UNEARTHING THE DIVINE HORRORS - Exploring Biblical References in Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

Oct 6, 2026

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This study examines H. P. Lovecraft’s craft of cosmic horror by tracing how Christian cosmological elements are fused with subversion and mockery to form a distinct cosmic framework. It highlights Lovecraft’s integration of Christian themes, eldritch terrors, and deities echoing Christian demonology, especially the biblical-myth rooted entity Dagon and its catastrophic associations. The analysis also considers Lovecraft’s treatment of religious celebrations and an indifferent, non-anthropocentric universe with subtle parallels to the biblical Apocalypse, linking terror with scholarly fascination.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

«UNEARTHING THE DIVINE HORRORS»: EXPLORING BIBLICAL REFERENCES IN LOVECRAFT’S CTHULHU MYTHOS di Francesca Restelli [francesca.restelli@hotmail.it](francesca.restelli@hotmail.it) Abstract This study looks into H. P. Lovecraft’s masterful craft of cosmic horror, examining his adept fusion of Christian cosmological elements with subversion and mockery, while concurrently forging a unique cosmic framework. Lovecraft subtly weaves Christian themes into his mythos, introducing his eldritch terrors, deities reminiscent of Christian demonology. These entities, residing in abyssal depths, bear distinctly demonic attributes, highlighting the profound influence of Christian cosmology. The enigmatic entity Dagon, rooted in biblical mythology, is a focal point. Its appearances correlate with catastrophic consequences and the underworld, subverting Christian narratives and invoking a sense of dread through an alternative lens. Lovecraft strategically manipulates Christian celebrations, such as May-Eve and All-Hallows, challenging their significance and intensifying readers’ religious discomfort. Lovecraft’s cosmic framework is non-anthropocentric, portraying an indifferent universe inhabited by ancient cosmic entities beyond human comprehension. However, he alludes to an impending chaos, drawing subtle parallels with the biblical Apocalypse. Lovecraft’s narratives interweave Christian cosmology, subversion, and mockery, challenging religious frameworks while invoking terror and fascination, providing a rich tapestry for scholarly analysis in cosmic horror literature. Keywords H. P. Lovecraft, Eco-Horror, Biblical Studies, Christian Demonology Introduction How can one define the difference between good and evil? Throughout the centuries, people have sought answers to this question through religion, which has provided them with a sense of security and comfort. The horror genre is closely intertwined with religion, as it has the capacity to expose and exploit people's profound fears. Howard Phillips Lovecraft, despite incorporating religious elements in his works, was not a religious individual. He only believed in a sort of superior cosmogonic force that humans – as he used to say – mistook for deities. Joshi’s collection of Lovecraft’s Atheist Writings 1 is enlightening for the understanding of Lovecraft’s perspective on Christianity. In his 1922 essay A Confession of Unfaith, Providence’s horror master outlines the basis of his belief, of his worldview, while taking the readers back to the religious influences that constituteda massive presence in his childhood: The environment into which I was born was that of the average American Protestant of urban, civilized type – in theory quite orthodox, but in practice very liberal. Morals rather than faith formed the real keynote. I was instructed in the legends ofthe Bible and of Saint Nicholas atthe age of about two, and gave to both a passive acceptance not especially distinguished either for its critical keenness or its enthusiastic comprehension.2 The discovery of Santa Claus being a myth became a moment of realization for the author, who started to question the realism of God at about five years old. Lovecraft perceived the myths of the Bible as absurd at a very young age, and not long after the placement in the «infant class at the Sunday school of the venerable First Baptist Church»,3 the author concluded being agnostic. In his letter to Frank Belknap Long, Lovecraft expresses his opinion on Christianity and Protestantism. The author perceives modern Christianity as corrupted and wrong, because of Popery. The pure version of Christianity, according to Lovecraft, was long gone before the Middle Age. He also perceives Aryan paganism as 1 S. T. Joshi, C. Hitchens ([ed. by](ed. by)), Against Religion: The Atheist Writings of H. P. Lovecraft, New York, Sporting Gentlemen Publisher, 2010. 2 Ivi, p. 2. 3 Ibidem. «infinitely superior to the Semitick farce of Christianity

FAQs

What does the study focus on regarding Lovecraft’s cosmic horror?

It analyzes how Lovecraft fuses Christian cosmological elements with subversion and mockery to build a unique cosmic framework for horror.

Which biblical-rooted entity is highlighted as a focal point?

The entity Dagon, rooted in biblical mythology, is emphasized, including how its appearances align with catastrophic consequences and an underworld motif.

How does the document describe Lovecraft’s view of Christianity and Protestantism?

It explains that Lovecraft’s writings connect Christianity with corruption (often linked to Popery in the text) while presenting Protestantism as a more honest or superior orientation, even as Christian symbolism remains central in his fiction.

Oct 6, 2026

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