The Duality of Faith: Do Christian Symbols Deter Vampires in Fiction?

The intersection of faith and folklore, particularly in the world of vampires, has long fascinated writers and readers alike. This article explores the various ways in which Christian symbols, such as the cross, interact with vampires in fiction, from the early folklore to contemporary fantasy. We'll delve into the nuances of how the faith of the symbol's wielder, the vampire's own spiritual background, and the evolving nature of vampire fiction itself shape these interactions.

Folklore and Early Assumptions

Early vampire fiction, rooted in folklore, often assumed that the power of Christianity was an unassailable deterrent. The belief was that a cross, as a symbol of Jesus Christ, would cause aversion in vampires due to their former Christian existence. This is a common motif in early vampire stories, such as the famous novel I Am Legend, where Charlaine Harris depicts a scenario where a Christian symbol causes aversion in a vampire due to its association with shame.

The Cultural Shift in Fiction

As society and literature evolved, so did the portrayal of vampire interactions with Christian symbols. The Marvel Comics universe, for example, introduced a concept where a Christian symbol like a cross only works when wielded by a sincere Christian believer. This narrative acknowledges the power of faith and belief, suggesting that a symbol's effectiveness depends on the unwavering faith of the person who wields it. Similarly, the Jewish symbol, such as the Star of David, can function as a deterrent for vampires who were once Jewish. This interplay between faith and symbol is a recurring theme in modern vampire fiction.

Faith of the Wielder: The Key to Effectiveness

One fascinating aspect of contemporary vampire fiction is the emphasis on the faith of the person wielding a Christian symbol. In From Dusk Till Dawn, for instance, the effectiveness of a cross is contingent upon the wielder's true belief. The story explores the idea that a deeply skeptical or struggling priest might find themselves powerless against a vampire, highlighting the importance of faith in the battle against the undead.

The Metaphor of Epileptic Glitches

In a unique twist to the traditional narrative, Peter Watts' Blink (referred to as Blindsight) introduces a new dimension to Christian symbols. The vampires in this story suffer from a brain glitch where right angles, inherently unnatural to them, trigger seizures. This inversion of the traditional symbol’s power challenges the conventional view and offers a fresh perspective. It's a concept reminiscent of Japanese folklore where counting grains of spilled rice can distract or even repel vampires. In Watts' story, the presence of right angles in a cross can cause epilepsy in vampires, shifting the dynamics of the confrontation.

The Post-Anne Rice Era: Revisiting Superstition

With the rise of post-Anne Rice vampire fiction, the traditional superstitions about crosses and other religious symbols are often questioned. In What We Do In The Shadows, the main characters frequently lampshade the silliness of vampire lore, while still acknowledging its fictitious but intriguing aspects. The film and series often poke fun at the absurdities of vampire lore, including the ineffectiveness of crosses, while still maintaining a semblance of the fantastical.

Conclusion

The power of Christian symbols as a deterrent to vampires in fiction is far from a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether it's the wielder's faith, the vampire's own beliefs, or the specific lore of the story, the effectiveness of these symbols varies widely. As literature continues to evolve, the portrayal of vampire interactions with Christian symbols will undoubtedly continue to be a rich and nuanced topic, reflecting the dynamic relationship between faith and the supernatural.