As
discussed briefly before, most vampire weaknesses (at least for Western
vampires) are associated with Christianity. Those that aren’t are largely fatal
to, well, just about anything. Fire, for instance, is quite universal in its
ability to destroy humans and vampires alike. The same holds true with
decapitation. Stakes, interestingly enough, are not destructive to vampires
(more on this later), but are quite deadly to human beings.
In addition
to the supernatural weaknesses, there are also apotropaics, which cause no
harm, but ward vampires away or limit them in some fashion. So the breakdown
goes as follows
- Weaknesses (causes harm): sunlight, holy water, cross/crucifix, wooden stake
- Apotropaic (wards away): garlic, threshold, running water, mirrors
Each of these will receive a
treatment, exploring the history and why behind them.