Hungarian Vampires

Hungary
In Hungary, the belief in vampires has existed since the Middle Ages, and bloodthirsty creatures are mentioned all over the Inquisition's notes. In the 12th century, Hungarian inquisitors interrogated a pagan shaman during a trial in the city of Sárospatak, who claimed the existence of a demon, which was called "izcacus" (which means blood drinker). That demon was described as a wild entity that could eventually be called to destroy the enemies of the pagans. The Hungarian experts estimate that this word's origin dates back to the period before the Hungarians' arrival in Europe in 895. The word has its roots in the ancient Turkish language, with which the Hungarians made contact during the late 8th century in the regions between Asia and Europe.