Meaning:
The quote "But more wonderful than the lore of old men and the lore of books is the secret lore of ocean" by H.P. Lovecraft, the renowned American writer of weird and horror fiction, encapsulates the fascination with the unknown and the mysteries of the deep sea. Lovecraft was known for his vivid imagination and his ability to evoke a sense of cosmic horror and existential dread in his works. This quote reflects his deep appreciation for the enigmatic and unfathomable nature of the ocean, which he often incorporated into his stories.
Lovecraft's fascination with the ocean can be seen in many of his literary works, most notably in "The Call of Cthulhu," a seminal tale in the Cthulhu Mythos, where the ancient and malevolent entity known as Cthulhu lies dormant beneath the sea. The ocean, in Lovecraft's fiction, is often portrayed as a realm of primordial secrets and unimaginable horrors, serving as a metaphor for the unknown and the incomprehensible.
The quote also alludes to the idea that the mysteries of the ocean surpass the knowledge found in the teachings of elderly scholars and the written accounts of books. Lovecraft suggests that the secrets concealed within the depths of the ocean hold a unique and unparalleled significance, transcending the wisdom passed down through generations and the accumulated knowledge found in written texts. This concept underscores the allure of the unknown and the allure of the unexplored depths of the sea, which continue to captivate the human imagination.
In a broader sense, Lovecraft's quote can be interpreted as a celebration of the uncharted and the inexplicable. The ocean, with its vast and uncharted expanses, represents a frontier that remains largely unexplored and shrouded in mystery. The quote invites contemplation on the enigmatic nature of the natural world and the profound sense of wonder that accompanies the exploration of its hidden depths.
Moreover, Lovecraft's quote resonates with the longstanding human fascination with the sea and its symbolic significance in literature, art, and mythology. Throughout history, the ocean has been a source of inspiration, fear, and wonder, serving as a potent symbol of both the unknown and the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon. The ocean's dual nature as a source of life and a realm of danger has permeated human culture, giving rise to countless legends, myths, and folklore that continue to capture the human imagination.
In conclusion, H.P. Lovecraft's quote "But more wonderful than the lore of old men and the lore of books is the secret lore of ocean" encapsulates the fascination with the enigmatic and unfathomable nature of the ocean. It reflects Lovecraft's reverence for the mysteries of the deep sea, which he often incorporated into his literary works. The quote invites contemplation on the allure of the unknown and the unexplored depths of the sea, resonating with the enduring human fascination with the ocean as a symbol of mystery, wonder, and danger.