An Element of Cosmic Horror
An element of madness, my good sir. . . .
In my new series that I plan to write I’ve been considering adding an element of cosmic horror. How it will figure in the story is still forming in my mind, even though it is primarily science fiction that I’m writing I see nothing wrong with adding elements of other genres. After all, John Truby mentions that this is what can make a story resonate and be more attractive to readers. I don’t plan to overdo it - after all, I’m not writing horror - but this new world will be a Manichean world. The belief of many, especially of the protagonist is that there are the Forces of Light and there are the Forces of Darkness. I know this is not a favorite philosophical way of thinking with some these days - too binary - but it is a very important philosophy and this attitude of Good and Evil is foundational for the next series. This tends to show up in most of my work.
And the Forces of Darkness? They evoke at the very least an ominous feeling. At their worst, (or best depending on what side you fall on) they evoke horror on a cosmic scale. Don’t look for The Colour Out of Space (one of my favorite stories!) but look for faint echoes.
I plan to add elements of the Arthurian Cycles as well, and where this and the cosmic horror will meld is at the point of the dangers of transcendental meditation, the Chapel Perilous (where our protagonist goes to a forbidden place and faces grave consequences because of it) the Great Attractor and the intersection of dreams. The Chapel Perilous is where he faces this moment of horror (personal and external) - or the very edges of it.
As I understand it, normally cosmic horror is the idea of Evil that does not see or care about humanity or any life that is lower than it. It is indifferent to us. In my opinion, the reality is quite the opposite but in this story lies a paradox. At times, this Darkness actually is indifferent - or appears to be so - and at times it is unnaturally focused on humanity and its doings. I will have a more thoughtful analysis of this subject next week.
I think it would be well to revisit the Father of Cosmic Horror, H. P. Lovecraft. I’ve read a few of his stories over the years but it’s been a long time.
It’s time for me to do some more research. To get back into the mindset of Lovecraft. Let’s hope I don’t go mad! Wish me luck! Oh and by the way since I’m on a Lovecraftian kick, check out the H.P. Lovecraft archive on archive.org.
There’s some interesting stuff about the author and his works and life and family there.
Happy reading and happy writing!
