"The Great God Pan" by Arthur Machen / A HorrorBabble Production

[@HorrorBabble]

"The Great God Pan" is a novella by Welsh writer Arthur Machen. It begins with an experiment to allow a woman named Mary to see the supernatural world. This is followed by an account of a series of mysterious happenings and deaths over many years surrounding a woman named Helen Vaughan. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Part 1 00:18:16 - Part 2 00:34:38 - Part 3 00:51:32 - Part 4 01:05:04 - Part 5 01:17:04 - Part 6 01:35:48 - Part 7 01:51:36 - Part 8 Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/album/the-great-god-pan Narrated by Ian Gordon and Jennifer Gill for HorrorBabble Music and production by Ian Gordon Image used with the permission of mgkellermeyer (mgkellermeyer.deviantart.com) Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com www.patreon.com/horrorbabble HorrorBabble MERCH: teespring.com/stores/horrorbabble-merch Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on: AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY Home: www.horrorbabble.com Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com Social Media: facebook.com/HorrorBabble instagram.com/horrorbabble twitter.com/HorrorBabble

[@Threetails]

!

[@NEMOPMORPHY]

A Poem Dune the Desert Saga or Motes Amidst the Sands of Time kzbin.info/www/bejne/epDUqaSIjqupabM

[@isorokudono]

@@NEMOPMORPHY AA peooem. I saw a creature in the desert Naked and Beastial Sitting on a rock and eating his heart. I said' "Is it good friend?" He said; "it is bitter; BITTER" "I like it because its bitter, and because it's MY HEART".

[@isorokudono]

In the Desert BY STEPHEN CRANE In the desert I saw a creature, naked, bestial, Who, squatting upon the ground, Held his heart in his hands, And ate of it. I said, “Is it good, friend?” “It is bitter-bitter,” he answered; “But I like it “Because it is bitter, “And because it is my heart.”

[@michaelkottler]

Thank you HB for your fine production of this epoch-making work. One of a handful of horror stories that evoke actual fear in me, TGGP is brilliant including Machen's exquisite use of English. Precise, detailed, potent, creepy in a deeply archetypal manner and incredibly influential. Excellent again, HorrorBabble.

[@314rabbit]

Thanks!

[@HorrorBabble]

Whoa! Thank you very much!

[@jojoprodo7480]

If y'all like this story, I recommend checking out Junji Ito's "Tomie", it is a visual concept rendition interpretation of this story but with slight twists and turns portraying within a Japanese context.

[@TheCcmarine]

Excellent movie

[@Pyro-Moloch]

So sick and tired hearing of Junji Ito.

[@steviestevens1786]

Junji ito, so sick! And tired. Hearing of

[@niamhhick643]

@@Pyro-Moloch qdwd

[@Mindboggles]

@@Pyro-Moloch Sounds like a you problem :)

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Machen does it again. Such amazing talent and damn fine writing!! The details included in his works never ceases to amaze me. I listened to this thing twice in its entirety this week. I did that so I could link the story together, just like in "The Three Imposters". I enjoyed listening to certain chapters more than twice so I could get all the details. This guy knew how to weave a tale like a spider weaves a cobweb. The multiple connections are amazing. Thank you, Ian, for bringing us Machen's wonderful tales. I knew of "The White People", but did not delve any further into his works. I cannot I missed out on his works all these years (hanging my head in shame). Great job on all the voices. This is utterly fantastic and amazing! I wondered about the image on the front....until Chapter 6!! The artwork is amazing! Looking at that during the entire recoding made me think, "when the picture is explained I am gonna say whoa". I did!

[@TheHappyhorus]

Once more you delight us with a quality of production found in very few places, thank you HorrorBabble team.

