The Mystery of Who Turned Dracula: The Scholomance and Beyond

Introduction

In the realm of vampire lore, one name stands out among others: Dracula. While Bram Stoker's novel and various adaptations have explored the transformation of Dracula into a vampire, the question of who specifically turned him remains a mystery. This article delves into the original novel and related folklore to explore the theories surrounding Dracula's transformation.

The Original Novel and Hints

Bram Stoker's Dracula

In the original novel 'Bram Stoker's Dracula', no definitive answer is provided regarding who turned Dracula into a vampire. However, the book hints at the possibility, leaving readers with an intriguing mystery.

Chapter 18 of the book presents a description: "The Draculas were say storied Arminius a great and noble race though now and again were scions who were held by their coevals to have bad dealings with the Evil One. They learned his secrets in the Scholomance amongst the mountains over Lake Hermanstadt where the devil claims the tenth scholar as his due." This passage suggests that Dracula learned the secrets of becoming a vampire in the Scholomance.

Speculations and Lore

Based on the hints from the book, one can theorize that Dracula discovered how to become a vampire through the knowledge taught at the Scholomance. This speculation is bolstered by the fact that Stoker later mentions in Chapter 23 that Dracula was a man of great knowledge, including alchemy, which suggests he was capable of discovering such secrets.

Interestingly, the book also hints that Dracula was possibly the 10th scholar who the devil claimed for himself, though the author leaves this up to interpretation. Given the broader context of vampire lore, where historic figures like Vlad Dracula are often portrayed as vampires, it's reasonable to speculate that Dracula discovered the secrets of vampirism through his own means rather than being directly turned by another vampire.

Outside the Book: Romanian Folklore and the Scholomance

The Scholomance: Hidden School of Black Magic

In Romanian folklore, the Scholomance is considered a hidden school of black magic or occult knowledge. The school is said to be located in the mountains over Lake Hermannstadt. Although there is no concrete historical evidence to prove its existence, both in Romania and outside, the legend persists. It is believed that the school is connected to dark magic and the transformation of humans into vampires.

The Scholomance has become a popular theme in fantasy literature, further fueling its fictional status. However, its association with dark magic and transformation adds to the intrigue surrounding Dracula's origin.

The Final Theory: God's Cursed Turn into a Vampire

Interestingly, the movie 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' offers a different perspective on Dracula's transformation. In the film, it is depicted that God cursed Dracula into becoming a vampire. This theory is ironic because by doing so, God seemingly made Dracula more dangerous than he was in life.

Conclusion

The question of who turned Dracula into a vampire remains a fascinating mystery shrouded in myth and folklore. While the original novel provides hints and speculation, the Scholomance and Romanian folklore offer additional layers to the tale. For enthusiasts of vampire lore and horror, the mystery of Dracula's transformation adds to the allure and enduring legacy of this iconic figure.