THE ELDER SIGN

The Elder Sign is a magical symbol created by the Elder Gods as protection vs. the Great Old Ones (Cthulhu and company). They function as a sort of protection glyph, one being on the door leading to Cthulhu's tomb. Is this to keep Cthulhu in, or others out?

Little is known about the Elder sign. The source of its powers are also unknown. Even the Elder Sign's appearance is open to debate.

H.P. Lovecraft drew the Elder Sign as a sort of "leafy branch". August Derleth didn't see Lovecraft's letter before coming up with his concept of what the sign looks like. A star with an eye in the center, with flame where the pupil should be. Derleth's version is the most widely recognized form of the symbol today.

The Elder Sign is mentioned in the following stories:
• The Lurker at the Threshold by Derleth and Lovecraft.
• The Descendant by Lovecraft.
• The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kaddath by Lovecraft.
• The Burrowers Beneath by Lumley.
• and others...

For additional information, please see: The Encylopedia Cthulhiana by Daniel Harms.