Origins and History of Call of Cthulhu
H.P. Lovecraft and the Birth of Cosmic Horror
H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was a prolific writer whose stories often explored themes of cosmic dread, forbidden knowledge, and humanity’s fragile place in the universe. His writing style combined elaborate descriptions, antiquated diction, and a pervasive sense of dread. The story The Call of Cthulhu, published in 1928 in Weird Tales magazine, is arguably his most famous work and the cornerstone of the Cthulhu Mythos.
The Creation of the Mythos
Although Lovecraft did not coin the term “Cthulhu Mythos” himself, subsequent writers and fans have used it to describe the shared universe he created. The mythos includes a pantheon of ancient, powerful entities—most famously Cthulhu, a colossal, tentacled, sleep-ing deity that lies dormant beneath the Pacific Ocean. Lovecraft’s stories often revolve around scholars, investigators, and ordinary individuals who stumble upon forbidden knowledge leading to madness.
Expansion by Other Writers
After Lovecraft’s death, authors like August Derleth, Clark Ashton Smith, and Robert E. Howard expanded the mythos, adding their own stories, deities, and lore. This collaborative universe grew into a sprawling mythos that continues to influence contemporary horror and science fiction.
The Core Themes of Call of Cthulhu
Cosmic Horror and Humanity’s Insignificance
Central to Lovecraft’s work is the idea that the universe is vast, indifferent, and filled with ancient powers beyond human comprehension. The Call of Cthulhu epitomizes this, illustrating that humanity is insignificant in the grand cosmic scale, and that knowledge of these entities can lead to madness or destruction.
Forbidden Knowledge and Madness
Many stories within the mythos explore the dangers of uncovering forbidden truths. Discovering ancient texts, like the fictional “Necronomicon,” often results in mental instability or death. This theme underscores the perilous pursuit of knowledge that lies beyond human understanding.
Ancient Deities and Their Influence
The mythos features a host of ancient beings—Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, Yog-Sothoth, and others—that influence the world in subtle or catastrophic ways. These entities are often depicted as sleeping, waiting, or subtly manipulating the course of human history.
Iconic Creatures and Entities in the Cthulhu Mythos
Cthulhu
Perhaps the most recognizable figure, Cthulhu is described as a gigantic, extraterrestrial, squid-like creature with a humanoid shape. It has immense power, capable of influencing dreams and causing madness among those who encounter or learn about it.
Nyarlethotep
Known as the Crawling Chaos, Nyarlethotep is a shape-shifting deity that often appears in various forms, sowing chaos and confusion.
Yog-Sothoth
An all-knowing cosmic entity, Yog-Sothoth exists outside of time and space and is often associated with access to forbidden knowledge.
Other Notable Entities
- Shub-Niggurath – The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young
- Tsathoggua – A sloth-like deity dwelling underground
- Hastur – The King in Yellow, associated with madness and decay
Call of Cthulhu in Popular Culture
Literature and Gaming
The influence of Call of Cthulhu H.P. Lovecraft extends to countless novels, short stories, and tabletop games. The role-playing game Call of Cthulhu by Chaosium, first published in 1981, is one of the most enduring and popular adaptations, allowing players to investigate the mythos and confront cosmic horrors.
Films and Television
Films like The Call of Cthulhu (2005), a silent film adaptation, and various horror movies have drawn inspiration from Lovecraft’s universe, emphasizing themes of cosmic dread and the unknown.
Video Games and Comics
Video games such as Bloodborne and Darkest Dungeon showcase Lovecraftian themes and aesthetics, immersing players in worlds filled with eldritch horrors. Comics and graphic novels also explore mythos elements, expanding the reach of Lovecraft’s influence.
Modern Interpretations and Adaptations
Literary Works
Contemporary authors like Caitlín R. Kiernan, Ramsey Campbell, and Alan Moore have incorporated Lovecraftian themes into their works, often reinterpreting or critiquing Lovecraft’s worldview.
