Lord Ruthven (vampire)

Lord Ruthven is a fictional character created by John William Polidori in his 1819 short story "The Vampyre." He is widely considered to be one of the earliest literary depictions of the modern vampire, moving away from the folkloric and grotesque interpretations that preceded him. Ruthven is characterized as an aristocratic, mysterious, and predatory figure, embodying a romanticized and dangerous allure.

Origin and Publication:

"The Vampyre" was initially published anonymously in The New Monthly Magazine in April 1819 and attributed to Lord Byron due to Polidori's association with the famous poet. This misattribution contributed to the story's immediate success and helped solidify Ruthven's place in literary history. While inspired by Byron's personality and behavior, Ruthven is ultimately Polidori's creation.

Character Traits and Significance:

Lord Ruthven is depicted as a charismatic and enigmatic nobleman who seduces and destroys those around him. He is wealthy, cultured, and possesses an irresistible charm, but beneath the surface lies a malevolent and parasitic nature. Ruthven's vampirism is not explicitly stated in the story through the traditional folkloric methods of biting or blood-drinking, but rather implied through his ability to drain the life and vitality from his victims. His resurrection after being seemingly killed during a journey cemented the vampire's ability to return from death, a trope that would become standard in later vampire fiction.

The significance of Lord Ruthven lies in his departure from previous vampire depictions. He is not a peasant or a monster, but a sophisticated aristocrat who blends seamlessly into high society. This made the vampire a more plausible and relatable threat, paving the way for future literary vampires such as Bram Stoker's Dracula. Ruthven established the archetype of the elegant, aristocratic vampire, whose allure and power made him both captivating and terrifying.

Influence and Legacy:

Lord Ruthven's influence can be seen in countless subsequent vampire stories, plays, and films. He is a key figure in the development of the vampire mythos, and his characteristics have been adopted and adapted by numerous authors and filmmakers. He is a direct ancestor to many vampire characters found in modern media. Though not as widely known as Dracula, Lord Ruthven's foundational role in shaping the modern vampire archetype cannot be overstated.

See Also:

• Vampire
• John William Polidori
• "The Vampyre"
• Dracula