From Ophir south to ArgosQueen of the Black Coast (Post Part 1)
Queen of the Black Coast was first published in Weird Tales in May 1934.
Conan finds trouble in Argos and is forced to leave in a hurry boarding a ship bound for Kush/Cush. The ship is attacked by Corsairs.
Language:Argossean, Shemitish, Kushite/Cushite, Stygian
Travelling from Ophir into Argos seeking employment as a mercenary but not finding any wars in which to sell his service as a swordsman he remained in the kingdom long enough to make friends and learn some of the language.
“Well, last night in a tavern, a captain of the king’s guard offered violence to the sweetheart of a young soldier, who naturally ran him through. But it seems there is some cursed law against killing guardsmen, and the boy and his girl fled away. It was bruited about that I was seen with them, and so today I was haled into court, and a judge asked me where the lad had gone. I replied that since he was a friend of mine, I could not betray him.” - Queen of the Black Coast
Conan speaks Argossean to the master of the ship Argus a man named Tito an Argossean, when he boards it. Argossean is never mentioned as language by Howard,it is named after the people, or the country or region it is spoken in.
"'Who invited you aboard?' 'Get under way!' roared the intruder with a fierce gesture that spattered red drops from his broadsword. 'But we're bound for the coasts of Cush!' expostulated the master." -Queen of the Black Coast
Since Bêlit is Shemitish one could postulate that she addresses him in her native tongue although she may be speaking to him in Argossean knowing the nationality of the vessel she just captured on which he was aboard. She continues to speak to both Conan and the crew and it is doubtful she would address the crew in Argossean so it is assumed to be Shemitish. Conan speaks Shemitish learned as a thief and mercenary and refined with the Zuagir.
"'Who are you?' she demanded....'I am Conan, a Cimmerian,' he answered." -Queen of the Black Coast
"...this daughter of Shem ..." -Queen of the Black Coast
“She is a Shemite woman, who leads black raiders.” –Queen of the Black Coast
While raiding with the corsairs he learns Kushite/Cushite.
"The black spoke in a sea-coast dialect, and Conan replied; he had learned the jargon while a corsair on the coasts of Kush." - The Scarlet Citadel
He probably picks up some Stygian from his time sacking their cities and raiding their coasts with the corsairs. He definitely picked up a reputation and the name of Amra the lion at that time from the tales in the coastal villages of Kush calling him an iron man whose wrath was that of a wounded lion, and the enmity of the Stygians in their land of temples and pyramids.
"The Tigress ranged the sea, and the black villages shuddered. Tom-toms beat in the night, with a tale that she she-devil of the sea had found a mate, an iron man whose wrath was as that of a wounded lion. And the survivors of butchered Stygian ships named Bêlit with curse, and a white warrior with fierce blue eyes; so the Stygian princes remembered this man long and long, and their memory was a bitter tree which bore crimson fruit in the years to come." -Queen of the Black Coast
"If he were recognized as Amra, the corsair chief who had swept their coasts with steel and flame..." -The Hour of the Dragon
Profession:Mercenary, Chief of the Corsair raiders
Conan described in the story: “The folk that yelled and scattered had only a fleeting glimpse of a mailed figure on a black stallion, a wide scarlet cloak flowing out on the wind.” -Queen of the Black Coast
“The shipmaster was a good judge of men. One glance at the dark scarred face of the swordsman, hardened with passion, and he shouted a quick order, thrusting strongly against the piles.” -Queen of the Black Coast
“He saw a tall powerfully built figure in a black scale-mail hauberk, burnished greaves and a blue-steel helmet from which jutted bull’s horns highly polished. From the mailed shoulders fell the scarlet cloak, blowing in the sea-wind. A broad shagreen belt with a golden buckle held the scabbard of the broadsword he bore. Under the horned helmet a square cut black mane contrasted with smoldering blue eyes.” -Queen of the Black Coast
“Conan towered above them, and no two of them could match his strength. They were hardy and robust, but his was the endurance and vitality of a wolf, his thews steeled and his nerves whetted by the hardness of life in the world’s wastelands. He was quick to laugh, quick and terrible in his wrath. He was a valiant trencherman, and strong drink was a passion and a weakness with him. Naïve as a child in many ways, unfamiliar with the sophistry of civilization, he was naturally intelligent, jealous of his rights, and dangerous as a hungry tiger. Young in years he was hardened in warfare and wandering, and his sojourns in many lands were evident in his apparel. His horned helmet was such as was worn by the golden-haired Æsir of Nordheim; his hauberk and greaves were of the finest workmanship of Koth; the fine ring-mail which sheathed his arms and legs was of Nemedia; the blade at his girdle was a great Aquilonian broadsword; and his gorgeous scarlet cloak could have been spun nowhere but in Ophir.” –Queen of the Black Coast.
From Argos to the sea sailing past Shem, past Stygia to the coasts of KushClues to placement of the story:Conan is seeking to exploit his mercenary experience.
