vrykolakas

Vrykolakas is a term from Greek folklore used to describe a type of undead revenant commonly associated with vampire legends in Greece and the wider Balkans. In traditional tales, the vrykolakas is the corpse of a deceased person that rises to threaten the living, often feeding on them or causing misfortune. Descriptions of the creature vary: some accounts portray a decaying corpse with unnatural strength, while others describe a living-appearing being wrapped in rot and filth.

Etymology and origins of the word are uncertain. The modern Greek form βρυκόλακας (vrykolakas) is widely used for both vampires and revenants, but scholars disagree on its exact linguistic roots. Some link the term to concepts tied to decay or worms in corpses, while others view it as part of a broader Balkan vampire tradition that migrated into Greek folklore.

Causes and behavior in folklore differ by locality, but common themes recur. A vrykolakas is often said to rise due to improper burial, sins in life, or death from plague or violent means. It may torment the living, spread illness, or drain blood. To prevent or banish a vrykolakas, communities have practiced exhumation and reburial, staking or decapitation, burning the body, and the use of protective measures such as holy water, crosses, garlic, or blessed objects. Proper burial rites and timely religious rites are frequently cited as safeguards.

In cultural context, the vrykolakas is a foundational figure in Greek vampire folklore and related Balkan traditions. It has influenced later literary depictions of vampires in Greece and contributed to broader discussions of revenant lore within Southeastern Europe.