Cosmic horror, also known as Lovecraftian horror or eldritch horror, is a subgenre of horror fiction that originated from the works of American writer H.P. Lovecraft and has since influenced numerous authors and artists. Cosmic horror explores the idea that human beings are insignificant in the grand cosmic scale, and that there are ancient, alien forces beyond human comprehension that pose a threat to our sanity and existence.
H.P. Lovecraft created a mythos known as the Cthulhu Mythos, which has become a central reference point for many authors working within the genre. Lovecraft’s works, such as “The Call of Cthulhu,” “At the Mountains of Madness,” and “The Shadow Over Innsmouth,” explore the cosmic horrors lurking beyond human comprehension and the psychological impact of encountering them.
Since Lovecraft’s time, numerous authors, including August Derleth, Clark Ashton Smith, and more recently, writers like Thomas Ligotti and Caitlín R. Kiernan, have continued to explore and expand upon the themes and concepts of cosmic horror.
In popular culture, cosmic horror has influenced a wide range of media, including literature, films, video games, and tabletop role-playing games. It continues to captivate audiences by tapping into the existential fear of the unknown and the insignificance of humanity in the vast cosmic tapestry.
