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| Conan The Barbarian - Iranic Cimmerian Warrior |
When I reflect on the stories of Conan the Barbarian, the legendary fictional hero created by Robert E. Howard, I am struck by a deep connection to my own heritage. Conan, a character renowned for his physical strength, moral courage, and survivalist instincts, was inspired in part by the ancient Cimmerians—a historical, Iranic-speaking nomadic people whose blood flows in my veins.
As an Iranian-American with ancestral ties to the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Cimmerians, I see Conan not only as a fantastical figure but as a bridge to my own ancestral past. The Cimmerians, a real race of people, once roamed the Eurasian steppes, embodying the spirit of resilience, independence, and martial prowess that Howard so masterfully infused into his hero. Through Conan, we can glimpse the enduring legacy of these ancient warriors who contributed to the cultural and historical mosaic of the ancient world.
The Historical Cimmerians: Roots of a Legend
The Cimmerians were an Iranic-speaking nomadic people mentioned in the annals of ancient Assyria, Greece, and the Old Testament. Originating in the Pontic-Caspian steppes, they were known for their mobility, fierce warrior ethos, and expert horsemanship. Around the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, the Cimmerians migrated southward into Anatolia and the Near East, where they clashed with powerful empires such as the Assyrians and Lydians. Their exploits in these regions left an indelible mark on history, with accounts describing them as both feared invaders and formidable allies.
Robert E. Howard, a Texan writer, drew upon these historical narratives when crafting the fictional Cimmeria—the rugged homeland of Conan. Howard’s Cimmerians are depicted as a proto-Celtic people, which resonates with the idea of cultural diffusion from the ancient Indo-European migrations. However, Howard’s inspiration was undoubtedly rooted in the historical Cimmerians, whose stoic resilience and warrior culture mirrored the traits of his larger-than-life hero.
Conan and the Iranic Warrior Ethos
Conan’s character exemplifies many traits associated with the Iranic warrior ethos: courage, adaptability, and an unyielding sense of honor. Like the historical Cimmerians, Conan is a wanderer and a survivor, navigating hostile environments with both physical strength and cunning intellect. His ability to forge alliances, outwit enemies, and overcome impossible odds reflects the resourcefulness of ancient nomadic tribes like the Cimmerians.
Moreover, Conan’s disdain for tyranny and his fierce independence echo the historical struggles of the Iranic peoples against empires that sought to dominate them. From the Scythians’ defiance of Persian expansion to the Cimmerians’ resistance against Assyrian power, the spirit of freedom runs deep in the Iranic tradition—a legacy that finds expression in Conan’s heroic exploits.
Personal Reflections: Connecting Fiction to Heritage
As someone with Cimmerian DNA, I find a personal resonance in Conan’s story. Growing up as an Iranian-American, I often grappled with questions of identity, tradition, and heritage. The tales of ancient Iranic tribes like the Cimmerians, Sarmatians, and Scythians were a source of pride, reminding me of the strength and resilience embedded in my lineage. Discovering that these same tribes inspired one of fiction’s most iconic heroes felt like a full-circle moment.
Conan’s journey from a humble warrior to a king mirrors the trajectory of the ancient Cimmerians, who carved their place in history through sheer determination and grit. For me, Conan is more than just a fictional character; he is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Iranic peoples—a spirit that has survived centuries of conquest, displacement, and cultural erasure.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Iranic Legacy
In Conan the Barbarian, Robert E. Howard immortalized the essence of the historical Cimmerians, transforming them into a mythic symbol of strength, freedom, and perseverance. For those of us with ties to this ancient lineage, Conan serves as a reminder of the extraordinary legacy of the Iranic peoples and their contributions to human history.
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and Christian conservative, I see in Conan the values of courage, self-reliance, and moral clarity that resonate with my own life journey. Whether battling fictional sorcerers or facing the challenges of the real world, Conan embodies the timeless spirit of the Cimmerians—a spirit I am proud to carry within me.
Citations
Assyrian Chronicles. "The Cimmerians in Anatolia." British Museum Archives.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/assyrian-cimmeriansHoward, Robert E. The Complete Chronicles of Conan. New York: Ballantine Books, 2006.
Ivantchik, Askold. "The Cimmerians and Their Role in the Ancient World." Journal of Indo-European Studies, vol. 29, no. 1, 2001, pp. 115–128.
Kroll, Stefan. "Nomads of the Steppe: Cimmerians, Scythians, and Sarmatians." Ancient History Encyclopedia.
https://www.ancient.eu/nomads-of-the-steppeTolini, Thierry. "Iranic Tribes and their Influence on Early European Cultures." Eurasian Studies Journal, vol. 12, no. 4, 2013, pp. 233–245.
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