"As predators, we have a glut of weapons in our physical arsenal… much, much more than really necessary. The strength, the speed, the acute senses, not to mention those of us like Edward, Jasper and I who have extra senses as well. And then, like a carnivorous flower, we are physically attractive to our prey…We’re also venomous."(TW20)

Strength, speed and appearance have been discussed elsewhere in the lexicon, but there are other traits that the vampires have to entice their victim. The most obvious of these is smell; even Edward’s breath lures Bella to him. "Sweet, delicious, the scent made my mouth water." (TW13) It literally pulls his victim towards him, so that they are entirely vulnerable to attack. As Edward states in TW13, it’s hardly necessary as he’s so strong and fast that a chosen victim couldn’t escape anyway. In that sense, he’s "the world’s best predator," (TW13) and he knows it.

The additional "weapons" that Alice, Edward and Jasper have are clearly outlined during "Twilight". Edward has the ability to hear thoughts, regardless of whether they are human or vampire, with just "one exception" (TW8) – Bella Swan.  Alice’s gift is to be able to see future events, although these are subject to change as the people involved make their decisions (TW14). Jasper can alter the mood around him, which is something that Bella notices the first time she meets him: "A feeling of ease spread through me," (TW15) even though she was understandably nervous about meeting the Cullen family.

The most stereotypical weapon that a vampire has is their teeth. Meyer’s vampires are somewhat different to the vampires of legend in this regard as her "vampires do not have fangs" (PC1). Instead, their teeth are razor-sharp, and combined with their strength, it makes it very simple for them to rip their way through flesh to drink blood. The "human neck is like butter," she explains. "This isn’t the neat-and-tidy, two-small-holes-in-the-neck kind of vampire attack that you see in other vampire mythologies." (PC1) This leads us onto the fact that the vampires are venomous. Edward does pull away from Bella when he kisses her: "he’s just worried about her safety. Yes, the venom does pose a danger to her. It’s not like acid … it has to be in the bloodstream to cause any problems, it won’t hurt her skin. However, say she had a sore in her mouth, or that she’d bitten her tongue". Even if that wasn’t the case, Edward’s teeth are sharp as razors. She could cut her lips or tongue on them easily." (PC5) Venom is the thing that causes someone to turn into a vampire, and this is dealt with fully in a later section of the lexicon.

Hello everyone!

I’ve been thrilled by all the interest in being a chapter leader for the site, as well as all the requests for a message board.  I just wanted to bring everyone up to speed on where we are in the process. 

First off, I’ve had a few people send me e-mails simply asking for the position of chapter leader.  Sorry folks, but I can’t make a decision without seeing a sample of your work.  Fill out the discussion questions and send me a copy in a word document so I have something to compare when making a final decision.  We will be choosing our leader (or leaders) sometime late next week.  There is still time to apply should you be interested in the job.

The message board is very nearly up and running.  We would have had it open this weekend had I not had a medical emergency in my family.  My little daughter has been sick and we had to take her to the hospital where she was put on an IV and held over night for observation.  She is home now and doing well, but mommy and daddy (who is doing the coding) are pretty tired.  We will get to it as soon as possible so everyone can have a chance to chat.  It seems to me that once we are able to chat back and forth with each other, this fandom will really take off.

Lastly, I wanted to point out that I added the link to Alice Cullen’s bio.  Somehow her name didn’t get listed in the character bios.  She’s been here, you just couldn’t find her!  So now you can, should you be so inclined to go and read up on her. 

Thanks for all the support!  I’m glad everyone is enjoying the site.  More this week, I promise.  Check back for updates in the vampire mythology section as well as some more correspondence from Stephenie herself. 

Alphie

 

WOW!  I’m a bit stunned to have so much traffic so fast!  This proves that fans are ACHING for more Twilight.  In case you didn’t see, Stephenie announced on her website that the first chapter of New Moon will be printed in the paperback version of Twilight this May or June, so we don’t have long to wait for more Edward and Bella.  Visit her website for more information about  New Moon and upcoming book signings. 

