249 - H.P. Lovecraft, the Cthulhu Mythos, and the Horror You Love Today
Jun 21, 2021
auto_awesome
H.P. Lovecraft, a cornerstone of horror literature, profoundly shaped the genre with his cosmic monsters and eerie tales. In this discussion, the guest illuminates Lovecraft's influence on modern classics like 'Stranger Things' and Stephen King's works. The conversation dives into Lovecraft's troubled life, his unique fear-based storytelling, and the enduring Cthulhu mythos. It also addresses the tension between his genius and personal controversies, prompting reflection on how we engage with his legacy today.
H.P. Lovecraft's influence pervades modern horror, impacting iconic works like 'Stranger Things' and Stephen King's 'It'.
Lovecraft's concept of cosmic horror emphasizes the insignificance of humanity in the face of ancient, powerful beings.
The pulp magazine 'Weird Tales' played a crucial role in establishing Lovecraft's reputation and introducing his unique horror style.
Lovecraft's writings reflect a profound understanding of fear, particularly the fear of the unknown, which resonates with readers today.
Despite his literary genius, Lovecraft's controversial views on race and xenophobia are essential to reevaluate within his legacy.
Deep dives
Introduction to High Five Casino
High Five Casino offers players the chance to enjoy their favorite slot and live table games, such as blackjack, with opportunities to redeem real cash prizes. With an expansive collection of over 1200 games, players can find hundreds of exclusive titles only available on the platform. The casino is designed to be a free-to-play experience, providing free coins every four hours to keep the fun continuous. Players are encouraged to visit highfivecasino.com to immerse themselves in this gaming experience.
Natasha Rothwell's New Show
Natasha Rothwell introduces her new Hulu series, 'How to Die Alone,' where she plays the character Melissa, a woman devoid of ambition, love life, and financial stability. Despite her struggles, Melissa embodies resilience, determined to reclaim her narrative and become the empowered woman she is meant to be. The show promises to explore her journey in a comedic light, offering a fresh take on themes of self-worth and personal growth. New episodes of 'How to Die Alone' premiere every Friday on Hulu.
H.P. Lovecraft and Fear of the Unknown
The podcast delves into H.P. Lovecraft's profound understanding of fear, which he articulated in his essay 'Supernatural Horror in Literature.' Lovecraft posited that the fear of the unknown is humanity's oldest emotion, and this concept underpins much of his horror writing. His own life was marked by fear and paranoia, influencing the monstrous creations within his stories. Through characters and narratives, he crafted scenarios that blurred the line between sanity and madness, making readers question their perception of reality.
The Legacy of Cthulhu
Cthulhu is introduced as one of Lovecraft's most infamous creations, characterized by a terrifying blend of various monstrous features including an octopus-like head and a bloated body. The concept of Cthulhu embodies the fear of cosmic horror that lays in wait, threatening to drive those who perceive it to insanity. Lovecraft's original story, 'The Call of Cthulhu,' emphasizes that humanity is insignificant compared to the ancient and powerful beings lurking in the universe. This theme of insignificance has resonated across literature, influencing countless authors and filmmakers in the horror genre.
Influence on Modern Media
Lovecraft's work created a sprawling mythos that has had an enduring impact on modern horror, including various media such as films, video games, and literature. His cosmic horror genre has inspired notable creators like Stephen King and Neil Gaiman, as well as TV shows like 'Stranger Things' and 'The X-Files.' Lovecraft's influence extends beyond storytelling into pop culture, where characters and mythologies inspired by his work continue to ignite the imaginations of fans today. The Cthulhu mythos serves as a shared universe for collaborative storytelling across generations.
Weird Tales and Lovecraft's Rise to Fame
Lovecraft's writings gained initial recognition through the pulp magazine 'Weird Tales,' which helped introduce his talent to the public. Many of his stories were published in this magazine during the 1920s, contributing significantly to his legacy, despite his struggles with poverty during his life. His work began to cultivate a dedicated following, paving the way for the genre of weird fiction that enveloped his narratives. 'Weird Tales' provided a platform for Lovecraft, allowing him to express his unique brand of horror, which was often dismissed by mainstream publishers at the time.
