What common trait do many vampire legends share across cultures?

Many vampire legends across various cultures exhibit a common trait of being connected to witchcraft. This connection often highlights the cultural beliefs about the supernatural and the fear of those who wield magical powers. Vampires in folklore are frequently portrayed as beings who can manipulate life and death, which resonates with the concept of witchcraft in many traditions. In numerous narratives, witches or sorcerers are believed to either summon or transform into vampires, showcasing the intertwined nature of these legends.

This intricate relationship between vampires and witchcraft underscores cultural anxieties surrounding magic and the unknown, illustrating how communities have historically responded to death, illness, and the fear of the unnatural. While other traits like transformation ability can be specific to certain legends, the commonality of witchcraft as a theme reinforces the broader anthropological context of how societies interpret the phenomena surrounding the undead.