"Beyond the Black River" is a classic fantasy short story by Robert E. Howard, featuring his iconic character, Conan the Barbarian. The story was originally published in the May and June 1935 issues of the magazine "Weird Tales," and it has since become a fan-favorite among Howard's works.
The story is set in the fictional Hyborian Age, a world of sword and sorcery where mighty warriors and ancient magic collide. In "Beyond the Black River," Conan finds himself on the frontier of the Aquilonian Empire, where he has been sent as a scout to keep an eye on the Pictish tribes that inhabit the region. The Picts are a fierce and warlike people who have been raiding the settlements along the border, and Conan must use all his skills as a warrior to keep them at bay.
As Conan ventures deeper into the Pictish wilderness, he discovers that there is a greater threat to the Aquilonian Empire than the Picts themselves. A sinister sorcerer named Zogar Sag has been stirring up the Picts and using his dark magic to summon terrifying creatures from the depths of the earth. Conan must face off against Zogar Sag and his monstrous minions if he hopes to save the frontier from destruction.
"Beyond the Black River" is a thrilling adventure tale that showcases Howard's talent for creating vivid and memorable characters, as well as his knack for crafting fast-paced and action-packed plots. The story is notable for its exploration of themes such as the clash of civilizations, the brutality of war, and the dangers of sorcery.
In addition to its literary qualities, "Beyond the Black River" has also had a significant impact on popular culture. The story has been adapted into various forms of media, including comic books, films, and video games. Conan the Barbarian has become an iconic figure in the fantasy genre, and "Beyond the Black River" remains one of the character's most beloved and enduring adventures.
