"The Haunter of the Dark" / Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos

[@HorrorBabble]

How about some Lovecraftian artifacts? shop.vermilion.cc/collections/cthulhu?ref=HorrorBabble Pocket Watches, Playing Cards, Enamel Pins ... even an Umbrella! (The link above is an affiliate link)

[@Ringlefynch]

One of the best narrators I’ve ever listened to. Put this on before bed. Woke up at 3am having a nightmare

[@czcrossman]

I listen to HB every single night while falling asleep.. Most nights I wake up violently & afraid at 3am 😂 Isn’t he awesome!?!??!!!

[@jamieyates1366]

I wish that would happen to me 😂. I just find I'm still listening 😮 at 6:11am.

[@donaldmccleary9015]

"Charlatanry"....I love that word 2:00 This is an amazing story, and the narration is fantastic. These old stories are so darn good. Maybe I am old school, but I think these old tales far surpass newer tales. I think this is one of his best works. It is a very well-written story that is filled with immense detail (like all his stories). The Haunter is a terrifying being indeed.

[@kyddkreature9801]

When I think of Lovecraft, I hear Ian Gordon. The perfect narrator for Lovecraft's works

[@louismatthews4110]

The single greatest lovecraft story. Possibly one of the greatest most captivating stories by any author. Beautifully read. Thank you so much for this!!!

[@HorrorBabble]

It's my favourite too Louis - thanks for listening! Ian

[@Nanosuit37]

Excellent! Very good! Thank you Mr Gordon and Horror Babble. A pleasure, as always. Until next time.

[@jctrevi89]

Mr. Ian Gordon, This is quickly turning into a digital new era Reading Rainbow (with a slightly darker shaded rainbow heehee) and it brings much glee to my dark heart to see new uploads almost daily. Thank you again for putting your talents to be of service to others.

[@HorrorBabble]

If only we could convince LeVar Burton to stop by to provide a reading or two! Thanks again for listening. Ian

[@jeremyzak654]

You could always play the Reading Rainbow theme before each reading.

[@billybatchelor2863]

Butterfly in the sky.... I can fly twice as high

[@jon79jw61]

I fell asleep listening to this and started dreaming as you we narrating..great job..bad dreams lol

[@HorrorBabble]

Ha! In addition to being unpleasant, I hope those dreams were inspirational. :) Ian

[@jon79jw61]

HorrorBabble ..as always

[@paysonterhune290]

jonyskinz philly no doubt these dreams imparted Starry Wisdom

[@frankmcgovern5445]

Those weren't dreams, Jon.

[@cathrynward4617]

P.lpl..l? Lp.p.0m0...l.l.l.l.#.

[@yondertf2]

This takes "fear of the dark" to an entirely new level lol.

[@gamingchinchilla7323]

This is actually one of m favorite Lovecraft stories. The description of the abandoned run down church excites my desire to go exploring such places if only to observe the decaying beauty of the architect and to casually film through the pages of the dusty old books, with such curiosity of the forbidden knowledge within. My only real nitpick of these stories is how in the end the main character, despite in a situation of utmost horror and panic still has the strength and will to record his last despairing thoughts before whatever terror finally takes him. If I were caught up in such stricken fear, I would not think to record the occurrences in my journal, but rather I would be scrambling to find ways to protect myself. Lighting a few lanterns and candles to keep the light going, grabbing the nearest crucifix while reading passages from the Bible or saying a prayer of protection. Whatever a man of that time period would do if he were confronting an evil demonic entity who was about to take his life. And upon surviving the experience, I would at some point return to my journal to write a lengthy entry about what happened. I suppose it really boils down to the person in question. Some people might flee the city at night time, hitching a coach to some far away lodge in the country. Or some may actually do as the character did in this story and record everything that was going on for whatever reason they thought it important... it just doesn't seem like a natural response to the situation in my opinion.

