1/ So, Nosferatu (2024) captivated me, so much so, in fact, that I think I love film again. It also pulled me into a deep dive into Orlok’s origins. This isn’t a comparison to Dracula or Vlad the Impaler; it’s about Romanian folklore that could explain Orlok’s existence. Here's what I've deduced:
Comments
"nesuferitul" (the insufferable one)
"nefârtatul" (the enemy, the demon)
From the start, Orlok is linked to something ancient and dark.
Translation:
"He was a sorcerer back in his time, a solomonar."
But "sorcerer" isn’t quite right. A warlock is the better term. And that changes everything.
They are chosen, trained in secret, and feared. Some believed they studied under the devil himself.
And their initiation? They had to avoid sunlight for seven days—essentially turning them into strigoi (vampires).
Born strigoi – cursed from birth
Made strigoi – those who die violently or are improperly buried
Orlok? Almost certainly the latter. And that changes his backstory dramatically.
The unbaptized!
The wicked!
Those who die violently (drowning, hanging, murder)!
Those whose bodies were disturbed!
Orlok tells Ellen she "woke him from his slumber"; did villagers try (and fail) to kill him?