Conan Stories · Chapter
V: The Children of Jhebbal Sag explained
Conan and Balthus evade Pictish pursuers after escaping the village of Gwawela.
What happens
Conan and Balthus evade Pictish pursuers after escaping the village of Gwawela. Conan uses an ancient symbol sacred to Jhebbal Sag to ward off a stalking panther, demonstrating his deep connection to primal forces. They plan to circle back to the river to warn Valannus of a massive Pictish war party gathering under the shaman Zogar Sag.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Wild
The chapter emphasizes the primal forest as a living, threatening entity, and Conan's harmony with it contrasts with Balthus's civilized discomfort.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
Zogar Sag's control over beasts and the ancient symbol of Jhebbal Sag highlight the supernatural forces at play, linking to primeval, forgotten powers.
Survival and Individualism
Conan and Balthus rely on their wits and strength to survive the Pictish pursuit, with Conan's individualistic barbarian ethos driving their escape.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Leads Balthus through the wilderness, uses an ancient symbol to control a panther, and reveals his barbaric nature and knowledge of primal lore.
- Balthus
Struggles with the alien environment, feels lonely and out of place, but fights alongside Conan against Picts and a leopard.
- Zogar Sag
The Pictish shaman who orchestrates the attack, controls the serpent, and unites multiple clans through war-magic.
- Valannus
Mentioned as the commander of the fort that Conan and Balthus seek to warn about the Pictish assault.
Key passages
“The Cimmerian might have spent years among the great cities of the world; he might have walked with the rulers of civilization; he might even achieve his wild whim some day and rule as king of a civilized nation; stranger things had happened. But he was no less a barbarian. He was concerned only with the naked fundamentals of life.”
Despite Conan's experiences in civilized lands, his barbarian nature remains unchanged, focusing solely on the raw essentials of existence.
Highlights the theme of civilization vs. barbarism and Conan's inherent wildness.
“I saw it carved in the rock of a cave no human had visited for a million years... it’s sacred to Jhebbal Sag and the creatures which worship him.”
Conan recalls seeing the ancient symbol in a remote cave, explaining its connection to the primordial god Jhebbal Sag and his beastly followers.
Reinforces the supernatural and ancient evil theme, linking Conan to forgotten lore.