The Return Of The Bulgarian Vampire Pirate
Decades of Gothic literature and Hollywood horror have established Transylvania as the homeland of the undead. But the nearby nation of Bulgaria has recently been making moves to steal the crown as Eastern Europe’s vampire capital. Heading the effort is Professor Bozhidar Dimitrov, head of the Bulgarian National History Museum in Sofia, who claims that over 100 vampire burials have been discovered in the country, many of them dating back to the Middle Ages. “The curious thing is that there are no women among them,” observes the Professor. “They were not afraid of witches,” adding that most of the suspect cadavers were either nobles or clergyman.
One such discovery from summer of last year, made in the Black Sea port of Sozopol, has been causing particular excitement. The corpse in question dates from some 700 years ago, and – in common with other ‘vampire’ burials – had been stabbed repeatedly in the chest and abdomen with a shard of iron. Dimitrov believes the Sozopol vampire may be a notable medieval noble and pirate nicknamed Krivich (the crooked) because of his hunchback, who made up for his handicap with a keen intellect. It’s said that Krivich’s extensive knowledge of astronomy and herbalism may have encouraged his enemies to brand him a sorcerer, which might explain why locals felt the need to stake him in his grave.
Whatever the corpse’s true identity, in the latest development, the skeleton is now being returned from Sofia to take up residence in his hometown’s recently renovated museum. “They are pretty disappointed in Sozopol that [the vampire] is not with them,” said Dimitrov. “He’s been lying about long enough, it is time he goes and makes some money at the seaside,” joked the Professor, aware that ‘vampire tourism’ can be quite lucrative. Might we suggest that those vamp enthusiasts who can’t quite stretch to a ticket to Bulgaria to check out the Sozopol vampire, might still indulge themselves with some of Alchemy’s extensive selection of bloodsucker accessories? How about a design from our popular Romantique Vampiria range, featuring not just a Vamp Ring and Vamp Bangle, but also Vampretta Ear Studs and even a Bitten Choker… All available to order through our approved dealers at www.alchemyengland.com/buy
The Alchemy Editorial Team
www.AlchemyEngland.com