[@Mindboggles]

There's ofcourse creative freedom in any writing, but you could make the excuse that they know they have no chance and no matter what they do they are screwed. So they want to leave some proof or hints to what may have happened to them to warn others. That's my thoughts at least :)

[@watkins7086]

I think of it as just an aspect of his mind being taken over. He was writing when it happened and he just kept going while his mind was getting scrambled.

[@bobbymarcum772]

I like to look at it as part of the suspension of disbelief. If I can tolerate the cosmic monster in the story, I can tolerate the man writing a diary entry as death closes its black grip around him. It's the same thing as my religion, and why I don't understand other Christians who profess to believe Jesus Christ rose from the tomb, yet they don't believe in modern times miracle happening from time to time. It's consistency

[@VladmirPoopN]

You remind me of my partner when we watch supernatural themed movies OP; he constantly says: "THAT'S NOT REALISTIC!" * Did you stop to imagine how boring the stories would be that if instead of reading/"hearing" the final descriptions of a monster or terror - it talked about the main character 'running around trying to light lanterns' Come on 🙄

[@gamingchinchilla7323]

@nds3413 I'm suddenly reminded of the scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Where King Arthur and his knights are in the cave reading the cave writing: MAYNARD: It reads, 'Here may be found the last words of Joseph of Arimathea. He who is valiant and pure of spirit may find the Holy Grail in the Castle of aaarrrrggh'. ARTHUR: What? MAYNARD: '...The Castle of aaarrrrggh'. BEDEVERE: What is that? MAYNARD: He must have died while carving it. LANCELOT: Oh, come on! MAYNARD: Well, that's what it says. ARTHUR: Look, if he was dying, he wouldn't bother to carve 'aarrggh'. He'd just say it! [/scene] Anyway, you're not wrong. My little nitpick was a couple of years ago, and yes I do realize that not everything has to be realistic to make a good story and we often have to suspend disbelief in order to comprehend and enjoy such fictional work. Perhaps my nitpick was uncalled for? if anything really I just thought it silly how the protagonist sat there in the dark scribbling out his last words as the Lovecraftian horror made its advance upon him. :B

[@merrick1588]

The wonderfully inspiring terror that gets evoked by darkness. A thing we have feared (wisely) since our earliest days in the caves. Wonderful reading, only found your channel a few weeks ago but it has become a nightly ritual to listen to at least one story before bed. Thank you for the hard work and the only thing that seems to help with my insomnia sir, Brava.

[@meth_squirrel]

This is such a great channel it's really help me learn about alot of classic horror

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Wyatt! Ian

[@DennisMoore664]

1:02:08 - this reading is why I love the the HorrorBabble readings from Mr Gordon. It's _very_ well acted. I keep finding myself back at this one.

[@Olddog-Wiserdog]

The narrator's voice is perfect for these, thank you for another good listen.

[@jamiecameron7615]

Omg , thank you so much this is my favourite H.P story at the moment. I was actually going to request it. The way he describes Federal Hill is hauntingly beautiful. Thank you again.

[@vero0992]

Jamie Cameron Same, Jamie. Violet, lamp-starred twilight, am I right?

[@AdamStJamesStJames]

Yep. Ian has a natural gift for this. If you haven't listened to his reading of "The People of the Pit" or "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream", yall gotta check them out. His narration of the crawling man in People of the Pit is dead on perfect. And the exhaustion he portrays... the desperation in both that character as well as the characters of "and I Must Scream" are chillingly believable. I listen to this channel at least once a day but usually twice.

[@ryanbrown3144]

Lol yeah the federal hill references sends shivers up me too for some reason

[@THEPAGEBURNER]

I agree 100% I would like to see some one add to it just to make a great story even longer

[@LadyNachtlich]

This is the perfect voice for my favourite Lovecraft tale!

[@HorrorBabble]

It's my favourite too, Syvette!

[@kreeepyk0]

17:13 "Blake found himself edging"

[@dickvansteijn4115]

Your voice intonation and english tongue makes this fantastic story a pleasure to listen to. You sir know how to enthrall an audience.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for listening, Dick.

