Who is Zula?
Explore Kush in the Hyborian Age – its African inspirations, key Conan stories, and the nuance needed when reading Howard’s Black Kingdoms.
Lore
Deep dives into the mythology, cultures, religions, and recurring ideas that shape sword-and-sorcery worlds.
Who Was Conan’s Father? The Blacksmith of Cimmeria Explained
Discover the truth about Conan’s father–the village blacksmith of Cimmeria. Learn what Robert E. Howard wrote and how films expanded Corin’s story.
Who is Yag‑Kosha?
Discover who Yag‑Kosha is in Conan – the alien “elephant” from The Tower of the Elephant, his tragic backstory, and how he changes Conan’s view of sorcery.
King Conan: Schwarzenegger and McQuarrie Team Up
Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as Conan with Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie. Here’s what we know – and what I hope they get right.
Who is Princess Jehnna?
Learn who Princess Jehnna is in Conan the Destroyer – the sheltered royal chosen for Dagoth’s ritual and the young woman Conan swears to protect.
Who is Queen Taramis?
Find out who Queen Taramis is in Conan the Destroyer – the cold ruler of Shadizar who plots to use Princess Jehnna and Conan to resurrect Dagoth.
Gods of the Hyborian Age: A Complete Guide to Religion in Conan’s World
From Crom to Set, Mitra to Ymir – discover every god in Robert E. Howard’s Conan universe. The complete guide to Hyborian Age religion and worship.
Who is Ishtar? The Earth Mother in Conan’s World – Explained
Who is Ishtar, the goddess of fertility and passion? From Shemite temples to her rivalry with Mitra – the complete guide to Conan’s Earth Mother.
Who is Bel? The God of Thieves in Conan’s World – Explained
Who is Bel, god of all thieves? From the Tower of the Elephant to Arenjun’s underworld – the complete guide to the patron deity of rogues and cutpurses
Who is Set? The Serpent God of Stygia – Explained
Who is Set, the Old Serpent? From Howard’s original stories to the 1982 film’s snake cult – the complete guide to Conan’s most terrifying deity.
Who is Ymir? The Frost Giant God of Nordheim – Explained
Who is Ymir, the Lord of Storm and War? From Howard’s Frost-Giant’s Daughter to Conan Exiles – the complete guide to Nordheim’s fearsome god.
Who is Mitra? The God of Light in Conan’s World – Explained
Who is Mitra? Discover the god of the Hyborian kingdoms – from Howard’s original vision to his role in Conan Exiles. The complete guide to the Lord of Light.
How Strong Was Conan the Barbarian? Fitness in the Hyborian Age
Just how strong was Conan the Barbarian? It’s something I’ve wondered since I was a teenager – and something that…
Who is Valeria? Conan’s Fiercest Female Warrior – Explained
“Do you want to live forever?” Valeria asks this question in the 1982 film before charging into battle alongside Conan….
Kush in the Hyborian Age: Origins and Context
Explore Kush in the Hyborian Age – its African inspirations, key Conan stories, and the nuance needed when reading Howard’s Black Kingdoms.
Aquilonia vs Nemedia: What’s the Difference?
Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.” – Conan of Cimmeria
Zamora and the City of Thieves
Discover Zamora and the City of Thieves – the setting of Conan’s early adventures, where the young barbarian learned the ways of the thief.
Stygia: Conan’s Egypt-Coded Land of Sorcery
Discover Stygia, the ancient Egypt-inspired kingdom in Conan lore – its dark sorcery, serpent god Set, and role in Howard’s Hyborian world.
Kull of Atlantis: Complete Chronology & Reading Order Guide
Image from the Del Rey 2006 Kull: Exile of Atlantis book, where you can find most of the Kull…
Conan the Wanderer: Complete Era Guide, Essential Stories & Character Evolution
“A man’s life is not measured in years, but in deeds.” – Pliny the Younger I think the Wanderer Era…