Are there any Mexican legends about vampires?

Finnish folklore/myths/legends about vampires and werewolves?

• One of my characters, Sylvan, was born in 1814 Finland. He grew up in a small town now known as Perkano, where he was turned into a vampire at the age of 42. In order for this to work, I need some books, sites, etc. about Finnish folklore, history, mythology and legends to form a basis for Sylvan's backstory and memories before I go to Finland next summer. I plan to alter his backstory if need be, so can somebody please recommend some books I could use for the time being? Thank you, G x

• Answer:

  Finnish mythology and folklore does not include werewolves, vampires, or anything of that sort. Surprisingly, the mythology and folklore of Finland is rather shamanistic. Most of their myths include birds and more indigenous animals (wolves can be found there but aren't too common in comparison to other parts of the world). Finnish mythology does include trickster spirits and banshees, however, that's as good as it'll get. Sweden and Denmark share similar myths to Finland (for the very few they have) and include some references of werewolves. These two places had difficult mythology to begin with and much of it has been melted in with Nordic and Anglo-Saxon mythology. However, you're in luck - there are references of werewolves in Norway though the majority of their myths are...well, Norse. In Norway it is believed the trolls who lived in the mountains could place curses upon people causing them to become werewolves and bear-men (there is also the occasional reference of shape-shifters.) To word away the trolls people would cross themselves or pray. Now for Sweden........... Varulv was what the Swedish called werewolves. They had a fair variety of werewolf myths and here's a good link to help you learn more (I think there may be a myth or two in there): http://www.werewolves.com/werewolf-lore-the-varulv/ And a link for Denmark: http://www.havaris.ca/1/werewolf/Werewolves-Denmark.htm