[@louismatthews4110]

For me it evokes a sense of desire but also of mystery, tragedy and horror. Something beautiful yet hidden in the darkness, like Tolkiens moria or in our own world the titanic. It will always capture us with its mystery, it's danger both equally terrifying and alluring at the same time.

[@timothius50]

Lovecraft had the remarkable talent of language. Often, he was told to keep it 700 words or less (by magazines). That he did masterfully, often squeezing whole books into a sentence. He was so great at anticipation. Assuring us of the horrors to be told...

[@darkprose]

Superb. Thank you. Your voice never distracts with any garish and unnecessary effects. It pleasantly and thoughtfully gives us Lovecraft’s prose, and that’s all it needs to do.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Joseph - though there are in fact a number of readings on the channel featuring sound effects.

[@darkprose]

I’m okay with some sound effects, but in terns of voice you avoid histrionics, at least here as far as I can tell. Actually, you sound like a rather detached-but plausible-scholar or historian, which only serves this implausible story even better. Well, whatever it is you’re doing here, I like it! I will definitely be checking out the Patreon page. Thank you again.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again Joseph. I've always felt Lovecraft's works benefit from the 'academic' approach. In terms of dramatic readings, I try to keep them wholly separate, though there are exceptions. To better illustrate my point, here's a link to my dramatic interpretation of Pickman's Model: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaXaeGlrmrF7b9E

[@MrsCaranAmy]

Definitely a well developed tale of fright. These do seem to run around a central theme in this collection. Thank you for the amazing narration. Have a wonderful day.

[@MrsCaranAmy]

Quite excellent. And now I have completed the trilogy. You did a superb narration on this one. Thank you very much.

[@necrosunderground]

I can't believe I've missed this channel for so long! Beautiful reading, Ian, keep 'em coming!

[@ZrinNZ]

One of my favourite pieces by Lovecraft. Thanks for doing this!

[@churchhillpictures1169]

there´s a brand new film adaptation, full of cosmic horror and practical effects: HAUNTER FROM BEYOND. You can find the trailer on youtube

[@TheFaulkned]

Don't know how I missed this one! One of my very favorites, thanks Ian!

[@lacyhart2043]

I didn't think I would like this as much as I do. Lovecraft is just so awesome.

[@Driven2Beers]

Dunno if this has been mentioned here before, but the Milwaukee address that Blake gives was Robert Bloch's actual home address at the time that the story was written.

[@HorrorBabble]

Interesting!

[@12201185234]

Lovecraft was ahead of his time. It's really sad how under-appreciated he was during his lifetime. This story in particular demonstrates just how influential he was to modern authors; particularly Stephen King. King loves to include evil buildings in his novels, like the church in this story. It makes me think of the abandoned house in "It", or especially the house Jake enters to get to Midworld in "The Wastelands".

[@darkprose]

Don’t forget the ultimate structure of corrupted and corrupting evil which precedes all of these-Poe’s House of Usher.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

@@darkprose what exactly is the House of Usher? I have read and also watched short movies of it and I can't pinpoint whether it is the sister or the actual houses malicious nature

[@Fireglo]

I don't think Lovecraft can claim ownership of the concept of an "evil building". You're really grasping at straws there.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

@@Fireglo yeah that concept existed long before.

[@ken-ic1ne]

Someone writing about concepts and using literary devices that are "ahead of his time" necessarily will not be appreciated by the people of his time.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Back were it all started😂 The black stone is now a door stop in my office.😂😂😂

[@Earnshawfully]

What a great reader you are. Really good pacing and expressive in a low-key way.

[@russhurst6730]

My what great big eyes you have What sharp jagged teeth are those....

[@Cer-i9e]

This story seriously gives me shivers. Especially the dread when the reporter starts sleep walking... 😖

[@robbabcock_]

Thanks for another wonderful performance! 🐙🔥🙌

[@DDaniel20067]

Omg yes! Been patiently waiting for you to do this one!

[@ragnarrthorsen2792]

The best narration of my favourite Lovecraft. Well done. ❤

[@badas45]

I fall asleep far to often listening to Lovecrafts works.....brings Shakespeare to mind "for in that sleep of death what dreams may come".

