What is Lovecraftian fiction?

One characteristic is the use of a sense of dread. In new Lovecraftian fiction, the unknown is always lurking. It creates an atmosphere where the characters, and by extension the readers, feel that there are things out there that should not be known. The lore is often complex and draws from Lovecraft's original ideas of ancient, sleeping gods and the thin veil between our world and theirs. Another aspect is the psychological impact on the characters. They are often driven to madness by the things they encounter.

The key elements include cosmic horror. It often involves entities that are so alien and powerful that they are beyond human comprehension. For example, Cthulhu, a monstrous being. Another element is the use of archaic and eldritch settings like ancient, decaying cities or desolate landscapes. Also, a sense of the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and unknowable cosmos.

Lovecraftian detective fiction often combines elements of mystery and the supernatural. It typically has a detective figure who is faced with inexplicable and often terrifying phenomena. The settings are usually dark and moody, like the gloomy towns or isolated mansions in Lovecraft's works. The stories may involve ancient, unknowable entities that defy normal understanding, and the detective's journey is as much about facing the psychological horror of the unknown as it is about solving the case.

Another feature is the insignificance of humanity. In Lovecraftian science fiction, humans are usually just tiny specks in the grand scheme of the cosmos. Our knowledge and power are dwarfed by the incomprehensible forces at play, and our attempts to understand or control these forces often lead to our downfall.

One of the classic Lovecraftian fiction books is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's famous for its cosmic horror elements. 'At the Mountains of Madness' is also a must - read. It describes the exploration in Antarctica and the discovery of things that should not be known. And then there's 'The Dunwich Horror'. This book has a unique horror concept with its story of an abnormal family in Dunwich.

Another great work is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. This story introduced the infamous Cthulhu entity. It weaves a tale of cults, strange dreams, and the impending doom that Cthulhu's awakening would bring. It's full of that signature Lovecraftian sense of cosmic horror that makes you feel small and insignificant in the face of the unknown.

In modern lovecraftian fiction, the use of archaic and esoteric language can be a key element. It gives a sense of something old and mysterious. Then there are the themes of decay and entropy. Things are often falling apart, whether it's a physical place like a crumbling town or the mental state of the characters. The idea of an indifferent universe is also there. The cosmic entities or forces in the stories don't care about humans. They exist on a different scale and with different motives, if they can be called motives at all. And the use of mystery and the slow revelation of terrifying secrets are hallmarks of this type of fiction.

To write Lovecraftian fiction well, focus on creating a sense of cosmic horror and the unknown. Build a creepy atmosphere and introduce ancient, powerful entities.

Some well - known works in Lovecraftian fiction often include those that blend cosmic horror elements. For example, 'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a great piece. It takes the Lovecraftian themes and gives them a new and interesting twist, exploring race and horror in a unique way.

One of the great modern Lovecraftian fictions is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It weaves a dark and brooding tale filled with elements of cosmic horror, much like Lovecraft's works. Another is 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. The strange and otherworldly setting, along with the sense of unease it creates, is very Lovecraftian.