The Duality of Creatures in H.P. Lovecraft's Mythos: Harmful or Helpful?

In the works of horror fiction author H.P. Lovecraft, the mythos is filled with a myriad of creatures, some of which are innately harmful to human beings, while others are surprisingly beneficial in various ways. However, it's important to consider the perspective from which this spectrum of interactions is viewed.

Helpers Amidst the Horror?

Surprisingly, the literature of H.P. Lovecraft is not entirely devoid of beneficial creatures. While these beings may not strictly be considered "helpers" in the conventional sense, they do present a variety of nuanced interactions with humans. Here are some examples:

The Mi Go

The Mi Go, extraterrestrial beings with an advanced space empire, might seem at first glance to be antagonists. However, they sometimes take humans to their vast cosmic realms, where they exist as immortal minds engaged in intellectual discourse with other bodiless intelligences. This could be perceived as both wonderful and horrific, depending on the individual's perspective. While the journey to these celestial realms is voluntary, the decision to embrace such a being's methods is a complex one.

The Ghouls

The Ghouls, humanoids who are known for feeding on the flesh of the dead, are often depicted as terrifying creatures. However, their portrayal can be more complex. They usually consume merely dead bodies, and they are occasionally reasoned with. For instance, the character Pickman and his ghoul companions in Dreamlands offer selfless assistance to Randolph Carter without any material reward, highlighting a mutual understanding between species.

The Deep Ones

The Deep Ones, beings from the ocean depths who have the potential to breed with humans, present an interesting duality. These hybrid humans, often referred to as having an "Innsmouth look," accept human life for decades but eventually transform into true Deep Ones. From an outsider's perspective, this transformation is disgusting. However, the Deep Ones themselves seem to maintain a more specific moral code, as they demand living sacrifices in exchange for gold and fish, indicating a trade-off rather than unmitigated harm.

The Elder Things

While the Elder Things, ancient entities that are responsible for creating all life on Earth, did kill everyone at Lake's Camp, they did so likely because they felt threatened, possibly by dogs. Ultimately, their creation of life is a testament to their benevolent nature. Still, they also extracted knowledge from humans, suggesting a form of guardian-protector relationship.

The Great Race of Yith

The Yithians, beings who can transfer their consciousness into other bodies, engage in a form of historical research and record-keeping. While they rob their bodies and erase their memories upon returning, they do bargain with human cultists and provide at least comfortable living conditions for their involuntary visitors. This balance of giving and taking is notable in the mythos.

The Flying Polyps

The Flying Polyps, despite their alien nature and the narrator's initial apprehension, do not ultimately harm their human counterpart. Their involvement is more accidental, preventing the retrieval of a book from the Great Library rather than causing direct injury. This illustrates how even the most alien of entities can coexist without inherent harmful intent.

The Cosmic Perspective

One of the recurring themes in Lovecraftian lore is the idea that traditional morality and good versus evil are not universally applicable in the vast, uncaring cosmos. These creatures often act based on their own motivations and perspectives rather than our own. As such, it's crucial to view their interactions with humans in a broader context. Some creatures may be seen as harmful, but often, these actions are rooted in their own survival or the maintenance of order.

The Takeaway

In the mythos of H.P. Lovecraft, it is essential to recognize the complex interactions between creatures and humanity. Whether a creature is beneficial or harmful can vary greatly depending on the specific context and the observer's perspective. This duality enriches the narrative and provides a deeper understanding of the often confusing and unpredictable world Lovecraft created.