SOURCE: "Count Magnus" by M. R. James  (1904)

DESCRIPTION: "The figure was unduly short, and was for the most part muffled in a hooded garment which swept the ground. The only part of the form which projected from that shelter was not shaped like any hand or arm. Mr Wraxall compares it to the tentacle of a devil-fish, and continues: 'On seeing this, I said to myself, "This, then, which is evidently an allegorical representation of some kind--a fiend pursuing a hunted soul--may be the origin of the story of Count Magnus and his mysterious companion." ("Count Magnus" by M. R. James)

NOTES: Count Magnus, as part of his devil with the devil, has a familiar, a creepy assistant in his evil work. This creature may have had the job of taking Magnus's soul to hell when he died.

HISTORY: One of two Jamesian squidgies to inspire Lovecraft. See my article on how it influenced Cthulhu Mythos fiction here.

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