[@okapibibi]

I was meant to leave this comment quite some time ago, but now that this time has passed I can truly say that The Great God Pan really sticks with you. I can still vividly see in my mind's eye the opening with Clarke and Dr. Raymond talking in the porch, the last dying lights of the sunset as they have that unnerving and strained conversation. I can still recall Dr. Raymond babble about those vague, unsettling things about their reality not being what it is, not real, and what truly lies beyond, and that he *can* reach into them. And then, well, the following events after that happened were just off-putting, if not haunting, to say the least. The little boy who woke up confused from his nap and saw Helen in the woods with the "strange naked man", and then Villiers' and Austin's investigations on what was happening in those London streets and--- man, what a strange, haunting tale. There are many unanswered things, especially about what happened to Rachel, but I can't help but be thankful that the author didn't write about her fate, because I'm already scared for her as it is lol. All in all, I'm happy you read this story, Ian! Keep up the great work, for there are countless haunting stories such as this to be told! Thank you!

[@michaelkottler]

Indeed. TGG Pan definitely remains with one for quite some time. Forever, even.

[@NepentheBlue]

This is one of my all time favorite stories. Beautifully done! Thanks so much for your hard work--these stories are part of my nightly "comfort" routine.

[@rachel-jt1iy]

Ha! Part of my nightly routine also, though I am relatively new and only discovered horrorbabble 3 months ago been hooked ever since.

[@michaelkottler]

Agreed and I'm right there with you.

[@JennyLane8666]

Building one myself, I'd love to hear yours? xx

[@kristadisgumundsdottir3658]

The Allegory of the cave comes to mind from the start.

[@rayswoop4947]

Krista Dís Guðmundsdóttir what is that?

[@kristadisgumundsdottir3658]

I'll recommend google, it is a quite a bit of a read.

[@EveRoxAnne]

Yes! Platon... Of course - thank you! I was stuck with more obvious connections to the Dr. Faust myth and Frankenstein, but never thought of this. You are so right :-)

[@davidk6269]

Have you tried Benedryl? It helps with my “allegories.” Lol

[@FirCorred]

An approach to the abysses, their horrors, revelations and delights, from a different direction. Long narrations are much preferable to those under 60 minutes! The mind has leisure to make clearer pictures. I'll listen to this again - now that I know what happens, it'll be easier to catch nuances. I do this with my books, always, and am curious what'll happen when only one sense is busy... My appreciation to producers and the wonderful narrator!

[@evilpompom]

I love this story! And this man is the perfect narrator for it 😊

[@HorrorBabble]

Wow, thank you!

[@garysuarez9614]

💯 this man is so good I introduced him to my children.

[@SedDelMar]

Yet another exceptional production! Many, many thanks.

[@bittybitty8233]

ive heard this a couple of times , but nobody can do these like you , ian, another stellar job.....

[@michaelkottler]

Agreed.

[@colemarie9262]

I love this one....thanks for keeping the classics alive!!

[@stephensinclair3771]

Read this many years ago. Dont think any story captures a sense of moral feotor and evil so well....but the idea that Helen is summoning her Daddys minions is fun in a reprehensible way. Great work from Ian.

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

Exceptional story. Once again I am not let down.

[@valkyrie1066]

Delightful. The face of the God Pan graces my living room. I have also a statue, and two tattoos on areas he would well appreciate. Haven't died yet, but do go on, I love a good story, well told!

[@Gianfranco_69]

"In every grain of wheat ,lies the soul of a Star.." Here endeth the lesson ... Machen knew

[@droptableaccount1820]

You might like this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXfJdqVrhNx5idk

[@richardw.b.feigen8700]

Truly beautiful work. Thank you!

[@kaetai2833]

One of the first and greatest cosmic horror stories of all time!!!

[@josechemastill1235]

Can we actually call it cosmic horror? I didnt read it yet

[@jaimepe4765]

​@@josechemastill1235It's perhaps the birth of Cosmic horror cause it inspired Lovecraft. But the novella is definitely Gothic horror instead.

[@VivaCubaRoja]

Fantastic channel. As an insomniac, I really enjoy listening to these books. It’s one of the only things that helps me fall asleep....eventually.

[@michaelkottler]

You took the words right out of my mouth, so to speak.

[@stephensinclair3771]

Dripping with moral featur.......and fun. It caused a fuss when it was published. Great work from horrorbabble.

[@michaelkottler]

Indeed.

