Interesting post - I wonder to what extent vampire bats might have played in the myth as I believe they are the only mammals that feed on blood. Although being indigenous to the Americas they may not have been well known to Europeans.
Thanks for your comment Clarisse. From what I found it appears that the bats were indeed named after the supernatural beings, which is pretty interesting. It sort of solves the "chicken or the egg" issue.
However, it does raise questions as to whether the discovery of vampire bats may have also found their way into the mythos as well. I didn't find any explanation for bats anyways, and so I wonder if the idea of bats eating insects and sucking blood being discovered in the Americas may have worked their way into the folklore and up sprouts the bats.
Interesting post - I wonder to what extent vampire bats might have played in the myth as I believe they are the only mammals that feed on blood. Although being indigenous to the Americas they may not have been well known to Europeans.
Thanks for your comment Clarisse. From what I found it appears that the bats were indeed named after the supernatural beings, which is pretty interesting. It sort of solves the "chicken or the egg" issue.
However, it does raise questions as to whether the discovery of vampire bats may have also found their way into the mythos as well. I didn't find any explanation for bats anyways, and so I wonder if the idea of bats eating insects and sucking blood being discovered in the Americas may have worked their way into the folklore and up sprouts the bats.