By Owen Golightly
The legend of Cthulhu is well-known in conspiracy theory circles as a vengeful being that despises humanity. Cthulhu is a monstrous deity created by H.P. Lovecraft in his 1928 novella The Call of Cthulhu.
Lovecraft described Cthulhu as a humanoid, subterranean creature with a head like an octopus and giant wings. Despite this fantastical depiction, some readers became convinced that Cthulhu was real and they created cults that worship the creature similar to how Romans worshiped the Gods.
The idea of a hidden, ancient deity resting beneath the ocean seemed fascinating to many, and theories surrounding the authenticisty of the creature spread throughout the 1930s. Some of these cults exist today, their radicalism kept alive by the Internet.
Much like believers of Bigfoot, The Lochness Monster, or Slenderman, Cthulhu devotees twist the truth to fit their beliefs. Although many fans of Lovecraft’s work have worked hard to remind others that The Call of Cthulhu is a fictional story, only some people are willing to accept the fact.
So why would people fall victim to a hoax that was created over 100 years ago as part of a fictional story? Many people are so focused on the news and stories they see on their phones that they can’t tell the difference between reality and made-up stories. It is human nature to wonder, to be curious, and to dream of things beyond our understanding, but the unknown often leads people to ignore realities, facts, and common sense.
Sadly, many people are so used to consuming lies and fake stories that they no longer recognize them for what they are. When something sounds too strange or unbelievable, it’s probably just that—a tall tale. As the news becomes more and more distorted by an internet that does little to fact-check, it will take a cultural shift to help people question their beliefs and free themselves from the influence of misleading information.
In today’s world, we’re so distracted by technology that we sometimes forget to think for ourselves. It’s important to be aware of the truth and not be swayed by every story that comes our way.
Cults are often born from conspiracies, and they are a bigger problem than many realize. People believe in theories like Cthulhu’s existence because they struggle to think critically for themselves. Unfortunately, we have grown accustomed to toxicity, fake news, and lies, and the absurd theories and tall tales that follow only add to the problem.
In our current state, a monkey can outthink us, a snail can outrun us, and many people are too distracted by their screens to see what’s really happening. When you read something that sounds absolutely ridiculous, chances are it’s just that: a lie.
The author researched this topic as part of his WIN class period. Students were asked to research hoaxes or conspiracies in connection to a My Perspective’s unit on Space Travel, monsters, and aliens.
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