# Survival and Individualism in Conan Stories

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

Conan repeatedly relies on his own physical prowess, cunning, and indomitable will to survive treacherous environments, hostile forces, and supernatural attacks, often against overwhelming odds.

## Where it surfaces

- [Shadows in the Moonlight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/shadows-in-the-moonlight): Conan's struggle for survival against both human and supernatural threats.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i): Conan and Olivia must rely on their wits and strength to survive on the island, facing unknown threats and making strategic decisions about shelter and travel.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii): Conan's fight for survival against the pirates and Olivia's struggle to cope alone on the island highlight the theme of individual resilience.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii): Conan's fight with the gray man-ape and his escape from the pirates highlight his reliance on personal strength and cunning to survive.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv): The battered pirates seek survival by submitting to Conan's rule, while Conan asserts his individual will to command.
- [I: Conan Joins the Pirates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-conan-joins-the-pirates): Conan's flight from authority and his insistence on personal loyalty over civic duty exemplify a survival-driven, individualistic code.
- [III: The Horror in the Jungle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-horror-in-the-jungle): Conan must rely on his own strength and instincts to survive the supernatural threat and the aftermath of the massacre.
- [IV: The Attack from the Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-attack-from-the-air): Conan stands alone against overwhelming supernatural foes, relying on his own strength and will to survive.
- [V: The Funeral Pyre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-funeral-pyre): Conan stands alone, facing a desolate world and the unknown wilds, embodying the solitary survivor.
- [The Devil in Iron](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/the-devil-in-iron): Conan relies on his own strength and cunning to survive the island's perils and defeat the demon.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i): The fisherman's instinctive desire for the dagger and his violent death highlight the brutal, individualistic struggle for survival.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii): Conan's reputation as a cunning barbarian who escapes traps underscores his individualistic survival instinct.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii): Octavia's desperate escape and resourcefulness in fleeing captivity and navigating the wilderness highlight her individual will to survive.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv): Conan's razor-edge faculties and savage wit allow him to overcome panic and pursue his goal despite the uncanny environment.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi): Conan's relentless fight for survival against an unbeatable foe and his determination to escape.
- [The People of the Black Circle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/the-people-of-the-black-circle): Conan relies on his own wits and strength to navigate the treacherous political and magical landscape, prioritizing survival over loyalty to any kingdom.
- [II: A Barbarian from the Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-a-barbarian-from-the-hills): Conan acts alone and decisively to secure his men's release, trusting his own strength and cunning over diplomacy.
- [IV: An Encounter in the Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-an-encounter-in-the-pass): Conan's quick thinking and physical prowess allow him to survive the ambush and protect his captive, demonstrating his self-reliance.
- [V: The Black Stallion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-black-stallion): Conan fights for his life against the Wazuli tribe and escapes through cunning and strength.
- [VI: The Mountain of the Black Seers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-the-mountain-of-the-black-seers): Conan's resistance to hypnotism and his pragmatic decisions (e.g., disguising Yasmina) highlight his survival instincts.
- [VII: On to Yimsha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vii-on-to-yimsha): Conan decides to proceed alone to Yimsha after being repudiated, emphasizing his self-reliance and determination.
- [IX: The Castle of the Wizards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ix-the-castle-of-the-wizards): Conan's pragmatic approach—using Khemsa's advice and brute force—highlights his survival instinct in a hostile supernatural environment.
- [X: Yasmina and Conan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/x-yasmina-and-conan): Conan's relentless fight for survival against the Turanians and his reliance on his own strength and cunning.
- [II: The Tree of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-tree-of-death): Conan's endurance on the cross and his rescue by Olgerd highlight the theme of individual toughness and survival against overwhelming odds.
- [III: A Letter to Nemedia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-a-letter-to-nemedia): Conan's escape and rise among the Zuagirs, as well as the resistance of the oppressed Khaurani, reflect themes of survival and individual defiance against overwhelming odds.
- [IV: Wolves of the Desert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-wolves-of-the-desert): Conan's rise to power through strength and cunning, and his exile of Olgerd, exemplify the harsh law of the desert where only the fittest lead.
