Shub-Niggurath's New Groove: Chaosium Renames a Cosmic Horror

Unfathomable Horrors, Evolving Names

Alright, fellow cosmic horror enthusiasts, buckle up! The Cthulhu Mythos, a bottomless wellspring of terror, populates the universe with unimaginable entities. While Cthulhu often steals the spotlight, the pantheon of Lovecraftian godlike beings is vast. But even an ancient deity isn't immune to modern shifts. Chaosium Inc., publisher of Call of Cthulhu RPG, recently made waves. They've launched a Gamefound project for their new board game, Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones, a 2-4 player experience where you embody these cosmic titans. Among playable deities like Cthulhu, Hastur, and Yog-Sothoth, a new name has appeared: Shub-Gorath. If that sounds unfamiliar, it's actually the familiar, albeit controversial, Shub-Niggurath, reimagined for a new era.

Why the Change? Navigating a Complex Legacy

So, why the rebrand? Chaosium was transparent in a project update. The core issue: the original name, Shub-Niggurath, carries an uncomfortable and potentially hurtful association with a deeply offensive racial slur. While scholars agree Lovecraft likely didn't derive it from the slur, the modern connection is undeniable. Beyond offense, there's the practical 'Scunthorpe problem' – automatic online filters that could block the name. Chaosium also noted the name's potential to inflict pain, especially considering Lovecraft's well-documented racist and xenophobic views, which sadly permeate some of his writings. It's a reminder: cherish the horror, but not the creator's prejudices.

A New Name, Rooted in the Lore

For lore masters wondering about canon, Chaosium offers a clever in-universe justification. Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones is set before humanity existed, prior to our cultures naming these beings. This flexibility allows fresh interpretation. 'Shub-Gorath' is a nod to 'Shuma-Gorath,' another Great Old One first mentioned by Robert E. Howard (Conan's creator) in 'The Curse of the Golden Skull.' Shuma-Gorath even became a Marvel Comics villain for Doctor Strange, showcasing mythos evolution. Shub-Niggurath, in Lovecraft's original works, was often alluded to via invocations or epithets like 'The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young,' making its specific nomenclature somewhat fluid anyway. This nebulous origin makes the name change even more adaptable.

Embracing the Mythos' Collaborative Spirit

For those concerned about deviation from 'original' Lovecraft, remember the Cthulhu Mythos has always been a delightfully collaborative beast. Lovecraft himself, alongside contemporaries like Robert E. Howard and Clark Ashton Smith, actively encouraged this 'contamination,' borrowing and expanding upon each other's creatures. With Lovecraft's original stories now widely in the public domain, Chaosium rightly argues that adapting names, borrowing ideas, and combining elements, as with 'Gorath,' aligns perfectly with this historical creative tradition. It's not just a name change; it's a continuation of the very spirit that birthed the Mythos.

The Fandom Weighs In: A Divided Cosmic Chorus

Unsurprisingly, this decision elicited varied reactions. Call of Cthulhu fans are used to grappling with Lovecraft's problematic baggage. Many seem unfazed, arguing Great Old Ones are incomprehensible beings whose true forms defy human understanding anyway; a name is just a label. Players can use what they prefer. However, others were more vocal. Sandy Petersen, original Call of Cthulhu creator, expressed dismay on X: "Man I defend Chaosium a lot online but I can't defend this." Chaosium, to their credit, preemptively acknowledged potential backlash, understanding that for some, adherence to original names is crucial. They transparently stated there isn't a 'simple answer that will satisfy everyone.'

The Old Ones Awaken: A Successful Launch

Regardless of the name change discussions, the Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones Gamefound project is absolutely crushing it! The enthusiasm for this new tabletop experience is palpable, roaring past its initial funding goal in less than twenty minutes. As of this writing, the project is rapidly approaching a staggering $500,000 in funding, with the campaign concluding on October 15th. So, if you're looking to embody an ancient cosmic horror, perhaps as the newly named Shub-Gorath, you still have a chance to dive in and support this highly anticipated game. The crowdfunding success clearly indicates a vibrant future for Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones.

Final Thoughts: Adapting the Unadaptable

This saga with Shub-Niggurath becoming Shub-Gorath is a fascinating microcosm of challenges facing legacy IPs. How do you honor source material while acknowledging flaws and ensuring inclusivity? Chaosium took a bold, transparent step, prioritizing a welcoming experience while navigating problematic origins. They haven’t erased history but adapted, drawing on the collaborative spirit that defined the Mythos. Whether you call this entity Shub-Niggurath or Shub-Gorath at your table, one thing is clear: the Great Old Ones continue to inspire, terrify, and evolve, ensuring the Cthulhu Mythos remains as vital and unfathomable as ever. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.

FAQ

Q: What is Shub-Gorath, and what was its original name?

A: Shub-Gorath is a Great Old One from the Cthulhu Mythos, featured in Chaosium's new board game, Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones. Its original name was Shub-Niggurath.

Q: Why did Chaosium change the name?

A: Chaosium changed the name because "Shub-Niggurath" could be associated with a racial slur, trigger online content filters ("Scunthorpe problem"), and potentially be hurtful, especially in light of H.P. Lovecraft's own racist views.

Q: What is Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones?

A: Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones is a new 2-4 player tabletop board game from Chaosium Inc. where players take on the role of Great Old Ones and their factions. It successfully funded on Gamefound.