Poseidonis (collection)

Poseidonis is a collection of short stories by author C.A. Smith, forming part of his Hyperborean cycle. These stories detail the final days of Poseidonis, a remnant of the lost continent of Atlantis. The collection, primarily written in the 1930s, explores themes of decadence, impending doom, and the supernatural. Poseidonis is portrayed as a society steeped in ancient magic and rituals, facing inevitable destruction as geological upheaval brings the island civilization crashing into the sea. Key characters include sorcerers, emperors, and priests, all caught in the unraveling of their world. The stories are notable for their vividly imaginative settings, elaborate language, and exploration of cosmic horror. The collection is often considered a significant contribution to the Cthulhu Mythos, although Smith's work predates Lovecraft's formal codification of the mythos.