[@Beansareamagicalfruit]

Solid narration, good job!

[@northernlights6459]

A chilling story, one of the best supernatural stories ever, from the great Arthur Machen. You read it so beautifully.I’m going to listen again today as I so enjoyed it.

[@michaelkottler]

Agreed, one of the best ever.

[@primus7776]

My God this is exceptional. Thanks.

[@CaptainNIA]

I love these readings!

[@Arwcwb]

This is excellent - up there with the invaders in terms of disturbing scariness - thank you for uploading.

[@michaelkottler]

Disturbing scariness indeed.

[@michaelkottler]

Regarding The Invaders, were you referring to the Quinn Martin production?

[@noradean8686]

Fabulous as always, thanks xx

[@TheCapedWriter]

Fun fact: Schoolboys in the 30s all had an excellent grasp of Latin.

[@伊斯塔與艾蕾修卡都是]

It is said that Lovecraft was influenced by Machen’s work. For example, his portrayal of Celtic god Nodens, is believed by some to be influenced by Machen’s Great God Pan,as the story also mentioned Nodens,hinting the Celtic god might be related with Great God Pan. Lovecraft's famous work “The Dunwich Horror” even made some references of Machen’s “Great God Pan”. However, despite the speculation that Lovecraft’s “Elder God Nodens” was influenced by Machen’s Great God Pan. In CoC supplements, the Great God Pan himself was portrayed as a manifestation of Shub Niggurath.

[@the-reclining-roleplayer]

He wasn't subtle about it either, and I'm glad he wasn't! I would never have found this story if Lovecraft hadn't made a direct reference to it in Dunwich! This is now a regular rotation of mine for bedtime!

[@jengleheimerschmitt7941]

Wow. Theres so much about people influenced by Lovecraft, I kinda assumed he didn't have any influences of his own.

[@michaelkottler]

As Lovecraft wrote, "You might as well say you have a strong suspicion that Milton wrote Paradise Lost". Point being, Machen's influence on Lovecraft is well-established and I highly recommend the preface to Derleth's The Mask of Cthulu, an in-depth examination of the intricate connections between the works of Machen, Lovecraft, Bloch, Campbell, Howard and the rest of the Mythos gang. A must-read for fans of and quire edifying.

[@chrisfisher2469]

Fantastic narration great story ....feels real

[@tishahouse846]

Listening from the uk wales❤️

[@miserableoutcast]

Glad that you could get a bunch of these readings reuploaded, gives me a chance to listen to them again.

[@MorganScorpion]

My lord, you're making about one of these every day!

[@HorrorBabble]

Ha! As I just said to Justin - some of these are re-uploads this week due to the recent nightmare debacle with YT. Thanks as always Julia!

[@rayswoop4947]

hello Morgan Scorpion, I greatly appreciate ur narrations myself, you and Ian are my favorite ☺

[@austencobine864]

This is a great book and great job on the performance. Fun fact if I remember right it was this very tale that H.P Lovecraft got the idea to put Hory Nodens, Lord of the Great Abyss into his tales and one of the first Elder Gods.

[@professorhamamoto]

Brilliant reading; Ian Gordon is a major acting talent.

[@johnbryant8603]

Thank you

[@DerangedchildofGod]

Classic. Thank you!

[@lifewladye]

Loved it!

[@sickasmalaria]

There’s a follow up to Helen Vaughan’s story called Helen’s Story by Rosanne Rabinowitz

[@michaelkottler]

An astute referral to be sure.

[@pbr-streetgang]

Thanks for the upload sir. Saw your stuff on Amazon, nice to get a good chunk of material in one buy, thanks. Still like to see your uploads on utube.👍🏼👍🏼

[@DocZ82]

The narration for every tale is impeccable, there is so much effort involved in this sort of thing if you want to do it right. I have listened to a few good narrators on KZbin but Horrobabble is best by far. I feel like telling people in the comments to move over to here but that would be a bit too harsh.

[@michaelkottler]

Agreed: Faultless narration each and every time.

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

This story was recommended by HPodcraft and frankly, Machen seems like a proto-Lovecraft. Very neat.

