Vlad Țepeș was a controversial historical figure, ruler of Wallachia across several periods (1448, 1456-1462, 1476). Born in Sighișoara, in the Transylvanian Voivodeship, he was the son of Vlad Dracul. His nickname “Dracula” is significant, as it does not carry the literal meaning of the word. The nickname arose from his father, Vlad Dracul, who was decorated with the Order of the Dragon by the King of Hungary, Sigismund of Luxembourg, in 1431. The Order represented the higher class to which he belonged and referred to the defense of the cross and the destruction of its enemies, depicted as dragons. The emblem of the order was a dragon strangled by its own tail, with a cross on its back. Although in that period, the nickname did not carry negative connotations, starting from the fifth century, people began associating this symbol with connections to the Devil.
Vlad Dracul had two sons: Mircea and Vlad, the latter of whom would later be known as Vlad Țepeș. They were raised in the Citadel of Sighișoara, where they studied and learned the art of wielding weapons. In 1442, an unfavorable situation arose when Vlad Dracul and his two sons were accused of treason by the Sublime Porte, leading to their imprisonment.
This period of hardship proved advantageous for Vlad Țepeș’s development. His experience in the Ottoman Empire allowed him to learn many secrets of these people, from their language and customs to military organization and techniques. In 1448, Vlad Dracul was killed, and his son, Vlad Țepeș, returned home with the title of ruler of Wallachia, a position actually in the interest of and supported by the Ottomans.
Upon his return, Vlad began his reign ambitiously, relying on the idea that he could only succeed by implementing strong central authority. His goal was to suppress social injustices, yet his method relied on an authoritarian regime characterized by terror. Vlad Țepeș became an extremely well-known Romanian historical figure. His nickname “Țepeș” (meaning “the Impaler”) originated in 15th-century Turkish writings referring to him as “kaziklu bey” – “the prince who impales.” The ruler used this method to execute prisoners, convicts sentenced to death, and his enemies.
Irish writer Bram Stoker is renowned for his novel “Dracula.” The story takes place in the 19th century in Transylvania. Jonathan Harker, a young attorney, travels from London to Transylvania to arrange real estate transactions for Count Dracula. Thus, Harker has to stay at the Count’s castle, where, at first, nothing unusual occurs. However, after a short time, Harker witnesses strange things: Dracula’s reflection does not appear in the mirror, the Count is intrigued by the blood on Harker’s chin from shaving, and Dracula has sharp teeth and red lips.
Early in his stay, Harker had been warned to sleep only in the room assigned to him. Yet, at one point, he forgets this detail and, after resting in another room, wakes up to find himself facing three women with similarly unnatural appearances: red lips and sharp teeth. Aware of the danger he is in, Harker eventually escapes and returns safely home.
The Wallachian ruler, Vlad Țepeș, served as inspiration in shaping the character of Count Dracula in Stoker’s novel. Let’s trace the steps taken by Stoker in developing the story’s main character. The writer never visited this part of Europe, yet he had access to 15th-century Saxon records from the “Royal Library” in London, which described Vlad Țepeș as “a vampire who drinks human blood and an enthusiast for cruelty.” Also, in his “History of Moldavia and Wallachia,” Johann Christian Engel wrote about the ruler with phrases such as “bloodthirsty tyrant.”
Additionally, the Irish writer studied European folklore and vampire myths. Yes, Stoker drew inspiration from history, myths, and accounts, yet it is important to note that there is no direct or real relationship between Vlad Dracul and Count Dracula.
The novel’s resounding success solidified, in collective memory, the association of Transylvania with the famous character, Count Dracula. Bran Castle is the only one that matches the description in Stoker’s novel, which is why it is often called “Dracula’s Castle.” Though Stoker never saw the building, he was inspired by a painting that depicted the castle. Located in the Rucăr-Bran Pass at an altitude of 762 meters, the castle is set in an enchanting landscape, surrounded by the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. The castle’s interior is characterized by refinement and elegance.