The Dracula legend originated from medieval Romanian culture and was based on the acts of Vlad Tepes, known as Vlad the Impaler, a 15th century prince of Wallachia. Vlad Tepes himself adopted the name "Dracula" in his signatures in the 1470s. Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula brought the legend to international prominence and inspired dozens of film adaptations. Through Stoker's novel and its widespread influence, the Dracula legend was resurrected and amplified in modern popular culture, where it has remained an iconic figure representing fear and independence.