“The world is indeed comic, but the joke is on mankind.”
When it comes to the different types of horror novels available to readers, one of the most recognisable and popular genres is traditional Lovecraftian. H.P. Lovecraft has long-been considered one of the most defining horror authors in history, and the founding father of the cosmic horror subgenre. What is it mean when we ask: ‘What is cosmic horror’? Stories that capture the terror that comes from the scale and the infinite possibilities of the universe as well as our own insignificance in the grand scheme of things, cosmic horror taps the strange and eerie in a way almost any reader can relate to. So join us today at What We Reading as we explore the shadows in the corners of your eye and the hulking beasts stalking the cosmos with everything you need to know about cosmic horror and some of the best reading recommendations from across the genre!
What Is Cosmic Horror?
Horror books are stories intended to scare, disturb and unsettle a reader. The best horror novels are the ones that can break down dangerous and unpleasant concepts and topics in a manner that is accessible and safe. The appeal of these stories is in experiencing the adrenaline rush of surviving these tales, without ever actually being in any physical danger.
Cosmic horror is a subgenre that goes beyond the parameters of the ‘everyday’ world. It is also known as ‘weird fiction’ and ‘Lovecraftian horror’. It was first influenced by neoclassical ideals and often deals with a pessimistic reckoning of existence. If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and been overwhelmed by how much there is outside our world, and how little of it we actually understand, cosmic and Lovecraftian horror taps into that feeling.
The defining feature of cosmic horror stories is that humans are far from the top of the food chain. In fact, in many cases, they are simply ignored or trampled over by whatever is driving the narrative. The idea is to hammer home the point that human beings are not as important as we sometimes think we are.
Rather than an immediate danger or fear that traditional horror explores, cosmic horror stories play on the fear of the unknown and unknowable.
Features Of Cosmic Horror Stories
Now that you have a better understanding of what makes a horror story cosmic, let’s take a look at some of the most popular tropes in these stories and how they’re used.
Cults And Secret Societies
One of the most common themes in cosmic horror novels is that forbidden knowledge leads to madness. To emphasise this, authors will often use a cult or secret society that holds this knowledge. It is then up to the protagonist, either willingly or unwillingly, to bring it to light. Artefacts and objects can also be used to bridge an unknown entity to the present. This knowledge usually reveals a deeper truth about the universe and reality that taps into the existential dread we referenced above.
Something Not Being Right
One of the most chilling aspects of cosmic horror comes from its ability to deliver moments where something feels strange. Imagine you meet up with your friend one day. They look and talk just like them, but there’s something about them that just makes you think they might not actually be your friend. This sense of unease is explored in cosmic horror stories through otherworldly events that aren’t easily explained.
Unknowable Deities Waking Up
Synonymous with Lovecraftian and cosmic horror are, of course, the ancient, powerful and uncaring creatures and deities that challenge a reader’s sense of reality and extend beyond what we can imagine. A prime example of this would naturally be Cthulhu. Often, revealing these deities leads to a psychological breakdown. What’s important with this trope is emphasising the point that humanity has no control and is instead either an insignificance or a small irritant to these mighty entities.
5 Examples Of Cosmic Horror Books
Interested to see how these tropes are used in the best cosmic horror stories? Here are some of the best examples of Lovecraftian and cosmic horror books from across history:
The Call Of Cthulhu – H.P. Lovecraft
Why it’s cosmic horror: One of Lovecraft’s most famous books and often considered the founding cosmic horror story. The Call of Cthulhu centres on the discovery of a cult worshipping an ancient god-like creature named Cthulhu, whose awakening could mean the end of humanity.
The Ballad Of Black Tom – Victor LaValle
Why it’s cosmic horror: The Ballad of Black Tom is a retelling of Lovecraft’s story ‘The Horror of Red Hook’. Told from the perspective of a Black man in Harlem in the 1920s, it blends social commentary with cosmic elements as this ordinary man becomes involved with dark and eldritch forces.
The Fisherman – John Langan
Why it’s cosmic horror: The Fisherman tells the story of two widowers who take up fishing to cope with their grief. Whilst on a trip, they discover a supernatural, malevolent force lurking in the waters. Author John Langan combines myth, folklore and cosmic horror to delve into the terrors of the unknown.
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The Library At Mount Char – Scott Hawkins
Why it’s cosmic horror: The Library at Mount Char follows a group of ‘librarians’ who were raised by an ancient god-like figure known as ‘Father’. They live in a world that blurs the lines between myth, magic and the cosmos as they struggle to grapple with the loss of their Father and the immense powers he wielded.
The Outer Dark – Robert W. Chambers
Why it’s cosmic horror: Part of The King in Yellow collection, The Outer Dark is a novella that explores the concept of forbidden knowledge through a mysterious play called ‘The King in Yellow’, which drives those who read it mad. The stories are all interconnected by the theme of a malevolent cosmic entity that influences the world.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
