Conan Stories · Chapter
The Devil in Iron explained
Conan, now a pirate captain, encounters a mysterious island where an ancient evil, Khosatral Khel, a demonic entity bound in iron, has been awakened.
What happens
Conan, now a pirate captain, encounters a mysterious island where an ancient evil, Khosatral Khel, a demonic entity bound in iron, has been awakened. He rescues a captive woman, Octavia, from the clutches of the Stygian Thutmekri and his allies, ultimately confronting and destroying the iron devil in a climactic battle.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
Khosatral Khel is a prime example of an ancient, malevolent supernatural force from a forgotten age.
Survival and Individualism
Conan relies on his own strength and cunning to survive the island's perils and defeat the demon.
Characters to notice
- Conan
The Cimmerian pirate captain who explores the forbidden island and battles Khosatral Khel.
- Octavia
A captive woman rescued by Conan from the island's horrors.
- Thutmekri
The Stygian schemer who seeks to harness the power of Khosatral Khel.
- Khosatral Khel
The ancient demonic entity bound in iron, the 'devil in iron' of the title.
Key passages
“The Devil in Iron”
The chapter title refers to the ancient demon Khosatral Khel, who is bound in a suit of iron armor.
Central symbol of the story's supernatural threat.