What is Horror?
Horror is a literary, cinematic, and artistic genre that seeks to provoke feelings of fear, anguish, suspense, or unease in the reader or viewer. It is based on the use of the unknown, the supernatural, the monstrous, or the psychological to generate an intense emotional experience, appealing to the deepest human fears.
Characterisitcs
- Presence of fear or constant tension The main objective is to provoke fear or anxiety.
- Supernatural or paranormal elements Apparitions, spirits, legendary creatures, possessions, curses, etc.
- Dark and oppressive environments Abandoned houses, cemeteries, forests, hospitals, closed and desolate spaces.
- Vulnerable protagonists Characters who are isolated, persecuted, mentally unstable, or exposed to the inexplicable.
- Inhuman or monstrous antagonists (Vampires, zombies, witches, demons, serial killers, or even abstract fears.)
History of Horror
Ancient Origins
Horror stories have existed since ancient times, especially in the form of myths, legends, and religions that explained evil, death, and the supernatural.
Middle Ages
Fear was closely associated with religion and the demonic. Stories about witches, exorcisms, fallen angels, and eternal punishment were common. Folk legends spoke of apparitions, curses, and nocturnal creatures such as vampires (Nosferatu) and werewolves.
19th Century - Psychological and Supernatural Horror
A more psychological, introspective approach to horror emerged.
20th Century - Lovecraft and Cosmic Horror
Lovecraft introduced cosmic horror: the unknown, the inhuman, that which escapes human understanding. Creatures like Cthulhu represent an indifferent and hostile universe.
Horror Cinema (20th Century onward) 1920s-30s:
Early horror films (Nosferatu, Frankenstein, Dracula).
1960s-80s: Rise of modern horror cinema:
Psycho, The Exorcist, Halloween, Alien, A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Contemporary Horror
Addresses deep social and psychological themes: racism, trauma, mental health, technology, pandemics, etc.