The Call of Cthulhu

Summary

"The Call of Cthulhu" is a seminal horror short story by H.P. Lovecraft, first published in 1928 in the pulp magazine Weird Tales. The story is structured as a series of interconnected narratives and documents that reveal the existence of an ancient, malevolent entity known as Cthulhu.

The plot follows Francis Wayland Thurston, a researcher who uncovers disturbing evidence about a cult that worships Cthulhu, a monstrous, god-like being that lies dormant beneath the ocean in the sunken city of R'lyeh. Through his investigation, Thurston pieces together accounts of strange dreams, mysterious artifacts, and horrific events that point to the awakening of Cthulhu and the terrifying influence it holds over the world.

"The Call of Cthulhu" is noted for its exploration of cosmic horror, a theme central to Lovecraft's work, where the universe is vast, indifferent, and inhabited by incomprehensible entities far beyond human understanding. The story is a cornerstone of the Cthulhu Mythos and has had a profound impact on horror literature, inspiring numerous adaptations and works by other authors.