(I added back some info that was deleted, while changing a few other things. I was tempted to undo the whole edit, since it was a copy-and-paste of the spanish wiki's article for the Elder Sign. I honestly think the article itself needs a revamp, which I may do at some point.) Tag: Visual edit |
(Undo revision 34363 by Salchipipe (talk)) Tag: Undo |
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[[File:The Elder Sign.jpg|thumb|The Elder Sign]] |
[[File:The Elder Sign.jpg|thumb|The Elder Sign]] |
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{{Derlethmythos}} |
{{Derlethmythos}} |
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| + | The '''Elder Sign''' is a magical icon that appears in the [[Cthulhu Mythos]]. |
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| − | The '''Elder Sign''' is a symbol used as protection against the [[Great Old One|Great Old Ones]]/[[Outer God|Outer Gods]], who seem to fear it. It is engraved on most of the sealed doors in [[R'lyeh]]. |
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==Appearance== |
==Appearance== |
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| + | The most prominent description is given in ''[[The Lurker at the Threshold]]''. There it is said to be like a five-pointed star with a pillar of fire or an eye in the middle. |
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| − | The Elder Sign is generally represented by a five-pointed star that has been distorted along its lines and contains an eye-flame symbol in the centre. ([[AWD]]: "The Lurker at the Threshold") |
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[[Lin Carter]] made another description of the Elder Sign in which the [[Elder Sign (Innsmouth)|original version of the icon]] was included in the place where the column of fire would be. |
[[Lin Carter]] made another description of the Elder Sign in which the [[Elder Sign (Innsmouth)|original version of the icon]] was included in the place where the column of fire would be. |
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| − | A farmer and his wife "make the Elder Sign" when questioned about the [[Great One|Great Ones]] by [[Randolph Carter]], and rather than giving any information briefly indicate the way to the town of [[Ulthar]]. ([[HPL]]: [[The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath]] |
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| − | The Old Ones sign used to defeat the [[Deep One|Deep Ones]] resembled a swastika. ([[HPL]]: "[[The Shadow Over Innsmouth]]") |
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| − | The Elder Sign was also represented as a six-pointed "branch" as drawn Lovecraft in his letters alongside the Seal of N'gah, referencing the ficitve Dark Cycle of Y'hu. ([[HPL]]: "[[Selected Letters of H. P. Lovecraft]]" 3.439) |
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| − | The Hay [[Necronomicon]] also represented the Elder Sign as a gesture which consisted of joining the tips of one's thumb and little fingers. It also described the sign of Voor, of Kisk and of Koth. |
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==Function== |
==Function== |
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| − | The Elder Sign is an emblem associated with the [[Elder God]]s. It is said to have been designed by [[N'tse-Kaambl]] |
+ | The Elder Sign is an emblem associated with the [[Elder God]]s. It is said to have been designed by [[N'tse-Kaambl]] and among its powers is the ability to repel evil monsters and, according to some, it is its power that holds the [[Great Old One]]s prisoners. |
==Legacy== |
==Legacy== |
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Revision as of 15:32, 28 November 2020
The Elder Sign
The Elder Sign is a magical icon that appears in the Cthulhu Mythos.
Appearance
The most prominent description is given in The Lurker at the Threshold. There it is said to be like a five-pointed star with a pillar of fire or an eye in the middle.
Lin Carter made another description of the Elder Sign in which the original version of the icon was included in the place where the column of fire would be.
Function
The Elder Sign is an emblem associated with the Elder Gods. It is said to have been designed by N'tse-Kaambl and among its powers is the ability to repel evil monsters and, according to some, it is its power that holds the Great Old Ones prisoners.
Legacy
- A Fantasy Flight Games game is named after the Elder Sign.
- The Elder Sign appears in the game Dungeons and Dragons.
- The Elder Sign has been mentioned in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
- In the Games of Cthulhu video games for Internet browsers "The Necronomicon" and "The Necronomicon - Book of Dead Names", the Symbol represents the defense factor against non-physical attacks, being able to completely counter the damage if it is high enough. The illustration of the "Dispel" card, which removes invincibility status (which is awarded by the "Elder Sign" card) and defense, shows a pentagram the same color as the defense icon being erased.
- In the Digimon franchise, the Digimon AncientWisemon has an attack called the "Elder Sign". Unlike its incarnation in the mythos, this ability is used to summon Great Old Ones. Likewise, the Digimon Daemon and Mephistomon carry in their design a small pentagram similar to the Elder Sign, although inverted, perhaps hinting that their object is exactly the opposite.
Gallery
Lovecraft's sign
Derleth's sign