A Shoggoth - Artwork inspired by H .P. Lovecraft's short novel At the Mountains of Madness. Image and Artwork via Nottsuo
H.P. Lovecraft created a universe with his writings (Cthulhu Mythos Cosmic Horror) filled with a detailed collection of cosmically weird, terrifying and horrific monsters (Shoggoths, Shub-Niggurath, Azathoth, and Yog-Sothoth to name only a few). Lovecraft's Cosmic Horror stories place human beings as a footnote to the reality of his universe which is controlled by grotesque and monsterous Gods. The fear of the unknown is constant in Lovecraft's stories and creations - Artist's have illustrated this in various physical representations (Many of Lovecraft's creatures defy our common understanding and reality often being described as "Formless" by the Author). We have put together a collection of illustrations and Artwork based on a select few of H.P. Lovecraft's most terrifying monsters. Please enjoy and follow the individual Artist directly if possible.
Now all my tales are based on the fundamental premise that common human laws and interests and emotions have no validity or significance in the vast cosmos-at-large.
- H.P. Lovecraft
Yog-Sothoth
A cosmic Outer God and born of the Nameless Mist, also known as, The Lurker at the Threshold, Opener of the Way Yog-Sothoth from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. As with many Lovecraftian Gods Yog-Sothoth has many appearances but often manifests as glowing orbs or a formless shape - as this God dwells outside time and the universe.
Yog-Sothoth Artwork via satibalzane
Yog-Sothoth Image via Manzanedo @ Deviant Art
Yog-Sothoth image via Jason Engle @ Deviant Art
Shoggoth
Shoggoth's where created by the Elder Ones as formless eye-covered blobs which they enslaved. When some of the Shoggoths developed a conscious mind they rebelled against their creators and now roam the earth. Described in detail in At the Mountains of Madness (1931).
It was a terrible, indescribable thing vaster than any subway train—a shapeless congeries of protoplasmic bubbles, faintly self-luminous, and with myriads of temporary eyes forming and un-forming as pustules of greenish light all over the tunnel-filling front that bore down upon us, crushing the frantic penguins and slithering over the glistening floor that it and its kind had swept so evilly free of all litter.
H. P. Lovecraft, At the Mountains of Madness
A Shoggoth Nottsuo's artwork inspired by H .P. Lovecraft's short novel At the Mountains of Madness. Image via Nottsuo
Shoggoth by Manzanedo Image via Manzanedo @ Deviant Art
Shoggoth based on Lovecraft Country where the Shoggoth creatures resemble a physical monster rather than formless amoeba. Image via J Meyers @ Artstation
Lovecraft Country: Bringing the Shoggoths to Life and Bloody Disgusting
Dagon
In the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Dagon is a deity worshipped by the Deep Ones, a race of aquatic humanoids that appear in several of Lovecraft's stories. Dagon is described as a malevolent, fish-like god who dwells in the depths of the ocean and is served by the Deep Ones. Dagon is often associated with ancient, pre-human civilizations and is said to have inspired the creation of the first cities on earth. In Lovecraft's stories, Dagon is depicted as a powerful and malevolent being who seeks to bring about the downfall of humanity and the rise of the Deep Ones.
Dagon Image via https://www.cercatoridiatlantide.it/en/dagon-the-necronomicon-gamebook "Dagon - The Necronomicon Gamebook" illustrated by Alberto Dal Lago e Jacopo Schiavo
Azathoth
There is no definite physical description of Azathoth - as each viewer sees him differently. Called the "Bling idiot God" Azathoth is mindless but all powerful - while remaining in a deep slumber. As an "Outer God" and ruler Azathoth is cosmically important in the Mythos dwelling in the Outer voids. Image and mythology from Medium.
Azathoth Image via @ Walter Brocca on ArtStation
Azathoth Image via https://www.deviantart.com/xeeming
Nyarlathotep
Nyarlathotep is a name used for a character in the works of H. P. Lovecraft he serves as messenger and avatar of Azathoth. Nyarlathotep is a "malign deity" In Lovecraft's mythos, Nyarlathotep is often depicted as a shapeshifter and messenger of the Great Old Ones, a group of powerful deities that predate human civilization and are worshipped by cults around the world. Nyarlathotep is described as having a thousand forms, each more terrible than the last, and is said to be the "crawling chaos" that lies at the heart of the universe. In many of Lovecraft's stories, Nyarlathotep is portrayed as a malevolent being who manipulates and deceives humans for his own ends, and is often associated with madness and chaos. Despite its fearsome reputation, Nyarlathotep is also sometimes depicted as a tragic figure, driven by its own inscrutable motives and doomed to suffer for its own actions.
And where Nyarlathotep went, rest vanished, for the small hours were rent with the screams of nightmare.
-H.P. Lovecraft speaking of Nyarlathotep
Nyarlathotep Image via @ Walter Brocca on ArtStation
Nyarlathotep Image via and print available on inPrint @ Jason Engle
Nyarlathotep Image via Loïc Muzy Art Station
Nyarlathotep - Call of CTHULHU_Creature sculpting in zbrush - Artist @ Yang Gao
Nyarlathotep Image via https://twitter.com/JeffGrimal_Arts
Cthulhu
H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu was first written about in the short story "The Call of Cthulhu," which was published in the magazine Weird Tales in 1928. In the story, Cthulhu is described as a monstrous being of immense power and ancient origin, with tentacles and wings, and a face described as "a nightmare corpse-city of forbidden elder cylinders, fluids, and minerals." According to Lovecraft's mythos, Cthulhu is one of the Great Old Ones, a group of powerful deities that predate human civilization and are worshipped by cults around the world. The character of Cthulhu has become one of Lovecraft's most enduring creations, appearing in numerous stories and inspiring countless works of fiction, film, and other media.
Lovecraft's original drawing of Cthulhu - Image via lovecraft.fandom.com
Cthulhu Image and digital painting via @bram_sels more work from the Artist
Cthulhu Image via https://www.artstation.com/artwork/9eErga kaenkodi
H.P. Lovecraft
Painting of H.P. Lovecraft by Jeff Grimal image via jeffgrimal.net
Howard Phillips Lovecraft, commonly known as H.P. Lovecraft, was an American writer of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. He is well known for his contributions to the development of the horror and science fiction genres, and his writing has had a significant influence on popular culture. Lovecraft's works often involve themes of cosmic horror, the idea that there are ancient and malevolent deities or otherworldly forces that threaten the very fabric of reality. His stories often feature first-person narratives and are known for their intricate, atmospheric details and their use of cosmic concepts and ideas drawn from science and the occult. Lovecraft's writing style, which often incorporates elements of dreamlike, surreal imagery and the use of ancient mythology and the occult, has made him a enduring and influential figure in the horror and science fiction genres.
