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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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....

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.

La raíz de Ampol es un relato del autor de fantasía Clark Ashton Smith, que se desarrolla en el mundo ficticio de Zothique. En esta historia, un joven llamado Ildefonse se aventura en un viaje en busca de la misteriosa raíz de Ampol, que se dice que otorga la inmortalidad. A medida que avanza en su búsqueda, enfrenta desafíos y peligros, incluidos seres sobrenaturales y horrores ocultos en la oscuridad de las profundidades de la tierra. Ildefonse lucha contra criaturas monstruosas y fuerzas malignas mientras se acerca cada vez más a su objetivo.

Los relatos Smith que se desarrollan en el mundo prehistórico de Hiperbórea son ejemplos perfectos del estilo y las constantes de su narrativa fantástica que acabo de señalar. Hiperbórea es anterior a la Historia humana; un mundo crepuscular, condenado a la desaparición y al olvido. Los personajes son pícaros y buscavidas nada heroicos; los dioses son monstruosos y crueles; las costumbres, bárbaras y perversas.

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 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.”

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!

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.

Zothique is Earth's last continent in the very distant future when the sun has grown dim, the work 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 older mystery where luxurious kings and wandering heroes venture across dim landscapes, pitting their strength and wisdom against powerful wizards, necromancers and alien gods all under a dying sun.

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.

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 1369, the appearance of a red comet heralds a bloody visitation from beyond human time and space. "The Beast of Averoigne" by Clark Ashton Smith is a classic horror tale that will transport you to medieval France, where a mysterious beast sows terror and destruction. Listen to this blood-curdling story, narrated by Josh Greenwood, and uncover the secrets that lurk in the shadow of Averoigne.

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!

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.