
The Phoenix on the Sword | 2
Explicit content warning
03/03/23 • 39 min
In this epic installment of Hither Came Conan, Steeven explores The Phoenix on the Sword, the very first Conan story published by Robert E. Howard. This tale finds the Cimmerian not as a roguish adventurer, but as the King of Aquilonia, battling treacherous conspirators, an ancient sorcerer, and a demon summoned straight from the depths of hell!
As traitors gather in the shadows to overthrow him, Conan faces an uprising led by a cunning outlaw, Ascalante, and his enslaved Stygian sorcerer, Thoth-Amon. Little do the schemers know, Thoth-Amon regains his mystical ring of power and unleashes a terrifying demon to exact his revenge. Conan must defend his throne against overwhelming odds, wielding a broken blade and a newly-imbued phoenix symbol that may be the kingdom’s last hope.
Steeven also dives into the tale’s comic book adaptations, from Marvel’s faithful Conan the Barbarian Annual #2 to Dark Horse’s richly illustrated miniseries. Which version captures the heart of Howard’s prose? Tune in to find out as Steeven dissects the battles, the betrayals, and the brilliance of this foundational Conan adventure!
Enjoy!
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Mike's Amazing World of Comics
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In this epic installment of Hither Came Conan, Steeven explores The Phoenix on the Sword, the very first Conan story published by Robert E. Howard. This tale finds the Cimmerian not as a roguish adventurer, but as the King of Aquilonia, battling treacherous conspirators, an ancient sorcerer, and a demon summoned straight from the depths of hell!
As traitors gather in the shadows to overthrow him, Conan faces an uprising led by a cunning outlaw, Ascalante, and his enslaved Stygian sorcerer, Thoth-Amon. Little do the schemers know, Thoth-Amon regains his mystical ring of power and unleashes a terrifying demon to exact his revenge. Conan must defend his throne against overwhelming odds, wielding a broken blade and a newly-imbued phoenix symbol that may be the kingdom’s last hope.
Steeven also dives into the tale’s comic book adaptations, from Marvel’s faithful Conan the Barbarian Annual #2 to Dark Horse’s richly illustrated miniseries. Which version captures the heart of Howard’s prose? Tune in to find out as Steeven dissects the battles, the betrayals, and the brilliance of this foundational Conan adventure!
Enjoy!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mike's Amazing World of Comics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JOIN STEEVEN ORR ELSE BEYOND FOR EARLY AND AD-FREE EPISODES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FEEDBACK COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS:
Email - [email protected]
Twitter - @SteevenOrrElse
Threads - @SteevenOrrElse
Bluesky - @steevenorrelse.bsky.social
Instagram - @SteevenOrrElse
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hither-came-conan/donations
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Previous Episode

The Frost Giant's Daughter | 1
Welcome to the debut episode of Hither Came Conan, where Steeven embarks on a journey through the original Robert E. Howard Conan stories and their comic book adaptations. Kicking off with the chilling and controversial tale of The Frost Giant’s Daughter, Steeven explores Conan’s earliest adventure, set amidst the icy wilderness of Nordheim.
Fresh from a brutal battlefield, Conan encounters the ethereal Atali, daughter of the frost god Ymir. Drawn by her mocking beauty, the Cimmerian warrior follows her into a deadly trap, facing off against her towering frost giant brothers in a desperate fight for survival. But even gods should fear Conan’s rage, as he battles his way through this primal tale of lust, betrayal, and bloodshed.
Steeven also delves into the many adaptations of this iconic story, from Marvel’s Savage Tales to Dark Horse Comics and Ablaze’s mature reimaginings. Along the way, he shares insights, debates the moral complexity of Conan’s actions, and ranks his favorite versions of the tale.
It’s a journey of swords, sorcery, and savage storytelling that’s sure to leave you eager for more. So grab your fur cloak and join Steeven for this frosty first step into the world of Conan!
Enjoy!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JOIN STEEVEN ORR ELSE BEYOND FOR EARLY AND AD-FREE EPISODES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FEEDBACK COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS:
Email - [email protected]
Twitter - @SteevenOrrElse
Threads - @SteevenOrrElse
Bluesky - @steevenorrelse.bsky.social
Instagram - @SteevenOrrElse
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Next Episode

The Scarlet Citadel | 3
Hold on to your swords and shields because this week, Hither Came Conan dives into the pulpy depths of Robert E. Howard's blood-soaked brilliance with The Scarlet Citadel! Join your intrepid host Steeven as he takes you through one of Conan's most harrowing adventures. Trapped, chained, and battling horrific monsters in the dungeons of a cursed citadel, our favorite barbarian king faces cunning wizards, grotesque horrors, and armies of betrayal—but not without dishing out brutal vengeance in true Conan style!
From the grisly showdown in a dungeon labyrinth to an epic, blood-splattered final battle, this episode explores Howard's vivid storytelling and the chilling depths of Sotha's dark magic. Plus, Steeven delves into the two comic book adaptations—from Marvel's gritty Savage Sword of Conan to Dark Horse's gorgeously rendered King Conan—dissecting how each interprets this unforgettable tale.
Tune in for sword-clashing action, fiery hyperbole, and Steeven's fiery commentary. Will The Scarlet Citadel become your new favorite Conan tale? Let the battle commence!
Enjoy!
Mike's Amazing World of Comics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JOIN STEEVEN ORR ELSE BEYOND FOR EARLY AND AD-FREE EPISODES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FEEDBACK COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS:
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