#69- The Original Adventures of Conan the Barbarian

This week, Scott and Karl read a collection of stories starring Conan the Barbarian, a series by Robert E. Howard. 

Known as the “Father of Sword and Sorcery,” Howard helped create this subgenre of fiction. To this point, Karl adds, "There is so much of your popular culture, dear listeners, that comes out of Conan."

You think of other heroes that we read like King Arthur, Beowulf, and Achilles: none of them are like this barbarian. After reading about him, you may find Conan to be one of the greatest fictional heroes ever created.

Open any of his stories, and you'll find a swordsman who cuts a swath across the lands of the Hyborian Age, facing powerful sorcerers, deadly creatures, and ruthless armies of thieves and reavers. As Scott points out, “Conan has absolute trust in his own senses. That’s what sets this apart from lesser pulp fiction heroes."