A resposta está no Drácula de Bram Stoker. Drácula se transforma em cinzas no final do livro. Muitas regras de vampiros vêm de Stoker. Ele fez uma extensa pesquisa sobre os mitos e lendas dos vampiros antes de escrever seu livro.
But, on the instant, came the sweep and flash of Jonathan's great knife. I shrieked as I saw it shear through the throat. Whilst at the same moment Mr. Morris's bowie knife plunged into the heart.
It was like a miracle, but before our very eyes, and almost in the drawing of a breath, the whole body crumbled into dust and passed from our sight.