Vlad the Impaler, Wallachian Prince and the inspiration behind Dracula. A celebrated but bitterly cruel European ruler that fought both his own people and Ottoman invaders to rule his homeland on three separate occasions. Vlad the Impaler lived a fascinating life that earnt him his most brutal nickname of the Impaler. Here at Raconteur, we bring to life the greatest stories from history and mythology to both entertain and educate. We are also on YouTube! For video versions of each story visit and subscribe https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU4yfCCgXTUYcSPI0_5rP9w/?sub_confirmation=1 Video version of this story - https://youtu.be/QABIQdFfhb4 Music by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au New stories weekly. Thanks for listening!