The Concept of Cosmic Horror
Cosmic horror, often referred to as Lovecraftian horror, revolves around the notion that ordinary human concepts of morality and law hold no significance in the broader universe. This genre of horror emphasizes existential dread, as the protagonists confront entities that are indifferent to humanity or its struggles. Lovecraft’s narratives often illustrate the futility of understanding these entities, highlighting the fragile state of human sanity when facing the unknown. The fear of being powerless against such cosmic forces is a cornerstone of Lovecraft’s work, resonating with readers’ innate anxieties.
Contemporary Discussion of Lovecraft's Views
Lovecraft's personal views, particularly his racism and xenophobia, have sparked significant debate and reevaluation in contemporary discussions. Although he has become a seminal figure in horror literature, many of his letters reveal deep-seated prejudices that conflict with today’s values. The podcast emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Lovecraft's complex legacy, separating the genius of his storytelling from his controversial beliefs. This conversation encourages listeners to appreciate the literary contributions while reflecting on the historical and social context of Lovecraft's life and work.
The Evolution of Lovecraft's Mythos
Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos continues to evolve as other writers contribute further layers to this expansive universe. Collaborators have embraced Lovecraftian themes to create new narratives, featuring the great old ones and accompanying horrors. This collaborative effort has led to a rich tapestry of storytelling, encompassing various genres and forms. Creators expand on Lovecraft's original concepts, often challenging and adapting them, which aids in keeping his work relevant in modern literature and culture.
Conclusion: Lovecraft's Complexities and Contributions
The podcast concludes by acknowledging Lovecraft as a complex figure whose contributions to horror literature cannot be understated, despite his problematic views. It explores how his writings have shaped contemporary horror and influenced many genres while also highlighting the importance of understanding the man behind the stories. Lovecraft's legacy compels readers to confront uncomfortable truths about fear, humanity, and existence. Through continued exploration of his work, the discussion emphasizes both the imaginative power of Lovecraft's fiction and the need for critical engagement with his darker beliefs.
Hope you have as fun listening to this one as I had making it! I had no idea prior to digging into this topic, that Lovecraft was so influential on modern horror. Like Stranger Things? Heavily influenced by Lovecraft. Like Stephen King's It? The cosmic monster who presents as Pennywise is a creature who could have come directly from the Cthulhu mythos. Much of the Twilight Zone, the X-Files, the BBC's Black Mirror and more - so influenced by Lovecraft. And, in a way, fictional universes like the Marvel cinematic universe and George Lucas's Star Wars universe - influenced by the cosmic worldbuilding of Lovecraft. We feel a lot of his influence today - but who was the man? We'll take a look at that as well - including the ugly parts. And we'll meet some of his creatures and dissect the structure of some of Lovecraft's most influential stories. A very Weird Tales edition of Timesuck awaits!
The first Bad Magic Productions June charity we are proud to donate $7,050 towards is Trinity Stables. They run a specialty program in Georgia called Stable Moments, a weekly mentorship program that utilizes equine-assisted learning to achieve life skills that better prepare foster and adopted kids for healthy transitions into adulthood. To find out more, please visit: https://www.trinitystables.net/
The second Bad Magic Productions June charity we are proud to donate $7,050 towards is Vintage Pet Rescue, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit committed to rescuing “vintage” aka senior pets from shelters and assisting their owners who can no longer care for their vintage pets. To find out more, please visit: https://www.vintagepetrescue.org/
Want to join the Cult of the Curious private Facebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" in order to locate whatever current page hasn't been put in FB Jail :)
For all merch related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste)
Sign up through Patreon and for $5 a month you get to listen to the Secret Suck, which will drop Thursdays at Noon, PST. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch. You get to vote on two Monday topics each month via the app. And you get the download link for my new comedy album, Feel the Heat. Check the Patreon posts to find out how to download the new album and take advantage of other benefits.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
