Theories for Salome

Since we know the mysterious new vampire who has historical origins will be the biblical Salome, there are many questions as to the state of her "madness" according to the recent audition notification. Salome appears in the New Testament of Mark 6:17-29 and Matthew 14:3-11 but she is never referred by name. We know of this girl's name because of Josephus' Jewish Antiquities which also tell us that Salome was the stepdaughter of Herod Anitpas (not be confused with Herod the Great who I am sure may be more known in the thoughts of modern readers) as well his niece since her parents were Herodias and Herod II (brother of Herod Anitpas).

Salome is known to Christians, history and literature as the woman who danced for Herod Anitpas on his birthday in a matter so seductive; that after the dance was over, Herod was so please that he requested she may have whatever she wants. Earlier, Herodias stated to her daughter she must request for the head for John the Baptist since he was still in prison for speaking against the marriage of Herod to his former sister in law (I think there is a scripture in Leviticus which backs this up because Henry VIII used this scripture to annul his first marriage) therefore Herodias wanted to silence John but according the New Testament, Herod never intended to kill John the Baptist but because he made the declaration to grant a request for Salome in front of all his guests, John the Baptist was to be executed.

I cannot say how Salome must have felt when the head of John the Baptist was presented to her on a silver platter but this young girl has forever been immortalized as a femme fatale due to Oscar Wilde's famous adaption where he first introduces the scene of the"Dance of the Seven Veils". Perhaps because of her age as well as the circumstances of what lead to John's death. I have always viewed Salome not a seductress but as a victim in a plot for power although I am sure Salome was no innocent but she must not be completely aware of what she was asking because even Herod might have realized that such an act could not have been spoken by a young girl unless she was coached. The character of the Salome in the fifth season of True Blood has been described about late twenties with an African or Arabian descent and slightly mad. Exactly what the show needs, another mad female vampire. Unlike the other characters who suffered from this combination; Salome has an excuse to be mad since history gives a slight background into this character of what seems to be a controlling mother and perhaps a lecherous stepfather. Like Lorena, Salome might have had an evil maker who turned her into a heartless creature or she could be like Nan where after centuries of working for the Authority may have lead her to this predicament.

Another important trait about Salome is she must be over 2,000 years old so she can be the only other vampire who could stand up to Russel and Eric. Although due to her age and supposed personality, will this character become a tragic, bitter martyr; a progressive agent in a corrupted government or a determined vampire viewing time as non-existent?