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This subject is written on a topic in the real world and reflects factual information. This subject contains information from the "Lovecraft Circle" Myth Cycles, and while guided by HPL are not based on his work alone. 𝓦𝐓 "Spawn of Dagon", sometimes issued as "The Spawn of Dagon", is a short Cthulhu Mythos story by American author and Lovecraft contemporary Henry Kuttner. It is part of his Elak series about an Atlantean criminal.

Synopsis[]

Elak the swordsman is made an offer by a mysterious stranger named Gesti: kill the wizard Zend, the power behind the Atlantean throne, and be rewarded with a princely sum of gold. He quickly accepts.

Close to completing his mission, Elak is interrupted by the arrival of Gesti and his cult, in actuality a race of creatures known as the Spawn of Dagon who wish to overthrow Zend and use his power to sink Atlantis beneath the waves. Fortunately, the timely intervention of Lycon allows Zend to regroup and direct his magic against the usurpers, saving the continent.

At the story's conclusion, Elak and Lycon escape, along with a comely wench whom Zend had intended to force into a life of servitude.

Characters[]

  • Elak, an Atlantean criminal and swordsman.
  • Lycon, Elak's partner in crime.
  • Zend, the Wizard of Atlantis, an amoral sorcerer who nevertheless is the only thing to stand between Atlantis and the Spawn of Dagon.
  • Gesti, a Spawn of Dagon intent on the destruction of all human life on Earth.

Publication History[]

"Spawn of Dagon" was first published in Weird Tales magazine in July 1938. It has since been reprinted many times in both periodicals and anthologies.

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