[@michaelkottler]

"Frankly"? ;)

[@puffythedestroyer8878]

“Show them Arthur Machen’s “The Great God Pan”, & they’d think it a common Dunnwich scandal…”

[@Saheeb138]

I love this story. Ty.

[@justinpettit2518]

how are you making these every day? so much dedication!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Justin - we have done 5 day weeks before, although in this case, 2 of the readings this week are re-uploads due to recent issues with YT (this one, and The Wendigo this evening)

[@GeraldM_inNC]

A fair warning before anyone listens to this: if tragic and disgusting things bother you, this isn't for you. After I read "Pan" I was so disturbed I could hardly sleep for months, and to this day the very thought of it bothers me immensely. Rather like, in concept, the fictional book "The King in Yellow" -- after you read it, you're never the same -- in a bad way.

[@thedativecase9733]

Can you give me a clue here? I'm tempted to listen to this but … I've pondered about reading the King In Yellow in the past too and never got round to it.

[@thiscorrosion900]

"No Mask! NO Mask!"

[@michaelkottler]

Indeed.

[@johngalvin6352]

Fantastic

[@timeforbooks566]

Love this old tale!

[@lordzaboem]

I can think of no single fiction narrative more fun yo discuss.

[@michaelkottler]

Indeed. What is not to love?

[@rayswoop4947]

I love any stories that have to do with the "Lord of the fields" "The old one" "The bard of spring and rutting season" I even mentioned him in my story "Suffer the Furies." Cernunnos is also quite interesting, a lot like Pan, but of Celtic origins, and has antlers instead of horns☺ thank you for this Ian, after Stephen King quoted this story I had to read it, 😁 hence which began my decent into the classic Weird Tales. By the gods I would love to see what you think of S.T. Furies, good day Ian 😄 and may God bless and keep you✋

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again Jesse! S.T. Furies? Ian

[@rayswoop4947]

HorrorBabble oh it's just my story Suffer the Furies I was saying ☺

[@HorrorBabble]

Ah - yes. Be sure to keep an eye out for our next submission period: www.horrorbabble.com/submissions (There will also be announcement on the community tab)

[@colemarie9262]

Submit it!!

[@michaelkottler]

Antlers instead of horns. Thanks you.

[@DJTMANE]

Its an interesting story but I feel like the author relied too much in the fear of the unknown to drive its point. 8/10

[@TheKellie03]

excellent reading!

[@fenjohrer]

my favorite in horror by far, so far

[@karenmcdonald7801]

Great reading of this eerie story- who did that illustration!

[@HorrorBabble]

That'll be the great M. Grant Kellermeyer: www.deviantart.com/mgkellermeyer

[@johnwhelan9663]

I can never read the opening chapter of this story without wanting to murder Dr. Raymond.

[@fjklfdasdf]

Same!!

[@lordzaboem]

Thanks to this new illustration, I know about a fantastic new horror artist.

[@HorrorBabble]

He's really quite superb, isn't he?

[@ΣτέργιοςΜποπότας-ζ1μ]

The underrated horror author that inspired both Lovecraft and Stephen King.

[@hangingwithmatty9465]

These stories are more than just stories...

[@cesarf.g.9996]

when I saw this I was like "he already did this?" but then I was like, " ah fuck it imma hear his sweet sweet buttery voice anyways!"

[@HorrorBabble]

Haha - I'm glad! Pity we had to lose the original upload. Ian

[@1630revelloak]

Hey, Ian what happened to the Wendigo by Blackwood? I could have sworn it was here when I remember it it's with your narration...

[@HorrorBabble]

Hey! Yes, some folks seem to have missed the updates. It's back up tonight at 8pm (est). You can catch up on the whole KZbin debacle here: kzbin.infocommunity

[@1630revelloak]

Thanks Ian

[@donnaemerson3313]

I started listening to the wendigo; but, halfway through it started skipping badly and was impossible to listen to. Hopefully, a better version will be uploaded.

[@xanderw7304]

Was this the one that garnered the strike against the channel?

