Horrificleths

Horrificleths is a term coined by the British psychologist David F. W. Goodman to describe a specific type of horror fiction that combines elements of the supernatural, the grotesque, and the psychological. The term is a portmanteau of "horror" and "lethargy," reflecting the often lethargic or sluggish nature of the stories, which can be slow-paced and focus on atmosphere and atmosphere rather than action.

Goodman identified three key characteristics of horrificleths:

1. Atmosphere: Horrificleths stories are known for their thick, oppressive atmosphere, often created through the use of setting, description, and a lack of clear narrative drive.

2. Grotesque: The stories frequently feature grotesque or disfigured characters, often as a result of supernatural or psychological forces.

3. Psychological: Horrificleths often explore the psychological states of its characters, delving into themes of madness, fear, and the uncanny.

Examples of horrificleths include works by authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Bloch, and Clark Ashton Smith. These stories are often set in isolated or rural locations, and may involve ancient or forgotten entities, such as Lovecraft's Cthulhu or Smith's Yog-Sothoth.

Horrificleths is a subgenre of horror that has had a significant influence on the genre, particularly in its exploration of the psychological and atmospheric aspects of horror. However, it is not without its critics, who argue that the slow pace and lack of action can make these stories difficult to engage with. Despite this, horrificleths continues to be a popular and influential subgenre within horror fiction.