CTHULHU Meaning and
Definition
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Cthulhu is a fictional cosmic entity created by American writer H.P. Lovecraft, which has become an iconic figure in the horror genre. It is often described as a cosmic god-like being, part of an ancient creature known as the Great Old Ones, who ruled the Earth eons ago. Lovecraft first introduced the character in his short story "The Call of Cthulhu" in 1928, and it has since become a prominent figure in the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared fictional universe created by Lovecraft and other authors.
Cthulhu's appearance is typically depicted as a massive, octopus-headed creature with wings and dragon-like features. It is described as residing in the sunken city of R'lyeh, waiting for the time when it will rise from its underwater slumber and reclaim the Earth.
The term "Cthulhu" is often used to refer not only to the character itself but also to the broader mythos and themes of Lovecraft's works. It has become a symbol of cosmic horror, representing an incomprehensible and overwhelming force beyond human understanding.
Cthulhu's popularity has extended beyond literature, with its imagery and concept being widely used in various forms of media, including films, video games, and tabletop role-playing games. It has also gained a substantial following among fans of horror fiction and has become a notable icon in popular culture.
Common Misspellings for CTHULHU
Etymology of CTHULHU
The word "Cthulhu" was created by the American writer H.P. Lovecraft for his fictional cosmic entity, which first appeared in his short story "The Call of Cthulhu" in 1928. Lovecraft often drew inspiration from various mythologies and ancient texts when creating his mythos, and he constructed the name "Cthulhu" as a combination of different sounds.
In a letter to fellow writer Clark Ashton Smith in 1930, Lovecraft mentioned that he invented the name "Cthulhu". He described that he wanted to create a word that was unique, arcane, and difficult to pronounce. Lovecraft explained that he based the word on the Greek phrase "chthonic", meaning "pertaining to the earth or underworld", combined with his own concoction of sounds to make it sound strange and otherworldly.