[@HorrorBabble]

No - the original was removed as a precaution due to the imagery used throughout. It was probably fair use - but given the fact YT have still to offer us an explanation of any kind, we can't be too careful.

[@rayswoop4947]

this is rather tame to what's floating around out there, if that would be, That's just nuts if so😄

[@wmnoffaith1]

For those of you who have more knowledge about this sort of thing than I do, what picture or form or drawing is he talking about? Not human or animal, male or female, but known and yet kept hidden, yet apparently evil; is it Baphomet they're talking about as the symbol; what symbol are they referring to?

[@seanemery1917]

It's Pan

[@carolewilson1311]

These stories be ideal for kids who sit in front TV computer games.Not only good story ,may kick them into reading making conversation not throw away tx language and the one adjective many use.Well live in hope... Having forgotten what sleep is it worth it to listen ...good narration is an art and narrator certainly has that

[@Morboeatspeople]

Just curious: what's your native language?

[@carolewilson1311]

@@Morboeatspeople Welsh first

[@Morboeatspeople]

@@carolewilson1311 Very cool, thank you for the reply :)

[@CidTheGargoyle]

Bookmark 1:35:48

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

It reminds me of From Beyond, The Silver Key, The Thing at the Doorstep and The Dunwhich Horror at the same.

[@michaelkottler]

As well it should since Lovecraft owes a significant debt of inspiration to Machen for providing several basis for all of those stories and many more. Some astute experts of the genre have even declared certain of Lovecraft's stories as pastiches of Machen's earlier works. Recommendation: the preface to The Mask of Cthulhu, an in-depth study of the connections between Machen, Lovecraft, Howard, Bloch, Campbell and the rest of the Mythos crowd.

[@gylesdawson5247]

Machen was twice the writer Lovecraft was. Don't mention them together again peasant

[@jeremiahdansereau2950]

Now This is how to make a creepypasta!

[@feralbluee]

i love the drawings you have used with these tales. ( i wonder if they’re pen and ink, then reversed or they’re done in white ink. they’re very good! :} 🌻🥀✨

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Alexa! Here's a link to the man's work: mgkellermeyer.deviantart.com

[@jimjohhnston9992]

Interesting to note that this story caused such an uproar back when it was firest published To my mind it sounds like something Mr Machen wrote for his maiden aunt

[@kalishakta]

jim johnnston The contemporary reviews of TGGP are HILARIOUS.

[@melanieomer9186]

I simply don’t understand the end of the story. Did they go to the house? How was she confronted? How did she die?

[@kalishakta]

He compiled a book of them.

[@andilucas6926]

Simply outstanding! Byw, has anyone ever said that your voice sounds remarkably like the great dark folk singer Andrew King?

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you Andi! I think that's the first time I've heard that one... Any examples?

[@andilucas6926]

I imagine you'll love this one - from a whole album inspired by M R James: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mF62enZorMpnfbc

[@HorrorBabble]

Nightmarish! Thanks Andi.

[@shanzeali3144]

Mhje as story p term paper lhkna...plz someone guide me

[@seanemery1917]

I listened to this many times and yet did not find it scary. The reason I say this is because apparently Stephen King considered it the scariest story he had ever read and yet I have listened to other stories that sounded scarier. I know it influenced many writers such as Lovecraft but I guess this must have lost it's muster compared to today

[@evelanpatton]

Oswald Crowley’s Parchment Quote worthy: 9:46

[@evelanpatton]

“In every grain of wheat there lies hidden the soul of a star.”

[@vandarkholme8548]

I cant get used to the fact that the word Queer meant simply "strange" and was a very common word back then "I am overcome by this queer feeling!" So am I bro, so am I

[@GRasputin91]

I can see where Lovecraft got his idea for Wilbur Whateley

[@WildMen4444]

Hail Pan!

[@gda295]

Where does this professor live. .I should like a little chat with him

[@j.jnerdamy320]

This is a reminder for myself: I'm on part 4

[@noahhecker6672]

This reminds me of a creepypasta called, “I was paid $5000 to go through hell”

[@joedent3323]

51:57

[@iexploreinmydreams2574]

1:22

[@mulefa1]

1:05:30

[@davidthenewtheologian7757]

Spoiler ahead listened to this but am lost. So is Helen a being that becomes human? Then she is pan ?

