Beyond the Black River
The story takes place in a remote region of Hyboria, where a group of adventurers are hired to investigate strange occurrences and slay a monstrous creature that has been terrorizing the local population. The protagonist, a skilled swordsman, leads the expedition into the heart of the Black River valley, where they encounter various obstacles and dangers, including treacherous terrain, ferocious beasts, and rival treasure hunters. As they delve deeper into the valley, the group discovers evidence of an ancient civilization that once thrived in the area, and they begin to uncover a dark conspiracy involving human sacrifice and demonic worship. The protagonist must use his skills and cunning to navigate this treacherous landscape and prevent a catastrophic outcome. The story is a classic tale of adventure and horror, with elements of fantasy and mythology woven throughout. It explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the dangers of meddling with forces beyond human control.
By Robert E. Howard · First published 1935 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery · 25,663 words
First lines
The stillness of the forest trail was so primeval that the tread of a soft-booted foot was a startling disturbance. At least it seemed so to the ears of the wayfarer, though he was moving along the path with the caution that must be practised by any man who ventures beyond Thunder River. He was a young man of medium height, with an open countenance and a mop of tousled tawny hair unconfined by cap or helmet. His garb was common enough for that country -- a coarse tunic, belted at the waist, short leather breeches beneath, and soft buckskin boots that came short of the knee. A knife-hilt jutted from one boot-top. The broad leather belt supported a short, heavy sword and a buckskin pouch. There was no perturbation in the wide eyes that scanned the green walls which fringed the trail. Though not tall, he was well built, and the arms that the short wide sleeves of the tunic left bare were thick with corded muscle.
What this Textopian page supports
Beyond the Black River is listed on Textopian as a play by Robert E. Howard, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Robert E. Howard
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery, Heroic Fantasy, Action
- Length: 25,663 words
- Structure: 1 section, 410 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Beyond the Black River by Robert E. Howard
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Beyond the Black River?
- How does this play by Robert E. Howard fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Red Nails by Robert E. Howard
- A Witch Shall Be Born by Robert E. Howard
- A Tale Of Three Lions by H. Rider Haggard
- When The World Shook by H. Rider Haggard
- The People Of The Black Circle by Robert E. Howard
- Witch Of The Demon Seas by Poul Anderson
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features mythical elements, supernatural creatures, and a richly imagined world.
- Adventure — The plot centers around exploration, conflict, and the protagonist's journey through perilous landscapes.
- Sword and Sorcery — The story includes heroic characters, magic, and combat, typical of the subgenre.
- Heroic Fantasy — The protagonist embodies the archetype of a hero facing formidable challenges.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Conan the Barbarian · Hyborian Age · Dark Fantasy · Sword and Sorcery · High Fantasy · Action · Violence · Mystery · Supernatural · Horror