# Honor and Loyalty in Conan Stories

> Theme guide for Conan Stories by Robert E. Howard.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv): Conan demands a formal oath of allegiance from the pirates, and Ivanos reaffirms his loyalty.
- [IV: An Encounter in the Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/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.
- [VI: The Vulture’s Wings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-the-vulture-s-wings): Valerius's loyalty to Taramis drives the rescue; Conan's loyalty to the Zuagirs leads him to leave Khauran.
- [VIII: Conajohara No More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/viii-conajohara-no-more): Conan's oath to avenge Balthus and his dog, and the recounting of their heroic last stand, highlight themes of loyalty and the warrior's code.
- [III: The People of the Feud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-people-of-the-feud): Techotl's fierce exultation in avenging his clan by driving red nails into the pillar of vengeance underscores the clan's code of honor and loyalty.
- [V: Twenty Red Nails](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-twenty-red-nails): Techotl's dying loyalty to Conan contrasts with Olmec's treachery, underscoring the theme of honor among the barbarians.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/themes/honor_and_loyalty
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/themes