The People of the Black Circle
One of my favorite literary characters is Conan. When I say that out loud most people say, “How can you read that crap!” Well, actually most people don’t even know Conan is the hero of many stories such as this one – The People of the Black Circle. In my opinion not much can be said for their knowledge of Conan and the great fiction writer Robert E. Howard. (My guess is even Tolkien has something to thank Howard for.) Howard is one of the great fiction writers of all time. He created such great charters as Conan and Kull, along with a host of others spanning the pulp fiction world.
What is it about Conan?
Howard’s Conan gives hope to Americans in a time when people needed it the most, the 1930’s. With the Great Depression and the hoards of immigrates coming to America, it is easy to understand. No matter what happens to Conan, he never gives up his dreams. How any countless times were his possessions and even his kingdom stolen fro his clutches? And how many time would he go to face immeasurable odds to reclaim what was his. He always kept focused on what he needed to do to fulfill his dreams. To find that road paved with gold.
Conan, also like the immigrants, was a stranger in a strange land, sticking out like a soar thumb. He would garn the common peoples cloth to blend in, even though his size gave him away. But Conan is ruthless in following his dreams to one day be king to fulfill is destiny.
Many days I wish I had Conan’s focus to follow me dream.
For more information on Howard and the Conan stories visit The Robert E. Howard Website
Sunday, January 29th, 2006