[@bjrnification]

Spoiler . . . . . Helen is the child of Mary and Pan. So she is a demigod trickster who takes different names. Then her strangulation kills her human part and the godlike part is very unstable and also dies.

[@davidthenewtheologian7757]

@@bjrnification but i thought Helen was the girl in the woods from that one village ?

[@bjrnification]

​@@davidthenewtheologian7757Yes, she was sent to live in the village by Dr Raymond.

[@davidthenewtheologian7757]

@@bjrnification i thought Helen was from a way earlier time. I must have missed some part of the story

[@bjrnification]

​@@davidthenewtheologian7757It sure deserves being listened to multiple times. There's a time skip of some 22 years while Helen grows up.

[@raleighroman]

57:45

[@trismegistus6982]

Yeah boi

[@mrcesatstream]

who is here from deconstructed post-club playlist

[@bigwiffychess503]

34:39

[@nonserviam751]

Mary should sue.

[@elesquizofrenico0]

Español?

[@Bakiniyorum]

Lovecraft and S. King liked this story very much, they say.

[@yazanasad7811]

Lots of poor things influence at start He's dead! You don't say so! Lool

[@KhanGirey]

46

[@daniellion5291]

Frist

[@saulmighty]

Sadly, didn't enjoy this story... nothing much happened, I never got answers I wanted, wasn't scary in the least. Characters describe the *** as evil but we never got to really see it. Kind of tame.😔 Lovecraft is better. Thanks for the narration, nothing wrong with it.

[@bobdrooples]

@@DybbukDEpstein And for that you get an upvote. Sorry it's late.

[@saulmighty]

@@DybbukDEpstein I don't do that, I'm not that desperate for approval. :) And if does somehow show if someone upvotes their own comment, it's brilliant imo. :D But a bit funny that one can even do that... Anyways, it doesn't show that I've upvoted it at the moment of writing this so I have no idea why it still shows that. I do sometimes misclick and upvote/downvote by accident but do immediately correct my mistake. Sincerely yours, Random Internet person checking their comment history for no reason

[@michaelkottler]

In sharp contrast, I find it to be saliently disturbing on a deeply archetypal level.

[@yidrotha9722]

who is here because of stephen king's revival

[@yidrotha9722]

@Hannibal Hyde yeah maybe lol

[@aidanr444]

6 minutes in and I'm finding the delivery way too light and uncertain. Not convinced you prepare the sentences for delivery, nor get the sense or atmosphere over in your tone.

[@HorrorBabble]

Hi Aidan - Ian here. This was one of our very first recordings, when finding the time to record was a bit of a challenge. My approach would probably differ if I were to record it again, but overall, I'm happy with the way it turned out. Perhaps you'd prefer something more recent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZSqYnlpbqx1d5o Either way, thanks for giving us a chance!

[@wmnoffaith1]

Honestly, I know I have a differing opinion which probably won't please people, but I prefer these recordings. I like his light conversational style in this. He sounds like a real person relating a story. Now that this channel has become an institution, with a following, and a reputation to live up to, in newer recordings the delivery all sounds the same. I can kind of understand why...Horrorbabble is supposed to have a certain tone, a certain edgy grimness; it's what people expect. So every story has to have the same exact tone. His voice has become a trademark like Vincent Price or Christopher Lee; great for popularity and making money, but the actual individuality of the characters and the story suffers because everything has to be read in the expected voice; one must deliver the goods now, I guess. I wish there was some variation in tone and character as in this recording. Just my opinion, not at all trying to be insulting, but it's one of the reasons that even though your story selection is outstanding, I usually look to see if I can find anyone else reading it first. Your beginning voice was more real,

[@TWBIAP]

@@wmnoffaith1 I 100% agree.

[@michaelkottler]

Seriously?

[@JennyLane8666]

Wow that was terrifying

[@Boggsy.]

1:22:07