The Riddle of Steel | The Philosophy of Conan The Barbarian
Do you enjoy a film opening with the forging of a sword, struck by the blacksmiths hammer with voice over sharing the mythology of a fictional land and people and lightning effects flashing in the background? If that’s your kind of movie, Conan The Barbarian (1982) is perfect for you.
Conan The Barbarian (1982), stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in the titular role, as a warrior who becomes a hero defeating a snake cult lead by Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones). For all of the incredible fantasy elements, and mixed mythology the story offers, it does provoke some intriguing ideas about the hero’s journey.
Within the story, we are presented with philosophical concepts and iconography. With literal presentations of an idea, we can extrapolate the meaning of these elements, culminating in the Riddle of Steel, the heart of Conan and his people.
The Wheel of Pain
The young Conan is taken into slavery after the massacre of his tribe and family, along with the other boys of the village.
They are all chained to a giant grinding wheel in the desert, known as The Wheel of Pain. They push, moving it forward, all the while toiling in the elements. Day by day, they push until the only one left to push is Conan.
