Cosmic horror, also known as Lovecraftian horror, is a subgenre of horror that focuses on the fear of the unknown and the unknowable, emphasizing humanity's insignificance in the vast cosmos and the existence of incomprehensible, indifferent cosmic entities. This genre explores existential dread by revealing that reality extends beyond human understanding, often leading to madness or death for those who encounter its terrifying truths. Classic elements include ancient texts or artifacts that hint at these cosmic beings, isolation of protagonists who cannot share their horrifying knowledge, and the presence of cults or secret societies guarding forbidden knowledge. The horror stems not from gore or shock but from an overwhelming sense of cosmic insignificance and the unknowable forces that exist beyond human comprehension.