The Cthulhu Mythos Explained #2:Hastur,Carcosa and the King in Yellow Explained (with Pappara Prod.)

Summary

This video delves into the mysterious figure of Hastur from the Lovecraft mythos, exploring its complex evolution. Hastur, also known as 'The Unspeakable One,' has appeared in various forms across literature, role-playing games, and pop culture. His presence is tied to the King in Yellow and the Yellow Sign, symbols of madness and decay. From his connections to the alien city of Carcosa to his worshippers, the Brothers of the Yellow Sign, the video unravels Hastur's role in cosmic horror and his ambiguous nature in relation to entities like Cthulhu and Shub-Niggurath.

Takeaways

• 👾 The video discusses the Zulu Mythos and explores the mysterious entities created by H.P. Lovecraft, focusing on the universe's incomprehensibility by human reasoning.
• 👹 Hoster, also known as the Unspeakable One, is a central figure of the mythos and is associated with themes like nihilism, stagnation, and decadence.
• 🧠 Hoster has been depicted in various forms, from an octopus-like entity to a bipedal lizard covered in tentacles, making it difficult to fully understand him.
• 🧑‍🎨 Hoster is also connected to the King in Yellow and the Yellow Sign, a symbol of his power, which holds significance for his followers, often artists and avant-garde creators.
• 🌌 The mythology links Hoster to the star Aldebaran and locations like Lake Hali and the city of Carcosa, which may exist in alien realms or on Earth.
• 🦠 The Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign is a violent cult worshipping Hoster, known for atrocities against the Great Race of Yith and others in the Mythos.
• 🔮 The Yellow Sign is a talisman tied to Hoster’s power, and the cult is engaged in a conflict with alien entities called Mi-Go, aiming to summon Hoster through rituals.
• 📜 H.P. Lovecraft borrowed elements like Carcosa and Hoster from earlier works by writers like Robert Chambers, expanding on the mythos in his own stories.
• 🧛‍♂️ August Derleth, who continued Lovecraft’s work, further developed Hoster as a Great Old One and the half-brother of Cthulhu, introducing new lore and conflicts.
• 🎭 The video highlights the role of Hoster, Carcosa, and the King in Yellow across various media, including books, role-playing games, video games, and TV shows like *True Detective*.

Q & A

What is the central focus of the video script?

The central focus of the video is explaining the mythos surrounding H.P. Lovecraft’s universe, particularly focusing on the entity Hastur and the Yellow Sign, as well as their complex roles within the larger mythos.

Who is Hastur, according to the script?

Hastur, also known as 'The Unspeakable One' or 'The King in Yellow,' is a mysterious and highly ambiguous entity in Lovecraft's mythos. It is often associated with concepts like decadence, stagnation, nihilism, and universal entropy.

How is Hastur typically depicted in Lovecraft's works?

Hastur is depicted in various ways, including as an invisible force, a bipedal lizard covered with tentacles, or a being resembling an octopus. The character’s form has been subject to many different interpretations.

What is the significance of the Yellow Sign?

The Yellow Sign is a talisman representing Hastur's power. It is linked to his cult and is believed to influence and control those who come into contact with it, often driving them to madness or possession.

What is the relationship between Hastur and the King in Yellow?

The King in Yellow is either an avatar or an aspect of Hastur. They are closely related, with the King in Yellow often serving as a manifestation of Hastur's influence on human minds and madness.

Where is Hastur said to reside?

Hastur is said to be trapped in a black hole near the star Aldebaran in the Taurus constellation or on the shore of Lake Hali, which may be located in either an alien world or primordial Earth.

What is the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign?

The Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign is a brutal cult worshiping Hastur. They are notorious for their cruel rituals, such as torturing aliens like the Mi-Go to gain knowledge and summon deities like Hastur to Earth.

What role does Carcosa play in the mythos?

Carcosa is a mysterious alien city frequently mentioned in connection with Hastur and the King in Yellow. It is often portrayed as an ancient and ominous place that appears in various tales and adaptations of Lovecraft’s work.

How has Hastur evolved in literature beyond Lovecraft’s original work?

Hastur has undergone numerous reinterpretations by other writers such as August Derleth, who expanded Hastur’s role, making him a Great Old One and the half-brother of Cthulhu. Hastur also appears in various role-playing games, video games, and pop culture references.

What themes are commonly associated with Hastur?

Hastur is commonly associated with themes such as nihilism, universal decay, entropy, and decadence. In some interpretations, Hastur is also linked to depression and madness, making him a representation of mental and emotional deterioration.