Cosmic horror is a subgenre of horror that emphasizes the horror of the unknowable and the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe. It is a genre that often explores themes of existential dread, nihilism, and the limits of human comprehension. This article will delve into the intricacies of cosmic horror, its origins, its key elements, and its influence on the literary world.
The term “cosmic horror” was first coined to describe the works of American writer H.P. Lovecraft, who is often credited as the pioneer of the genre. However, the genre has since expanded to include a wide array of authors and works, each bringing their unique interpretations and contributions to the genre.
Origins of Cosmic Horror
The origins of cosmic horror can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft’s stories often featured otherworldly entities and horrors that were beyond human comprehension, a theme that would become a cornerstone of the cosmic horror genre. His works such as “The Call of Cthulhu” and “At the Mountains of Madness” are considered seminal works in the genre.
While Lovecraft is often credited as the originator of cosmic horror, the genre has roots in earlier literary traditions. Gothic literature of the 19th century, with its emphasis on the supernatural and the unknown, can be seen as a precursor to cosmic horror. Similarly, the works of Edgar Allan Poe, with their focus on the psychological and the macabre, also share similarities with the themes of cosmic horror.
Lovecraft’s Influence
Lovecraft’s influence on the genre of cosmic horror cannot be overstated. His creation of the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared universe used by other authors in a variety of media, has had a lasting impact on the genre. The Mythos, with its pantheon of ancient, powerful deities and its complex lore, has become a staple of cosmic horror.
Lovecraft’s writing style, characterized by its dense, descriptive prose and its emphasis on atmosphere and mood, has also been influential. His works often feature unreliable narrators and a sense of creeping dread, techniques that have been adopted by many authors in the genre.
Earlier Literary Traditions
As mentioned earlier, cosmic horror has roots in earlier literary traditions. Gothic literature, with its focus on the supernatural and the macabre, can be seen as a precursor to cosmic horror. The works of authors like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe, with their exploration of the unknown and the monstrous, share thematic similarities with cosmic horror.
Similarly, the philosophical writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, with their exploration of nihilism and the insignificance of human existence, can also be seen as an influence on the genre. The existential dread that is a key element of cosmic horror can be traced back to these philosophical ideas.
Key Elements of Cosmic Horror
Cosmic horror is characterized by several key elements. These include the horror of the unknown, the insignificance of humanity, the presence of otherworldly entities, and a sense of existential dread. These elements are often combined to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere that is characteristic of the genre.
The horror of the unknown is a central theme in cosmic horror. This can take the form of unknown entities, unknown dimensions, or unknown forces that are beyond human comprehension. The inability of the human mind to comprehend these horrors is often a source of fear and dread in cosmic horror stories.
The Horror of the Unknown
The horror of the unknown is a central theme in cosmic horror. This can take the form of unknown entities, unknown dimensions, or unknown forces that are beyond human comprehension. The inability of the human mind to comprehend these horrors is often a source of fear and dread in cosmic horror stories.
This theme is often explored through the use of otherworldly entities that are beyond human understanding. These entities are often depicted as ancient, powerful, and indifferent to humanity, emphasizing the insignificance of humans in the grand scheme of the universe.
The Insignificance of Humanity
Another key element of cosmic horror is the insignificance of humanity. In cosmic horror stories, humans are often portrayed as insignificant in the face of the vast, uncaring universe. This theme is often explored through the depiction of otherworldly entities that are indifferent to humanity, emphasizing the futility of human efforts and the inevitability of human insignificance.
This theme can also be explored through the depiction of the universe as a vast, uncaring entity. The universe in cosmic horror stories is often depicted as indifferent to human existence, emphasizing the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of things.
Influence of Cosmic Horror
Cosmic horror has had a significant influence on the literary world, inspiring a wide array of authors and works. The genre has also influenced other forms of media, including film, television, and video games. The themes and elements of cosmic horror have been adopted and reinterpreted by many creators, contributing to the genre’s enduring popularity and influence.
The influence of cosmic horror can be seen in the works of authors like Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Thomas Ligotti. These authors have incorporated elements of cosmic horror into their works, contributing to the genre’s evolution and growth. The genre has also influenced a number of films, including “Alien“, “Event Horizon“, and “The Void“, which have incorporated elements of cosmic horror into their narratives.
Influence on Literature
The influence of cosmic horror on literature is significant. Many authors, including Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Thomas Ligotti, have incorporated elements of cosmic horror into their works. King’s “The Mist“, for example, features otherworldly creatures and a sense of existential dread that are characteristic of the genre.
Similarly, Barker’s “Books of Blood” feature a number of stories that incorporate elements of cosmic horror, including otherworldly entities and the horror of the unknown. Ligotti’s works, including “Songs of a Dead Dreamer” and “Grimscribe”, are also heavily influenced by the genre, with their focus on existential dread and the insignificance of humanity.
Influence on Other Media
Cosmic horror has also had a significant influence on other forms of media. Films like “Alien“, “Event Horizon“, and “The Void” have incorporated elements of cosmic horror into their narratives. These films often feature otherworldly entities, the horror of the unknown, and a sense of existential dread, all key elements of the genre.
Similarly, video games like “Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem“, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent”, and “Bloodborne” have also been influenced by cosmic horror. These games often feature otherworldly entities, the horror of the unknown, and a sense of existential dread, all key elements of the genre.
Conclusion
Cosmic horror is a unique and influential genre that has left a lasting impact on the literary world. With its focus on the horror of the unknown, the insignificance of humanity, and the presence of otherworldly entities, it offers a unique and unsettling perspective on the universe and our place in it.
From its origins in the works of H.P. Lovecraft to its influence on literature and other forms of media, cosmic horror continues to evolve and grow, offering new interpretations and perspectives on its key themes. As long as there is a fascination with the unknown and the unknowable, cosmic horror will continue to captivate and terrify readers around the world.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
