"The Call of Cthulhu" introduces H.P. Lovecraft's most famous creation, the mythological octopus-like creature Cthulhu, one of "The Great Old Ones," a pantheon of cosmic entities who once ruled Earth but have since fallen into deep slumber. The story is written as an academic account of evidence of Cthulhu, including encounters with the ominous and murderous "Cult of Cthulhu."

Lovecraft's horror writing served as the basis for what is now called "The Cthulhu Mythos," a universe created by Lovecraft and subsequent writers—most famously Lovecraft's publisher August Derleth—that centered around the horror of "The Great Old Ones." The Cthulhu Mythos has become influential in popular culture and has inspired numerous books, comics, films, and games.

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