Vlad the Impaler, Part Two

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 355 - Vlad the Impaler, Part Two

In the previous episode, I talked excusively about the historical figure - Vlad the Impaler.  But in this episode, I want to introduce a literary figure - Dracula - who is often confused with that historical figure - Vlad the Impaler.

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 355 - Vlad the Impaler, Part Two

In the previous episode, I talked excusively about the historical figure - Vlad the Impaler.  But in this episode, I want to introduce a literary figure - Dracula - who is often confused with that historical figure - Vlad the Impaler.

Now, the connection between the historical figure Vlad the Impaler and Bram Stoker's literary character Count Dracula lies primarily in the name and some thematic inspirations, but it is not a direct or comprehensive link.

Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad III Dracula, was a 15th-century prince of Wallachia, a region in modern-day Romania. As mentioned in a previous episode, he was infamous for his brutal methods of punishment, particularly impalement, which earned him a fearsome reputation. Vlad's father, Vlad II Dracul, was a member of the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order dedicated to defending Christianity against the Ottoman Empire. The name "Dracula" derives from this association, meaning "son of Dracul" or "son of the dragon" in Romanian. Over time, "Dracul" also came to mean "devil," adding a rather sinister connotation to Vlad's legacy.

Vlad's cruelty and military campaigns against the Ottomans made him both a folk hero and a figure of horror. Stories about his violent reign spread through Europe during his lifetime and after his death, painting him as a sadistic ruler who used terror to consolidate power - sounds a bit like Ivan the Terrible.

Now Bram Stoker's literary Dracula, published in 1897, introduced Count Dracula as a vampire and one of literature's most iconic villains. The novel is set in Transylvania and England and portrays Dracula as an undead nobleman with supernatural powers who feeds on human blood. Stoker's vampire is charismatic, aristocratic, and deeply tied to Gothic traditions.

Stoker likely encountered the name "Dracula" during his research on Eastern European history and folklore. He found it while studying in Whitby's public library, where he noted that it meant "devil" in Romanian. However, there is no evidence that Stoker deeply studied Vlad the Impaler or intended to base his character on him directly. The historical Vlad is mentioned only briefly in Stoker's notes - and I do mean, briefly.
The most explicit connection is the use of the name "Dracula," which Stoker borrowed from Vlad III's historical title.

Although Vlad ruled Wallachia, not Transylvania, both regions are part of modern Romania. Stoker's choice of Transylvania as Dracula's home likely drew on its association with Gothic folklore and superstition.

Now, Vlad's reputation for brutality may have influenced the dark and menacing aura surrounding Count Dracula. However, the vampire’s characteristics—such as immortality, blood-drinking, and shape-shifting—are definitely rooted more in European vampire folklore than in Vlad’s life.

While some scholars argue that Vlad served as a direct inspiration for Count Dracula due to his name and notoriety, others contend that this connection has been overstated. Stoker’s creation was more heavily influenced by vampire myths, Gothic literature traditions, and possibly even Irish folklore than by historical accounts of Vlad’s life.

While Vlad the Impaler provided Bram Stoker with the name "Dracula" and perhaps some thematic inspiration related to fear and violence, Count Dracula is largely a fictional creation shaped by folklore and Gothic literary conventions rather than a direct representation of a historical figure.

Now, Bram Stoker's knowledge of Vlad the Impaler appears to have been limited and indirect, primarily based on secondary sources rather than in-depth research into Vlad's life or historical significance.

In fact, Stoker encountered the name "Dracula" while reading An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia by William Wilkinson. This book briefly mentioned a Wallachian voivode named "Dracula," noting that the name meant "devil" in the local language. However, Wilkinson’s account did not provide detailed information about Vlad III or his infamous deeds.

