Conan Stories · Chapter
IV: Wolves of the Desert explained
Conan and Olgerd Vladislav, the Zuagir chief, clash over leadership and strategy.
What happens
Conan and Olgerd Vladislav, the Zuagir chief, clash over leadership and strategy. Conan reveals he has secretly gathered three thousand Khauran exiles at the oasis of Akrel, ready to attack Constantius. Olgerd, feeling his authority threatened, attacks Conan but has his arm broken. Conan spares him and exiles him from the camp, then proclaims himself the new leader of the Zuagirs.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Individualism
Conan's rise to power through strength and cunning, and his exile of Olgerd, exemplify the harsh law of the desert where only the fittest lead.
Power and Corruption
Olgerd's ambition and his attempt to maintain control are challenged by Conan's superior strength and strategic acumen, leading to a violent transfer of power.
Honor and Loyalty
Conan spares Olgerd's life despite the betrayal, honoring the debt of being taken down from the cross, while the Zuagirs' loyalty shifts to the stronger leader.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Breaks Olgerd's arm in a power struggle, spares his life, and takes command of the Zuagir tribe.
- Olgerd Vladislav
Deposed Zuagir chief; his arm is broken by Conan and he is exiled into the desert.
Key passages
“I give you life, Olgerd, as you gave it to me, though it was for your own ends that you took me down from the cross.”
Conan spares Olgerd's life, acknowledging that Olgerd had previously saved him from crucifixion for selfish reasons.
Conan's sense of reciprocal honor, even toward a rival.
“There is not room for two chiefs of the Zuagirs. They know I am the stronger man. I understand them better than you, and they, me; because I am a barbarian too.”
Conan declares that the Zuagirs recognize him as their true leader because he shares their barbaric nature.
Conan's claim to leadership based on shared identity with the nomads.