Which type of vampire was primarily referenced in folklore and myth?

The primary type of vampire referenced in folklore and myth is indeed the mythological beings that consume the living. This concept is rooted in various cultural narratives that depict vampires as entities that sustain themselves by feeding on the blood or life force of the living, which is essential to their existence. Such depictions commonly highlight the vampire's parasitic nature, creating a stark contrast between the undead and the living, ultimately addressing themes of mortality, fear, and the unknown.

In various traditions worldwide, these vampires often embody the anxieties of death, disease, and the afterlife, reinforcing cultural fears surrounding the loss of life and autonomy. They are frequently characterized by their alluring yet predatory behavior, which further mystifies their connection to both life and death. This duality has contributed significantly to the enduring popularity of vampire tales throughout history and into contemporary media.

The other options reflect different aspects of supernatural folklore but do not encapsulate the core essence of the vampire myth as it is typically described in folklore. For instance, zombie-like beings and spirits of the deceased primarily align with different mythological frameworks and focus on other themes, such as mindlessness or revenge, rather than the predation and consumption associated with traditional vampire legends. Monsters that feed on fear evoke a different interpretation