Conan Stories · Question
How does Conan Stories develop the theme of Honor and Loyalty?
Answer
Conan Stories by Robert E. Howard develops Honor and Loyalty across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Despite being a barbarian and pirate, Conan adheres to a personal code of honor, demanding loyalty from his followers and rewarding faithfulness, while punishing betrayal with ruthless finality.
The pirates debate the law of the Red Brotherhood regarding Conan's claim to captaincy, and Ivanos defends Conan out of opposition to Aratus, reflecting codes of honor and loyalty among outlaws.
Conan demands a formal oath of allegiance from the pirates, and Ivanos reaffirms his loyalty.
Yar Afzal and his men come to Conan's aid, showing loyalty among the hill tribes, while Conan intends to use Yasmina to ransom his captured headmen.
Evidence in the book
- II
The pirates debate the law of the Red Brotherhood regarding Conan's claim to captaincy, and Ivanos defends Conan out of opposition to Aratus, reflecting codes of honor and loyalty among outlaws.
- IV
Conan demands a formal oath of allegiance from the pirates, and Ivanos reaffirms his loyalty.
- IV: An Encounter in the Pass
Yar Afzal and his men come to Conan's aid, showing loyalty among the hill tribes, while Conan intends to use Yasmina to ransom his captured headmen.
- VII: On to Yimsha
Conan is falsely accused of betrayal by his own men, highlighting themes of loyalty and honor among the hill tribes.
- X: Yasmina and Conan
Yasmina keeps her word to return with her warriors, and the Afghulis accept Conan back as their chief after his valor in battle.
- II: The Tree of Death
Conan's loyalty to the true queen and his defiance of Constantius underscore the theme of honor.
- IV: Wolves of the Desert
Conan spares Olgerd's life despite the betrayal, honoring the debt of being taken down from the cross, while the Zuagirs' loyalty shifts to the stronger leader.
- V: The Voice from the Crystal
The conspirators' plan to rescue Queen Taramis demonstrates loyalty to the rightful ruler and a sense of honor in opposing the false queen.
