Selección Terror: El Pozo de los Horrores

About this issue

El pozo de los horrores by Clark Carrados is a Gothic horror narrative set in Central Europe. Professor Sheldon Hyames, stranded by a flooded road after his car becomes mired, seeks shelter in a castle belonging to the mysterious Countess Elena von Hárvothy. The castle contains disturbing historical artwork depicting the fates of unfaithful wives: Countess Sylvia was publicly quartered alive by her husband; Countess Ingeborg was immured. After being offered wine and a meal by the countess, Hyames is shown these grim portraits. The narrative suggests escalating danger when a servant brings Hyames a large executioner's axe and presents him with a half-naked woman bound to a wooden cross, declaring him the executor of a death sentence for infidelity—comply or die similarly. The story employs atmospheric Gothic conventions: isolated setting, decadent aristocracy, historical cruelty, and supernatural dread.