Black Colossus
📘 About This Book
"Black Colossus" is one of the original short stories starring the fictional sword and sorcery hero Conan the Cimmerian, written by American author Robert E. Howard and first published in Weird Tales magazine, June 1933. It is set in the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age and concerns Conan leading the demoralized army of Khoraja against an evil sorcerer named Natohk, "the Veiled One." This story formed part of the basis for the later Conan novel, The Hour of the Dragon.
📖 Summary
Black Colossus stands as a quintessential pillar of the sword and sorcery genre, originally brought to life by legendary American author Robert E. Howard in the pages of Weird Tales magazine back in June 1933. Set firmly within the vast and perilous expanse of the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age, this classic piece of fiction plunges readers into a world of ancient evils, clashing armies, and untamed heroism. The narrative centers around Conan, the iconic Cimmerian warrior who would go on to define fantasy fiction for generations. In this particular installment, Conan finds himself far from his usual solitary thievery or mercenary roaming, thrust instead into a monumental leadership role that tests both his tactical mind and his ferocious combat prowess. The plot is set into motion when the kingdom of Khoraja finds itself facing an existential threat from an unfathomably powerful and ancient evil sorcerer known as Natohk, also called the Veiled One. Natohk commands a terrifying host of dark forces, threatening to sweep away the civilized realms and plunge the world into an era of eternal darkness and despair. Desperate for a miracle, the demoralized and frightened army of Khoraja looks for salvation in the most unlikely of places. Conan, utilizing his fierce charisma, battlefield cunning, and unyielding will, steps up to lead these broken soldiers into battle against overwhelming odds. The conflict between Conan and Natohk is not merely a physical struggle of steel against flesh, but a grand clash between primordial human grit and ancient, supernatural malice. Howard masterfully builds tension as the armies march toward inevitable bloodshed, highlighting the psychological burden placed upon the Cimmerian as he attempts to forge a disciplined fighting force out of a panicked rabble. The stakes are immense, and the atmosphere is thick with the brooding, atmospheric dread that Howard is so famous for evoking in his fiction. Furthermore, this riveting short story holds a special place in literary history because it served as a foundational building block for Robert E. Howard's later full-length novel, The Hour of the Dragon, cementing its importance within the broader Conan chronology. Readers who dive into Black Colossus will experience the raw, unfiltered energy of pulp fiction at its absolute peak, featuring breathless pacing, vivid descriptions of ancient landscapes, and a protagonist who relies entirely on his own wits and muscle to carve a path through destiny. It is a thrilling journey that captures the essence of heroic fantasy, showcasing why Conan remains such an enduring and magnetic figure in literature nearly a century after his creation.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Fast-paced and exciting plot featuring classic sword and sorcery action
Engaging and atmospheric depiction of the Hyborian Age
Strong characterization of Conan as a capable tactical leader
Serves as an important historical piece of fantasy literature
⚠️ Cons
Short length may leave readers wanting a more expansive narrative
Pulp fiction style may not appeal to modern readers looking for complex prose
❓ FAQ
When was Black Colossus originally published? +
It was first published in Weird Tales magazine in June 1933.
Who is the author of Black Colossus? +
The story was written by American author Robert E. Howard.
What setting does the story take place in? +
It is set in the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age.
Who is the main antagonist of the story? +
The main antagonist is an evil sorcerer named Natohk, also known as the Veiled One.
Did this story influence any other works by the author? +
Yes, it formed part of the basis for the later Conan novel, The Hour of the Dragon.
