John Polidori's "The Vampyre" is a short story published in 1819, often credited as one of the first works of modern vampire fiction. It features the character Lord Ruthven, a charismatic and mysterious vampire who preys on the living. The story explores themes of seduction, morality, and the supernatural, reflecting the anxieties of the Romantic era. The tale was inspired by a night spent with Lord Byron and other writers, where they challenged each other to create ghost stories. Polidori's work laid the groundwork for future vampire literature, influencing later authors like Bram Stoker and shaping the genre's conventions.