Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for episodes 1-5 of Vampire Academy. An Academy of vampires The universe has recently expanded with the release of a new Peacock series. In this world, Moroi, Dhampirs, and Strigoi exist in a society parallel to that of humans, based on elemental magic. It is dedicated to two best friends - Rose (Sisi Stringer), dhampir guardian and Lissa (Daniela Nieves), royal moroi. Together, they fight for the safety of others in their dangerous domain, bound by strict laws and customs that seem hell-bent on interfering in their lives. Encountering corrupt leaders, unknown magic and forbidden love, their lives turn into an exciting entertainment.
Previously, the franchise tried to be filmed back in 2014, but the second part of the series was canceled, leaving dust on the lives of Rose Hathaway and Lissa Dragomir. It has a new life now, so whether you’re an old fan of the series or a newbie, we’re here to explain some of the key differences between Moroi, Dhampirs, and Strigoi for those who need clarity.
Moroi
Moroi are born as vampires, endowed with the magic of power over the elements. They rely on “feeders” who apparently donate blood voluntarily, and while the sun doesn’t kill the Moroi, it irritates them, resulting in an inverted schedule when their day starts at sunset. These are living beings that age and die, and as a recent episode showed, they are susceptible to their own set of diseases.
As Moroi mature, they are expected to develop an affinity for fire, water, earth, or air, and must undergo a specialization ceremony or risk extreme consequences. While the series has shown that there is, however, the fifth element - the Spirit - and Lissa and Sonya Karp (Johnetta Kaiser) both secretly own it. Those with the Spirit are shown to be able to coerce others with their “golden threaded tongue”, but it is not yet clear if this gift extends to dhampirs or strigoi. They can also heal and restore life, but for this they are covered in darkness - a heavy price for this. Gift of the Spirit is almost unheard of in possession and is presented as a Moroi with no specialty, thus subject to branding. Moroi mostly use their magic for defense or as a trick at a party, only recently the audience got to see Christian (Andre Dae Kim) uses his gifts to attack strigoi.
The Moroi are separated not only by their gifts, but also by royal status. There are 12 royal families, each of which has an elected member of the council who represents them and all those who are in possession under the authority of the queen or king. Class division permeates every aspect of their world with tension between royalty, royalty and non-royals, and the Moroi race above all others. The flash of Moroi’s eyes is the key that allows some to enter into a life of luxury while others are cast aside to look at them with envy. However, all Moroi rely on the dhampirs to protect them from threat number one: the strigoi.
Dampier
Dhampirs are half-human, half-vampires born to protect the Moroi. This race does not own elemental magic, but has increased strength and feelings, which makes them the strongest defense against strigoi. Unlike Moroi, they can survive without blood and are free to enjoy the sunlight. Dhampirs can only be born from the union of Moroi and Dhampirs, and their numbers have begun to dwindle over the years due to the constant threat from the Strigoi. When it comes to raising children, most Guardians spend very little time with either parent, as they are thrown onto the steps of St. Vladimir’s very young children for instruction. Students are ranked and constantly tested to weed out any weaknesses that might prevent them from defending themselves against strigoi. Tattoos are earned and proudly displayed on the back of the Guardians’ heads, representing their killings and battles.
However, despite being the main force standing between strigoi and their prey, the Moroi consider dhampirs second-class citizens, even if their survival depends on them. The dhampirs are completely at the mercy of the Moroi and their government, and with one wrong move, they lose everything they hold dear. With little control over their life path, dhampirs end up with three choices in life. First, be a Guardian. The second is to be sent to the communes where they are expected to become “breeders” in an attempt to rebuild their dwindling numbers. With more and more Strigoi attacks, the Queen (Pic-Sen Lim) orders his people to “breed” to save his race. The third option is considered the worst of all. Given the derogatory term “blood whore”, these dhampirs allow the Moroi to feed on them, which is considered incredibly humiliating in their world.
Strigoi
Strigoi are the type of vampire you would expect from an old horror classic. They are considered undead, predators, monsters that cannot go out into the sun and must be killed with a silver stake. They are more advanced in terms of basic senses, with improved night vision and the ability to spread their jaws for more damage. They are fast, strong, and fierce, but do not use elemental magic. Pale, red-eyed, these vampires are created, not born, and anyone can become one.
Unlike other races, there are three ways that Moroi can become Strigoi. First, the strigoi feed the Moroi with their blood. Secondly, if a Moroi accidentally kills while feeding, his soul is considered payment for what he did. The third is considered the supreme sin - to voluntarily choose to kill in order to convert. Previously, after hundreds of years of analysis, strigoi were thought to have no conscience and no control over their behavior. This helped the dominion defend against them; however, the strigoi now appear to be evolving, demonstrating the ability to not only coordinate attacks but also bond with their former loved ones, as exemplified by Christian Ozera’s parents. This new development left the Moroi more vulnerable than ever, desperate to protect themselves at all costs to others. As the season progresses, and with no guarantee that the showrunners will stay true to the books, viewers will have to wait to see how far they go.
An Academy of vampires new episodes premiere weekly every Thursday on Peacock.
Source: Collider