Movies and TV Series
Recent productions, such as the series True Detective and movies like The Void, explore cosmic horror and the influence of the mythos on modern storytelling.
Tabletop and Video Games
Modern tabletop RPGs and video games continue to explore Cthulhu mythos themes, often emphasizing psychological horror, investigation, and the limits of human sanity.
How to Explore the World of Call of Cthulhu
Reading the Original Stories
Start with Lovecraft’s seminal works:
- The Call of Cthulhu
- The Shadow over Innsmouth
- The Dunwich Horror
- The Colour Out of Space
These stories lay the foundation for understanding the mythos’s themes and atmosphere.
Playing the Call of Cthulhu Role-Playing Game
The tabletop RPG offers a hands-on experience of investigating strange phenomena, confronting cosmic horrors, and dealing with the psychological toll of the mythos.
Engaging with Modern Media
Watch films, play games, and read contemporary works inspired by Lovecraft to see how his themes continue to resonate and evolve.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Call of Cthulhu H.P. Lovecraft
The Call of Cthulhu H.P. Lovecraft mythos endures because of its profound exploration of cosmic horror, human vulnerability, and the allure of forbidden knowledge. From classic literature to modern gaming and film, Lovecraft’s universe continues to inspire creators and captivate audiences. Whether through reading his stories, playing tabletop games, or engaging with adaptations across media, exploring the mythos offers a journey into the terrifying beauty of the unknown. As the universe remains vast and indifferent, the call of Cthulhu continues to echo through the corridors of horror and science fiction, inviting us all to confront the limits of our understanding and the chilling truths that lie beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core premise of 'Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft?
The story revolves around the awakening of the ancient cosmic entity Cthulhu, which causes madness and chaos among those who learn of its existence, highlighting themes of forbidden knowledge and cosmic horror.
How has 'Call of Cthulhu' influenced modern horror and pop culture?
It has profoundly impacted horror literature, inspiring countless stories, games, movies, and tabletop role-playing games like the 'Call of Cthulhu' RPG, and popularized themes of cosmic horror and existential dread.
What are some key themes explored in Lovecraft's 'Call of Cthulhu'?
Major themes include cosmic insignificance, forbidden knowledge, madness, the limits of human understanding, and the existence of ancient, malevolent extraterrestrial beings.
Who is Cthulhu, and what makes this creature so iconic?
Cthulhu is a massive, ancient, tentacled entity described as sleeping beneath the sea in the sunken city of R'lyeh. Its terrifying appearance and the concept of an incomprehensible cosmic force have made it a symbol of cosmic horror.
How does Lovecraft's writing style contribute to the atmosphere of 'Call of Cthulhu'?
Lovecraft's dense, descriptive prose, combined with a sense of foreboding and the use of unreliable narrators, creates an immersive atmosphere of dread and mystery that enhances the story's horror elements.
What are some notable adaptations of 'Call of Cthulhu' in modern media?
Notable adaptations include the tabletop role-playing game 'Call of Cthulhu,' films like 'The Call of Cthulhu' (1928), and various video games, comics, and literature inspired by Lovecraft’s mythos.
What controversies surround H.P. Lovecraft's work, including 'Call of Cthulhu'?
Lovecraft's work has been criticized for racist themes and xenophobia, which have sparked discussions about how to appreciate his literary contributions while acknowledging problematic aspects of his personal beliefs.
How does understanding Lovecraft's background enhance the reading of 'Call of Cthulhu'?
Knowing Lovecraft's influences, personal beliefs, and historical context can provide deeper insight into the themes of cosmic fear and the fears of the unknown that permeate his stories.
Why does 'Call of Cthulhu' remain relevant today?
Its exploration of existential fears, the unknown, and humanity's insignificance in the universe continues to resonate, making it a timeless work that influences contemporary horror, science fiction, and popular culture.
