Cosmic horror, also known as Lovecraftian horror or eldritch horror, is a subgenre of horror fiction that centers on existential dread and the fear of the unknown and unknowable. It emphasizes humanity's insignificance in the vast, indifferent cosmos filled with powerful, incomprehensible entities or forces that could destroy or ignore humans as inconsequential. Instead of relying on gore or typical shock elements, cosmic horror evokes terror through the realization that reality is far stranger, larger, and more hostile than humans can understand, often leading to madness or despair. Key elements of cosmic horror include:
- The unknown and unknowable, with protagonists uncovering terrifying cosmic truths beyond human comprehension.
- The insignificance and powerlessness of humanity in the face of vast cosmic forces.
- Themes of forbidden knowledge, madness, fate, and the limits of rationalism.
- Often featuring alien beings, monstrous gods, or eldritch entities indifferent or hostile to humans.
H.P. Lovecraft is considered the father of cosmic horror, and much of the genre builds on his themes, although modern writers have expanded and reimagined it. Popular examples include Lovecraft's "The Call of Cthulhu," modern works like "Lovecraft Country," and media exploring similar themes such as "Alien." In essence, cosmic horror confronts readers with the terrifying prospect that human existence is a fragile, minor element in a vast universe governed by forces beyond understanding or control.
