Conan Stories · Chapter
II: The Night Skulkers explained
Conan, seeking to settle a score with Aram Baksh, witnesses a group of cannibalistic black men abducting a naked young woman.
What happens
Conan, seeking to settle a score with Aram Baksh, witnesses a group of cannibalistic black men abducting a naked young woman. He intervenes, killing three of the cannibals and rescuing the woman, Zabibi. She explains that she is a dancing-girl and that her lover, Alafdhal, has gone mad after drinking a love potion given to her by the priest Totrasmek, who sought revenge for her rejection. Conan agrees to help her find Alafdhal. They encounter the mad Alafdhal in an alley, and Conan knocks him unconscious. Zabibi then implores Conan to kill Totrasmek, and they proceed to the temple of Hanuman. Inside, Zabibi triggers a secret door but is snatched away by a misshapen hand, leaving Conan alone in the shrine.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
The temple of Hanuman, the cult of Totrasmek, and the use of love potions and dark magic underscore the presence of ancient, malevolent forces.
Survival and Individualism
Conan's decisive action in rescuing Zabibi and his willingness to risk his life against cannibals and supernatural threats highlight his individualistic survival instincts.
Power and Corruption
Totrasmek's manipulation of Zabibi and Alafdhal through magic, and the fear he instills in the city, illustrate the corrupting influence of power.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Rescues Zabibi from cannibals, agrees to help her find her mad lover Alafdhal, and later enters the temple of Hanuman where Zabibi is abducted.
- Zabibi
A dancing-girl rescued by Conan; she seeks help to find her lover Alafdhal, who was driven mad by a potion from Totrasmek, and later leads Conan to the temple where she is captured.
- Alafdhal
Zabibi's lover, driven mad by a love potion from Totrasmek; encountered in an alley and knocked unconscious by Conan.
- Totrasmek
The priest of Hanuman who gave Zabibi a false love potion to drive Alafdhal mad; his hand snatches Zabibi through a secret door in the temple.
- Aram Baksh
Mentioned as the man Conan intended to settle a reckoning with, but the pursuit is interrupted by the rescue of Zabibi.
Key passages
“He had no intention of delaying the settlement of his reckoning with Aram Baksh.”
Conan was determined to confront Aram Baksh without further delay.
Sets up Conan's initial purpose before the rescue.
“Cannibalism was more than a perverted appetite with the black men of Darfar; it was an integral element of their ghastly cult.”
For the black men of Darfar, cannibalism was not just a twisted craving but a core part of their horrific religious practices.
Explains the cultural and religious context of the cannibals.
“Stirred to red rage by the ghoulishness of the episode, Conan raced across the road.”
Enraged by the horrific scene, Conan sprinted across the road to intervene.
Highlights Conan's emotional response and decisive action.
“They fear Totrasmek, as all in Zamboula fear him, even Jungir Khan and Nafertari.”
Everyone in Zamboula, including the satrap and his mistress, is afraid of Totrasmek.
Emphasizes Totrasmek's widespread influence and terror.
“Totrasmek desired me, and because I repulsed him, he made me the innocent tool of his vengeance against Alafdhal.”
Totrasmek wanted Zabibi, and when she rejected him, he used her unwittingly to take revenge on Alafdhal.
Reveals Totrasmek's motive and manipulation.
