A Vampiric Past: The History Of Vampires By Mike Belmont

Harley Zepeda

Professor Norton-Cooke

ENG 103H-73044

23 June 2023 A Vampiric Past Vampires have been present in human civilization since ancient humans walked the earth. For a long time, the origins of the vampire remained unknown, despite their prevalence throughout human story telling. “The History of Vampires” by Mike Belmont utilizes the rhetorical strategy of logos to inform readers on the vampire's true roots in ancient Greece. The tone of this essay is informative, offering readers an explanation regarding the historical development of vampires. Belmont draws upon historical references and Greek mythology to support his claims. For example, “Specifically, it began with the sun god Apollo (Greek mythology) , who in a fit of rage cursed Ambrogio so that his skin would burn should it ever touch sunlight again”

Speculatory language is avoided, and it is clear from Belmont’s statement that he is well-versed in Greek lore. Furthermore, Belmont’s knowledge of Greek history is also apparent when he describes the practice of using the blood of an animal to write love letters. Despite being educated on this subject, there is also a tone of fascination present in Belmont’s writing when he discusses the veil of mystery that surrounds the origins of the first vampire. The rhetorical strategy implemented in “The History of Vampires” is logos. This is because Belmont uses ancient texts and logic to substantiate his conclusions. For example, “Logically, if there was no vampire to make the first vampire, how was the first vampire made?” (Belmont p. 1). Belmont then presents “The Scriptures of Delphi”, claiming that they hold the answer to this very question. He proceeds to list a very coherent series of events listed in these texts, beginning with a curse from Apollo and ending with a blessing of immortality and superhuman strength from