“I came into Argos seeking employment, but with no wars forward, there was nothing to which I might turn my hand.” -Queen of the Black Coast
He still considers the ways of civilization strange after have spent a good deal time among them.
“By Crom, though I’ve spent considerable time among you civilized peoples, your ways are still beyond my comprehension.” -Queen of the Black Coast
Civilization still shocks and astounds the Cimmerian.
“Naïve as a child in many ways, unfamiliar with the sophistry of civilization…” –Queen of the Black Coast.
Conan steals a horse to flee and manages an amazing leap from the saddle onto a moving ship leaving the pier.
“…seeing the high constable’s stallion tied near by, I rode for the wharfs, where I thought to find a ship bound for foreign parts.” -Queen of the Black Coast
“Hoofs drummed down the street that sloped to the wharfs. The folk that yelled and scattered had only a fleeting glimpse of a mailed figure on a black stallion, a wide scarlet cloak flowing out on the wind. Far up the street came the shout and clatter of pursuit, but the horsemen did not look back. He swept out onto the wharfs and jerked the plunging stallion back on its haunches at the very lip of the pier. Seamen gaped up at him, as they stood to the sweep and striped sail of a high-prowed broad-waisted galley. The master, sturdy and black-bearded, stood in the bows, easing her away from the piles with a boat-hook. He yelled angrily as the horseman sprang from the saddle and with a long leap landed squarely on the mid-deck.” -Queen of the Black Coast
Where did he learn such skills on a horse? From
Rogues in the House on he has been riding horses and may not have been ignorant to them before that.
“’’I’m tired of this city anyway,’ grinned the Cimmerian. ‘You mentioned a horse waiting at the Rat’s Den. I’m curious to see how fast that horse can carry me into another kingdom.’” –Rogues in the House
He no doubt learned horsemanship with the Corinthian mercenaries and had witnessed cavalry charges and chariots in battle. In
Black Colossus he leads a charge of mounted warriors.
“Conan the Cimmerian, restless in his plate-armor, stated at the bedecked camel with no great approval, and spoke to Amalric, who rode beside him…” –Black Colossus
“’This day you become knights!’ he laughed fiercely, pointing with his dripping sword toward the hillmen horses, herded near by. ‘Mount and follow me to hell!’” –Black Colossus
“The hill steeds reared wildly under the unfamiliar clash of the Kothic armor, and Conan’s gust laugh rose above the din as he led them to where the eastern ridge branched away from the plateau. Five hundred footmen – pauper patricians, younger sons, black sheep – on half-wild Shemite horses, charging an army, down a slope where no cavalry had ever dared charge before!” –Black Colossus
“Conan sprang clear as the horse fell, and with a roar Kutamun was on him.” –Black Colossus
Springing clear of a charging horse as it falls is no mean feat either.
By the time of
A Witch Shall Be Born he is so confident of his skills in the saddle that he offers to teach battle maneuvers on horseback to the Hyborians.
“’Not if there were three thousand desperate Hyborian horsemen fighting in a solid wedge such as I could teach them,’ answered Conan.” – A Witch Shall Be Born
“’A horse,’ demanded Conan. ‘The swiftest steed you have.” –The Man-Eaters of Zamboula
“Presently on a bay stallion, Conan was riding toward the house of Aram Baksh.” –The Man-Eaters of Zamboula
I do not find it difficult at all that Conan could leap from a rearing stallion onto a moving ship at this point in his career.
Later in his life he would further refine his horse riding skills, knowledge of horseflesh, and become a master horseman among the Kozaki.
“’I was a kozak before I was a pirate,’ he answered. ‘They live in the saddle.’” –Red Nails
“As the horse fell he leaped clear, holding the girl aloft to guard her from striking boulders. He his on his feet like a cat, thrust her into a cleft of rock, and wheeled toward the outer darkness, drawing his knife.” - The People of the Black Circle
“He shook loose the reins and the stallion went like a thunder-bolt, as if frantic to lose hysteria in violent physical exertion. Across the ledge and around the crag and down the narrow trail threading the great steep they plunged at break-neck speed.” - The People of the Black Circle
“Zenobia had chosen well in selecting the white horse. His speed, toughness and endurance were obvious. The girl knew weapons and horses, and, Conan reflected with some satisfaction, she knew men.” – The Hour of the Dragon
Further clues to placement:Conan is unfamiliar with the sea.
“The sea and the ways of the sea were never-ending mysteries to Conan, whose homeland was among the high hills of the northern uplands.” -Queen of the Black Coast
Conan does not help with the ship as he is a landsman and unfamiliar with sea vessels which is in contrast to later in his career where he is a good sailor and knows their customs. Instead he pays his way as a fighting man for Tito aboard the Argus.
