Possible Origins of the Vampire Legend: An Accidental Exploration of the Human Psyche Throughout history the legend of the vampire has been used to "explain" other natural phenomena that primitive people who lacked scientific knowledge could not otherwise explain. Such medical conditions such as Anemia, Catalepsy, and especially Poryphyria were much easier to explain away with superstition than with rational thought. It is possible that the origin of the multitude of vampire legends could stem from then unexplained medical and psychological phenomena. In cases of catalepsy, a sufferer could be stricken immobile and unable