivode of Wallachia)
Vlad the Impaler (1431 – 1476) was a real historical figure, a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia (modern-day Romania). He was notorious for his brutal methods of punishing enemies, especially impalement, which earned him his nickname. He fought against the Ottoman Empire and was known for his military tactics and extreme cruelty.
His full name was Vlad III Drăculea, meaning Son of Draculâ (his father was part of the Order of the Dragon, a knightly order). Draculâ means dragonâ but also devilâ in Romanian, which later contributed to the vampire legend.
Dracula (Bram Stoker’s Novel)
The fictional Dracula (1897) by Bram Stoker was inspired in part by Vlad III but is not a direct retelling of his life. Stoker’s Count Dracula is a Transylvanian vampire, immortal and supernatural, whereas Vlad was a mortal warlord. The novel popularised the vampire myth and defined many of the traits we associate with vampires today such as blood-drinking, nocturnal powers, and shape-shifting.
Connection Between the Two
Stoker likely used the name Draculaâ because of its ominous meaning, but there is no evidence that he based the character directly on Vlad’s life
.Both figures are linked to Transylvania and Wallachia, though Vlad ruled Wallachia, not Transylvania. In fact the modern day castle now known as Dracula’s castle was never mentioned in the book. Stoker simply wrote about a castle, on a hill, with turrets surrounded by mountains and this one seemed to fit the bill. Furthermore, Vlad never actually lived in this castle but only visited as a child.
The idea of Dracula as an undead prince seeking revenge echoes some of Vladâ’s historical brutality, but the supernatural elements are purely fictional.
