Khaoskampf

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The Chaoskampf is a common trope found in pretty much every culture on this planet. Chaoskampf is a German word meaning “The Struggle with Chaos.” The tales feature a great battle between a hero deity (Typically a Storm God) and a Giant Dragon or Sea Serpent representing the personification of Chaos; A classic tale of the clash of Order and Chaos. From these legends we derive the concept of the hero’s journey, a quest of transformation…

Vampirism is a philosophy based on transformation. We are Transhumanist and Post-Human. It’s the idea of transformation that we worship, along with other ideals such as Hedonism, Aestheticism, and Social Darwinism, etc.

But when it comes to the concept of Chaos, we view it as the primordial potential of manifestation. When people think of “Art,” typically what comes to mind is the final product. The finished product of a magnificently composed piece of music, or the beautifully displayed canvas of a master painter, and the majesty of a perfectly constructed architectural marvel. You can understand why Aestheticism is so important to us.

But what most people don’t get to see is the creative process of manifesting these beautiful works. The artist knows… they know that creation is an ugly process, its messy. Nothing can truly come out of order… things begin that way, all neat and organized. But as the process of creation progresses things begin to get scattered, and the unusual thing is, that for the artist things seem to make more sense when they are out of order. If you suddenly went into the artists studio and organized everything, the artist will struggle to find the specific tools they require to finish the job. Naturally this will infuriate any artist. It sure pisses me off that’s for sure.

Its the fact that we understand this concept so well that leads us to view the archetypes of chaos in a different way. Chaos is creation and Order is many things but in this case it represents the death of creativity.

Order is great when it serves to preserve creation like Vishnu does in the Hindu spiritual frame. But too much order leads to totalitarianism which creates a mechanical existence where everything is controlled and predictable. and vice versa too much Chaos is no picnic either, creating conditions that are overwhelmingly unmanageable. Sometimes you want your cup to hold water without holes in it. So a balance must be kept.

This is why we Vampyr’s love etiquette and rules of social conduct, so that there is some kind of structure. But not so much structure that you can hardly move in it. We are all about expression and creativity. In fact those who are masters of a craft are held up as pillars of the community. Masterful skill is praised, because creation is everything. Artists and Craftspeople, are one with Chaos, so we honor them.

It is through the Great Dragon that we even exist. As Chaos magicians, to us Chaos replaces God, and the Chaoskampf is why we refer to Chaos as the Great Dragon. Some on this path will choose to refer to the Dragon by any one of the famous names of mythology and folklore. Tiamat, Leviathan, Typhon, Apophis/Apep, being the Most popular names for the Great Dragon. But Jormungandr has also been gaining popularity with pagans. Many refer to the Dragon as Satan as Christians do with the book of revelations.

But most of us simply refer to it as the Great Dragon. A formless, genderless, nameless, force of creative potential. Merging with the Great Dragon allows it to create and manifest, through us. Its our union with the Great Dragon that makes us its Children, and therefore by her glory we become Dracula’s!

[Dracula: is a Wallachian word which translates to “Child of the Dragon”… due to the reputation of Vlad Dracula the 3rd the word has taken on meanings such as “Devil” and “Vampire.” It is the etymology of this word that would go on to shape the quintessential themes, ideas and beliefs centered around the Vampyr archetype today.]

With the power to create also comes the power to destroy. Destruction is a very important part of creation. Sometimes its a reminder that nothing lasts forever, but it also reminds us to embrace change. New things can be manifested from the remnants of the old. This perpetuates the cycle of life and death and regeneration. The things that die bring nutrients to the living. Nothing ever truly goes to waste.

The Dragon represents many concepts; sometimes she is the primordial force of creation like Tiamat. Other times it is unfathomable time and space much like Maha-Kali. Or the thing that lurks in the deep, guarding ancient knowledge and treasures at the bottom of the sea like Leviathan and Jormunganr. or like Apophis the thing in the Void waiting to devour you. Or a personification of tumultuous emotional feelings wanting to burst out of you like a great beast! like Typhon.

The way we praise the Great Dragon is by shouting “HO DRACON, HO MEGAS!”
which is Ancient Greek for “The Great Dragon.” its Shouted at the end of rituals and ceremonies in Draconian Traditions. courtesy of the Ordo Dragon Rouge (Order of the Red Dragon) 1989.

The Legends of the Khaoskampf:

Below you will find links to the various legends of the Khaoskampf trope. This section will be updated with new links periodically. May they serve to be useful to you.