Earlier, I was discussing the rule that one shouldn't criticise a solution unless one was prepared to offer an alternative. As I am not the only Lovecraftian in my circle, the discussion swept over whether Yog-Sothothery was an exception, which reminded me of some strange realisations I had as a younger man about the casting … Continue reading Three Children in a Marianas Trench-Coat
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Alchemical Divorce
Over the weekend, I re-encountered the theory that Lovecraft's fiction is a thin veil of fantasy over occult secrets shared with him by Aleister Crowley. While I am greatly fond of the mythos surrounding both men, so would feel joyous if this were true, I find it sadly implausible. Lovecraft's letters, the primary source for … Continue reading Alchemical Divorce
The Most Awful?
Between the alien structures that are abstruse debate over mythos taxonomy and the endless mud plains that are emotive debate over whether someone should read his works at all, I sometimes chance across more interesting artefacts, such as the question whether worship of Cthulhu is foolish or wrong. I say probably, but not for the … Continue reading The Most Awful?
Proceeding in an Orderly Fashion
Earlier, I came across a theory that Inspector Legrasse suffered mental health issues following the Bayou raid, either from the raid itself, having the Cthulhu statue in his possession, or the cult attempting to recover the statue. While popular perception is that all Lovecraft's heroes go insane, I didn't recall Legrasse suffering a collapse. Rereading … Continue reading Proceeding in an Orderly Fashion
Not Stomping Ants
One of the criticisms levelled at "The Call of Cthulhu" is that Cthulhu isn't the immense threat that fans claim: after all, he was defeated in 1925 by someone driving a boat into his head so would be no match for modern weapons. However, while it is certainly true The Alert ended his pursuit by … Continue reading Not Stomping Ants
Thee Most Aweful Livelyness
One of the most common descriptions applied to the works of H.P. Lovecraft—especially by those seeking to refute the claim he was recounting ancient secrets—is that the magic is advanced science, that the gods are only powerful aliens. However, Herbert West: Reanimator shows, something survives death so the Mythos has some species of afterlife. Ironically, … Continue reading Thee Most Aweful Livelyness
Black and Incoherent Allies
In "The Call of Cthulhu", Lovecraft paints the cultists captured in the swamps beyond New Orléans as crazed degenerates, people who have abandoned reason. So, it's possible to write off their claims that supernatural beings committed the murders of which they're accused as either shared delusion or self-aggrandising lie. However, if otherworldly entities did perform … Continue reading Black and Incoherent Allies
A Worship Adrift On Dark Seas
My current author bio mentions an altar to Cthulhu; so, it's perhaps no surprise that someone asked me whether I'd worship the gods of the Mythos if they existed. The answer is: it depends on what you mean by worship. The first question of course is whether there are gods in the Mythos at all. … Continue reading A Worship Adrift On Dark Seas
Calling Cthulhu
I was reminded today that my post on another network setting out a ritual to summon Cthulhu continues to draw positive attention. Which caused me to remark to myself that I had not provided this most useful technique to readers of my blog. A lapse I herein rectify. The summoning of Cthulhu depend foremost of … Continue reading Calling Cthulhu
The Film That Should Not Be!
As further evidence of a universe that basks in blessed madness, Episode 92 of the Geek Podcast: The Nasgûl & The Bus Driver makes passing reference to one of my moments of Yog-Sothothic whimsy. For those seeking the ultimate in roiling blasphemy, it's also on iTunes. Should you feel mentally prepared for those secrets Charlie … Continue reading The Film That Should Not Be!
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