I got an e-mail from Stephenie explaining the strength aspect of the vampires in a bit more detail.  This came from a few unanswered questions we had while trying to write that section of the mythology.  I’ve added Stephenie’s response to the end of PC5 in case you would like to read what she said.  We will make corrections to the strength section in the next few days.

I’ve also added the Denali Sisters to the character bio section.  They are Tayna, Kate, Irina, Carmen, and Eleazar and were mentioned in PC1.  If our author was anxious to get them to us, then I can only imagine they are more important than she is letting on.  In case you are wondering, the Cullens lived in Denali before they moved to Forks.

I’ve also added a few minor snippets to the timeline to include the Denali Sisters as well as Carlisle’s stay in Italy.  I’ve also added the information on that visit to Carlisle’s bio and will soon have the bios for the three vampires he met there posted as well.

I think that’s it for now.  We still haven’t made a decision on our new staff members.  Please check out the "Join the Staff" area for more information.  I’m glad everyone seems to be enjoying the site.  Would anyone be interested in a message board?  I’ve been tempted to set one up here at the lexicon, and in light of recent traffic, I just might do so.  Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Alphie 

Full Name:  Eleazar (PC1)

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: 1600’s – 1700’s (PC1)

Originally from: Spain but currently lives in Denali, Alaska (PC1)

Hair color: Black (BD4)

Eye color: Vampire Gold/Black

Height:

Physical description: Olive tone in his complexion and “so beautiful that it made [Bella’s] stomach hurt” (BD4)

Special talents: Sense the gifts/talents of vampires and humans (BD30)

Family members: Carmen is his companion.  Kate, Tanya, and Irina are also in the coven. (PC1)

Hobbies:

Personal history: Eleazar and Carmen were attracted to the peaceful lifestyle of the Denali sisters and joined them. (PC1) Similar to the Cullen family, the Denali clan is bonded by the desire to live more humanely as “vegetarian” vampires. The Cullens and Denalis consider themselves an extended family. (BD2)

Eleazar is a gentle and compassionate person. He was part of the Volturi out of duty to uphold the law. When he found Carmen, he left the Volturi. They met the Denali sisters and never looked back. (BD30)

With the exception of Irina, the Denali clan comes to Edward and Bella’s wedding. They felt terrible about not helping the Cullens during the fight with the newborn army. In an effort to make up, they would honor the truce with the werewolves. (BD2)

Alice has a vision that the Volturi are coming to destroy the Cullens so Carlisle asks the Denali clan to come. (BD29) When they arrive, Edward explains that his family is in grave danger. When they first see Renesmee, the Denalis initially think that she is an immortal child. Edward explains that she is his and Bella’s daughter, half-vampire and half-human. Carmen is the first to respond and lets Renesmee share her story. Carmen believes their story and encourages Eleazar to see Renesmee’s story. He is also convinced of the truth and encourages Tanya and Kate to take their turn. The Denalis learn that Irina thinks Renesmee is an immortal child and went to the Volturi. They agree to be witnesses and also pledge their lives to help the Cullens and protect Renesmee. (BD30)

Aro sent Eleazar all over the world to find rare talents. Eleazar figures out that the Volturi are coming to destroy and acquire. Edward says that Aro wants Alice and her gift. (BD31)

Eleazar helps teach Bella to fight. (BD32)

Tanya, Kate, and Eleazar join Carlisle, Edward, Emmett, and Rosalie on the front line when they confront the Volturi. (BD35) Eleazar is considered one of the key targets for the Volturi. (BD36)

With the arrival of Alice and other witnesses, the situation is resolved, and the Volturi leave. Carmen and Eleazar embrace after the confrontation with the Volturi is over. (BD38)

The Denali clan is the last to leave. They needed to grieve for their lost sister Irina. Garrett joins them. (BD39)