Stoker was also acquainted with Arminius Vámbéry, a Hungarian scholar, and it has been speculated that Vámbéry might have shared stories about Vlad III during their interactions. However, there is no concrete evidence that Vámbéry specifically introduced Stoker to Vlad's history or atrocities.
Stoker’s surviving notes for Dracula show no detailed references to Vlad the Impaler beyond the name "Dracula." They do not indicate that he studied Vlad’s life or drew inspiration from his violent reign. Scholars like Elizabeth Miller argue that Stoker likely chose the name for its exotic and ominous sound rather than its historical associations.

Stoker seemed unaware of Vlad III's name "the Impaler" or his reputation for cruelty. His novel does not reference Vlad’s specific actions or historical context, such as his wars against the Ottomans or his use of impalement as a punishment. Instead, Count Dracula is portrayed as a vampire with supernatural abilities, drawing more from European folklore and Gothic literary traditions than from any historical figure.

While it is believed that Bram Stoker borrowed the name "Dracula" from historical sources referencing Vlad III, there is no evidence that he had extensive knowledge of Vlad the Impaler’s life or used him as a direct model for Count Dracula. The connection between the two has been largely amplified by later interpretations and adaptations rather than by Stoker's original intent.

For one thing, there were quite a few differences between the historical Vlad the Impaler and the literary Dracula.

The historical Vlad the Impaler (Vlad III Dracula) and the fictional Count Dracula from Bram Stoker's Dracula differ significantly in their characteristics, actions, and cultural roles. While the two share a name and some thematic connections, they are distinct figures.

Vlad III was a real 15th-century Wallachian prince known for his military campaigns and extreme cruelty. Count Dracula is a fictional vampire created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 Gothic novel.

Vlad was obvious mortal - a human - infamous for his brutality, particularly his use of impalement as punishment.

Dracula is a literary character and is a supernatural undead creature with vampiric abilities such as immortality, shape-shifting, and blood-drinking.
As far as motivation is concerned, Vlad sought to defend Wallachia from Ottoman invasion and consolidate power through fear.

Count Dracula seeks to expand his influence by spreading vampirism and feeding on human blood.  Dracula lived in Wallachia (modern Romania), with ties to Transylvania but primarily ruled from Wallachian castles.

Vlad the Impaler is remembered as both a national hero in Romania for resisting the Ottomans and as a tyrant for his cruelty.

Dracula is portrayed as a Gothic villain representing fear of the unknown, foreignness, and immortality.

Alleged legends claim Vlad dipped bread in the blood of his enemies, though this is likely exaggerated folklore.

Count Dracula literally drinks blood to sustain himself and maintain his powers.

Vlad has come to be viewed as a symbol of medieval brutality and resistance.

Dracula has come to be viewed as the archetype of the literary vampire; as well as a central figure in Gothic horror and modern vampire mythology.

While Vlad the Impaler inspired Bram Stoker's choice of the name "Dracula," their similarities largely end there. Vlad was a historical figure known for his ruthless tactics in warfare, while Count Dracula is a fictional vampire rooted in European folklore and Gothic tradition. The connection between them is more symbolic than direct, with Stoker borrowing Vlad's name for its ominous connotations rather than basing his character on Vlad's life or deeds.

The historical Vlad is perhaps most infamous for his use of impalement as a method of execution. He created "forests of the impaled," where thousands of corpses were displayed on stakes to terrify invading armies and deter further aggression. The sight of these gruesome displays reportedly demoralized even hardened Ottoman soldiers. One of Vlad's most notable actions was the night attack near Târgoviște in 1462 during an Ottoman invasion. Although he failed to assassinate Sultan Mehmed II, the chaos caused by this raid completely disrupted the Ottoman advance. He frequently employed guerrilla tactics such as hit-and-run attacks and harassment of enemy flanks to inflict casualties while minimizing his own losses.

Vlad also used deception effectively. For example, he disguised his troops in captured Ottoman uniforms to infiltrate enemy fortresses or ambush unsuspecting forces. He also anticipated enemy ambushes and turned them into counter-ambushes, showcasing his strategic foresight.

