OK, I just thought of this, so maybe I'm full of BS.
This was inspired by a post or two I saw somewhere else recently about Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion. Howard's heroes were, generally, much of a muchness. Toned up, toned down . . . but all broadly similar lines.
As I read your article, well, it opened my eyes, as I'd never thought about the comparisons between Conan and Aragorn. You are, I think, on point----and much praise to you for opening my eyes to this!
Yes also as I was reading your article, I thought, "Some Conan, yes . . . but also more than a pinch of Solomon Kane." In fact, I think Aragorn was rather more Solomon Kane than Conan----maybe the ratio was 60/40, or 75/25? Only a theory.
Conan was lust and zest and enthusiasm and guffaws of laughter. Solomon Kane, quite a bit less. Gosh, could there even be some Kull in Aragorn? I'm probably overthinking this---but your article made me think.
Elric of Melnibone is deliberately an anti-Conan. Born of an ancient and decadent, drugged civilization (where Conan is a barbarian who routinely defeats those weakened peoples.) Elric gives up a kingdom where Conan wins his. Elric is weak physically and relies on magic whereas Conan relies on his gifts of birth and strength, etc.
Which only makes it more funny when they have a crossover in Marvel Comics. :)
OK, I just thought of this, so maybe I'm full of BS.
This was inspired by a post or two I saw somewhere else recently about Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion. Howard's heroes were, generally, much of a muchness. Toned up, toned down . . . but all broadly similar lines.
As I read your article, well, it opened my eyes, as I'd never thought about the comparisons between Conan and Aragorn. You are, I think, on point----and much praise to you for opening my eyes to this!
Yes also as I was reading your article, I thought, "Some Conan, yes . . . but also more than a pinch of Solomon Kane." In fact, I think Aragorn was rather more Solomon Kane than Conan----maybe the ratio was 60/40, or 75/25? Only a theory.
Conan was lust and zest and enthusiasm and guffaws of laughter. Solomon Kane, quite a bit less. Gosh, could there even be some Kull in Aragorn? I'm probably overthinking this---but your article made me think.
Thanks!
In some dark tavern in a far away land, two strangers meet and share a meal, a tankard, and a pipe.
Elric of Melnibone is deliberately an anti-Conan. Born of an ancient and decadent, drugged civilization (where Conan is a barbarian who routinely defeats those weakened peoples.) Elric gives up a kingdom where Conan wins his. Elric is weak physically and relies on magic whereas Conan relies on his gifts of birth and strength, etc.
Which only makes it more funny when they have a crossover in Marvel Comics. :)
Aagorn was a reluctant barbarian by forced exile. Conan a reluctant king by forced obligation.