How is “Cthulhu” pronounced?
There are basically three different pronunciations that I have heard, other pronunciations being slight modifications on these. The most commonly heard pronunciation is that suggested by Chaosium, makers of the “Call of Cthulhu” roleplaying game. On the back of many of their gaming products is printed the phrase, “Can you say kuh-THOOL-hoo?.” Another pronunciation is that used by several Lovecraftian scholars. This form is based on Lovecraft’s revision tales where Cthulhu is often referred to as “Clooloo” or “Clulu.” Unfortunately, this form does not have a sound representing the “th” combination. The pronunciation that I prefer is a compromise between these two. The “h” sounds are aspirated, thus the “th” is not as in “them” or “thin,” but two separate sounds. The first four letters of the word are run together in something like a sneezing sound, “K’t’hoo-lhoo.” According to H.P. Lovecraft: “The actual sound – as nearly as human organs could imitate it or human letters record it – may
