# II: The Wizard of Gwawela explained — Conan Stories

> Chapter companion for Conan Stories by Robert E. Howard.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/ii-the-wizard-of-gwawela
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters