Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian. He was an American writer whose influence on the fantasy, horror, and adventure genres remains profound. Best known for creating Conan the Barbarian, Howard pioneered the sword and sorcery subgenre, inspiring generations of writers, artists, and filmmakers. Despite his short life, Howard’s literary legacy continues to thrive, captivating readers and influencing popular culture nearly a century after his death.
Early Life and Influences. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Incidently, Robert Ervin Howard was born on January 22, 1906, in Peaster, Texas. But he was raised primarily in the small oil boomtown of Cross Plains, Texas, where his father, Dr. Isaac Mordecai Howard, worked as a physician. Howard’s early years were shaped by the rugged landscape of Texas, the hardships of frontier life, and the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and historical tales he absorbed from books and oral storytelling.
A voracious reader, Howard developed a love for adventure and historical fiction, drawing inspiration from authors like Jack London, Sir Walter Scott, and Edgar Rice Burroughs. By his teenage years, he was writing prolifically, creating stories that blended action, history, and a dark, brooding sense of heroism.
The Rise of a Pulp Fiction Icon. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Howard’s literary career took off in the 1920s when he began submitting stories to pulp magazines. His first published work, Spear and Fang, appeared in Weird Tales in 1925, 100 years before this article! It marked the beginning of his relationship with the magazine that would become his primary publishing platform.
Fortunatley, Robert was paid a penny a word for his stories. In his ten-years career of writing he made under $20,000 income from it. But in today’s money, that would be just shy of $200,000 of purchasing power. He was able to buy a car with the money from his profession, but he chose to live and write on the small inclosed porch of his family’s home.
During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Howard experimented with various genres, including Westerns, horror, and detective fiction. However, his greatest success came with the creation of Conan the Barbarian in 1932. The Phoenix on the Sword, the first Conan story, was published in Weird Tales, introducing readers to the Cimmerian warrior whose strength, cunning, and unyielding spirit would make him one of the most enduring characters in fantasy literature.
Robert E Howard the loafer and day dreamer. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Because it can’t be understated that the world of central Texas in the 1930s was a tough and un-forgiving place, Howard was an outlier of the population. Although Howard held several jobs, he never kept them long. Undoubtedly, he was called lazy by some. He didn’t own a horse or work in the booming oil fields of the panhandle. Robert preferred to live in the fantasy worlds he created and the adventures that he penned.
A full grown man choosing to stay at home and write, in the rugged, western town of Cross Plain’s Texas, was unheard of and as weird as the titles of the magazines he penned for.
Robert E. Howard’s Love Life. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Despite his budding literary success, Howard’s personal life was often marked by loneliness and introspection. He had few romantic relationships, but his most significant connection was with Novalyne Price Ellis, a schoolteacher and aspiring writer. The two shared a deep intellectual bond and engaged in passionate discussions about literature, philosophy, and life.
Their relationship, however, was tumultuous. While Price Ellis admired Howard’s talent and wit, she struggled with his brooding nature and emotional volatility. Howard, deeply devoted to his ailing mother, found it difficult to commit fully to romance. Their relationship eventually ended, but Price Ellis later documented their time together in her memoir, One Who Walked Alone, which was later adapted into the 1996 film The Whole Wide World, starring Vincent D’Onofrio as Howard and Renée Zellweger as Price Ellis.
The World of Conan the Barbarian. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Howard’s Conan stories, set in the mythical Hyborian Age, depict a brutal and untamed world teeming with sorcery, lost civilizations, and relentless conflict. Drawing on historical influences, Howard crafted a setting that felt both fantastical and authentic, blending elements of ancient history, mythology, and his own unique vision.
Between 1932 and 1936, Howard wrote over 20 Conan stories, including classics such as The Tower of the Elephant, Queen of the Black Coast, and Red Nails. These tales cemented his reputation as the father of sword and sorcery, a subgenre characterized by heroic warriors battling dark sorcery and monstrous foes in vividly imagined settings.
