But against this whole theory is the plain claim that the corpses of the ancient gods were, in fact, reanimated. Skeptics claim that, since reanimation is impossible, either they were not really, totally dead, or those with a stake in the nascent religion hid the dead body and lied about it. Certainly in ancient times, as in the present day, some people came so close to death that those who observed them genuinely believed they had perished. And certainly men lie, especially when their egos or livelihoods are at risk. In the world of plants and animals, however, reanimation is a much more common feat.
Many animals can regenerate a lost limb or tail as easily as humans can heal a flesh wound.
Most children have observed a mosquito or fly that, having been swatted and left for dead, has resurrected itself. Perhaps some humans have that ability. Then there is the possibility that we are not dealing, in the case of vampire-gods, with humans at all. Perhaps they are a distinct species, related to man as man is related to gorillas. Or the gods were a result of a mating between immortal beings and ordinary humans, as is claimed in the stories of Dionysus, Hercules, Jesus Christ and others.