Vlad occasionally sought alliances with neighboring powers like Hungary to bolster his position against the Ottomans. However, when aid was not forthcoming, he relied on local conscription and unconventional tactics to resist invasions.

These strategies earned Vlad a dual reputation: as a defender of Christendom against the Ottomans in Romanian folklore and as a cruel tyrant in European accounts. His ruthless methods were effective in deterring enemies but also contributed to his infamy throughout history. His military campaigns exemplify how smaller forces can use psychological warfare and unconventional tactics to challenge larger adversaries effectively.

It might be especially interesting - and even informative - to look at the reasons for Vlad the Impaler’s name.

You see, Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad III Dracula or Vlad Țepeș, earned his infamous nickname due to his preferred method of execution: impalement. This brutal practice involved driving a wooden or metal stake through a victim's body, often in a way that prolonged their suffering for hours or even days. The stakes were then erected vertically to display the victims publicly, serving as a horrifying deterrent to enemies and a symbol of Vlad's authority.  The nickname "Vlad the Impaler" reflects both the scale and the cruelty of his actions. He used impalement extensively during his rule in Wallachia in the 15th century, targeting enemies such as Ottoman soldiers, rebellious nobles (boyars), and criminals. Notable instances include the impalement of thousands of Ottoman captives in 1462 near Târgoviște, creating a "forest" of corpses that reportedly shocked Sultan Mehmed II's advancing army. Another infamous event involved impaling hundreds of boyars during a banquet to consolidate his power and punish their perceived disloyalty.

While impalement was not unique to Vlad, his extensive use of it—reportedly resulting in tens of thousands of deaths—was unprecedented. His actions earned him notoriety across Europe, with contemporary accounts and printed pamphlets spreading tales of his cruelty. This legacy solidified his posthumous reputation as Vlad Țepeș ("the Impaler”)

Perhaps most informative regarding Vlad’s modus operandi was how his methods of execution differ from those used by other rulers of his time

Vlad the Impaler's methods of execution, particularly his infamous use of impalement, stood out for their scale, precision, and psychological impact compared to those employed by other rulers of his time.

Now, Impalement was not unique to Vlad III (Dracula), as it was practiced in various parts of the medieval world, including by the Ottomans and other European rulers. However, Vlad's use of this method was distinguished by its sheer frequency and the deliberate cruelty involved:

Vlad often used a rounded stake to avoid damaging vital organs, prolonging the victim's suffering for hours or even days. The stake was inserted through the rectum or vagina and exited near the neck or shoulders, ensuring a slow and agonizing death.

Vlad used impalement on a massive scale as a psychological weapon. For example, in 1462, he famously created a "forest" of 20,000 impaled corpses to deter the advancing Ottoman army. This horrifying scene reportedly caused Sultan Mehmed II to retreat.

The public display of impaled victims served as a warning to enemies and his own subjects, reinforcing his authority through fear. This tactic was unparalleled in its scale and theatricality compared to other rulers.

While impalement was Vlad’s hallmark, other medieval rulers employed various brutal execution methods that were also designed to instill fear but differed in nature. Common in England for high treason, hanging, drawing, and quartering  involved hanging the victim until near death, disemboweling them while alive, and then quartering their body. It was gruesome but more ritualized than impalement.

Then there was burning at the stake. Used across Europe for heretics and witches, burning was a public spectacle intended to punish and deter dissenters. Unlike impalement, it focused on religious or moral offenses rather than political enemies.

In Central Europe, a form of torture called Breaking the Wheel involved breaking a person's limbs with a heavy wheel before leaving them to die slowly. It shared similarities with impalement in terms of prolonged suffering but lacked the mass psychological impact Vlad achieved.
Beheading was often reserved for nobility as a "merciful" execution, while boiling alive was used for severe crimes like poisonings - often quicker, but still brutal.

