Eldritch Horrors: A Guide to Lovecraftian Entities

The Lovecraft Mythos features a pantheon of ancient and powerful entities, often categorized as Elder Gods, Great Old Ones, and other eldritch beings. This section contains an overview of these beings, starting from the oldest and most significant entities, and moving down the hierarchy. This hierarchy illustrates the complex and terrifying cosmology of Lovecraft’s Mythos, where humanity is but a tiny, insignificant part of a vast and indifferent universe filled with ancient beings of unimaginable power. These entities, from the omnipotent Elder Gods to the monstrous Great Old Ones and the advanced Elder Things.

The Elder Gods are typically depicted as neutral - sometimes almost benevolent - deities that oppose the Great Old Ones and other malevolent entities. They are less frequently mentioned in Lovecraft’s original works and are more prominent in the writings of later authors like August Derleth.

• Azathoth: The “Nuclear Chaos”, Azathoth is the mindless, amorphous ruler at the center of the universe, embodying chaos and primordial destruction. It is often depicted as a gibbering, amorphous mass at the center of all creation.
• Yog-Sothoth: The “All-in-One” and “One-in-All”, Yog-Sothoth exists outside of all time and space. It is often depicted as a conglomeration of glowing spheres and is said to know all and see all.
• Nyarlathotep: The “Crawling Chaos”, Nyarlathotep is a shape-shifting entity that serves as a messenger for the Outer Gods. Unlike most other cosmic entities, Nyarlathotep is active and frequently interacts with humans, often driving them mad.
• Shub-Niggurath: The “Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young”, Shub-Niggurath is a fertility deity often depicted as a perverse mother figure, spawning countless monstrous offspring.

The Great Old Ones are ancient, powerful entities that once ruled the Earth and are now imprisoned or dormant, awaiting a time when they can return.

• Cthulhu: Perhaps the most famous of Lovecraft’s creations, Cthulhu is a colossal, octopus-headed entity lying dormant in the sunken city of R’lyeh. Cthulhu’s cultists await his awakening, which will signal the end of human civilization.
• Hastur: Known as the “King in Yellow”, Hastur is associated with madness and decay. He is often linked to the forbidden play “The King in Yellow” and the city of Carcosa.
• Yig: The “Father of Serpents”, Yig is a snake god who curses those who disturb his progeny.
• Tsathoggua: A toad-like deity worshiped by the Voormi in Hyperborea. Tsathoggua is depicted as a furry, sluggish entity who prefers to sleep and feed on sacrifices.

The Elder Things, also known as the Old Ones, are an ancient extraterrestrial species that came to Earth long before humans existed. They are not gods but highly advanced beings.

• Elder Things: These creatures have a barrel-shaped body with starfish-like appendages and are highly intelligent. They created the shoggoths and established an advanced civilization on Earth, notably in Antarctica (as described in “At the Mountains of Madness”).
• Shoggoths: Created by the Elder Things, shoggoths are amorphous, protoplasmic entities capable of forming limbs and organs as needed. They eventually rebelled against their creators.

• Dagon: A gigantic sea creature worshipped by the Deep Ones. Dagon, along with his consort Hydra, is often considered a servant of Cthulhu.
• Hydra: Another sea deity associated with Dagon and the Deep Ones.
• Ghatanothoa: The eldest son of Cthulhu, Ghatanothoa is an immense, monstrous entity residing in the volcano of Yaddith-Gho. It has the power to mummify living beings upon sight.
• Byatis: Known as the “Berkeley Toad”, Byatis is a monstrous, frog-like being that can hypnotize and devour its victims.

• Deep Ones: Amphibious humanoid creatures who dwell in the oceans and have a pact with certain human families, resulting in hybrid offspring.
• Mi-Go: Also known as the “Fungi from Yuggoth”, these extraterrestrial beings have a crab-like appearance and can travel through space. They are known for their scientific knowledge and ability to transport human brains in canisters.
• Nightgaunts: Faceless, black, bat-winged creatures that serve Nyarlathotep and other dark entities. They are known for their silent flight and tendency to carry off dreamers.
• Yithians: (aka. Great Race of Yith) Time-traveling beings with the ability to project their consciousness across space and time, known for their vast knowledge and advanced civilization.

• Cthulhu Cult: Worshippers of Cthulhu, often depicted with the emblem of the tentacled face of Cthulhu, waiting for his awakening.
• Cult of Dagon: Followers of Dagon and Hydra, primarily composed of the Deep Ones and their human hybrids in places like Innsmouth.
• Witches of Arkham and Salem: Groups of witches who engage in dark rituals and summon eldritch entities, including notable witches like Keziah Mason from “The Dreams in the Witch House”.
• The Cult of the Yellow Sign: Followers of Hastur, the King in Yellow, who often fall into madness after encountering the forbidden play “The King in Yellow”.
• Red Coterie: A mysterious group mentioned in Lovecraft’s “The Festival”, known for their grotesque and ancient celebrations.
• Twilight Lodge: A secretive organization that engages in occult practices and rituals, seeking hidden knowledge and power.