From Folklore to Literature: Utilising Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a Teaching Resource for Romanian Cultural Education
From Folklore to Literature: Utilising Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a Teaching Resource for Romanian Cultural Education

Summary/Abstract: Stoker's „Dracula” is not merely a tale of horror but a intricate interweaving ofhistorical fact and Romanian folklore. The strigoi and nosferatu, while possiblyperceived as mere relics of bygone superstitions, are integral facets of Romaniancultural identity. Their tales, replete with the wisdom and anxieties of a civilization,invite us to engage deeply with the narratives that have shaped and continue toinfluence a nation's collective psyche. It is this intricate dance between the real andthe imagined, the living and the undead, that renders the study of Stoker’s Draculaand its Romanian origins a compelling academic endeavor. For educators, the mythsof the strigoi and nosferatu, when juxtaposed against Stoker’s Dracula, offer atreasure trove of opportunities. They unveil a society's deep-seated beliefs, fears, andaspirations. Analyzing these tales provides insights into Romania's cultural,religious, and social mores, making them invaluable tools for cultural education. Bydeconstructing the origins and evolutions of these myths, students can be introducedto broader themes of life, death, societal values, and the interplay of indigenous andexternal religious influences.

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