Portrayed in the films by: Christian Camargo

Prepared by:  Anny

 

Full Name: Carmen (PC1)

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: 1600’s- 1700’s (PC1)

Originally from: Spain, but currently lives in Denali, Alaska (PC1)

Hair color: Black (BD4)

Eye color: Vampire gold/black

Height:

Physical description: Olive tone in her complexion and “so beautiful that it made [Bella’s] stomach hurt” (BD4)

Occupation:

Family members: Kate, Irina, and Tanya.   Eleazar is her companion (PC1)

Nick Names:

Hobbies:

Personal history: Carmen and Eleazar were attracted to the peaceful lifestyle of the Denali sisters and joined them. (PC1) Similar to the Cullen family, the Denali clan is bonded by the desire to live more humanely as “vegetarian” vampires. The Cullens and Denalis consider themselves an extended family. (BD2) Carmen is very compassionate for a vampire. (BD30)

With the exception of Irina, the Denali clan comes to Edward and Bella’s wedding. They felt terrible about not helping the Cullens during the fight with the newborn army. In an effort to make up, they would honor the truce with the werewolves. (BD2)

Alice has a vision that the Volturi are coming to destroy the Cullens so Carlisle asks the Denali clan to come. (BD29) When they arrive, Edward explains that his family is in grave danger. When they first see Renesmee, the Denalis initially think that she is an immortal child. Edward explains that she is his and Bella’s daughter, half-vampire and half-human. Carmen is the first to respond and lets Renesmee share her story. Carmen believes their story and encourages Eleazar to see Renesmee’s story. He is also convinced of the truth and encourages Tanya and Kate to take their turn. The Denalis learn that Irina thinks Renesmee is an immortal child and went to the Volturi. They agree to be witnesses and also pledge their lives to help the Cullens and protect Renesmee. Carmen holds Renesmee and murmurs to her in Spanish. (BD30)

With the arrival of Alice and other witnesses, the situation is resolved, and the Volturi leave. Carmen and Eleazar embrace after the confrontation with the Volturi is over. (BD38)

The Denali clan is the last to leave. They needed to grieve for their lost sister Irina. Garrett joins them. (BD39)

Portrayed in the films by: Mia Maestro

Prepared by: Anny

 

Full Name: Irina (PC1)

Status: Vampire (deceased)

Date of Birth: Around 1000 (PC1)

Originally from: Slovakia, but currently lives in Denali, Alaska (PC1)

Hair color: Pale, almost silver blond that is straight, chin-length with a part down the center (BD27)

Eye color: Vampire gold/black

Height:

Physical description:

Occupation:

Family members: Kate, Tanya, Carmen, and Eleazar  (PC1)

Nick Names:

Hobbies:

Personal history: : Tanya, Kate, and Irina think of themselves as sisters. They are the originals behind the myths of the succubus (PC1 and BD7). Their fondness for human men eventually led them to feel remorse for their victims, and they slowly trained themselves to resist human blood. They still like men though. (PC1)

The Denali sisters were joined by Carmen and Eleazar. The Cullens and Denalis consider themselves an extended family. The Denali sisters were still mourning the loss of their mother/creator [Sasha]. (BD2)

Laurent is intrigued with the “vegetarian” lifestyle and goes to visit the Denali clan. (TW19) He liked Tanya but liked Irina more. (NM10)

Carlisle contacts the Denali clan to help with the newborn army. However, Irina wants revenge against the wolf pack for destroying Laurent. Tanya offers their help in exchange for permission to take out the wolf pack. Carlisle refuses. (EC13)

Irina does not come to Edward and Bella’s wedding since she is still angry with the Cullens over Laurent’s death. (BD2) Alice later sees a possible visit from Irina to reconcile. (BD27)

