Conan Stories · Chapter
VI: The Eyes of Tascela explained
Olmec abducts Valeria, knocking her unconscious and killing Techotl when he intervenes.
What happens
Olmec abducts Valeria, knocking her unconscious and killing Techotl when he intervenes. He takes her to a chamber, but Tascela intervenes, using her hypnotic power to paralyze Olmec and force him to drink a potion. Tascela then drags Olmec to a torture chamber and returns to bind Valeria, revealing her plan to use Valeria's youth to restore her own immortality.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Olmec's betrayal of Conan and Valeria, and Tascela's manipulation of Olmec through hypnotic control, illustrate the corrupting influence of power.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
Tascela's unnatural strength, hypnotic powers, and her centuries-old quest for immortality through sacrifice evoke ancient evil.
Characters to notice
- Valeria
Abducted by Olmec, then captured by Tascela who intends to use her youth for immortality.
- Olmec
Abducts Valeria, kills Techotl, but is overpowered by Tascela's hypnotic power and dragged to torture.
- Tascela
Intervenes to take Valeria from Olmec, uses hypnotic power to paralyze him, and reveals her plan to restore her youth.
- Techotl
Attempts to stop Olmec's abduction of Valeria but is knocked unconscious and stabbed.
Key passages
“her brutally upon the side of the head with his open hand, so that stars flashed before her eyes and her head rolled on her shoulders.”
Olmec struck Valeria hard across the head, dazing her.
Olmec's brutal treatment of Valeria during the abduction.
““You are selfish, Olmec,” she crooned, smiling. “You would keep our handsome guest to yourself, though you knew I wished to entertain her.””
Tascela mockingly accused Olmec of keeping Valeria for himself.
Tascela's sarcastic confrontation with Olmec over Valeria.
“I have chosen you for a great honor. You shall restore the youth of Tascela.”
Tascela declared that Valeria would be used to restore her youth.
Tascela reveals her sinister plan for Valeria.