[@KATTALNUVA3]

I’ve fallen asleep to Lovecraft more times than I care to count, and yet I’ve never had any nightmares about any of his cosmic beings or monsters.

[@koelkast9]

I always listen to this while i fall asleep. Somehow it really works for me

[@Nightshift10000]

They are not all accounted for...The Lost Seeing Tetrahedrons...We do not know who else may be watching!

[@robbiekipping1124]

We are often more afraid of the unknown than what may be revealed.... but some times we are sorry of what we discover.

[@madsketscher5228]

so gooood

[@cinnamonroffles]

One of my favorites from Lovecraft. It encompasses both the inhuman dread of far-off cosmos and occult lore in the expanses of time, and at the same time the personal and almost comfortable terror of a "haunted house" location. Somewhat like Rats in the Walls, but more removed from the main character.

[@HorrorBabble]

Probably my favourite too. Thanks for listening! Ian

[@ujangalui8969]

Awesome reading ♥️ gave me chills

[@rhettsopolisrabbit7634]

I swear I don’t know why my health is having this yo-yo effect. Must be the pollen season. First off, saw your ad for the Elder Dice. It really shocked me because I thought I accidentally clicked another vid. I can’t say much other than congratulations. It’s nice to know how far you came from muted vocal and that original Call of Cthulhu story. And for that it’s an honor to respond to another one of your esoteric readings. As for the story yourself I wanted to comment on this before Shadow in The Steeple, especially knowing that Robert Bloch is a member of Lovecraft’s circle and a friend. So I don’t see this as just another story, but as a piece of affection. Especially since the protagonist reflects a lot of Mr. Bloch. His dreams and his own journey into the Macabre. But most importantly I see this as Mr. Blochs own journey through Lovecraft’s mind. This is what makes the beginning quote even more enchanting. Just the sight of that dark universe yawning to reveal this church at the edge of infinity. I do admit that over the course of my life I became more of a devout Catholic, and because of that I now understand the allure of holy spots like churches. You see in the context of the story, the church of Nyarlathotep feels as though it’s both there and not. A structure that is both a sight and a vessel to something impossible. Something that you just assume won’t be there in the morning as the sun light of god shines down. And just as outside, inside the church feels impossibly far away from the light of our god. A place that is definitely enhanced by the quotation that what’s there is to dangerous to allow to remain on this earth. The little subtle references are also important as with that little Polyhedron. I can safely say that “Whisperer in Darkness” is in my top 5 and a similar polyhedron was present there as well. That that seemed to evoke the Black Goat of the Woods, Shub-Niggurath, as opposed to the faceless god, Nyarlathotep. These come together to prove one thing, that despite what the modern view of Lovecraft maybe, he was very spiritual. For no man can write such emotion and littleness if he didn’t believe in such great powers. It also didn’t help that when me and dad were listening to this story that it was raining with thunder outside. Night was also surrounding us. Given the impression that if the storm cleared and the clouds parted we would see the stars of unknown constellations and the rotation of unknown planets. The shifting cosmos breathed out from the jaw of a great entity. And to me that is somewhat what I think Robert Blake saw that night. And its splendor made him never able to leave or even want to. For that is the feeling when a new faith has reached your heart. Great reading and as you w=yourself said,w the church and the story about it had this tone of otherness that had to be preserved. I also want to leave this as a side note. next time you watch the film “In The Mouth of Madness” by John Carpenter, Trent is reading one of Sutter Canes books and the quote as he was walking to the Church was from The Haunter of The Dark. Which only made appreciate the movie even more. The books that were used as props were also very fascinating. The Haunter Out Of Time, The Whisperer Of The Dark, The Thing in The Basement, The Breathing Tunnel, The Feeding, Hobb’s End Horror, and In The Mouth Of Madness evoke the master in a lot of ways from the title to the little descriptions on the back. And honestly with the themes of the film, it shows we make things that are personal to us, whether we want to or not. Hope you are having a great day and enjoy watching that Yawn of The a dark universe. -RHETT

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for the interesting read once again Rhett - and boy do I love In the Mouth of Madness!

