Dearg-diulai: The Blood Sucker

Dearg-diulai is a vampire that takes the form of a stunning woman to lure men and feed on them by sucking their blood.  This vampire creature is a part of the Irish folktales that usually haunt sad places to look for heartbroken men.  

 

Legends of Dearg-Diulai

 

The legend of Dearg-diulai varies depending on the region.  In Waterford, they believe that the dearg-diulai seduces men and then sucks their blood. Antrim also has a slight variation of the story. Based on the local legend, a Dearg diulai is a name given to a troubled spirit who cannot find peace in the afterlife; she was able to find a beautiful woman and eventually took control of her body. This creature is also famous in Country Kerry as a woman that haunts a particular road.  There is a story about a certain drunken man who encountered this creature. Instead of running, he blessed the Dearg-diulai and prayed for her soul.  The beast was released from her curse and finally found peace.

 

The Story of Abhartach

 

There is also a story about a male Dearg-diulai.   The story is about a town leader that was so cruel to his people.  Abhartach cruelty spread throughout the other land, and Cathan, the chieftain of the next town, decided to slay him.  Cathan successfully got rid of the vile ruler, and Abhartach was buried upright, which is based on the Celtic tradition.  However, not long after his death, he rose from his grave, attacked the villagers, and drank their blood.  Cathan killed him for the second time, but Abhartach returned from the living again. This time Cathan killed him with a sword made out of yew, which was believed to be embedded with magical powers to repel the undead elements.  The villagers decided to bury him upside down. His casket was also covered with mountain ash that possessed the same magical power as the yew.  No more disturbances were recorded after that time.

 

Other Names of Dearg Diulai

 

Dearg diulai is also called Deamhain fhola, Dearg Diliat, Dearg Dul, Deamhan, etc.   The legend of Dearg diulai may be derived from the Celtic warriors who drank their blood.  According to Celtic myths, one does not transform into this creature all of a sudden.  It is said to be a result of the continuous consumption of human meat.