Fiction-inspired resolutions for the New Year, 2025 Edition

As the year ends, it is time to start making New Year resolutions, and we are here to help. Drawing inspiration from fantasy epics as well as eldritch tales, here are resolutions that align with the spirit (or spirits) of their universes.

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Shadow out of Time."

Lovecraft often depicted scholars, researchers, and antiquarians meticulously documenting forbidden knowledge, only to spiral into madness. Examples include Professor Armitage in "The Dunwich Horror" and the protagonist of "The Call of Cthulhu" who assembles clues from disparate records.

2. Avoid Summoning Rituals at All Costs.

Inspired by "The Dunwich Horror," "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward," and "The Necronomicon."

Lovecraft’s stories frequently warn of dire consequences when humans meddle with rituals or translate eldritch texts like the *Necronomicon. This point echoes Joseph Curwen's disastrous summoning attempts and the Whateleys' invocation of Yog-Sothoth.

3. Build a Network of Believers.

Inspired by "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Whisperer in Darkness."

In "The Call of Cthulhu," the protagonist builds on the fragmented accounts of other researchers, showcasing the value of collaboration. In "The Whisperer in Darkness," however, trusting the wrong individuals proves fatal. These examples underline the importance of trust when facing otherworldly threats.

4. Prepare for the Awakening.

Inspired by "The Shadow over Innsmouth" and "The Call of Cthulhu."

Lovecraft’s mythos often explored the relentless devotion of cultists to the Great Old Ones, particularly in "The Call of Cthulhu." The Cthulhu cult and the Deep Ones in "The Shadow over Innsmouth" exemplify followers who make immense sacrifices, believing their efforts will lead to the awakening of their deities. The emphasis on "punctuality, even in slumber" fits the cosmic indifference of these entities.

5. Survive Until the Stars Are Right.

Inspired by "The Call of Cthulhu," "At the Mountains of Madness," and "The Shadow over Innsmouth."

The idea of waiting for "the stars to align" is central to the mythos, particularly in "The Call of Cthulhu," where cultists understand the need for patience to awaken Cthulhu. In "At the Mountains of Madness," surviving the knowledge of ancient civilizations and their dormant gods requires discretion. The warning against summoning Elder Ones in one's backyard humorously mirrors the dangers of small-scale hubris seen in stories like "The Dunwich Horror."

Looking to the fantastical

On a light-hearted note, let's look at Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Dune's Paul Muad'dib and their friends for inspiration and ideas for the New Year.

From the Potter-Verse, be brave and determined like Harry, smart and wise like Hermione, and life-loving and loyal like Ron. The real magic lies in living in the present and making the most of it, not worrying about what was and what will be. Live each day like it is the last day and every day will seem like a gift.

From the Percy-Verse, Seaweed Brain, Wise Girl, and the Lord of the Wild have shown us that winging it and making it up as we go along is a strategy that can save Pantheons. Thus, it can surely save our relationships and duties as well. Wing it, improvise and most importantly, show up when needed. Consistency is the key to true success.

Turning to Dune, Enslave a culture by learning about their beliefs and have a hype-man like Stilgar to aid you in starting a galaxy-wide Jihad. Looking cool and brooding all the time will help as well.

The greatest resolution might simply be to. "Leave well enough alone". Some mysteries are best left unsolved and others are best left untouched.