The Shocking Revelation of Cthulhu and the Lovecraftian Mythos in Medieval Europe

Imagine a world where the works of H.P. Lovecraft appeared during the Middle Ages. Would the Church, kingdoms, and people have believed the fantastical tales of Cthulhu and the broader Cthulhu Mythos? Would they have seen it as truth or dismissed it as the purely fictional creations they are?

The Middle Ages and the Cthulhu Mythos

In the medieval period, Europe was marked by superstition and religious fanaticism. Although the Inquisition burned books and hundreds of people, the dissemination of ideas was limited by the lack of printing presses. H.P. Lovecraft's works, which began appearing mostly after the middle ages, would have been spread more slowly, assuming they were published at all given the societal norms of the era.

The Church's Reaction

The Church would have been particularly skeptical of Lovecraft's works. Beliefs during this time were grounded in Christianity, and any mention of gods or entities outside the Christian pantheon would have been met with disdain or fear. If a scholar or traveling bard were to share tales of Cthulhu and his kin, they would likely be accused of heresy. The Church, known for its rigorous application of doctrine, would have taken great efforts to counteract such beliefs and would have sought to dispel these tales as fabrications.

The Royal Courts and Kingdoms

Medieval kingdoms would have been deeply influenced by their own religious and cultural norms. The Royal Courts, ruled by kings and their nobles, would have seen these stories either as divine tests or as attempts to undermine their authority. If a king or noble were to convert to these beliefs, it could lead to political upheaval and conflict within their kingdoms. On the other hand, if they were to ignore these tales, the nobility might still be wary, as these stories could be used to manipulate the common people.

The Common People

The common people, without the extensive literacy that came with the printing press and the Renaissance, would have found it hard to distinguish between reality and fiction. Superstitious and fearful, they would have clung to tales of monsters and fantastical beings, as these stories could explain the unexplainable or add meaning to their lives. However, the Church, with its influence over the populace, would have worked to counteract any belief in these entities, branding them as demonic and heretical.

Worse, the Medieval Church Took Extreme Measures

It’s important to note that the Middle Ages was a period of intense religious fervor, where any deviation from the Church's teachings could lead to severe consequences. Inquisitors, while largely focused on heresy and witchcraft, would have taken strict action against those perceived to be spreading false information. If a scholar like Lovecraft had pushed his works as factual, he would have faced severe persecution. His books would have been burned, and he himself would likely have been burned at the stake, executing the cancellation culture of the time in a manner that would shock even today's standards.

Historical Context and Realism

H.P. Lovecraft's works are indeed fictional. They were creations of his imagination, born in a period characterized by a blend of scientific curiosity and early-twentieth-century horror. The idea of The Necronomicon and the existence of cosmic entities like Cthulhu are all part of a rich fictional universe that resonates with readers for its complexity and horror. Lovecraft did not set his works in the Middle Ages, but he did draw inspiration from historical and mythological sources when weaving his tales.

The Cthulhu Mythos: A Narrative of Fiction

The Cthulhu Mythos, as constructed by Lovecraft, is a narrative that blends elements of mythology, science fiction, and cosmic horror. It is a fictional universe that has captivated readers for decades. The entities within this mythos, such as Cthulhu and the Elder Things, are not meant to represent any real historical or religious figures, but rather to explore the unknown and the terrifying in the human psyche.

Conclusion

The Middle Ages were a time of intense religious fervor and superstition, making the introduction of fictional elements from the Cthulhu Mythos likely highly improbable yet fascinating to imagine. While the Church, kingdoms, and people would have viewed these stories with suspicion and fear, they are ultimately a product of the human imagination and not a historically accurate representation of the time. The Cthulhu Mythos, like all works of fiction, serves as a means to explore the depths of human fear and curiosity, rather than a document of historical truth.