In thousands of movies, books and TV shows, vampires have to be invited inside of the house in order to attack the inhabitants. My question is why do they have to be invited inside, is there an actual reason or is this going on ancient folklore? Is there an explanation?
asked Aug 19, 2014 at 3:49
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Although one answer attempts to speak to multiple fictional continua, you need to quantify in what fictional universe you are asking -- not all vampires need invited in; it depends on the author. I think what you may be trying to ask is more along the lines of "What is the origin of the tradition (seen in multiple fictional settings) that Vampires must be invited in to enter a dwelling?" -- That being said, that question has already been asked.– K-H-WCommented Aug 19, 2014 at 5:51
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And answered by people who are fluent in Latin?– MazuraCommented Aug 19, 2014 at 6:23
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My bet: A plot device to give the villagers some safe ground. Given that the vampires are usually depicted as strong, fast, clever, with hypnotic-like powers, you need some rules (garlic, need of invitation) to provide some leveling ground to humans. Otherwise, every vampire nest would lie in the middle of a growing "dead zone" where all of the habitants would be already dead or vampires.– SJuan76Commented Aug 19, 2014 at 6:50
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I think that people are trying to give you too literal of an answer where there isn't one. Vampires in general and most of their characteristics are largely symbolic. I'd say that the recurring idea that they have to be invited in represents concepts like (a) human beings invite the evil into their lives which threatens them and/or (b) God and/or the powers of good try to protect human beings from evil.– Hack-RCommented Feb 20, 2016 at 15:53
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1 Answer
Where did the idea of vampire invitation first originate?
It depends on what vampire literature you're reading.
Much literature decides to use this trope, but some do not. The reasons vary though.
Going back in various mythologies is the idea that supernatural beings — such as vampires, ghosts, demons, witches, what have you — cannot enter into a home unless invited to do so. Often such beings will try to gain entrance by tricking a person into believing they are someone else.
Invitation is a weakness of vampires and hybrids, including Original vampires/hybrids. In order to enter any house owned by humans, witches, werewolves, or doppelgängers, vampires or hybrids must be invited by the owners of the home. Once invited, the vampire cannot be uninvited unless the ownership of the house changes.
In The Vampire Diaries, vampires were not created by the planet compared to the other species. As a defense, nature attacks the vampires with sunlight, wood, vervain, and other elements (for example, water weakens vampires in the books). With the purpose to defend against the undead, the living kept the vampires away by banning them entry into their homes. Literally, it's like saying: I invite my own death to my home.
How was Rebekah able to enter the Salvatore home
Entry to homes: Vampires cannot enter private human homes unless they are invited in by the owner of the house. Vampires do not need to be invited into public places (such as bars or restaurants). Humans can rescind their invitations from vampires, which causes the vampire to immediately leave the house. Vampires can get around this by glamouring a person into inviting them in. Ancient vampires might not be subjected to this weakness, suggested by Bill who drank Lillith's whole remaining blood and Warlow that has never been invited to Sookie's house.The death of the human owner of a residence allows any vampire to enter even without an invitation.
The mythology
Some traditions also hold that a vampire cannot enter a house unless invited by the owner, although after the first invitation they can come and go as they please.[38] Though folkloric vampires were believed to be more active at night, they were not generally considered vulnerable to sunlight
The reasons being (from the sources):
- Magic
- Protection for humans (that was contingent on their creation)
- It is sometimes not just for vampires, but for other supernatural creatures as well.
Then there are these other SFF.SE questions.
Could the Enterprise beam a vampire into a house she didn’t have permission to enter? [closed]
If a vampire would stand inside a house when it was built would he be albe to leave? [closed]
Is there any down side to being a vampire in modern fiction? [closed]