[@rhettsopolisrabbit7634]

HorrorBabble glad to know you enjoyed it X3!! One day I will need to tell you of my John Carpenter Universe Hypothesis ;)

[@TheWasd1234]

i love this! Keep up the excellent work!

[@ryanbrown3144]

Most definitely one of the best stories I've read, and probably one of the first secret sequals before films like "split"lol , on that note I'd love a movie version to happen, but would never translate as good as could be imagined a guess, great reading ian, love it 👍

[@HorrorBabble]

Cheers Ryan - incidentally, it's my favourite HPL story. Ian

[@filipshaama1791]

Love the 1 hour stories

[@waitwhat1920]

Ian...thank you Ian.

[@danbreeden1801]

This is what nightmares are made of a masterpiece of horror

[@thejudgmentalcat]

You do Lovecraft a wonderful service.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you for listening Linda! Ian

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

So Lovecraft killed Bloch(Blake) in his own story, and Bloch killed Lovecraft in his(The Shambler from the Stars). Noice!

[@WhoCares69]

I’ve got a feeling that it was Lovecraft and Bloch down those stairs and it was the two of them who kidnapped Warren 😂

[@hozg7006]

Brilliant through and through

[@TARAJOSU]

Great narration. Excellent voice.

[@waitwhat1920]

going to check this out. my favorite reading of this so far was one with music and sfx they did them well. really got you into the story. but Ian as my favorite reader im sure yours is better!

[@HorrorBabble]

I hope you enjoy it! Ian

[@waitwhat1920]

+HorrorBabble It was definitely thanks man! I'd like to hear your version of In the walls of eryx or The Shambleau

[@HorrorBabble]

Awesome! We'll get to The Walls of Eryx eventually. As for Shambleau - a great suggestion, thanks!

[@hereticbastard666alejo3]

Best channel to listen at night thank you so much for this

[@olafisashark5105]

Love you guys keep up the greatness!

[@richardwilliams5387]

I like that this is an example of a story that in modern times Blake might very well have survived, he could've gotten himself a generator and kept his place lit up like a Christmas tree. Seriously though, why not get a boatload of candles? The merest light would've sent the Haunter back right? But than of course you don't have a story!

[@vero0992]

OH MY GOD I haven't listened to this yet, I just saw the notification, but this is one of my favorites. *yus!*

[@FirCorred]

next! next? ah, the Shadow from the Steeple! Wonderful! 🌙✨🐍

[@FirCorred]

@HorrorBabble - thank you for the heart! I know I'm too new to ask for stories, but I've seen Algernon Blackwood's The Man the Trees Loved requested by someone else. I'd like to add my petition to his. Also, I tried to find you on Spotify, but couldn't find you. You have to have the premium version, maybe? 🌙✨☆🐍

[@ianpycroft9725]

My favourite from the HPL canon. Only edged slightly by the melodious reading of the same story, by the great Ducky Mallard 😊

[@ufurzshadow7073]

Thanks for the Upload.🎉

[@danbreeden5481]

An excellent reading

[@user-ep6sq6kc5p]

Thanks

[@hal-ys9ep]

THANK YOU !

[@johnoliva5153]

Very well done.If you ever get the chance you should visit some of the sites he used.You'll find it quite interesting.Thank You

[@HorrorBabble]

I love New England - hopefully I'll be heading out there again soon. Ian

[@dr.chadphd3044]

It’s insane how much the church describes resembles the faith of the seven in asoiaf. Grrm really loved his Cthulhu mythos

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

He sure does.

[@davemardrov777]

I keep falling asleep to your voice man

[@bittybitty8233]

It's been so long, it's like the first time ...💜. T.Y.

