Who Counted the Corpses

Vlad III Dracula: Monster or Hero?

Vlad III Dracula, famously known as Vlad the Impaler, was a 15th-century ruler of the Romanian principality of Wallachia and remains one of history's most controversial figures. In the West, he is often portrayed as a ruthless, mass-murdering psychopath. This perception was cemented by Bram Stoker, whose 19th-century novel Dracula drew inspiration from Vlad’s reputation to create the fictional vampire Count Dracula.

However, in Romania and parts of Eastern Europe, Vlad the Impaler is celebrated as a brilliant military strategist who bravely defended his land against the Ottoman Turks, earning him the status of a national hero among 19th-century Romanian nationalists. This stark contrast raises the question: was Vlad Dracula a madman, or a Machiavellian prince whose brutal acts were politically motivated?

This book delves into the origins of these opposing views and traces how they have been shaped and reshaped from the 15th century to the present day. By examining diverse accounts from Romanian, Turkish, German, Russian, British, French, and American sources, it reveals the political and propagandistic biases that have colored historical narratives. Additionally, it addresses whether Vlad truly served as an inspiration for Stoker's iconic vampire. Ultimately, it uncovers the complexities and uncertainties that shape our understanding of history.