Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry

Name: Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry
Author: Sir Richard Francis Burton

By Sir Richard Francis Burton

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Short Stories

About This Book

The collection frames a series of folk tales through the encounter between a daring king and a corpse inhabited by a malicious spirit; tasked with conveying the body, the king listens as the spirit tells twenty-five linked stories that range from macabre and comic to didactic. Each tale sets a moral puzzle or paradox that tests the listener's judgment and courage, and recurring motifs include transformations, trickery, divine intervention, and examinations of duty, truth, and justice. The arrangement alternates narrative entertainment with ethical dilemma, producing a tapestry of supernatural adventure and traditional moral instruction.

About the Author

Sir Richard Francis Burton

Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) was a British explorer, geographer, and linguist known for his adventurous spirit and extensive travels. He is particularly recognized for his explorations in Africa and the Middle East, including his notable work, "Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah," which details his journey to the holy cities of Islam. Burton was also an accomplished translator and contributed significantly to the understanding of various cultures through his writings, such as "The Book of the Sword" and "The Jew, The Gypsy and El Islam." His diverse interests and expertise in languages made him a prominent figure in the 19th-century exploration narrative.