If vampires can't see their own reflection, then how are they always so well-groomed in every piece of vampire fiction? (beehaw.org)

submitted 1 year ago by theangriestbird@beehaw.org to c/askbeehaw@beehaw.org

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[-] liv@beehaw.org 22 points 1 year ago

I have several hypotheses:

the same force that stops them decaying also stops their hair from ever getting mussed up, falling out, or growing longer
only we can't see their reflection, they themselves can see it
vampires are essentially a representation of a parasitical upper class and as such they look like idealised wealthy aristocrats

[-] elfpie@beehaw.org 7 points 1 year ago

Loved the second hypothesis. I feel a lot of potential there.

[-] binomialchicken 2 points 1 year ago

I was rooting for #2 but sadly I am convinced it's #3

[-] BastingChemina@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 year ago

4th hypothesis: Vampires are actually people infected with rabies.

People with rabies avoid mirrors or it causes a strong reaction to them. It was even used as a diagnosis tool, if a person can watch herself in a mirror this person does not have rabies.

Other similarities between vampires and rabies:

Biting, the infected wants to bite other people and the bite can turn the other person into a vampire/rabies infected. People with rabies can also end up with bloody saliva that drips from their mouth.
Vampires can transform into bats/dogs/wolves according to the culture. These animals are all a vector of rabies. Also infected animals and infected people behave similarly.
Garlic and Sun, people infected rabies get hypersensitivity to strong light or smells.
Hydrophobic, the infected are becoming completely hydrophobic, they can't drink or get close to water.
Night activity due to insomnia
hypersexuality .....

[-] CeruleanRuin@lemmings.world 3 points 1 year ago

I didn't know the thing about mirrors and rabies. That's fascinating.

[-] BastingChemina@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Me neither, I discovered that while I was digging in the rabbit hole for my previous comment.

What I find fascinating with this theory is that it would means that vampires actually "existed" for real. People had tangible proofs that someone was a vampire.

With the help modern medicine we now know what is the cause of rabies, however without modern medicine knowledge "Vampire" could be a very viable diagnosis.

[-] liv@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

I'm absolutely convinced!!!

[-] raccoona_nongrata@beehaw.org 4 points 1 year ago

Another hypothesis; old mirrors used silver. So it could be argued a vampire might be able to see their reflection in other things that aren't silver.