Esoteric Order of Dagon
The Esoteric Order of Dagon is a cult that features in the Cthulhu Mythos.
Contents |
=History
The Esoteric Order of Dagon was the primary religion in Innsmouth located in Lovecraft Country after Captain Obed Marsh returned from the South Seas with the dark religion circa 1838 after learning practices from the inhabitants of a Polynesian island. It quickly took root due to its promises of precious gold artifacts and restoration of the depleted fisheries, which brought renewed if temporary prosperity to the local community. Part of its eschatology centers on a return of its followers to the water world, accompanied by gradual bodily transformation and an eternal life of sorts. The people of Innsmouth carried out ritual sacrifices on Devil's Reef to appease the Deep Ones. In 1846 during one of these sacrifices Captain Marsh and several members of the Order of Dagon were arrested though no formal charges were made.
The Order was seemingly destroyed when one of Obed Marsh's lost descendants sent the U.S. Treasury Department to seize the town in 1928. As a result, the town was largely depopulated and still recovering years later, and the Order was thought disbanded. However, as the original founder of the sect, Captain Jean Lafitte, still maintains a branch in New Orleans, it is likely that there is more to be seen from this cult.
Overview
The members of the cult believed that true evolution lay in the seas and not on land. Furthermore, they believed that through the generations, the last taint of Human blood would leave their strain and thus they would ascend to true knowledge as well as true power. They were to do this in the love and service of Father Dagon and Mother Hydra. Dagon and Hydra were seen largely as intermediaries between the various gods rather than as gods themselves. Its members had hoped to take their place among the Elder Ones. Cultists sacrificed various locals to the Deep Ones at specific times in exchange for a limitless supply of gold and fish. When they ran out of locals, they would go to other places to kidnap people to be sacrificed.
Prayers to Dagon stated:
- "In thy name let us behold the father,
- From the depths of the waters I come,
- and from the depths the Deep Ones also have come,
- Hail to the ancient dreams
- Hail to Dagon"
A number of murals and tablets contained writings of an ancient language. Through them, the members of the Order expected to learn the Word of Father Dagon in its entirety as it was known to those below in Y'ha-nthiel. Through this, they were to be armed with the knowledge of the Divine Purpose which they believed would allow them to own the seas equally once the Grand Design was set in motion. They expected that eighty years of work would reach its culmination. (Game: Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth)
The Provisio to all Oaths I'a' Dagon! I submit to the authority of the Esoteric Order of Dagon. If I should betray these sacred oaths, I am theirs to try, and to punish, according to the ancient laws and the extent of my trangressin. I'al Dagon.
The First Oath I'a' Dagon! I swear I shall keep faith with the Deep Ones in all things. I shall not resist their will, nor shall I betray their secrets.
The Second Oath I'a' Dagon! I swear that I shall serve the Deep Ones in all things, as they shall command me, to the furthest extent of my ability.
The Third Oath I'a' Dagon! I'al Hydra! I take this child of Dagon and Hydra as my (wife or husband), to take into my home, to beget and raise children, so that the race, and the faith, shall continue to prosper. (Game: Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners)
Members
- Father Dagon :
- Mother Hydra :
Notes
- The Esoteric Order of Dagon was created by H. P. Lovecraft and featured in the setting of the Cthulhu Mythos universe.
In other media
Films
- In Dagon, the cult appeared in the setting of the 2001 Spanish horror film.
Video games
- In Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, the Esoteric Order of Dagon appeared as antagonists in the setting of the video game.
RPGS
- In CthulhuTech, the Esoteric Order of Dagon appeared as one of the factions within the role-playing game universe.
Appearances
- The Shadow Over Innsmouth: (1931)
External Link
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