Other Notable Works and Characters. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
While Conan remains Howard’s most famous creation, he developed several other iconic characters. Among them was Solomon Kane, a Puritan adventurer who roamed the world fighting evil in the 16th century; Kull of Atlantis, a precursor to Conan who ruled an ancient kingdom; and Bran Mak Morn, the last king of the Picts, who battled against Roman invaders.
Howard also wrote horror stories that showcased his mastery of atmosphere and suspense. Influenced by H.P. Lovecraft, with whom he corresponded with. I found it interesting that all the Robert Howard saved all the letters he received back from Lovecraft who did the same. These letters have been archived by the Robert E Howard society.
Howard contributed to the shared Cthulhu Mythos with tales such as The Black Stone. His work in Western fiction, including The Vultures of Wahpeton and Knife River Prodigal, displayed his deep appreciation for frontier life and history.
Tragic End and Posthumous Legacy. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Howard’s life was tragically cut short on June 11, 1936, when he died by suicide at the age of 30. Struggling with depression and overwhelmed by his mother’s terminal illness, Howard ended his life in Cross Plains, leaving behind an extensive body of work.
Following his death, Howard’s popularity grew steadily, thanks in part to the efforts of editors and publishers who recognized the enduring appeal of his stories. In the 1950s and 1960s, Gnome Press and later Lancer Books republished Howard’s Conan tales, introducing the barbarian to a new generation. These reprints, often featuring striking cover art by Frank Frazetta, helped transform Conan into a cultural icon.
The Lasting Influence of Robert E. Howard. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Howard’s impact on fantasy and pop culture cannot be overstated. His storytelling style—fast-paced, visceral, and filled with larger-than-life characters—set the template for countless works that followed. The sword and sorcery genre, later championed by authors like Michael Moorcock, Fritz Leiber, and Lin Carter, owes its foundation to Howard’s pioneering efforts.
Beyond literature, Howard’s influence extends to film, television, comics, and video games. Conan the Barbarian (1982), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, cemented Conan’s place in mainstream pop culture. Marvel Comics and later Dark Horse Comics adapted Howard’s stories into long-running series, while video games like Age of Conan and Conan Exiles keep his world alive for modern audiences.
Robert E. Howard Days in Cross Plains, Texas. Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Every year, fans and scholars of Robert E. Howard gather in Cross Plains, Texas, to celebrate his legacy at the annual Robert E. Howard Days. This event, typically held in June, attracts enthusiasts from around the world to honor the life and work of the famed author.
Organized by Project Pride, a local preservation group, and the Robert E. Howard Foundation, the event includes guided tours of Howard’s restored home, which now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and writing. Attendees can explore his original study, where he created Conan and other legendary characters.
The celebration also features panel discussions, guest speakers, film screenings, and special exhibits that delve into Howard’s literary contributions and cultural impact. Additionally, the event provides a platform for authors, scholars, and collectors to share their insights and appreciation for Howard’s work.
Another highlight of the event is the Barbarian Festival, a community fair in Cross Plains that coincides with Robert E. Howard Days, offering food, crafts, and entertainment inspired by Howard’s adventurous themes.
For fans of fantasy, pulp fiction, and literary history, Robert E. Howard Days serves as a unique opportunity to experience the town that shaped the author and to celebrate the stories that continue to inspire generations.
Conclusion, Robert E. Howard: A history of the Creator of Conan The Barbarian.
Robert E. Howard’s legacy endures as one of the greatest contributors to fantasy literature. His characters, especially Conan the Barbarian, remain as compelling today as they were nearly a century ago. Through his gripping storytelling, richly imagined worlds, and timeless themes of heroism and survival, Howard’s work continues to inspire and entertain readers worldwide. Despite his brief life, his literary contributions have left an indelible mark on the fantasy genre, ensuring that the spirit of the barbarian warrior lives on.
