What is the general definition of a vampire in folklore?

The definition of a vampire in folklore primarily describes it as a being that subsists by feeding on the life essence of living creatures. This concept emphasizes the idea that vampires draw energy or vitality from their victims, which is a fundamental characteristic of vampire mythology across various cultures.

Vampires are often portrayed as entities that require sustenance from living beings to survive, which is why the idea of feeding on blood is prevalent in many vampire stories. This feeding not only affects the physical health of the victim but also ties into deeper themes of life, death, and the sustenance of the undead. Therefore, the focus on 'life essence' highlights the vampire's role as a creature existing in the liminal space between life and death.

In contrast, the other options present different types of supernatural beings or phenomena that do not align with the traditional concept of a vampire. For example, a creature that feeds on flesh aligns more with ghouls or zombies, while a spirit haunting the dead pertains to ghostly manifestations rather than a blood-sucking entity. Shape-shifting entities can be a part of folklore surrounding werewolves or trickster spirits, which again do not capture the essential defining traits of a vampire. Thus, the emphasis on the life essence in the