"’Can you pay for your passage?’ demanded the master. ‘I pay my way with steel!’ roared the man in armor, brandishing the great sword that glittered bluely in the sun. ‘By Crom man, if you don’t get under way I’ll drench this galley in the blood of its crew'” –Queen of the Black Coast
“We’re peaceable sailors, and have nothing against you. Besides, it’s as well to have a fighting-man like yourself on board. Come up to the poop-deck and we’ll have a tankard of ale.” –Queen of the Black Coast
“Standing on the poop, he watched the serpent-ship skimming lightly over the waters, and landsman though he was, it was evident to him that the Argus would never win that race.” –Queen of the Black Coast
Compare the previous behavior with that of later in his career.
“’A ship can always use another good sailor,’ answered the other without resentment. Zaporavo scowled, knowing the truth of that assertion.” –The Pool of the Black One
“’You’ll work for your keep,’ snarled the Hawk.” –The Pool of the Black One
“The smile seemed to broaden on Conan’s thin lips. Without hesitation but without haste he turned and descended into the waist.” –The Pool of the Black One
“As he came into the waist the crew thronged about him – Zingarans, all of them, half naked, their gaudy silk garments splashed with tar, jewels glinting in ear-rings and dagger-hilts. They were eager for the time-honored sport of baiting the stranger. Here he would be tested, and his future status among the crew decided. Up on the poop Zaporavo had apparently already forgotten the stranger’s existence, but Sancha watched, tense with interest. She had become familiar with such scenes, and knew the baiting would be brutal and probably bloody.
But her familiarity with such matters was scanty compared to that of Conan.” –The Pool of the Black One
Conan shows he is not experienced with pirates and questions Tito, but he is willing to fight them.
“’I had good trade here, aforetime. This is the work of pirates.’
‘And if we meet them?’ Conan loosed his great blade in its scabbard.
‘Mine is no warship. We run not fight. Yet if it came to a pinch, we have beaten off reavers before, and might do it again; unless it were Bêlit’s Tigress.’” –Queen of the Black Coast.
Compare that with his apparent knowledge of ships, pirates and their ways in
Iron Shadows in the Moon:
“’Some folk don’t think so,’ grinned Conan grimly; ‘notably the slaves that have escaped from galleys and become pirates.’” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
“’As for pirates –‘He grinned enigmatically, and bent to the oars.” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
Not only can he identify a ship by its sounds and know what makes the sounds he can identify the nationality of the ship by its design.
“Conan strode over to her, and his words electrified her. ‘Just before dawn I heard the creak of timbers and the rasp and clack of cordage and oars. A ship has put in and anchored at the beach not far away – probably the ship whose sail we saw yesterday. We’ll go up the cliffs and spy on her.’
Up they went, and lying on their bellies among the boulders, saw a painted mast jutting up beyond the trees to the west.
‘An Hyrkanian craft, from the cut of her rigging,’ muttered Conan.” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
“’Pirates! Whispered Conan, a grim smile on his thin lips. ‘It’s an Hyrkanian galley they’ve captured.’” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
He is also familiar with customs and laws of the “Trade” and the name of the local pirates, The Red Brotherhood, which he may have learned as a Free Companion in the area.
“’Conan the Cimmerian!’ his voice was like the deep challenge of a lion. ‘One of the Free Companions. I mean to try my luck with the Red Brotherhood. Who’s your chief?’” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
“’Well you dogs!’ he roared, ‘I’ve sent your chief to hell – what says the law of the Red Brotherhood?’” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
“’Then if I am one of the Brotherhood,’ he grunted, ‘the laws of the Trade apply to me; and since I killed your chief in fair fight, then I am your captain!’” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
“’Swear by the hilt,’ Conan demanded. Forty-four sword-hilts were lifted toward him, and fort-four voices blended in the corsair’s oath of allegiance.” - Iron Shadows in the Moon
I cannot find any reason to suppose that Conan would have acted as he did questioning Tito at the mention of pirates if he had previous experience with the sea or pirates as he obviously does in
Iron Shadows in the Moon. I find it impossible to place Irons Shadows before
Queen of the Black Coast as Rippke has done.
Rippke thinks that he would have mentioned sailing with the black corsairs to aid him with the pirates in
Irons Shadows in the Moon. I think he didn’t have to mention them at all but his knowledge of corsairs and pirates gained in The Queen of the Black Coast served him well.
Rippke states that in
Queen of the Black Coast,
“Howard subtly implies that the Cimmerian has spent some time at sea prior to this story.”-Dark Storm Chronology
It was so subtle however that I have missed what he is referring to unless he is talking about Conan recognizing the position and using the correct terminology when addressing the navigator of the Argus, there is little else to base that speculation on.
“’Let them rave,’ grinned the swordsman hardly. ‘Do you keep her on her course, master steersman.’” –Queen of the Black Coast
Continued on Queen of the Black Coast post part 2
Edited by Amra_the_Lion, 11 January 2011 - 07:43 AM.
If life is an illusion, then I am no less an illusion, and being thus, the illusion is real to me. Queen of the Black Coast 1934 Robert E. Howard
