What are apotropaic grave goods used for in vampire folklore?

Apotropaic grave goods are specifically intended to ward off evil or prevent a deceased individual from rising as a vampire. In various vampire folklore, it is believed that certain objects have protective properties that can either keep malevolent spirits at bay or barricade the corpse within the grave, thus ensuring that it does not become a source of harm to the living. These items can include things such as stones placed on the body, crosses, or other symbols of protection that are thought to thwart any potential resurgence of the undead.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of apotropaic grave goods. While honoring the deceased and ensuring a safe passage to the afterlife may be important in funeral practices, they do not align with the specific role of apotropaic items in the context of vampire beliefs. Similarly, providing comfort to the living is not the function of these goods; rather, their main focus is on preventing a terrifying possibility—namely, the horror of a loved one returning as a vampire.