How Cthulhu Transcended its Creator, H.P. Lovecraft | Monstrum
Storied・2 minutes read
Cosmic horror explores existential dread, with H.P. Lovecraft popularizing the genre through terrifying tales featuring creatures like Cthulhu, symbolizing cosmic forces beyond human comprehension. Despite Lovecraft's problematic beliefs, his legacy persists in modern works that address societal issues like racism and misogyny present in his texts.
Insights
- Cosmic horror, as defined by H.P. Lovecraft, delves into the existential dread of a purposeless and meaningless human existence, going beyond traditional fears of death or physical terror.
- Lovecraft's creation of the terrifying cosmic entity Cthulhu, a leader among the Great Old Ones, embodies the concept of unknowable cosmic forces that challenge human understanding, showcasing the enduring influence of his works on modern narratives that explore complex themes like racism and misogyny.
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Recent questions
What is cosmic horror?
Cosmic horror is an existential fear depicting human life as purposeless and meaningless, popularized by H.P. Lovecraft.
Who is credited with popularizing cosmic horror?
H.P. Lovecraft is credited with popularizing cosmic horror through his fictional texts, featuring terrifying plots like humanity's accidental creation by aliens.
What are some monsters in Lovecraft's works?
Lovecraft's monsters include fungal beings, protoplasmic bubbles, and the infamous tentacled giant, Cthulhu, who can liberate humans from morality constructs.
Where did Cthulhu rise from?
Cthulhu rose from the ocean in a sunken city called R'lyeh, detailed in Lovecraft's story "The Call of Cthulhu," where it is only seen in dreams and artwork.
What is the Cthulhu Mythos?
The Cthulhu Mythos, coined by August Derleth, features overlapping narratives and realistic settings, making the monstrous Cthulhu seem plausible yet terrifying, continuing to influence modern works.
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Summary
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Lovecraft's Cosmic Horror and Cthulhu Mythos
- Cosmic horror is not the typical fear of death or physical terror but an existential crisis, portraying human life as purposeless and meaningless.
- H.P. Lovecraft is credited with popularizing cosmic horror through his fictional texts, featuring terrifying plots like humanity's accidental creation by aliens in "At the Mountains of Madness."
- Lovecraft's monsters include fungal beings, protoplasmic bubbles, and the infamous tentacled giant, Cthulhu, who can liberate humans from morality constructs.
- Cthulhu, resembling a mix of dragon, octopus, and human, is a leader among the Great Old Ones, extraterrestrial beings symbolizing cosmic forces.
- The Old Ones, including Cthulhu, are not gods but represent unknowable cosmic forces, still communicating with humans telepathically and through rituals.
- Cthulhu rose from the ocean in a sunken city called R'lyeh, detailed in Lovecraft's story "The Call of Cthulhu," where it is only seen in dreams and artwork.
- Lovecraft's influences, including gothic literature and his agnostic beliefs, shaped his works, reflecting societal transitions during his lifetime.
- Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, coined by August Derleth, features overlapping narratives and realistic settings, making the monstrous Cthulhu seem plausible yet terrifying.
- Lovecraft's legacy, despite his racist views, continues to influence modern works like "Lovecraft Country," addressing racism and misogyny in his texts.
