Conan Stories · Chapter
II: A Barbarian from the Hills explained
Governor Chunder Shan of Peshkhauri is visited by the Devi Yasmina, who reveals her plan to destroy the Black Seers of Mount Yimsha, who murdered her brother.
What happens
Governor Chunder Shan of Peshkhauri is visited by the Devi Yasmina, who reveals her plan to destroy the Black Seers of Mount Yimsha, who murdered her brother. She seeks the aid of the hill chief Conan, who has seven tribesmen imprisoned. Conan arrives to parley, but when Yasmina enters the chamber, he recognizes her, knocks Chunder Shan unconscious, and abducts her, vowing to secure his men's release.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Individualism
Conan acts alone and decisively to secure his men's release, trusting his own strength and cunning over diplomacy.
Power and Corruption
Yasmina wields royal authority to command the governor, but her quest for vengeance drives her to risky, manipulative measures.
Characters to notice
- Chunder Shan
Governor of Peshkhauri, cautious and wary, negotiates with Conan for the release of seven hill-men.
- Yasmina
Devi of Vendhya, seeks vengeance against the Black Seers of Mount Yimsha for her brother's murder; comes in disguise to the fort.
- Conan
Hill chief from the west, called a barbarian; suspicious of the Kshatriyas, abducts Yasmina to force the release of his men.
Key passages
“He must be brought to terms!”
Yasmina insists that Conan must be compelled to negotiate.
Yasmina's determination to control the hill chief reflects her desperate need for his aid.
“Now dare to hang my men!”
Conan exclaims that with the Devi as his captive, the governor cannot execute his tribesmen.
Conan uses abduction as a direct counter-threat to ensure his men's safety.