When Irina does comes to visit, she sees Bella, Renesmee, and Jacob (as a werewolf). Irina is visibly upset then growls at Bella before disappearing into the forest. Bella calls Edward about Irina, and he and Carlisle try to find her. (BD27) Alice is able to see glimpses of Irina wandering and grieving. After a few days, Alice sees that Irina is going to the Volturi. Bella figures out that Irina thinks that Renesmee is an immortal child. She realized that Irina was torn between her friendship with the Cullens and the duty to turn them in based on the law. (BD28)

Irina arrives with the Volturi and is upset to see her sisters Tanya and Kate on the front line. Caius confronts Irina about her claim of an immortal child, but she is confused since Renesmee has grown since she last saw her. Aro confirms Irina’s thoughts. (BD36) Watching her sisters lined up to die, Irina realizes that her accusation was false. She admits her mistake to Caius who questions her on her motivation. Irina admits that she wasn’t happy with the Cullens since they would not let her avenge the death of her friend Laurent. She also tells Aro that she has no complaint with the Cullens or the wolves and that they should go since there is no immortal child. Caius then signals the Volturi guard to destroy Irina for her false accusation. He wanted Irina’s defiance to start the battle. Carlisle is able to convince Kate and Tanya that Irina would not want them to waste their lives on vengeance. (B37)

Portrayed in the films by: Maggie Grace

Prepared by: Anny

 

Full Name: Katrina/Kate (PC1)

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: Around 1000 (PC1)

Originally from: Slovakia but currently lives in Denali, Alaska (PC1)

Hair color: : Long straight pale blond hair (BD4)

Eye color: Vampire gold/black

Height:

Physical description: “So beautiful that it made [Bella’s] stomach hurt” (BD4)

Special talents: Ability to run an electrical current across her skin and shock others (BD31)

Occupation:

Family members: Tanya, Irina, Carmen, and Eleazar (PC1) It is implied that Garrett will become her mate.  (BD39)

Nick Names: Kate (PC1)

Hobbies:

Personal history: Tanya, Kate, and Irina think of themselves as sisters. They are the originals behind the myths of the succubus (PC1 and BD7). Their fondness for human men eventually led them to feel remorse for their victims, and they slowly trained themselves to resist human blood. They still like men though. (PC1)

The Denali sisters were joined by Carmen and Eleazar. The Cullens and Denalis consider themselves an extended family. The Denali sisters were still mourning the loss of their mother/creator [Sasha]. (BD2)

Carlisle contacts the Denali clan to help with the newborn army. However, Irina wants revenge against the wolf pack for destroying Laurent. Tanya offers their help in exchange for permission to take out the wolf pack. Carlisle refuses. (EC13)

With the exception of Irina, the Denali clan comes to Edward and Bella’s wedding. They felt terrible about not helping the Cullens during the fight with the newborn army. In an effort to make up, they would honor the truce with the werewolves. (BD2)

Kate and Tanya had not seen Irina since they came to the wedding. They were upset to hear that Irina had not returned home and missed their sister considerably. (BD28)

Alice has a vision that the Volturi are coming to destroy the Cullens so Carlisle asks the Denali clan to come. (BD29) When they arrive, Edward explains that his family is in grave danger. When they first see Renesmee, the Denalis initially think that she is an immortal child. Edward explains that she is his and Bella’s daughter, half-vampire and half-human. Carmen is the first to respond and lets Renesmee share her story. Carmen believes their story and encourages Eleazar to see Renesmee’s story. He is also convinced of the truth and encourages Tanya and Kate to take their turn. The Denalis learn that Irina thinks Renesmee is an immortal child and went to the Volturi. They agree to be witnesses and also pledge their lives to help the Cullens and protect Renesmee. (BD30)

Bella asks Kate to help her learn how to project her shield. (BD31) Bella tries to shield Edward from Kate’s shocks. Kate believes that Bella needs more incentive and asks Renesmee to help her mother. Bella’s rage helps her project her shield around Renesmee and also Edward. Kate was not able to shock Edward through Bella’s shield. Garrett wants to experience Kate’s gift despite Edward’s warnings. Kate knocks Garrett to the ground. He is very impressed with Kate and her gift. (BD32)