- [V: The Voice from the Crystal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-voice-from-the-crystal): The city's populace faces a desperate choice between the tyranny of Constantius and the unknown threat of Conan's barbarian horde, highlighting the struggle for survival.
- [VI: The Vulture’s Wings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-the-vulture-s-wings): Conan's barbaric stamina allows him to survive crucifixion, while Constantius, a civilized man, succumbs.
- [Jewels of Gwahlur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/jewels-of-gwahlur): Conan relies on his wits and strength to navigate traps and enemies alone.
- [I: Paths of Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-paths-of-intrigue): Conan relies on his own wits and strength to navigate the treacherous politics of Keshan, acting alone to secure the treasure before his rivals can eliminate him.
- [II: Goddess Awakens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-goddess-awakens): Muriela's desperate plea for protection and Conan's self-serving plan to use the impersonation for his own gain highlight themes of survival and individualism.
- [III: The Return of the Oracle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-return-of-the-oracle): Conan relies on his own wits and instincts to navigate the dangers of the palace and the tunnel, acting alone to survive and rescue Muriela.
- [IV: The Teeth of Gwahlur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-teeth-of-gwahlur): Conan's reckless pursuit of the priests, his split-second choice to save Muriela over the treasure, and his pragmatic plan to exploit Punt's beliefs highlight his survival-driven individualism.
- [I: Conan Loses His Ax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-conan-loses-his-ax): Conan and Balthus must rely on their wits and strength to navigate a forest teeming with Picts and supernatural threats.
- [II: The Wizard of Gwawela](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-wizard-of-gwawela): Conan's pragmatic courage and willingness to act alone or with a small band contrast with the soldiers' panic and the governor's desperation.
- [III: The Crawlers in the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-the-crawlers-in-the-dark): The chapter emphasizes the harsh survival skills of the frontier men and Conan's innate barbaric prowess, contrasting civilized reversion with true barbarism.
- [IV: The Beasts of Zogar Sag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-beasts-of-zogar-sag): Balthus and the wounded woodsman face the brutal reality of survival against overwhelming odds in the hostile Pictish village.
- [V: The Children of Jhebbal Sag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-children-of-jhebbal-sag): Conan and Balthus rely on their wits and strength to survive the Pictish pursuit, with Conan's individualistic barbarian ethos driving their escape.
- [Red Axes of the Border](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-red-axes-of-the-border): Conan's pragmatic decision to trick and kill the Pict for his boat, and later to abandon the fort to save the settlers, underscores the harsh calculus of survival on the frontier.
- [VII: The Devil in the Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vii-the-devil-in-the-fire): Conan's solitary battle against the demon and his guidance of the settlers highlight his self-reliance and will to survive.
- [Shadows in Zamboula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/shadows-in-zamboula): Conan relies on his wits and strength to navigate the perils of the city.
- [I: A Drum Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-a-drum-begins): Conan relies on his own strength and sword for protection, ignoring superstitious warnings in a hostile city.
- [II: The Night Skulkers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-night-skulkers): Conan's decisive action in rescuing Zabibi and his willingness to risk his life against cannibals and supernatural threats highlight his individualistic survival instincts.
- [III: Black Hands Gripping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iii-black-hands-gripping): Conan relies on his own barbaric strength and instincts to overcome the supernatural illusions and the physical threat of Baal-pteor.
- [IV: Dance, Girl, Dance!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-dance-girl-dance): Conan acts alone, using cunning and violence to escape with treasure, indifferent to social norms.
- [I: The Skull on the Crag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/i-the-skull-on-the-crag): Conan and Valeria rely on their wits and strength to survive the dragon attack and escape the forest.
- [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): Conan and Valeria rely on their wits and combat skills to navigate the perilous city, with Conan's barbarian instincts and Valeria's fierce independence on display.
- [IV: Scent of Black Lotus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-scent-of-black-lotus): Valeria's fierce self-reliance and violent interrogation of Yasala highlight her survival instincts in a hostile, decadent environment.
- [V: Twenty Red Nails](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-twenty-red-nails): Conan relies on his own cunning and strength to navigate the deadly traps and ambushes, embodying the survivalist ethos.
- [VII: He Comes from the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vii-he-comes-from-the-dark): Conan's relentless drive to rescue Valeria, his distrust of Olmec, and his brutal fight for survival highlight his individualistic and survivalist nature.

## Links

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