The Beast from the Abyss

Introduction

“The Beast From the Abyss” is a reflective and contemplative piece by Robert E. Howard, shared in a letter (#268) to H.P. Lovecraft, circa November 1933. It delves deep into Howard’s observations and philosophies regarding cats, their nature, and their relationship with humanity and the environment. Unlike a traditional short story with a linear narrative, this piece is more an essay that combines Howard’s personal experiences with a broader commentary on cats as symbols of primordial life and uncaring survivalism.

I’m enclosing a piece written in an idle moment which I thought you might find amusing. No particular hurry about returning it. I don’t expect to sell the thing, though if I’m ever able, I may include it in a book of sketches and try to find a publisher.

Howard’s piece is not just a reflection on cats but a philosophical exploration of the human condition, the natural world, and the thin veil that separates civilization from our more primal instincts. Through his detailed observations and narratives, Howard invites the reader to reconsider the nature of cats and their place in the world, as well as our own connections to the wild and the abyssal depths of existence.

The typescript can be read in Appendix One of The Collected Letters of Robert E. Howard, Volume 3.

Summary

Howard begins by recounting his exposure to the harsh realities of life in oil boom towns, comparing these human tragedies to the profound impact of witnessing a cat’s suffering. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the nature of cats and their paradoxical relationship with humans.

He reflects on the inherent wildness of cats, their undomesticated spirit, and how they serve as reminders of a primal past that humanity has long forgotten but which still lurks in our subconscious. Howard portrays cats as creatures of selfishness and survival, embodying traits that are both repellent and fascinating: vanity, greed, and a profound sense of self-centeredness.

Howard shares anecdotes to illustrate the cat’s utilitarian relationship with humans, contrasting it with the dog’s loyalty and service. He mentions a unique case of a cat “paying for its salt” through its owner’s cunning rather than any inherent virtue of the cat itself.

Through his life experiences, Howard describes the transient and often mysterious nature of cats in his life, from the mongrel cats that came and went in his childhood to the profound impact of observing cats’ survival instincts, their battles with rats, and the devastating effects of disease.

One particular cat, Blackface, is highlighted as an embodiment of feline mystique and survival. Blackface’s behavior during times of plague and her mysterious disappearances and returns symbolize the cat’s deep-rooted wildness and indomitable spirit.

Howard concludes by pondering the essence of cats, portraying them as embodiments of the dark, abyssal forces of nature. He reflects on the inevitability of death and the cat’s role as a silent observer and beneficiary of the end of human life, ultimately casting cats as creatures of the abyss, untamed by civilization and deeply connected to the primitive forces of the universe.

Characters

  • The Narrator/Robert E. Howard: Provides personal insights and philosophical musings on the nature of cats, drawing from his own experiences.
  • Cats (General): Serve as symbols of primordial instincts, selfishness, and the untamable spirit of nature.
  • Blackface: A specific cat representing the survival instinct, wisdom, and mysteriousness of feline nature. She is depicted as a survivor, wise to the ways of the world, and capable of avoiding death through instinctual understanding.
  • The Persian, Barn-cat, Hoot, and other cats: Illustrate various aspects of cat behavior and interaction, from the fierce independence of the Persian to the laziness of Hoot, further emphasizing the complex and often contradictory nature of cats.

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Art by Jim & Ruth Keegan.