Lovecraft refers to the cultural and literary legacy associated with H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937), an American writer known primarily for his contributions to the horror genre. Lovecraft's works, often referred to as Lovecraftian fiction or the Cthulhu Mythos, have had a profound influence on horror literature, gaming, and film.
The term "Lovecraft" signifies a distinct style of cosmic horror characterized by themes of ancient and unfathomable supernatural forces, the insignificance of humanity in the face of cosmic entities, and the erosion of sanity upon exposure to forbidden knowledge. Lovecraft's stories often revolve around the existence of otherworldly creatures, interdimensional entities, and horrifying deities beyond human comprehension.
Furthermore, the term "Lovecraft" can also describe the wider mythology and world-building established by the author, which has been expanded upon by subsequent authors and creators. Lovecraftian fiction typically incorporates elements such as forbidden texts, forbidden knowledge, hidden cults, non-Euclidean geometries, and a sense of cosmic dread and existential horror.
Outside literature, the influence of Lovecraft extends to areas such as tabletop role-playing games, video games, art, music, and other forms of popular culture. The aesthetics associated with Lovecraft often involve dark and brooding ambiance, grotesque and alien creatures, and unsettling imagery that taps into the inherent fear of the unknown and existential dread.
In summary, "Lovecraft" encompasses both the literary works of H.P. Lovecraft and the wider mythos created by him, symbolizing the distinct style of cosmic horror, supernatural entities, and existential dread that have been influential and pervasive in various forms of media and artistic expression.
