Conan Stories · Chapter
A Witch Shall Be Born explained
Conan, now a captain of the Zuagir nomads, becomes entangled in the political intrigue of Khauran when the evil witch Salome, who bears a striking resemblance to Queen Taramis, usurps the throne.
What happens
Conan, now a captain of the Zuagir nomads, becomes entangled in the political intrigue of Khauran when the evil witch Salome, who bears a striking resemblance to Queen Taramis, usurps the throne. Conan is captured and crucified but survives, eventually leading a revolt that culminates in the defeat of Salome and the ancient monster Thaug.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Salome's lust for power drives her to usurp the throne and summon ancient evil, corrupting the kingdom.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
The witch Salome and the demon Thaug represent ancient, malevolent forces that threaten the natural order.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Captured and crucified by Salome's forces, survives and leads the Zuagir revolt.
- Taramis
The rightful queen of Khauran, betrayed and imprisoned by her twin sister Salome.
- Salome
The evil witch and twin sister of Taramis, who usurps the throne and summons the demon Thaug.
- Constantius
A Kothian mercenary leader allied with Salome, involved in the plot against Khauran.
- Valerius
A knight of Khauran who aids Conan and the resistance against Salome.
Key passages
“A Witch Shall Be Born”
A witch is destined to be born into the world.
The title foreshadows the emergence of Salome as a powerful sorceress.