Power and Corruption

Where it surfaces

• I: Conan Joins the Pirates

  The corrupt court of Argos, where a guardsman's violence goes unpunished and Conan is persecuted for loyalty, highlights the theme of corrupt power.

• II

  Jehungir and Ghaznavi's manipulative plot to use Octavia as bait reflects the corrupt use of power.

• VI

  Khosatral's corrupting influence over the city and its inhabitants, and Conan's rejection of that power.

• The People of the Black Circle

  The Black Seers of Yimsha and their agents, like Khemsa, use dark magic to manipulate political power, corrupting both rulers and servants.

• I: Death Strikes a King

  Kerim Shah serves King Yezdigerd of Turan, revealing the political machinations behind the king's assassination.

• II: A Barbarian from the Hills

  Yasmina wields royal authority to command the governor, but her quest for vengeance drives her to risky, manipulative measures.

• III: Khemsa Uses Magic

  Khemsa's use of forbidden magic for personal ambition, betraying his masters and killing prisoners to seize power.

• IV: An Encounter in the Pass

  Yasmina's regal authority is stripped away as she is reduced to a captive, highlighting the fragility of power in the wild.

• VIII: Yasmina Knows Stark Terror

  The Master's absolute power corrupts utterly, as he toys with Yasmina for his own amusement and seeks to break her will through torment.

• A Witch Shall Be Born

  Salome's lust for power drives her to usurp the throne and summon ancient evil, corrupting the kingdom.

• I: The Bloodred Crescent

  Salome and Constantius conspire to usurp the throne of Khauran, using deception and force.

• II: The Tree of Death

  Constantius's seizure of power and the false queen's betrayal illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

• III: A Letter to Nemedia

  Taramis's descent into madness and tyranny, debauchery, and the systematic oppression of Khauran illustrate the corrupting influence of absolute power.

• IV: Wolves of the Desert

  Olgerd's ambition and his attempt to maintain control are challenged by Conan's superior strength and strategic acumen, leading to a violent transfer of power.

• V: The Voice from the Crystal

  Salome's usurpation of the throne and her alliance with Constantius illustrate the corrupting influence of power, as she rules through deception and cruelty.

• VI: The Vulture’s Wings

  Salome's tyrannical rule and use of sorcery to maintain power, contrasted with Conan's rejection of kingship.

• I: Paths of Intrigue

  Thutmekri's political maneuvering and suspected bribery of Gorulga illustrate how power is sought through corruption and deceit, with the treasure as the ultimate prize.

• II: Goddess Awakens

  Thutmekri and Zargheba's scheme to manipulate the oracle and seize the Teeth of Gwahlur illustrates the corrupting influence of power and greed.

• IV: The Teeth of Gwahlur

  The false goddess's command to give the Teeth to Thutmekri and flay Conan illustrates the corrupt use of religious authority for political and material gain.

• II: The Night Skulkers

  Totrasmek's manipulation of Zabibi and Alafdhal through magic, and the fear he instills in the city, illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

• IV: Dance, Girl, Dance!

  The satrap's madness and Totrasmek's plot reveal the corrupt use of power in Zamboula.

• VI: The Eyes of Tascela

  Olmec's betrayal of Conan and Valeria, and Tascela's manipulation of Olmec through hypnotic control, illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

• VII: He Comes from the Dark

  Tascela's manipulation of Olmec and her use of human sacrifice to maintain her youth and power exemplify the corrupting influence of absolute power.

• The Hyborian Age

  The narrative describes the rise and fall of empires, the use of barbarian mercenaries, and the corrupting influence of power as kingdoms vie for dominance.