The Call of Cthulhu: Gods Beneath the Tide

I had pretty high expectations going into this one. Most bits of Lovecraft I’ve seen before reading his work, from board games to TTRPGs to stories penned by other authors, have used this story’s title. Surely this has to be one of Lovecraft’s best, right?

Let’s find out. Let’s answer the Call of Cthulhu together.

The story is divided into three parts, each written as the notes of Francis Thurston’s investigation into Cthulhu. In part one, we learn of strange carved idols dedicated to the god. In part two, we learn of a recently discovered cult that still worships the creature. Finally, in part three, we meet the titular deity himself.

Then the narrator goes mad and kills himself. Y’know. Lovecraft things. Like the racism. Of which there is a lot. Lovecraft was a genius, that can’t be denied, but he sure did live in 1928.

While reading this one, I couldn’t help but think of a food analogy. Bear with me on this one, okay? Most stories are like a nice roast chicken dinner: well-seasoned with plenty of juicy meat. It’s even better with delicious sides (for the sake of the metaphor, said sides are a bit of nice music, a rainy day, and a warm cup of coffee.)

The Call of Cthulhu is like the skeleton of that delicious chicken. It’s got all the structure of a great story, but none of the succulent meat to actually bite into. To me, reading it felt more like a narrative outline than a story in it of itself.

Maybe that’s why so many other books and games are all based on this one…

Still, it must be said, it’s a mighty fine skeleton. Cthulhu’s presence and his worshippers are phenomenally written; they’re a deeply creepy and intriguing cult. Ignoring the blatant, fragrant, and frequent racism, they add a great deal of intrigue to the short.

And then there’s Cthulhu himself. It’s easy to see why this is Lovecraft’s most recognized creature. He’s the quintessential example of all of Lovecraft’s best traits. A true cosmic horror that can only be described as a god.

As a whole, I think the Call of Cthulhu is pretty good. At least compared to the Lovecraft shorts we’ve reviewed thus far. It highlights all the best traits of the author, as well as all his worst shortcomings. If you’re interested, give it a read and see how you feel.