The Origin of Dracula in Transylvania

In the 15th century, the Romanian prince Vlad Țepeș, ruthlessly fought the Turkish Ottomans. Much later, he became better known as the inspiration for Dracula. Vlad had two nicknames: “Vlad the Impaler” and “Dracula” — that means “son of the devil.” Vlad the Impaler was brutal in his defense of his homeland. While he didn’t drink anyone’s blood, he was sadistic, famously impaling his victims. The popular Dracula myth came much later. Dracula, in the myth, is a fictitious vampire created centuries later by the Victorian novelist Bram Stoker. He wrote his famous novel, Dracula, after being inspired by the tales of this bloodthirsty prince and other local legends. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe. *Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:* • “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show • “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio • European tours: https://www.ricksteves.com/tours • Guidebooks: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks • Travel gear: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/ • Travel classes: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks • Rick Steves Audio Europe app: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.