What are some of the best Lovecraftian horror stories?

One of the best is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It introduces the terrifying and otherworldly entity Cthulhu. The story builds a sense of dread as it reveals the existence of this ancient and powerful being that lies dormant but is still a threat to humanity. Another great one is 'At the Mountains of Madness', which takes readers on an Antarctic adventure filled with strange creatures and a dark history.

August Derleth also wrote some notable Lovecraftian - inspired stories. He continued Lovecraft's legacy by expanding on the Mythos. His works often incorporated Lovecraft's ideas and added his own twists, helping to keep the Lovecraftian horror genre alive.

Some great Lovecraftian short stories include 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's a classic that introduces the terrifying Cthulhu entity and the idea of a hidden, malevolent world beneath our own. Another one is 'The Colour Out of Space', which tells a story of a strange, otherworldly color that brings doom to a rural area. And 'At the Mountains of Madness' is also highly regarded, taking readers on a chilling journey to Antarctica and uncovering ancient, unthinkable horrors.

The theme of madness is prevalent. Characters in these stories often go insane when they encounter the otherworldly and the unknowable. For example, they might see things that their minds simply can't process, which drives them to madness. Also, the idea of ancient and forbidden knowledge is a theme. Discovering this knowledge usually has dire consequences for those involved.

One great Lovecraftian horror novel is 'At the Mountains of Madness' by H.P. Lovecraft himself. It takes readers on a terrifying journey to Antarctica, where an ancient and unearthly horror is uncovered. The descriptions of the alien landscapes and the eldritch creatures are truly spine - chilling.

Well, 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a must - mention. It's a short story but has been highly influential in the Lovecraftian horror genre. In it, the main character discovers the existence of Cthulhu through various investigations. 'At the Mountains of Madness' is great too. It not only has horror elements but also some science - fictiony aspects as the characters explore an ancient, pre - human civilization in Antarctica. And then there's 'The Dunwich Horror', which is full of strange happenings in a small New England town.

Another theme is the idea of forbidden knowledge. In Lovecraftian stories, characters often stumble upon knowledge that they should not have. This knowledge is so disturbing that it can drive them mad. For example, learning about the true nature of the ancient gods can shatter a person's sanity.

Thomas Ligotti is an important figure in Lovecraftian horror. His stories have a similar sense of dread and the exploration of the human psyche in the face of the unknowable. He uses Lovecraft's style of creating a sense of unease through the description of the abnormal and the terrifying, while also bringing his own distinct voice to the genre.

Well, of course, H. P. Lovecraft is the originator. But there's also Thomas Ligotti. His works often explore similar themes of nihilism and the horror of existence as Lovecraft did. Brian Lumley is another. He has created a vast body of work that draws on Lovecraftian concepts and expands on them, especially with his take on the Necroscope series which has elements of Lovecraftian horror in it. And Ramsey Campbell, who has been influenced by Lovecraft and has written many stories that have that same sense of creeping dread and otherworldly horror.

One great modern Lovecraftian horror novel is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It has that sense of creeping dread and a connection to the unknowable that Lovecraft was known for.