Now what set Vlad apart was not just his preference for impalement but how he weaponized it on an unprecedented scale: He combined cruelty with strategic intent, using mass executions to terrorize both domestic opponents (e.g., rebellious boyars) and foreign invaders (e.g., Ottomans).

His meticulous approach ensured maximum suffering while creating lasting visual horrors that amplified his reputation far beyond his native country

While many rulers of the medieval period employed brutal execution methods, Vlad the Impaler's reliance on impalement—executed with unparalleled scale and precision—madeing his tactics uniquely terrifying and effective in consolidating power and deterring enemies.

By this point, you might ask - with all the forms of torture out there, why did
Vlad prefer impalement as a method of execution?

Well, although he may not have been able to articulate it, I believe Vlad did have several reasons that aligned with his strategic, psychological, and personal motivations:

1. Psychological Warfare and Intimidation
Impalement was an exceptionally brutal and horrifying form of execution. Victims often suffered for hours or days before dying, making it a spectacle of prolonged agony. Vlad used this method to instill fear in his enemies and subjects alike. For instance, during his defense against the Ottoman Empire in 1462, he created a "forest" of 20,000 impaled corpses along the side of the road. This gruesome display reportedly shocked Sultan Mehmed II and his army, deterring further advances and showcasing Vlad's ruthlessness as a deterrent to invasion.

2. Consolidation of Power
Vlad employed impalement as a means to solidify his rule over Wallachia by eliminating opposition and punishing treason. Upon ascending the throne in 1456, he targeted the boyar nobility who had betrayed his family or resisted his authority. By publicly impaling them and their families, he sent a clear message about the consequences of disloyalty. This helped him maintain control over a fragmented and politically unstable region.

3. Symbolism of Authority
The use of impalement was not only about punishment but also about projecting power. Vlad often arranged the stakes in geometric patterns or adjusted their height to reflect the rank of the victims, emphasizing his dominance over both enemies and subjects. This meticulous approach reinforced his reputation as an uncompromising ruler who demanded absolute obedience.

4. Tactical Efficiency
Impalement served as both punishment and deterrence in wartime. It was particularly effective against larger enemy forces like the Ottomans, who vastly outnumbered Vlad's troops. By employing such extreme measures alongside guerilla tactics (e.g., poisoning wells and burning crops), he leveraged psychological terror to compensate for any military disadvantages.

5. Personal Cruelty and Sadistic Tendencies
While impalement had strategic value, it also reflected Vlad's personal inclination toward cruelty. Historical accounts describe him as deriving satisfaction from watching victims suffer during executions. His sadistic nature extended beyond humans; even during captivity, he reportedly tortured animals in ways reminiscent of his impalement practices.

6. Historical Context
Impalement was not unique to Vlad but had been used across Europe and Asia as a method of execution before his time. However, Vlad elevated its use to an unprecedented scale, making it synonymous with his reign. This widespread application amplified its impact on morale and cemented his nickname "Țepeș" (The Impaler).

Vlad's preference for impalement was driven by its effectiveness as a tool for psychological warfare, political control, and personal expression of cruelty. It allowed him to consolidate power, deter enemies, and project an image of unrelenting authority while leaving an indelible mark on history as one of the most brutal rulers of the medieval period.


In summary, Impalement was part of Vlad's broader military strategy against the Ottomans and other enemies. By using scorched-earth tactics alongside mass executions, he created logistical challenges for invading armies while demoralizing them with horrific displays, and cementing his reputation as one of history’s most brutal rulers.

Join Celebrate Poe for episode 356 - The Year Without a Summer, Part One

Sources include: The Life and Times of the Historical Dracula by Kurt Treptow, Dracula, Prince of Many Faces by Raymond T. McNally and Radu R. Florescu, Dracula’s Wars: Vlad the Impaler and His Rivals, by James Waterson, and Vlad the Impaler: The Man Behind Dracula’s Myth.


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