Eldritch Enigmas: The Best Stories of Clark Ashton Smith

Buckle up, fright fans, as we initiate a sojourn through the twisted, macabre, and downright bizarre tales of Clark Ashton Smith – the unsung hero of weird fiction from the early 20th century. If you thought H.P. Lovecraft was the only one churning out mind-bending, spine-chilling stories during the pulp era, think again! Smith’s unique blend of dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror will leave you questioning reality and sleeping with the lights on.

Who is Clark Ashton Smith?

Born in 1893 in Long Valley, California, Clark Ashton Smith was a man of many talents – a poet, sculptor, painter, and author. But it’s his contributions to the realm of weird fiction that truly cement his place in literary history. Smith was a key figure in the “Lovecraft Circle,” a group of writers who corresponded with and influenced each other’s work, including the likes of H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan the Barbarian).

Despite his prolific output and undeniable talent, Smith never quite achieved the same level of recognition as his contemporaries. But fear not, dear reader, for we’re here to shine a light on the best stories of Clark Ashton Smith and give this master of the macabre his due.

The Weirdest of the Weird: Smith’s Most Memorable Tales

1. “The City of the Singing Flame” (1931)

In this mind-bending tale, a group of adventurers stumbles upon a mysterious city in an alternate dimension, where eerie, sentient flames sing haunting melodies. As the explorers delve deeper into the city’s secrets, they encounter bizarre creatures and face the terrifying consequences of meddling with forces beyond their comprehension.

2. “The Tale of Satampra Zeiros” (1931)

Set in the fictional kingdom of Hyperborea, this story follows two thieves, Satampra Zeiros and Tirouv Ompallios, as they attempt to rob an ancient temple. Little do they know, the temple is guarded by a monstrous entity known as Tsathoggua – a slothful, toad-like creature with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Will our “heroes” escape with their lives and ill-gotten gains, or fall victim to the eldritch horror that awaits them?

Fun Fact: Tsathoggua made its first appearance in this story and has since become a recurring figure in the Cthulhu Mythos, popping up in the works of other weird fiction authors like H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth.

3. “The Dark Eidolon” (1935)

In the desert kingdom of Xylac, a beggar named Namirrha seeks revenge against the cruel Emperor Zotulla, who once wronged him. With the help of a mysterious sorcerer, Namirrha unleashes a powerful curse upon the emperor and his realm. But as the curse takes hold, Namirrha discovers that the price of vengeance may be higher than he ever imagined.

Fun Fact: “The Dark Eidolon” is often cited as the single best story of Clark Ashton Smith and is a must-read for anyone exploring his work.

4. “The Vaults of Yoh-Vombis” (1932)

In this chilling sci-fi/horror hybrid, a team of archaeologists on Mars uncovers an ancient, subterranean city inhabited by the remnants of a long-dead alien race. As they explore the city’s labyrinthine tunnels, they fall prey to a malevolent, parasitic lifeform that enslaves their minds and turns them against each other.

Trigger Warning: If you’re squeamish about body horror or the idea of sentient, mind-controlling fungus, this story might not be for you. But if you’re a fan of cosmic horror and enjoy a good case of the heebie-jeebies, “The Vaults of Yoh-Vombis” is a must-read.

5. “The Seven Geases” (1934)

In this darkly humorous tale, a sorcerer named Ralibar Vooz seeks to uncover the secrets of a powerful, ancient ritual. To do so, he must undertake seven increasingly bizarre and dangerous tasks, each one more absurd than the last. From battling a giant sloth to stealing a tooth from a not-quite-dead god, Ralibar Vooz’s quest will have you laughing, cringing, and questioning the protagonist’s sanity.

The Legacy of Clark Ashton Smith

While he may not be a household name like H.P. Lovecraft or Edgar Allan Poe, Clark Ashton Smith’s contributions to weird fiction are undeniable. His unique blend of dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror has influenced countless authors, filmmakers, and artists over the years.

Fun Fact: Director Guillermo del Toro, known for his visually stunning and often unsettling films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” has cited Clark Ashton Smith as one of his favorite authors and a major influence on his work.

So, if you’re a fan of the weird, the macabre, and the just plain bizarre, do yourself a favor and dive into the twisted worlds of Clark Ashton Smith. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed – and you’ll never look at a singing flame or a giant sloth the same way again.

Collector Tip: When searching for “the best stories of Clark Ashton Smith,” be sure to also check out his collections “The Return of the Sorcerer,” “The Abominations of Yondo,” and “Genius Loci and Other Tales.” These volumes contain some of his most iconic and memorable stories, guaranteed to keep you up at night and questioning the nature of reality.

Got Questions about CAS? We’re here to answer ‘em!

1. Q: What makes Clark Ashton Smith’s stories unique compared to other weird fiction authors?
   A: Smith’s stories often blend elements of dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror, creating a distinct style that sets him apart from his contemporaries. He’s known for his lush, poetic prose and his ability to create vivid, otherworldly settings that are both beautiful and terrifying.
2. Q: Are Clark Ashton Smith’s stories connected to the Cthulhu Mythos?
   A: While Smith was a close friend and correspondent of H.P. Lovecraft, and his stories often feature similar themes and motifs, they are not directly connected to the Cthulhu Mythos. However, some of Smith’s creations, like the toad-like god Tsathoggua, have been adopted by other authors and incorporated into the broader Mythos.
3. Q: Where can I find collections of Clark Ashton Smith’s best stories?
   A: Some of the best collections of Clark Ashton Smith’s stories include “The Return of the Sorcerer,” “The Abominations of Yondo,” and “Genius Loci and Other Tales.” These volumes contain many of his most iconic and influential works, and are a great starting point for readers new to his unique brand of weird fiction.
4. Q: Did Clark Ashton Smith write any novels?
   A: No, Smith primarily focused on short stories and poetry throughout his career. He never wrote a full-length novel, but his short stories are often praised for their depth, complexity, and ability to create fully-realized worlds in just a few pages.
5. Q: What other media has been influenced by Clark Ashton Smith’s work?
   A: Smith’s stories have inspired countless authors, filmmakers, and artists over the years. Director Guillermo del Toro has cited Smith as a major influence on his work, and elements of Smith’s stories can be seen in films like “Alien,” “Prometheus,” and “The Thing.” Smith’s unique blend of horror, fantasy, and science fiction continues to inspire new generations of creators across all mediums.

The End… Or Is It?

*Well, there you have it, folks – a deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of Clark Ashton Smith, one of the unsung heroes of weird fiction. But don’t just take our word for it – go forth and explore the best of Clark Ashton Smith for yourself. But be warned: once you step into the twisted realms of Smith’s imagination, you may never see reality the same way again.

Reader Tip: For even more Clark Ashton Smith goodness, check out the “Clark Ashton Smith Archive” on the Internet Archive, which features a comprehensive collection of his works, as well as biographical information, essays, and more. It’s a must-visit for any fan of weird fiction looking to explore the best stories of Clark Ashton Smith.