Weird fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its use of supernatural and otherworldly elements, as well as its tendency to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Weird fiction stories often feature strange and inexplicable events, such as cosmic horrors, ancient gods, and otherworldly beings. The genre also often incorporates elements of science fiction and fantasy, as well as elements of horror and the supernatural.
One of the key themes of weird fiction is the idea of the unknown and the unknowable, with many stories exploring the limits of human knowledge and understanding. The genre also frequently explores themes of existential dread, cosmic horror, and the nature of reality and perception.
Some of the most famous examples of weird fiction include H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos stories, Algernon Blackwood's The Willows, and Clark Ashton Smith's The Abominations of Yondo. The genre continues to be a popular and influential form of speculative fiction, with many contemporary authors and filmmakers putting their own unique spin on its themes and motifs.