[@AdamStJamesStJames]

Oh hell yes! I've been hoping for this story for some time now. I need to be more active on your patreon. Also, did you at one point post the Clive Barker story "Midnight Meat Train"? I seem to recall this but can't find it.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Adam! We did record that story, though it was up on a limited basis only. It might get a 'round two' in the future though. Ian

[@AdamStJamesStJames]

HorrorBabble I'm glad I caught it when I did! Wasn't really expecting the story to take the turn that it did hahaha.

[@HorrorBabble]

That's Barker for you!

[@jamiecameron7615]

Ithaqua by August Derleth would be a good one to do. I only managed to find one recording of it on KZbin.

[@AdamStJamesStJames]

Jamie Cameron I've thought that myself.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for the suggestion Jamie - several people have asked for Derleth readings, but unfortunately, most of his works aren't in the public domain. Is there actually a story called Ithaqua? I can't find a story by that name - though I'm sure there are several featuring that character. Ian

[@jamiecameron7615]

HorrorBabble This is the story I was thinking of kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4SUnnyqmL6ejJY I haven't seen it anywhere else, maybe you can tell me more about it. Maybe it is known by another name.

[@gotcha4688]

Third or fourth time I come back to listening this one

[@robertboyle2573]

Perfect

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

HPL's swansong. Very sad, that there was nothing more beyond this.

[@thurayya8905]

Can you imagine two suited talking heads from television climbing the stairs to the church tower and then climbing a rickety ladder to open a trap door? Today's reporters just aren't the same.

[@johnbryant8603]

Wow !

[@darkkrafter]

Nemesis is one of the coolest poems i v ever heard (not that i listen to poe as mutch)

[@dylanmccormack5600]

I fall asleep to these, and have good dreams, am I normal?

[@HorrorBabble]

Absolutely.

[@badas45]

Normal? Is that even a real word?

[@Mamulel]

Is that your voice? Because it's phenomenal.

[@coyotemojo]

this one was good

[@sonofeyeabovealleffoff5462]

Just a heads up, for Nyarlahotep; It's "Ni-are-laht-hoh-tehp". For Cthulhu, it's "Kh-thool-hoo."

[@GrimmSmile23]

So you mention in the description that this is the second part to HPL’s stanza called “Nemesis”. Have you done the first part? And is it chronologically relevant?

[@HorrorBabble]

I haven't tackled Nemesis, as no, I don't believe it is chronologically relevant. I'm sure the included stanza from Nemesis is *thematically* relevant though. Here's the poem: www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/poetry/p121.aspx Thanks as always for listening! Ian

[@pillbilly8761]

Spoopy

[@ivydaimond6715]

My god the commercials keeps waking me up….

[@sealy594]

Could you do some more Robert E Howard.

[@HorrorBabble]

Hi Deborah - we do have more REH readings planned.

[@badgerchillsky535]

I wonder if lavender is similar. I don’t like lavender flavored teas, it tastes like soap to me. So I wonder if it has aldehyde compounds or if I just subconsciously associate lavender scents with soap. 🤷‍♂️ I do like cilantro though, I don’t get a soap taste

[@gelraldoldo5152]

00:31:00

[@guilledcf1547]

so, say... do you read Sutter Cane?

[@stevepalpatine2828]

Why yes good sir, but tell me, have you seen the Yellow Sign?

[@BryinWillis-e8g]

Complete

[@blakmajk3512]

🍯

[@bognotmarkjhonsen5198]

14:19

[@bognotmarkjhonsen5198]

46:25

[@dogman3609]

"Dogman" here - salt lake city

[@avantikasinghparihar2018]

34:01

[@romusromulus]

listens these from Erik Bauersfeld.

[@mistergiraffe9425]

Damn... the silence before the credits was... Spine chilling

[@johnbryant8603]

❤️🎩🌹🙏🏽🇲🇽

[@kennethruley2561]

Do you ever like a bad dream?

[@stevenwalker6793]

Walriffic!!

[@Bbergster]

why do all ye ole gods all give off such an offensive stench? Is it because they are so old and are just sort of slimy and smelly, or is it that all these evil things must offend all the senses at once? ancient evil goes hand in hand with horrendous smells!

[@ZeonAce]

30:00