Conan Stories · Chapter
VIII: Conajohara No More explained
After the fall of Fort Tuscelan and the death of the Pictish shaman Zogar Sag, the frontier of Aquilonia is pushed back to Thunder River.
What happens
After the fall of Fort Tuscelan and the death of the Pictish shaman Zogar Sag, the frontier of Aquilonia is pushed back to Thunder River. Conan learns from the sole survivor of the fort about the final battle, the mysterious death of Zogar Sag, and the heroic last stand of Balthus and his dog. Conan swears a barbaric oath to avenge them by taking ten Pictish heads for Balthus and seven for the dog.
Themes in this chapter
Civilization vs. Barbarism
The chapter explicitly contrasts the 'unnatural' state of civilization with the 'natural' state of barbarism, as the borderer declares that barbarism must ultimately triumph.
Honor and Loyalty
Conan's oath to avenge Balthus and his dog, and the recounting of their heroic last stand, highlight themes of loyalty and the warrior's code.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
The mysterious death of Zogar Sag, with wounds appearing without physical cause, suggests supernatural forces at work.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Moodily drinking in a tavern, Conan learns of the fall of Fort Tuscelan and swears an oath to avenge Balthus and his dog.
- Balthus
Mentioned as having made a heroic last stand with his dog, killing seven Picts before dying.
- Zogar Sag
The Pictish shaman who died mysteriously during the battle, with wounds that appeared without any weapon touching him.
- Valannus
The commander of Fort Tuscelan who was killed in hand-to-hand fighting, refusing to be taken alive.
- Slasher
Mentioned as having helped hold up the Picts alongside Balthus, allowing the women and children to escape.
Key passages
“Barbarism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And barbarism must always ultimately triumph.”
A borderer argues that barbarism is humanity's default condition, while civilization is an artificial and temporary exception that will inevitably be overcome.
This encapsulates the central theme of the chapter regarding the conflict between civilization and barbarism.
“The heads of ten Picts shall pay for his, and seven heads for the dog, who was a better warrior than many a man.”
Conan vows to kill ten Picts in revenge for Balthus and seven for his dog, whom he considers a better fighter than most men.
Demonstrates Conan's personal code of honor and his respect for worthy opponents, even animals.