Agnes Murgoci

Transylvanian Superstitions Agnes Murgoci

"Transylvanian Superstitions" written by Emily Gerard and first published in 1885 is widely held to have provided key inspiration to Bram Stoker while creating the novel Dracula. On the other hand, "The Vampire in Romania" by Agnes Murgoci is one of the best accounts of the belief in vampires in Romania. "Transylvania might well be termed the land of superstition, for nowhere else does this curious crooked plant of delusion flourish as persistently and in such bewildering variety. It would almost seem as though the whole species of demons, pixies, witches, and hobgoblins, driven from the rest of Europe by the wand of science, had taken refuge within this mountain rampart, well aware that here they would find secure lurking-places, whence they might defy their persecutors yet awhile."
- Emily Gerard, 1885