# Conan — Conan Stories character guide > Conan in Conan Stories by Robert E. Howard. **Role:** major **Also known as:** The Cimmerian, Conan of Cimmeria, Conan the Cimmerian **First appearance:** 0000-shadows-in-the-moonlight ## Snapshot A black-haired Cimmerian with restless eyes and a swordsman's arrogance, he carves his way through sorcery and steel with raw, unapologetic vitality. ## Who they are Conan moves through Hyborian kingdoms as mercenary, thief, and eventual king, his enormous frame and smoldering temper matched only by a cunning that keeps him alive when magic turns the world inside out. He bristles at wizards and priests who hide behind illusions, meeting each trap with a growl and a blade. His refusal to kneel to any man or demon drives the early stories, where his brute force and stubborn will collide with forces older and stranger than any sword. ## Relationships ### [Valeria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/valeria) _romantic_ Conan and Valeria are passionate lovers and fierce warrior allies, sharing a deep bond of mutual respect and desire. ### [Yasmina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/yasmina) _romantic_ Conan develops a romantic and protective relationship with Queen Yasmina, marked by tension and eventual affection. ### [Balthus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/balthus) _friendship_ Balthus is a loyal companion and ally to Conan, fighting alongside him in battle. ### [Tascela](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/tascela) _rivalry_ Conan opposes Tascela's evil schemes and fights against her attempts to enslave or harm Valeria. ### [Techotl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/techotl) _friendship_ Techotl is a loyal ally and guide to Conan, aiding him in the jungles of the Black Coast. ### [Muriela](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/muriela) _romantic_ Conan has a brief romantic and protective relationship with the dancer Muriela. ### [Zogar Sag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/zogar_sag) _rivalry_ Conan battles the sorcerer Zogar Sag as a deadly enemy in a conflict of survival. ### [Octavia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/octavia) _romantic_ Conan has a romantic entanglement with the noblewoman Octavia, marked by passion and danger. ### [Khemsa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/khemsa) _rivalry_ Conan faces the sorcerer Khemsa as an antagonist in a clash of strength and magic. ### [Aram Baksh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/aram_baksh) _rivalry_ Aram Baksh is a treacherous merchant and enemy of Conan, often scheming against him. ### [Zabibi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/zabibi) _romantic_ Conan shares a romantic and adventurous relationship with the dancer Zabibi. ### [The Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/the_master) _rivalry_ Conan opposes the sinister sorcerer known as The Master in a deadly conflict. ## In the story ### [Shadows in the Moonlight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/shadows-in-the-moonlight) The Cimmerian pirate captain, central to the chapter's action. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i) Leads Olivia across the island, climbs cliffs with ease, demonstrates immense strength by lifting a massive stone block, and remains vigilant as protector. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii) Challenges and kills Sergius, then is struck down and taken captive by the pirates. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii) Fights and kills the gray man-ape, is bound by pirates, freed by Olivia, then carries her across the plateau. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv) Stands in the bows, demands allegiance, and becomes the new captain of the pirate band. ### [Queen of the Black Coast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/queen-of-the-black-coast) The Cimmerian protagonist who joins the pirates and becomes Bêlit's lover and ally. ### [I: Conan Joins the Pirates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-conan-joins-the-pirates) Flees Argos after refusing to betray a friend, boards Tito's galley, and fights fiercely against Bêlit's pirates, impressing the queen. ### [II: The Black Lotus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-black-lotus) Engages in a deep conversation with Bêlit about gods and death, slays a giant serpent, and later succumbs to the black lotus in the jungle. ### [III: The Horror in the Jungle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-horror-in-the-jungle) Kills the maddened N'Gora and discovers the massacre of his crew and Bêlit's death. ### [IV: The Attack from the Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-attack-from-the-air) Sits on the pyramid awaiting attack, fights hyenas and the winged monster, and mourns Bêlit. ### [V: The Funeral Pyre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-funeral-pyre) Leans on his sword, watching the Tigress burn; mourns Bêlit and feels the sea has lost its glory. ### [The Devil in Iron](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/the-devil-in-iron) The Cimmerian pirate captain who explores the forbidden island and battles Khosatral Khel. