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Cover of The Hour of the Dragon

The Hour of the Dragon

Written by Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard

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Conan (Fictitious character)Fantasy fiction, American

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About this book

"The Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard is a fantasy novel written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around the iconic character Conan the Cimmerian, who faces the resurrection of an ancient evil and contends with political intrigue, dark magic, and fierce battles in a richly imagined Hyborian world. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a tale that is steeped in adventure and the supernatural, filled with betrayal, ambition, and the struggle for power. The opening of "The Hour of the Dragon" sets a dark and tense atmosphere as a group of sorcerers successfully resurrects the ancient magician Xaltotun from his mummified state using the powerful Heart of Ahriman. The sorcerers’ intentions are shrouded in mystery as they conspire to restore him to life to secure their ambitions of power. As Xaltotun awakens, bewildered from centuries of death, he learns of a changed world and the political dynamics of the kingdoms that have emerged after his time. The potential for chaos becomes apparent as various factions vie for control, and Conan's presence looms over the unfolding events, hinting at the fierce confrontations and thrilling escapades to come.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Hour of the Dragon, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • epic
  • dark
  • adventurous

Robert E. Howard's "The Hour of the Dragon" is an epic sword & sorcery novel that plunges Conan the Cimmerian, now King of Aquilonia, into a grand struggle against an ancient, resurrected evil. Stripped of his throne by the sorcerers who revived the Stygian wizard Xaltotun, Conan embarks on a perilous quest across the Hyborian Age to retrieve the mythical Heart of Ahriman, the only artifact capable of defeating his magical foe. The narrative weaves together political conspiracy, dark sorcery, and relentless action, showcasing Conan's barbarian might and cunning against forces that threaten to engulf the entire world. It is a quintessential tale of heroism, betrayal, and the enduring conflict between primal strength and arcane power.

“Hither came Conan, the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed, sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, with gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled thrones of the Earth under his sandaled feet.”

Key themes

Civilization vs. Barbarism
This central Howardian theme explores the inherent tension between the 'decadent' and 'corrupt' nature of advanced civilizations and the 'primal vitality' and 'raw strength' of barbarism. Conan, a barbarian king, embodies this conflict, often proving more honorable and effective than the 'civilized' rulers and sorcerers he encounters. The story suggests that civilization, while offering order, also breeds weakness, intrigue, and the potential for greater evils.
The Nature of Power and Corruption
The novel meticulously examines different forms of power – political, magical, and physical – and how they can corrupt or be wielded for good. Xaltotun represents the ultimate corruption of magical power, seeking absolute dominion. The various kings and sorcerers demonstrate how ambition and weakness lead to betrayal and subjugation. Conan, in contrast, uses his physical and strategic power with a sense of justice, though not without his own ruthless streak.
Ancient Evils and the Persistence of the Past
Howard frequently highlights the idea that the past is never truly dead, and ancient, forgotten evils can resurface to plague the present. Xaltotun, mummified for centuries, and the Heart of Ahriman, an artifact from a bygone age, are prime examples. The story emphasizes that despite the rise and fall of civilizations, certain malevolent forces endure, requiring vigilance and courage to combat.

Worth discussing

How does Howard portray the conflict between 'civilization' and 'barbarism' through Conan's character and the Hyborian world? Is his perspective still relevant today?

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