An Invitation is a magical weakness of certain vampires, and vampire-hybrids that prevents them from entering personally owned homes. In order for a vampiric being to enter any owned house, whether they're humans, witches, werewolves, or doppelgängers, they must first be invited by the owner.
Once invited, the vampire cannot be uninvited unless the ownership of the house changes.[1]
History[]
In the Olden Days of Europe, Honor was a big thing - if a traveler was caught out in bad weather, he could ask Shelter and food from nearly anyone and it would be granted with the understanding that he wouldn’t rob or kill or do anything dishonorable while staying as a guest. As long as he abides by these rules, he could expect to be taken care of - dry, warm accommodations (even if it was in the barn’s hayloft), and fed (even if it was gruel, soup, or oatmeal). He was also expected to help around the place as possible.
The Hierophant combusting after being pushed inside the Jake house without being invited.
If he broke this Tradition (stole form them, raped the daughter or wife, killed anyone, etc.), the everyone in the vicinity would lock up their doors at night and keep an eye out, the law would look for the culprit, and even the homeless or other travelers would hunt for the guy - because it would cause more problems for them.
Vampires, who were ”Ungodly”, could not be expected to be honorable, and therefore, could not enter into a home - unless they were specifically invited by the Master of the Estate.[2]
Other Reasons Include:[]
- Symbolic Barrier: The act of inviting a vampire into one's home may serve as a symbolic barrier or boundary between the vampire and the human world. It establishes a sense of consent or permission, implying that the vampire cannot enter unless explicitly invited by the homeowner.
- Protection of Free Will: In many vampire myths, the requirement for an invitation reflects the idea that humans have free will and agency over their own spaces. By requiring an invitation, vampires cannot simply barge into someone's home against their will. This adds a layer of psychological tension and suspense to vampire stories, as characters must consciously choose whether or not to invite a potentially dangerous entity into their midst.
- Supernatural Rules or Limitations: In the realm of supernatural fiction, vampires often have specific rules or limitations governing their powers and abilities. The requirement for an invitation could be one such limitation imposed upon them by the supernatural forces or rules that govern their existence. This limitation adds complexity to the vampire's character and creates opportunities for dramatic tension in storytelling.
- Metaphorical Themes: The concept of needing an invitation to enter someone's home can also be interpreted metaphorically. It may symbolize themes of trust, boundaries, and the invasion of personal space. By exploring these themes through the lens of vampire mythology, storytellers can add depth and resonance to their narratives.