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i) The revived figure from the tomb, described as a giant with dark magnetic eyes and superhuman strength. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii) Kozak chief; target of the plot, known for his wildness and cunning. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv) Enters Xapur seeking the golden-haired woman; discovers the impossible city; overcomes fear and infiltrates the walls. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v) Explores the city, discovers the living serpent, and overhears Khosatral Khel's origin story. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi) Conan fights Khosatral Khel, kills him with the Yuetshi knife, and claims Octavia as his prize. ### [The People of the Black Circle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/the-people-of-the-black-circle) Abducts Yasmina to protect her from the Black Seers' magic, displaying his cunning and strength. ### [II: A Barbarian from the Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-a-barbarian-from-the-hills) Hill chief from the west, called a barbarian; suspicious of the Kshatriyas, abducts Yasmina to force the release of his men. ### [III: Khemsa Uses Magic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-khemsa-uses-magic) The Cimmerian who kidnapped Yasmina; mentioned as having taken her to the Afghuli villages. ### [IV: An Encounter in the Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-an-encounter-in-the-pass) Abducts Yasmina Devi, kills a Wazuli tribesman, reunites with Yar Afzal, and leads the group into the hills. ### [V: The Black Stallion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-black-stallion) Survives assassination attempt and escapes with Yasmina on the black stallion. ### [VI: The Mountain of the Black Seers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-the-mountain-of-the-black-seers) Resists Khemsa's hypnotism due to his Cimmerian heritage, fights Khemsa, and helps Yasmina escape. ### [VII: On to Yimsha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vii-on-to-yimsha) Freed from Khemsa's spell, he rides to rally his Afghuli warriors but is falsely accused of betrayal. He decides to continue to Yimsha alone to rescue Yasmina. ### [IX: The Castle of the Wizards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ix-the-castle-of-the-wizards) Leads the assault on the Black Seers' castle, using Khemsa's advice to navigate the deadly mist and fighting acolytes. ### [X: Yasmina and Conan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/x-yasmina-and-conan) Leads the Afghulis in battle, slays a vulture attacking Yasmina, and negotiates his ransom with her. ### [A Witch Shall Be Born](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/a-witch-shall-be-born) Captured and crucified by Salome's forces, survives and leads the Zuagir revolt. ### [II: The Tree of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-tree-of-death) Crucified and left to die; rescued by Olgerd's band; shows immense fortitude. ### [III: A Letter to Nemedia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-a-letter-to-nemedia) Former captain of the queen's guard, now a right-hand man to Olgerd Vladislav among the Zuagir nomads. ### [IV: Wolves of the Desert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-wolves-of-the-desert) Breaks Olgerd's arm in a power struggle, spares his life, and takes command of the Zuagir tribe. ### [V: The Voice from the Crystal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-voice-from-the-crystal) Leads the Zuagir nomads against Khauran; his siege engines and tactics are discussed by the conspirators and Constantius. ### [VI: The Vulture’s Wings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-the-vulture-s-wings) Defeats Constantius in battle, reclaims Khauran, but chooses to leave as chief of the Zuagirs, crucifying Constantius. ### [Jewels of Gwahlur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/jewels-of-gwahlur) Protagonist who infiltrates Alkmeenon to steal the Teeth of Gwahlur. ### [I: Paths of Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-paths-of-intrigue) The Cimmerian adventurer seeking the Teeth of Gwahlur; uses his reputation as a fighter to gain entry into Keshan, but is outmaneuvered by Thutmekri's political intrigue. ### [II: Goddess Awakens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-goddess-awakens) Discovers Muriela's deception, devises a plan to use her impersonation to gain control of the Teeth of Gwahlur, and later finds Zargheba's severed head. ### [III: The Return of the Oracle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-return-of-the-oracle) Investigates the murder scene, returns to the palace, hides and observes the ritual, then is trapped in a tunnel but escapes. ### [IV: The Teeth of Gwahlur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-teeth-of-gwahlur) Tracks the priests into the