Conan the Barbarian

The Birth of Sword and Sorcery

Conan the Barbarian is the creation of American writer Robert E. Howard, first appearing in the pulp magazine Weird Tales in 1932. Although Conan's adventures were originally published as a series of short stories and novellas, they have since been compiled into numerous collections, establishing Conan as the quintessential Sword and Sorcery hero and a seminal figure in the fantasy genre.

The Age of Hyboria

Howard invented a detailed, semi-mythical world for his hero: the Hyborian Age, a post-cataclysmic period roughly 12,000 years ago, following the sinking of Atlantis. This setting is characterized by a blend of raw savagery and decaying ancient civilizations.

Conan, a mighty warrior born in the harsh land of Cimmeria, embodies the vitality and brutality of the wild. His adventures chart an incredible life trajectory:

• Wanderer and Adventurer: He begins as a thief and mercenary, traveling across the decadent, often fear-ridden, Hyborian kingdoms, including Zamora, Turan, and Aquilonia.

• Conflict with the Supernatural: Conan's foes are rarely mundane. His strength and cunning are constantly pitted against powerful, ancient evil—wicked sorcerers, demonic cults, primeval beasts, and the remnants of pre-human civilizations.

• The Barbarian's Code: Despite his ferocity, Conan adheres to a simple, honest moral code that often contrasts favorably with the perfidy and political corruption of the civilized lands he encounters. He stands for direct action and primal justice.

Key Themes and Influence

Howard’s Conan tales were foundational to the development of the fantasy genre, heavily influencing later writers and media:

• Sword and Sorcery (S&S): Howard is credited with defining this subgenre. S&S is characterized by heroic action, focus on a single, powerful protagonist, and a world where magic is dark, terrifying, and often uncontrollable—a sharp contrast to the high-fantasy epics that followed.

• Anti-Civilization Stance: A recurring philosophical theme is Howard’s critique of civilization. He suggests that culture and complexity lead to weakness, decay, and corruption, while the barbarian virtues—strength, independence, and raw vitality—are the true keys to survival.

• Primal Power: Conan's immense, natural physical power is often the only thing standing between humanity and the unspeakable, cosmic horrors that threaten the Hyborian Age. His strength is not just physical but symbolic of unconquered human spirit.

The lasting appeal of Conan lies in his iconic status as the ultimate embodiment of raw, heroic adventure.