Definition
Conan the Barbarian is a fictional sword‑and‑sorcery protagonist created by American writer Robert E. Howard in the early 1930s. He first appeared in the pulp magazine Weird Tales in the short story “The Phoenix on the Sword” (December 1932).
Overview
Howard’s Conan is an elite warrior from the fictional pre‑historical land of Cimmeria, a region characterized by harsh, mist‑shrouded mountains and a culture reminiscent of Iron Age Celtic societies. Over the course of Howard’s original corpus—comprising 21 short stories and a novella—Conan evolves from a youthful thief and mercenary to a seasoned king ruling the city of Aquilonia. The character has been revived and expanded by numerous authors, comic‑book publishers (notably Marvel Comics and later Dark Horse Comics), film studios (the 1982 motion picture starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and a 2011 remake), and video‑game developers. The Conan franchise includes novels, short story collections, graphic novels, tabletop role‑playing games, and merchandise, establishing the character as an enduring emblem of the sword‑and‑sorcery subgenre.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Conan” is a common Irish given name derived from the Old Irish Conán, meaning “little wolf” or “hound.” Howard selected the name to evoke a primitive, martial image consistent with the character’s barbarian heritage. The epithet “the Barbarian” distinguishes the hero from later, more “civilized” figures in his fictional universe and emphasizes his origin outside the so‑called “civilized” societies of the Hyborian Age.
Characteristics
- Physical Appearance: Conan is described as a muscular, tall man with black hair, blue eyes, and a scar on his right cheek. His physique reflects a life of constant combat and survival in harsh environments.
- Combat Skills: He is an expert swordsman, proficient with a broad‑sword, and skilled in various forms of melee and ranged combat. Conan also possesses notable prowess in archery, wrestling, and the use of primitive weapons such as axes and spears.
- Personality: The character embodies a personal code of honor, self‑reliance, and a disdain for magical and supernatural forces, which he regards with suspicion. Despite his “barbarian” label, Conan frequently displays intelligence, resourcefulness, and an ability to lead and inspire loyalty among followers.
- Worldview: Set in Howard’s Hyborian Age—a fictional epoch placed after the sinking of Atlantis and before recorded history—Conan navigates a world populated by warring kingdoms, ancient sorcerers, and monstrous beings. The setting blends elements of historical Eurasian cultures with fantasy tropes.
- Narrative Role: Across the canon, Conan serves various narrative functions: adventurer, outlaw, mercenary, and ultimately monarch. His stories typically follow a formula wherein he confronts supernatural threats, overcomes treachery, and often emerges victorious through a combination of physical might and cunning.
Related Topics
- Hyborian Age – The fictional prehistoric world created by Howard in which Conan’s adventures occur.
- Sword and Sorcery – A subgenre of fantasy fiction emphasizing personal heroism, swordplay, and magical or supernatural elements; Conan is a seminal figure in this tradition.
- Robert E. Howard – The American author who originated the character and contributed to the development of modern fantasy literature.
- Marvel Comics’ Conan the Barbarian – A long‑running comic series (1970–1993) that significantly expanded Conan’s mythos.
- Conan the Barbarian (1982 film) – A landmark fantasy film directed by John Milius, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which introduced the character to a broad mainstream audience.
- Dark Horse Comics – Publisher of later Conan comics and graphic novels, continuing the character’s evolution after Marvel’s tenure.
- Conan Role‑Playing Games – Tabletop games (e.g., Conan: The Role‑Playing Game by Mongoose Publishing) that allow participants to experience adventures within the Hyborian Age.
Conan the Barbarian remains a culturally influential figure, recognized for shaping the aesthetics and themes of modern fantasy media.