The Whisperer in Darkness

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Whisperer in Darkness

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror masterpiece follows folklore professor Albert N. Wilmarth as he investigates bizarre creatures surfacing in Vermont rivers after a flood. His guide, recluse Henry Akeley, reveals a terrifying truth about alien entities from beyond Neptune, shifting from terror to a chilling, mind-altering acceptance of an incomprehensible reality.

Summary up to 500 words

The narrative begins with folklore professor Albert N. Wilmarth of Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts, investigating strange rumors following the historic Vermont floods of November 3, 1927. Country folk report seeing bizarre, pinkish, crustaceous beings with vast wings and articulated limbs floating in the swollen rivers. These creatures, described as huge, light-red crabs with batlike wings, are linked to ancient local legends of monstrous beings dwelling in the deep woods and dark valleys of the hills. While early folklore attributed these sightings to superstition or distorted views of drowned animals, Wilmarth finds the reports consistent across different locations. He consults the rare monograph of Eli Davenport, which details indigenous tales of the 'Winged Ones' from the Great Bear, who mine stones in earthly hills and maintain secret outposts. These beings are not native to Earth, communicate via telepathy, and shun human contact, though they have been wronged by a secret cult of evil men linked to Hastur and the Yellow Sign. Wilmarth's investigation leads him to Henry Akeley, a recluse in rural Vermont who claims to have encountered these 'Outer Ones.' Initially terrified, Akeley's attitude undergoes a radical transformation after the beings begin communicating with him. In a letter, Akeley explains that the legends of enslavement were misconceptions; the aliens desire peace, intellectual rapport, and non-molestation. They wish to share knowledge as human technology expands, making their secret existence impossible. Akeley invites Wilmarth to visit, promising a wealth of cosmic knowledge and a modus vivendi. However, upon Wilmarth's arrival, the situation turns nightmarish. Akeley's demeanor has changed so profoundly that his personality seems mutated. Wilmarth overhears a conclave of voices in the house, including a mechanical speech-machine and buzzing entities, discussing plans involving 'Nyarlathotep' and the fate of 'Akeley.' When Wilmarth investigates the study, he discovers the great easy-chair is empty, though Akeley's dressing gown and bandages lie on the floor. The 'fresh, shiny cylinder' on the shelf, previously identified as Akeley's brain, is now vacant. Wilmarth realizes with horror that Akeley has been surgically replaced or absorbed by the alien entities. He flees the farmhouse in a delirious state, leaving behind the three objects that investigators later find: the face and hands of Henry Wentworth Akeley, perfectly preserved but attached to alien machinery, confirming the horrific reality of the 'Whisperer in Darkness.'

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Horror
• Science Fiction