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Cover of Red Nails

Red Nails

Written by Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard

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Conan (Fictitious character)Fantasy fiction, American

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About this book

"Red Nails" by Robert E. Howard is a fantasy adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story prominently features Conan the Cimmerian, a barbarian hero known for his strength and valor. As an exciting tale of conflict and exploration, it follows Conan and Valeria, a fierce woman pirate, as they navigate a strange city inhabited by a bizarre race, facing fantastical creatures and deadly foes along the way. At the start of the tale, Valeria finds herself deep in an ominous forest after escaping a deadly situation involving a Stygian officer. She soon encounters Conan, who has followed her to help defend against imminent danger. The two are soon plunged into peril by a monstrous creature that threatens their lives. As they attempt to escape, they discover a walled city, which serves as a backdrop to their struggles. The opening portions encapsulate themes of survival, bravery, and the complexities of their budding relationship against the backdrop of danger and mystery, setting up a gripping narrative that promises both thrilling encounters and the exploration of a vivid, strange world.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Red Nails, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 6 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • action-packed
  • brutal

Robert E. Howard's "Red Nails" plunges Conan the Cimmerian and the fierce pirate Valeria into the heart of Xuchotl, a forgotten city ruled by a decadent, inbred race. After a chance encounter in a perilous jungle, the barbarian and the warrior woman discover the ancient, walled metropolis, only to find themselves caught in its brutal, centuries-long civil war. Battling monstrous creatures, treacherous inhabitants, and the city's grim history of internecine conflict, Conan and Valeria must fight for their lives and navigate the bizarre customs of a civilization teetering on the brink of self-destruction. The novella is a quintessential sword-and-sorcery adventure, showcasing themes of survival, barbarism versus civilization, and the enduring nature of human savagery.

“Civilized men are more dangerous than beasts.”

Key themes

Civilization vs. Barbarism
This central Howardian theme is explored through the contrast between Conan's pragmatic, instinctual barbarism and the decadent, ritualistic 'civilization' of Xuchotl. The city's inhabitants, despite their architectural marvels, have devolved into a state of perpetual, meaningless warfare and self-destruction, suggesting that civilization can breed its own unique forms of savagery and decay, arguably worse than the honest brutality of the wild.
Survival and Adaptation
The entire narrative is a testament to the protagonists' will to survive against overwhelming odds. Conan and Valeria constantly adapt to new threats, from monstrous creatures to treacherous human factions, demonstrating their superior instincts and combat skills. Their ability to think on their feet and fight relentlessly is key to their continued existence in the perilous environment of Xuchotl.
Vengeance and Retribution
Vengeance is a driving force for many characters and is central to the history of Xuchotl. The city's centuries-long civil war is fueled by an unending cycle of retribution, where each death demands another, symbolized by the collection of 'red nails'. This theme highlights the destructive nature of unchecked vengeance and how it can consume individuals and entire societies.

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How does 'Red Nails' explore the theme of civilization versus barbarism, and who truly embodies 'barbarism' in the story?

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