Tanya, Kate, and Eleazar join Carlisle, Edward, Emmett, and Rosalie on the front line. (BD35)

In response to Irina’s death, Tanya and Kate want to attack the Volturi. Carlisle holds on to Tanya. Kate is harder to stop until Garrett holds onto her and doesn’t let go in spite of her shocks. Carlisle is able to convince Tanya and Kate that Irina would not want them to waste their lives on vengeance. Carlisle and Garrett console the sisters. When the battle with the Volturi seems imminent, Garrett declares that he will follow Kate anywhere. (BD37) Kate picks Jane, and others pick targets. Aro invites Kate and other gifted vampires to join the Volturi since it would be a waste to destroy them. They do not respond and prepare to fight. With the arrival of Alice and other witnesses, the situation is resolved, and the Volturi leave. (BD38)

The Denali clan is the last to leave. They needed to grieve for their lost sister Irina. Garrett joins them. (BD39)

Portrayed in the films by: Casey LaBow

Prepared by: Anny

Full Name: Tanya (PC1)

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: Around 100o (PC1)

Originally from:  Slovakia, but currently lives in Denali, Alaska (PC1)

Hair color: Blond curls with strawberry tint (BD4)

Eye color: Vampire gold/black

Height:

Physical description: “So beautiful that it made [Bella’s] stomach hurt” (BD4)

Occupation:

Family members: Kate, Irina, Carmen, and Eleazar (PC1)

Nick Names:

Hobbies:

Personal history: Tanya, Kate, and Irina think of themselves as sisters. They are the originals behind the myths of the succubus (PC1 and BD7). Their fondness for human men eventually led them to feel remorse for their victims, and they slowly trained themselves to resist human blood. They still like men though. (PC1)

The Denali sisters were joined by Carmen and Eleazar. The Cullens and Denalis consider themselves an extended family. The Denali sisters were still mourning the loss of their mother/creator [Sasha]. (BD2)

Tanya was interested in Edward long before Bella was born. However, Edward did not feel the same and turned her down in a “very courteous, gentlemanly fashion.” (EC8 and BD2)

Carlisle contacts the Denali clan to help with the newborn army. However, Irina wants revenge against the wolf pack for destroying Laurent. Tanya offers their help in exchange for permission to take out the wolf pack. Carlisle refuses. (EC13)

With the exception of Irina, the Denali clan comes to Edward and Bella’s wedding. They felt terrible about not helping the Cullens during the fight with the newborn army. In an effort to make up, they would honor the truce with the werewolves. (BD2)

Kate and Tanya had not seen Irina since they came to the wedding. They were upset to hear that Irina had not returned home and missed their sister considerably. (BD28)

Alice has a vision that the Volturi are coming to destroy the Cullens so Carlisle asks the Denali clan to come. (BD29) When they arrive, Edward explains that his family is in grave danger. When they first see Renesmee, the Denalis initially think that she is an immortal child. Edward explains that she is his and Bella’s daughter, half-vampire and half-human. Carmen is the first to respond and lets Renesmee share her story. Carmen believes their story and encourages Eleazar to see Renesmee’s story. He is also convinced of the truth and encourages Tanya and Kate to take their turn. The Denalis learn that Irina thinks Renesmee is an immortal child and went to the Volturi. They agree to be witnesses and also pledge their lives to help the Cullens and protect Renesmee. (BD30)

Tanya helps teach Bella to fight. (BD32) She declares that their family will stand by the Cullens and fight if needed. (BD34)

Tanya, Kate, and Eleazar join Carlisle, Edward, Emmett, and Rosalie on the front line when they confront the Volturi. (BD35) Tanya is considered one of the key targets for the Volturi. (BD36)

