Conan Stories · Chapter
II: The Black Lotus explained
Conan and Bêlit share a philosophical conversation about gods, death, and love aboard their ship.
What happens
Conan and Bêlit share a philosophical conversation about gods, death, and love aboard their ship. A giant serpent attacks, killing a warrior before Conan slays it. They arrive at a ruined, haunted city where Bêlit orders the search for treasure beneath an ancient altar. Conan leads a party into the jungle, but is overcome by the scent of the black lotus and collapses.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Bêlit's declaration that her love is stronger than death and her vow to return from the abyss to aid Conan highlight the theme of transcendent love.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
The giant serpent attack, the haunted city, and the black lotus with its dream-haunting scent emphasize supernatural and ancient evil forces.
Fate and Destiny
Conan's fatalistic view of the gods and his acceptance of an uncertain afterlife reflect themes of fate and destiny.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Engages in a deep conversation with Bêlit about gods and death, slays a giant serpent, and later succumbs to the black lotus in the jungle.
- Bêlit
Debates philosophy with Conan, declares her love stronger than death, leads the exploration of the ruined city, and orders the altar to be lifted.
- N'Gora
Sub-chief of the black pirates, ordered by Conan to march straight ahead and wait.
Key passages
“Let me live deep while I live; let me know the rich juices of red meat and stinging wine on my palate, the hot embrace of white arms, the mad exultation of battle when the blue blades flame and crimson, and I am content.”
Conan expresses his philosophy of seizing the pleasures of life—feasting, love, and battle—without concern for the afterlife.
This quote encapsulates Conan's hedonistic and pragmatic worldview.
“Were I still in death and you fighting for life, I would come back from the abyss to aid you—aye, whether my spirit floated with the purple sails on the crystal sea of paradise, or writhed in the molten flames of hell!”
Bêlit vows that her love for Conan is so powerful it would enable her to return from the afterlife to help him.
This demonstrates the theme of love transcending death.