# V: The Children of Jhebbal Sag explained — Conan Stories

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-children-of-jhebbal-sag
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters