lovecraft and the shoggoth

[j. d. worthington]

All right... though I find some of that post confusing, I think I have a better idea of what you're getting at with the shoggoth as evolutionary concept, and how it ties in with what you said originally about the Holy Ghost, etc. On the general ideas of evolution, I'd say there are some fundamental differences in our models, but I'd also say that in some points we're a lot closer in concept, but our use of terms is vastly different.

However, I think I understand you well enough that we could, if you wish, move on to other points or interpretations you'd like to discuss/debate....

By the way... yes, I've heard about such cults, and have since the early 1980s, off and on. Whether this is true or not, I can't say... though I doubt they have all that large a following. (I could be wrong on this, though... never underestimate the ability of human beings to mistake fantasy for reality.)

On the Necronomicon... that's a concept with an interesting bit of history behind it. You might find some of the comments here interesting, especially concerning "The Hound", where the book itself makes its first appearance:

http://members.fortunecity.com/moder...fic/tsou2.html

As for Lovecraft being a rather underestimated writer... well, Poe still suffers from that now and again; certainly Bierce has, as well. There are people who are very much in favor of M. R. James' other writings, yet dismiss his "ghost stories" completely, despite the fact that these are what he is truly remembered for in the larger sphere, and where his greatest influence lies. The list goes on and on.... Essentially, fantastic literature is still often seen as a "poor relative" when it comes to the literary family tree, despite the fact that its roots go as deep as any, and it tackles -- often with great artistic skill and insight -- some of our deepest emotions and interpretations of the universe around us.

BUT... Lovecraft's reputation continues to grow, and he is becoming harder and harder to dismiss as a major writer; and those who do are sounding more and more desperate and reactionary with their statements... again, much like what we've seen with Poe, Tolkien, or (for the matter of that) Mary Shelley or Ann Radcliffe....

[Ursa major]

Originally Posted by j. d. worthington

All right... though I find some of that post confusing....

Then you're way ahead of most of us, J.D. (Well, way ahead of me, anyway. )


But at least I can follow one side of the debate, thanks to you.

[pyan]

Actually, since the we've lost the capitals and the stream-of-consciousness-ness, I'm beginning to comprehend (a bit) of what Nigourath is trying to say...

[j. d. worthington]

Thanks, U.m. The thing is, though I don't necessarily agree with what I'm getting understanding of his idea, it is a fascinating take on the subject; one I've never encountered before, and I'd rather like to see this one refined and put out there for consideration. However, as I said earlier, I think it would help to clarify the idea even more if we were given citations from the work that sparked (and possibly support) this interpretation....

[j. d. worthington]

Incidentally, for those interested, I finally tracked down where I'd run into that connection between racism and the shoggoth; it was from a discussion at the Eldritch Dark forum, and had its beginning (more or less) here:

Eldritch Dark Forum :: Werewolf query

*sigh* My blasted memory (like the old grey mare) just "ain't what she used to be"....