“The Phoenix on the Sword” (1932)
Creators |
Robert E. Howard (writer). |
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Extent |
Read in 2016. |
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Commentary |
A rehash, but still an excellent outline of what was to come. The central idea that an uncivilized person—a barbarian—would be coarse but quick-witted and powerful is one of the oldest in civilization. In The Epic of Gilgamesh (ca. 2100–1100 BCE), Enkidu says: “one born in the wild is mighty, strength he possesses.” The image of King Conan in this story combines Enkidu with the young Gilgamesh, a likewise incompetent king. Howard’s monster, though more powerful than one of Tolkien’s orcs, can still be defeated with violence, like those in the epic. |
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Prequel: “Black Colossus” (1933)
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Prequel: “The Pool of the Black One” (1933)
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Prequel: “The Slithering Shadow” (1933)
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Prequel: “The Tower of the Elephant” (1933)
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Prequel: “A Witch Shall Be Born” (1934)
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Prequel: “Queen of the Black Coast” (1934)
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Prequel: “Rogues in the House” (1934)
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Prequel: “Shadows in the Moonlight” (1934)
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Prequel: “The Devil in Iron” (1934)
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Prequel: “The People of the Black Circle” (1934)
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Prequel: “The Valley of the Worm” (1934)
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Prequel: “Shadows in Zamboula” (1935)
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Prequel: “The Hyborian Age” (1936)
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Prequel: “The God in the Bowl” (1952)
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Prequel: “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter” (1953)
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Spin-off: “Drums of Tombalku” (1966)
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Prequel: “The Vale of Lost Women” (1967)
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Prequel: “The Snout in the Dark” (1969)
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Prequel: “The Hall of the Dead” (1976)
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Prequel: “The Hand of Nergal” (1976)
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