Showing results by author "Clark Ashton Smith" in All Categories

In the depths of human imagination lies a realm where ancient gods stir in their slumbers, where forbidden knowledge teeters on the edge of consciousness, and where cosmic horror casts its suffocating veil over reality. This is the world of the Cthulhu Mythos, a tapestry woven from the mind of one of the most enigmatic and influential writers of the 20th century, H. P. Lovecraft.

On the continent of Zothique, beneath the dying sun of a withering Earth, the sorcerer Namirrha devises a scheme of revenge powerful enough to shatter an entire empire. His reputation is dark, his allies fearsome beings from hell, but his goal is singular: to confront Emperor Zotulla, the one who, years before, condemned Namirrha—then a beggar boy named Narthos—to a life of degradation. Now he returns under the cloak of night, prepared for a reckoning that may shake the heavens and earth alike.

Fifteen nautical nightmares: from the discovery and subsequent investigation of a mysterious vessel in The Derelict, to the terrifying ordeal of a lighthouse keeper stationed at the remote Three Skeleton Key...

A young acolyte steeped in wizardly lore assists his master to uncover an ancient tablet and decipher its dreadful secrets. But their unholy quest awakens a cosmic horror from beyond the stars, which begins to take over their shadows and souls. Can they resist its dark influence, or will they become its victims?

In “The End of the Story” by Clark Ashton Smith, mysterious passion and ardor lead us through forbidden manuscripts, mystical encounters, and matters of the heart. Set in 17th-century France, young law student Christophe Morand discovers the tale of Gerard de Venteillon, a knight seduced by a lamia dwelling in the ruins of Chateau des Faussesflammes near Perigon. Will Morand share his fate? The choice between heart and the abbot’s counsel becomes pivotal, and the enigmatic woman continues to tempt.

We’ve recorded some 400+ stories since 2015 here at HorrorBabble. This collection comprises some of our very favorites. From Blackwood's evocative "The Transfer", through to Smith's terrifying visit to the vaults of Yoh-Vombis, there’s something here to strike fear into the heart of any horror enthusiast....

In a world where the sun dims over the last continent, Zothique, two exiled necromancers—Mmatmuor and Sodosma—seek to create their empire in a kingdom of the dead. Driven from Tinarath, they journey to the deserted land of Cincor, where plague has left only bones and mummies behind. Using forbidden spells, they raise the dead to serve their dark will, constructing an undead empire of forced labor and eerie splendor. Yet, deep in this kingdom, a spark of rebellion stirs among the dead.

“Mother of Toads” is a short story by Clark Ashton Smith, originally published in the July issue of Weird Tales in 1938. The plot revolves around a young apothecary’s assistant who encounters an extraordinary witch deep in the forest. Listeners are drawn into a mysterious world where magic and supernatural phenomena intertwine with human desires and fears. The tale is filled with intriguing details and unexpected twists that will captivate fans of horror and fantasy.

Zothique est le nom d'un continent. Un monde mythique de sortilèges, de prodiges, d'incongruités, de maléfices et de terreurs innombrables. Dans cet univers, l'amour et la mort ont les couleurs de l'illusion, et les hallucinations sont toujours moins effrayantes que la réalité. Dans les villes et villages, dans les forêts et les campagnes, les morts, les momies, les squelettes ne laissent aux vivants aucun répit et, sans cesse, les assaillent et les poursuivent.

In “The Colossus of Ylourgne,” a mysterious object of colossal proportions instills fear and intrigue among the townspeople. Its shadow falls upon the tranquil village, concealing dark secrets. When a daring individual sets out to uncover the truth, they become entangled in ancient spells, a fight for survival, and extraordinary magic.

Clark Ashton Smith (January 13, 1893-August 14, 1961) was an American writer and artist. He achieved early local recognition, largely through the enthusiasm of George Sterling, for traditional verse in the vein of Swinburne.

The plague of the "silver death" descended hard upon the land or Yoros, exactly as foretold by ancient astrologers. Countless victims fell instantly where they were stricken, including messengers racing to tell of itscoming. Young King Fulbra, protected from the plague by a magic ring, fled Yoros by ship in search of an island his advisors believed would welcome him. Before long, however, a sudden hurricane set the king on course for another island with a very different reputation.

In the desolate forest of Averoigne, resides Anselme, a young romantic who became a recluse after being rejected by his beloved Dorothée. After 13 months of solitude, Anselme stumbles upon a beautiful woman bathing in a forest pond, accompanied by a massive wolf. She is Séphora, an enchantress, who invites him to her realm—Sylaire, “a land lying beyond time and space.”

In the heart of medieval Averoigne, Brother Ambrose, a young Benedictine monk, is sent on a secret mission to uncover the truth about the enigmatic Bishop Azédarac. What begins as a journey of faith quickly turns into a descent into the unknown, as Ambrose discovers a world filled with ancient sorcery, forbidden knowledge, and shadowy figures from the distant past.

La Isla que no Estaba en los Mapas de Clark Ashton Smith es un cuento fantástico que transporta a los lectores a una isla misteriosa que desafía la navegación convencional. Cuando un grupo de intrépidos exploradores tropiezan con la isla, se ven arrastrados a un mundo de paisajes enigmáticos, criaturas extrañas y ruinas antiguas. A medida que profundizan en los secretos de la isla, descubren una civilización oculta y encuentran extraños fenómenos que desafían su comprensión de la realidad.

King Hoaraph chose two of his most valiant warriors to search through desolate lands for a ravenously beautiful maiden rumored to be living among the far-off pastures. After locating the king's newest desire, mighty Zobal and Cushara headed back home, both with their own eyes on the girl! Priorities changed suddenly when the crew veered off course into mysterious weather and found themselves staring into the eyes of a tall, horrific-looking creature approaching them from the mist ahead!

Zothique is Earth's last continent in the very distant future when the sun has grown dim, the world has grown old, and the remorseless seas have overwhelmed all other continents. The sciences have been forgotten as the shadowy arts of sorcery and magic have been reborn. The result: a dark world of mystery in which luxurious kings and wandering heroes venture across dim landscapes, pitting their strength and wisdom against powerful wizards, necromancers, and alien gods.

"The Satyr" is a mystical tale of love, betrayal, and the secrets of the Averoigne forests. When Count Raoul de la Frenaie discovers his wife's affair with a young poet, he is drawn into a whirlwind of supernatural events. Will love withstand the test of time, or will it be consumed by dark forces? This story unveils the enchanted secrets and hidden desires in the hearts of both humans and spirits.

With inhuman solemnity, the voice of the necromancer went on in a priest-like chant until the last echoes died out in hollow, sepulchral vibrations. Then the colored vapors cleared away. But the pale unearthly glow still filled the changer, and between Malygris and the door where hung the unicorn's head there stood the apparition of Nylissa!

A story from the renowned tales of "Xiccarph": Before Tiglari, many brave souls had the same noble dream of scaling and crossing through the forbidding palace of Maal Dweb. So far, none who attempted this feat has ever returned or have been seen again. But Tiglari, the jungle hunter skilled in destroying dangerous beasts, was undeterred by the hideous odds that lay before him!