caverns, witnesses the false Yelaya's command, rescues Muriela from the monster, and decides to go to Punt with her. ### [Beyond the Black River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/beyond-the-black-river) Leads the defense of the fort, displaying his tactical prowess and grim determination against the Pictish horde. ### [I: Conan Loses His Ax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-conan-loses-his-ax) The Cimmerian warrior who kills a Pict ambusher, tracks a swamp demon, and leads Balthus through the perilous forest. ### [II: The Wizard of Gwawela](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-wizard-of-gwawela) Leads the mission to assassinate Zogar Sag; dismisses supernatural fears with confidence in cold steel. ### [III: The Crawlers in the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-crawlers-in-the-dark) Leads the scouting party, displaying his superior woodcraft and stealth as he navigates the river and vanishes into the forest. ### [IV: The Beasts of Zogar Sag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-beasts-of-zogar-sag) Mentioned as possibly having escaped the ambush; earlier he helped Balthus scale the stockade during the escape attempt. ### [V: The Children of Jhebbal Sag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-children-of-jhebbal-sag) Leads Balthus through the wilderness, uses an ancient symbol to control a panther, and reveals his barbaric nature and knowledge of primal lore. ### [Red Axes of the Border](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-red-axes-of-the-border) Leads Balthus through the forest, kills a Pict emissary to steal his canoe, and decides to warn settlers instead of dying at the fort. ### [VII: The Devil in the Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vii-the-devil-in-the-fire) Conan leads settlers away from the Picts, confronts and battles a demonic fire-being summoned by Zogar Sag, and ultimately slays it despite being wounded. ### [VIII: Conajohara No More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/viii-conajohara-no-more) Moodily drinking in a tavern, Conan learns of the fall of Fort Tuscelan and swears an oath to avenge Balthus and his dog. ### [Shadows in Zamboula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/shadows-in-zamboula) The Cimmerian adventurer, central to the chapter's events. ### [I: A Drum Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-a-drum-begins) The Cimmerian protagonist, warned by a Zuagir about Aram Baksh's tavern, yet chooses to stay there. ### [II: The Night Skulkers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-night-skulkers) Rescues Zabibi from cannibals, agrees to help her find her mad lover Alafdhal, and later enters the temple of Hanuman where Zabibi is abducted. ### [III: Black Hands Gripping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-black-hands-gripping) Engages in a life-or-death struggle with Baal-pteor, using his superior strength to break the Kosalan's neck. ### [IV: Dance, Girl, Dance!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-dance-girl-dance) Kills Totrasmek, rescues Zabibi/Nafertari, tricks Aram Baksh, and escapes with the Star of Khorala. ### [Red Nails](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/red-nails) The Cimmerian adventurer who, along with Valeria, stumbles into the lost city and becomes a key figure in the conflict between the Tecuhltli and Xotalancas. ### [I: The Skull on the Crag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-the-skull-on-the-crag) Leads the escape from the dragon, shows primitive kinship with the beast, fights and kills it. ### [II: By the Blaze of the Fire-Jewels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-by-the-blaze-of-the-fire-jewels) Leads the exploration of the deserted city, shows barbarian instincts and survival skills, keeps watch while Valeria sleeps, and fights the Crawler on the stair. ### [III: The People of the Feud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-people-of-the-feud) Arrives in Tecuhltli with Valeria, agrees to fight the Xotalancas for jewels. ### [IV: Scent of Black Lotus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-scent-of-black-lotus) Conan is referenced as being across the corridor; Valeria considers seeking his help to escape the city. ### [V: Twenty Red Nails](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-twenty-red-nails) Learns of Olmec's betrayal from Techotl and sets out to rescue Valeria, navigating the deadly halls and discovering Olmec trapped in a torture device. ### [VII: He Comes from the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vii-he-comes-from-the-dark) Conan interrogates Olmec, follows him through a secret passage, kills him after a betrayal, and arrives in the throne room to witness Tolkemec's attack. ### [The Hyborian Age](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/the-hyborian-age) Mentioned as the central figure of the stories set in this fictional age. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters/conan - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/characters