By: Robert E. Howard (1906-1936)
Gods of the North is a collection of short stories by Robert E. Howard, featuring his iconic character Conan the Barbarian. The book showcases Howard's masterful storytelling abilities and his vivid imagination. The action-packed tales are set in a brutal and unforgiving world, where Conan faces formidable foes and overcomes incredible obstacles.
What makes this collection stand out is Howard's ability to create complex and compelling characters, particularly Conan himself. The character of Conan is a formidable warrior with a rugged charm and a strong moral compass, making him a captivating protagonist. The stories are fast-paced and full of exciting battles and daring exploits that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Gods of the North is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure fiction. Howard's timeless tales of courage, honor, and strength will transport readers to a world of danger and excitement, making this book a thrilling and unforgettable read. Book Description:
"The Frost-Giant's Daughter" is, arguably the earliest chronological story by Robert E. Howard in terms of Conan's life. The brief tale is set somewhere in frozen Nordheim, geographically situated north of Conan's homeland, Cimmeria. Conan is depicted by Howard as a youthful Cimmerian mercenary traveling among the golden-haired Aesir in a war party.
Shortly before the story begins, a hand-to-hand battle has occurred on an icy plain. Eighty men ("four score") have perished in bloody combat, and Conan alone survives the battlefield where Wulfhere's Aesir "reavers" fought the Vanir "wolves" of Bragi, a Vanir chieftain. Thus, the story opens.
Following this fierce battle against the red-haired Vanir, Conan the Cimmerian, lying exhausted on the corpse-strewn battlefield, is visited by a beautiful, condescending and semi-nude woman identifying herself as "Atali." Upon her bodice, she wears a transparent veil: a wisp of gossamer that was not spun by human distaff. The mere sight of her strange nakedness kindles Conan's lust and, when she repeatedly taunts him, he madly chases her for miles across the snows with the intent of raping her. The excitement continues but I won't ruin the story for you by saying more. Can Conan deal with this daughter of a frost-giant? And what when her daddy shows up? ( from Wikepedia and Phil Chenevert)
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