The Curse of Yig by H.P. Lovecraft
This tale revolves around a mysterious figure known as the Snake Man, Yig, who is said to possess supernatural powers and is associated with snakes. The story follows a young man who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Yig after his brother's death, which he believes was caused by the creature. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that Yig is an ancient deity worshipped by some Native American tribes, and that it has the power to control snakes. The story builds up to a climactic confrontation between the protagonist and Yig, who is revealed to be a monstrous, serpent-like creature. Throughout the tale, themes of obsession, madness, and the supernatural are explored, adding to the sense of tension and foreboding that pervades the narrative.
By H.P. Lovecraft · First published 1929 · Genre: Horror, Weird Fiction, Supernatural · 7,883 words
First lines
In 1925 I went into Oklahoma looking for snake lore, and I came out with a fear of snakes that will last me the rest of my life. I admit it is foolish, since there are natural explanations for everything I saw and heard, but it masters me none the less. If the old story had been all there was to it, I would not have been so badly shaken. My work as an American Indian ethnologist has hardened me to all kinds of extravagant legendry, and I know that simple white people can beat the redskins at their own game when it comes to fanciful inventions. But I can't forget what I saw with my own eyes at the insane asylum in Guthrie.
What this Textopian page supports
The Curse of Yig is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.P. Lovecraft, dated 1929 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H.P. Lovecraft
- Date: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Weird Fiction, Supernatural, Mythology, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 7,883 words
- Structure: 1 section, 89 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Curse of Yig by H.P. Lovecraft
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Curse of Yig?
- How does this novel by H.P. Lovecraft fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Haunter Of The Dark by H. P. Lovecraft
- Facts Concerning The Late Arthur Jermyn And His Family by H. P. Lovecraft
- Ex Oblivione by H. P. Lovecraft
- The Descendant by H. P. Lovecraft
- Hypnos by H. P. Lovecraft
- The Rats In The Walls by H. P. Lovecraft
Genres
- Horror — The story is centered around fear, supernatural elements, and a curse, creating a chilling atmosphere.
- Weird Fiction — The narrative includes bizarre and unsettling elements, typical of weird fiction, with a focus on the unknown and the uncanny.
- Supernatural — The plot involves a snake-god and a curse, which are supernatural elements driving the story.
- Mythology — The story incorporates Native American legends and the myth of the snake-god Yig.
Tags
Cthulhu Mythos · Fantasy · Horror · Supernatural Fiction · Mythology · Arkansas · Snake Cults · Ancient Deities · Forbidden Knowledge · Occultism · Dark Fantasy · Weird Fiction