A Witch Shall Be Born
by Robert E. Howard
A Brutal Tale of Usurpation, Cruelty, and Conan’s Relentless Vengeance
A Witch Shall Be Born by Robert E. Howard is one of the darkest and most violent Conan stories, blending political betrayal, dark superstition, tyranny, and savage revenge. Set within a kingdom collapsing under cruelty and corruption, the tale presents a grim struggle against ruthless power while showcasing Conan’s endurance and refusal to submit even under extreme suffering.
The story is especially remembered for its atmosphere of brutality and one of the most iconic survival scenes in all Conan fiction.
A Kingdom Falls Under the Rule of a Cruel Impostor
The kingdom of Khauran becomes trapped in chaos when Queen Taramis is secretly overthrown and imprisoned by her twin sister Salome, a woman associated with witchcraft, manipulation, and dark prophecy.
Although identical in appearance, Salome possesses a far more ruthless and destructive nature.
Using deception and supernatural influence, she seizes power and surrounds herself with merciless allies and corrupt soldiers.
Conan, serving as a military commander within the kingdom, quickly recognizes the growing tyranny and resists Salome’s rule.
His defiance leads to capture and horrifying punishment, yet Conan’s survival instinct and relentless determination transform the story into a brutal tale of revenge and rebellion.
The Figures Within the Story
- Conan
A fierce warrior whose endurance and refusal to surrender define the story’s emotional power. - Salome
A cruel and manipulative usurper associated with dark prophecy and destructive ambition. - Queen Taramis
The rightful ruler imprisoned and replaced through deception. - The Oppressed Kingdom
A society suffering beneath fear, corruption, and violent tyranny.
The struggle between legitimate rule and monstrous corruption drives the narrative forward.
Endurance Against Cruelty and Oppression
One of the story’s central ideas is that strength of will can survive even extreme suffering and humiliation. Conan faces torture, betrayal, and overwhelming odds, yet refuses to mentally or physically break.
Howard presents tyranny as inherently unstable because it relies upon fear, manipulation, and cruelty rather than genuine strength.
Conan’s resistance therefore becomes symbolic of raw human defiance against oppression and corruption.
The story’s violence feels harsh and unforgiving, emphasizing survival rather than heroic idealism.
Major Themes Running Through the Story
- Tyranny and Corruption
The kingdom suffers under cruel and illegitimate power. - Endurance and Survival
Conan survives through sheer willpower and physical resilience. - Revenge and Justice
Resistance against oppression drives the story toward violent reckoning. - Dark Magic and Prophecy
Supernatural elements intensify the atmosphere of fear and doom.
One of Howard’s Most Savage Conan Stories
A Witch Shall Be Born stands out for its unusually grim tone and emotional intensity. Howard pushes Conan into some of the harshest physical and psychological conditions found anywhere in the series.
The famous crucifixion sequence especially became legendary within fantasy literature because of its brutal depiction of endurance and revenge.
The story combines political intrigue, horror, action, and dark fantasy with relentless momentum.
Why the Story Still Leaves a Powerful Impact
Modern readers continue admiring A Witch Shall Be Born because of its fierce energy, memorable villainy, and uncompromising atmosphere of danger and survival.
The themes of resisting tyranny and enduring suffering remain emotionally powerful across generations.
For readers interested in Conan, dark fantasy, sword-and-sorcery adventure, and intense tales of vengeance and endurance, this story remains brutal, gripping, and unforgettable.
Similar Genres
About the Author
Robert E. Howard revolutionized adventure and fantasy fiction with stories that introduced readers to fierce warriors, forgotten kingdoms, and thrilling battles between civilization and the untamed wilderness. Born in Texas in 1906, Howard possessed a remarkable imagination that transformed ancient history, mythology, and folklore into vivid fictional worlds. Explore Robert E. Howard books to discover the author's life, literary career, and access notable works, including Red Nails, Jewels of Gwahlur, Shadows in the Moonlight, The Devil in Iron , and more.
