Definition
Cosmic horror, also known as Lovecraftian horror, is a genre of horror fiction that emphasizes the cosmic perspective of a universe that is indifferent to human existence, and often features entities and forces from beyond the boundaries of human understanding. It is a genre heavily influenced by the works of authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, and Robert W. Chambers.
History
The genre began to take shape in the late 19th century, during the time of the Gothic horror novel. It evolved from the works of authors such as Arthur Machen and Algernon Blackwood, who wrote stories that explored the unknowable and unknowable forces of the universe. The genre was popularized by H.P. Lovecraft in the early 20th century, with his stories of Cthulhu and other entities from beyond the human understanding.
Alienation
One of the key themes of cosmic horror is the idea of alienation. The protagonists in these stories are often isolated and alone, faced with forces and entities that they cannot comprehend. This isolation often leads to feelings of helplessness and despair, as the characters struggle to make sense of what is happening to them.
The Uncaring Universe
Another key theme of cosmic horror is the idea of an uncaring universe. In these stories, the universe is often portrayed as vast and unknowable, and humanity is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This theme is often used to highlight the insignificance of human life and the futility of trying to understand the universe.
The Unknown
The unknown is another key theme of cosmic horror. The protagonists in these stories often come face to face with forces and entities that they cannot comprehend, and must grapple with the vastness of the unknown. This theme is used to create a sense of dread and uncertainty, as the characters are left to grapple with their own insignificance in the face of the unknown.
Mental Illness
Mental illness is often used as a theme in cosmic horror. The protagonists in these stories often suffer from mental illness, and it is often used to heighten the sense of dread and uncertainty. The characters often struggle to make sense of the events that are happening to them, and are left to grapple with their own sanity.
H.P. Lovecraft
H.P. Lovecraft is arguably the most influential author of cosmic horror. He is best known for his stories of Cthulhu and other eldritch entities, and his stories are often used to explore the themes of alienation, the uncaring universe, and the unknown.
Algernon Blackwood
Algernon Blackwood is another influential author of cosmic horror. He is best known for his stories of the supernatural, and his works often explore themes such as the alien and the unknowable.
Arthur Machen
Arthur Machen is another influential author of cosmic horror. He is best known for his stories of the supernatural and his works often explore themes such as the unknown, the alien, and mental illness.
Robert W. Chambers
Robert W. Chambers is another influential author of cosmic horror. He is best known for his stories of The King in Yellow and The Yellow Sign, and his works often explore themes such as the alien and the unknowable.
Lovecraft:
The Call of Cthulhu
The Call of Cthulhu is one of H.P. Lovecraft’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a man who discovers the existence of an ancient entity, and must grapple with the implications of its existence.
At the Mountains of Madness
At the Mountains of Madness is another one of Lovecraft’s most famous stories. It tells the story of an expedition to Antarctica and the discovery of an ancient city, and explores themes such as the alien and the unknown.
Blackwood:
The Willows
The Willows is one of Algernon Blackwood’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a group of people who find themselves stranded on an island, and must grapple with an unknown force.
The Wendigo
The Wendigo is another one of Blackwood’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a group of people who find themselves stranded in the Canadian wilderness, and must grapple with an unknown entity.
Machen:
The White People
The White People is one of Arthur Machen’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a young girl who discovers an ancient and mysterious cult, and must grapple with its implications.
The Great God Pan
The Great God Pan is another one of Machen’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a man who discovers an ancient entity, and must grapple with the implications of its existence.
Chambers:
The King in Yellow
The King in Yellow is one of Robert W. Chambers’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a mysterious play and the people who read it, and explores themes such as the alien and the unknowable.
The Yellow Sign
The Yellow Sign is another one of Chambers’s most famous stories. It tells the story of a mysterious symbol and the people who are drawn to it, and explores themes such as the alien and the unknowable.
Horror
Cosmic horror has had a significant influence on the horror genre. Many horror stories now incorporate elements of cosmic horror, such as aliens and unknowable forces.
Fantasy
Cosmic horror has also had an influence on the fantasy genre. Many fantasy stories now incorporate elements of cosmic horror, such as gods and other entities from beyond the boundaries of human understanding.
Sci-Fi
Cosmic horror has also had an influence on the sci-fi genre. Many sci-fi stories now incorporate elements of cosmic horror, such as aliens and unknown forces.
Video Games
Cosmic horror has had an influence on video games. Many video games now incorporate elements of cosmic horror, such as aliens and unknowable forces.
Comics
Cosmic horror has also had an influence on comics. Many comics now incorporate elements of cosmic horror, such as gods and other entities from beyond the boundaries of human understanding.
Movies
Cosmic horror has had an influence on movies. Many movies now incorporate elements of cosmic horror, such as aliens and unknown forces.
Cosmic horror is a genre of horror fiction that is heavily influenced by the works of authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, and Robert W. Chambers. It has had a significant influence on other genres such as horror, fantasy, and sci-fi, as well as on pop culture such as video games, comics, and movies. It is a genre that explores themes such as alienation, the uncaring universe, the unknown, and mental illness, and is a genre that is sure to continue to influence and evolve in the years to come.
References:
Blackwood, A. (1911). The Willows.
Chambers, R. W. (1895). The King in Yellow.
Chambers, R. W. (1895). The Yellow Sign.
Lovecraft, H. P. (1926). The Call of Cthulhu.
Lovecraft, H. P. (1936). At the Mountains of Madness.
Machen, A. (1894). The White People.
Machen, A. (1890). The Great God Pan.
Blackwood, A. (1907). The Wendigo.
