He remains a national hero of Romania

Romania experienced a national awakening in the 19th century, similar to many other nations in Europe, as the Ottoman Empire continued to pose a threat to the then-divided nation and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which dominated it, provided little rights to the Romanian people. A sense of Romanian national identity evolved, defined against Hungary, Slavic countries, and of course the dreaded Ottoman Empire, as a result of being hemmed in by adversaries on both sides and feeling angry at the Saxons who were seen as foreign despite having been there for about 700 years. After several violent uprisings, Romania became a sovereign nation in 1859.

The most notable historical character to be honored was Vlad Tepes, which was necessary for forging a sense of national identity. He was reinterpreted as a hero who heroically fought against Romania's enduring adversaries, the Saxons, the Ottoman Empire, and the Hungarians, thanks to his shady political alliances made during his lifetime. His relentless pursuit of justice was also lovingly viewed as essential to the establishment of power. Even the gruesome accounts of his violence circulated in modern pamphlets were viewed as proof of his patriotism and effectiveness as a leader, and he was honored in art, poetry, and folklore.