During plague epidemics in Slavic territories, what was one explanation for the widespread illness?

The widespread belief in vampirism as a source of infection during plague epidemics in Slavic territories can be understood within the cultural context of how communities sought to explain and cope with the devastation caused by such epidemics. In many Slavic cultures, the vampire myth was deeply intertwined with death and disease. When faced with the mysterious and lethal nature of plagues, some communities attributed illness to the actions of the undead, viewing vampires as beings who rose from the grave to spread disease to the living.

This perspective reflects the broader human tendency to personify fear and uncertainty, especially during times of crisis. The idea of vampirism provided a tangible explanation for the chaos and loss wrought by epidemics, as society looked for something or someone to blame for the suffering. Additionally, this belief often led to rituals aimed at preventing vampires from causing further harm, such as exhuming bodies and using specific practices to ensure they could not return to harm the living.

Understanding this belief system provides insight into how cultural narratives evolve in response to health crises and the human need for explanations during inexplicable times.