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Essay Abstract In today’s society, vampires remain important “mythic figures.” Portrayed in novels, films, comic books, and short stories, vampires remain popular and a sought after commodity that is in high demand among fans of all ages, races, and genders. Bram Stoker’s Van Helsing has inspired many writers to reimagine vampire hunters; one such example is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy herself represents a Christ-like figure in several instances throughout the series. Just as wine during mass can be turned into Jesus’s blood, Buffy’s blood was used to create Dawn. Her first act of self-sacrifice occurs in the season one finale, Prophecy Girl, in which she temporarily dies from drowning and again in season five, The Gift, in which she willingly gives her life to save her sister and also the world.

Additionally, in order to make up for his past sins, Spike fights for his soul (having lost it when he became a vampire) only to realize he needs to pay penance for his actions, prompting him to drape his body on a large cross, burning his flesh. Throughout the seventh season, Spike tries to atone for his sinful actions. Buffy’s selfless and thoughtful actions inspire the other characters to act nobly on numerous occasions. In the seventh season finale, Chosen, Spike sacrifices himself in order to save the world, just as Buffy had done on two previous occasions.

Through the use of dialogue, mise-en-scène such as costuming and set design, and characterization, Buffy the Vampire Slayer incorporated religious elements within the program.

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Summer Summers

Self-Sacrifice

Buffy’s first act of self-sacrifice occurs in the season one finale, Prophecy Girl, in which she temporarily dies from drowning and again in season five, The Gift, in which she willingly gives her life to save her sister and also the world. In both instances, Buffy was resurrected and returned to earth in order to further help the human race to live better and safer lives.

- “Blood flows and the gates will open, the gates will close when it flows no more.”

- “Death is your gift.”

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER The Vampire Phenomenon

Buffy Summers Becomes Symbolic to Prevent Vampire Mayhem

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Sacrifices by Other Characters

Additionally, in order to make up for his past sins, Spike fights for his soul (having lost it when he died and became a vampire) only to realize he needs to pay penance for his actions. When Spike is accepting his death at the end of show, he said, “I want to see how it ends.” He says it in a calm tone, understanding the sacrifice he is about to make.

Both characters died (more than once), yet they are resurrected. Their deaths may give people a hope for everlasting life in a religious self or undermine people’s understanding of death, which is a permanent state outside of the film industry. After Buffy is revived, she herself, her friends, and family make reference to it in a fun fashion, “Hey, I died twice,” poking fun at it. Other times, it is a subject that is painful and stressful. Death on Buffy the Vampire Slayer can be both humorous and heartfelt.

Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer became a cult classic in 1997 when it aired on the WB. Although the show ended in 2003, it is still widely viewed and referenced in 2014. The actors and producers still grace comic cons and fantasy conferences today. The show’s creator, Joss Whedon, is known for creating strong female leads and fostering a sense of female empowerment. Whedon has an extremely impressive resume ranging from writer, director, executive producer, and producer. After watching years of horror movies, in which the stereotypical blonde girl was killed first, the show’s creator, Joss Whedon, wanted to create an empowering female icon. Buffy was strong, independent, and able to literally save the world. Due to men having difficulty with female empowerment, in most cases,

Her holiness inspired other characters on the show to act selflessly and embrace their own martyrdom, particularly Spike. Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s use of dialogue, biblical passages, mise-en-scéne, and characterization created parallels between the Catholic religion and the program.