In response to Irina’s death, Tanya and Kate want to attack the Volturi. Carlisle holds on to Tanya and Garrett holds onto Kate.  Carlisle is able to convince Tanya and Kate that Irina would not want them to waste their lives on vengeance. Carlisle and Garrett console the sisters.  (BD37)  When the battle with the Volturi seems imminent, Tanya picks Caius, and others pick targets, and they prepare to fight. With the arrival of Alice and other witnesses, the situation is resolved, and the Volturi leave. (BD38)

The Denali clan is the last to leave. They needed to grieve for their lost sister Irina. Garrett joins them. (BD39)

Portrayed in the films by: MyAnna Buring

Prepared by: Anny

 

Well, we’ve been up for almost a day now and we already have an update and a correction.  Our first update comes in the mythology section on strength.  Check it out when you get a chance.

Also, we found out that the e-mail address given for the lexicon wasn’t working.  We have corrected the problem and you can now send us e-mails.  I apologize for any trouble this caused any of you. 

Thank you all for the feedback thus far.  I’m so glad fans are enjoying this as much as we have!  Feel free to use the comments link here on the main page and share your thoughts with us. 

Alphie

The ability to use superhuman strength is one of the characteristics that set vampires apart. Edward’s physical strength is seen in stark contrast to the fragility of human Bella: "You are so soft, so fragile. I have to mind my actions every moment that we’re together so that I don’t hurt you. I could kill you quite easily, Bella, simply by accident… I could reach out, meaning to touch your face, and crush your skull by mistake." (TW14)

 His strength leads to one of the tensions in his relationship with Bella, namely that he can never let down his guard for fear he will either accidentally hurt her, or let his vampiric nature seize the blood he so desires. He can certainly move her effortlessly, as we see when he carries her to the school nurse, "as easily as if I weighed ten pounds instead of a hundred and ten." (TW5) Edward’s strength can be most clearly seen in the incident where he saves Bella from Tyler’s truck. Not only is he not injured himself but he even forces the metal out of the way by the pressure he exerts on it. "I had seen the" very distinct dent that fit the contours of Edward’s shoulders…as if he had braced himself against the car with enough force to damage the metal frame." (TW3)

Yet, Edward’s "iron strength" (TW13) is nothing compared with what it would have been after Carlisle first changed him. Meyer states that: "New vampires are also immensely strong for their first year of life, also a product of the excess of blood left in the body." (PC1) This would imply that a vampire’s strength dips before a feed, and their energy/strength levels are refuelled by hunting. When asked about this, Stephenie Meyer explained that hunting makes a "minimal difference" (PC5) to the physical strength levels of a vampire, as even a thirsty vampire is capable of great feats of physical strength. Stephenie Meyer is clear that vampire strength is very much dependent on the individual. Emmett was colossally strong as a human, and even more so as a vampire, but each individual vampire has their own personal range. However, it’s important to remember that, "skill is going to count more than strength," (PC5) so an experienced vampire could still outwit a newborn one in a fight.

A vampire’s diet does not have a massive impact on the levels of strength. "Human blood does make them stronger than animal blood, but only fractionally. Big game (bears, wildcats, predators) makes them stronger than the "weaker" blood of herd animals." (PC5) Ultimately, physical strength is always going to come down to the individual vampire, rather than secondary factors like their diet. Strength, of course, isn’t always physical. It is impossible for a vampire to die through physical starvation (TW15), but what the lack of blood intake does alter is a vampire’s mental state. After Carlisle realised that he had become a vampire, he tried to destroy himself. "He grew very hungry and very weak. He strayed as far as he could from the human populace, recognising that his willpower was weakening too." (TW15)

 Vampires are less capable of acting with rational thought, and therefore more likely to act through their natural animal instincts when they are thirsty. This explains why Bella is in so much danger when Edward hasn’t been hunting. Edward does show an inner strength in resisting the lure of Bella’s blood. Edward admits that at times he wondered if he was "strong enough" (TW14) to resist his natural urges. Finally, his inner strength comes to the fore as he admits "I couldn’t live with myself if I ever hurt you." (TW13)