Conan Stories · Chapter
II: The Wizard of Gwawela explained
Conan and Balthus return to Fort Tuscelan with the headless body of Tiberias, another victim of the wizard Zogar Sag's dark magic.
What happens
Conan and Balthus return to Fort Tuscelan with the headless body of Tiberias, another victim of the wizard Zogar Sag's dark magic. Governor Valannus, desperate and fearful of the plague and desertion, implores Conan to lead a small band to kill or capture Zogar Sag. Conan agrees, selecting Balthus and a dozen foresters for a stealthy raid on Gwawela.
Themes in this chapter
Civilization vs. Barbarism
Fort Tuscelan represents the fragile edge of civilization against the dark, untamed Pictish wilderness and its sorcery.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
Zogar Sag's inexplicable magic, the loon call driving men mad, and the fear of ancient forest devils dominate the chapter.
Survival and Individualism
Conan's pragmatic courage and willingness to act alone or with a small band contrast with the soldiers' panic and the governor's desperation.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Leads the mission to assassinate Zogar Sag; dismisses supernatural fears with confidence in cold steel.
- Balthus
Young Aquilonian from the Tauran, eager to join Conan's raid.
- Valannus
Governor of Fort Tuscelan, desperate and fearful of Zogar Sag's magic and the frontier's collapse.
- Zogar Sag
The Pictish wizard of Gwawela, responsible for driving men mad and summoning forest beasts.
- Tiberias
Found dead and headless on the trail, another victim of Zogar Sag's loon call.
Key passages
“There's nothing in the universe cold steel won't cut.”
Conan asserts that physical force can overcome any threat, magical or otherwise.
Reflects Conan's materialist confidence in the face of supernatural danger.
“Zogar Sag must die, if we are to hold Conajohara.”
Governor Valannus declares that killing the wizard is essential to preserving the province.
Sets the central conflict and stakes of the chapter.
“If I can get within ax-throwing distance of him I'll settle that question.”
Conan vows to test Zogar Sag's humanity with his axe.
Highlights Conan's direct, violent approach to the supernatural.