Cthulhu is a fictional cosmic entity created by writer H.P. Lovecraft in his short story "The Call of Cthulhu." Described as a gigantic creature with an octopus-like head, clawed appendages, and a scaly body, Cthulhu lies dormant beneath the Pacific Ocean in the sunken city of R'lyeh. Its awakening is said to bring madness and chaos to humanity. Cthulhu is a central figure in the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared fictional universe that has inspired countless authors, filmmakers, and artists. The character embodies the fear of the unknown and the insignificance of humanity in the vast cosmos, making it a powerful symbol in horror literature.