The People of the Black Circle
The story revolves around Conan, a Cimmerian warrior, who becomes embroiled in a conflict between the wizard Xaltotun and the people of the Black Circle. The Black Circle seeks to resurrect the ancient king Xuthal, while Conan must navigate this complex web of intrigue and magic to prevent their plans from coming to fruition.
By Robert E. Howard · First published 1934 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery · 36,355 words
First lines
The king of Vendhya was dying. Through the hot, stifling night the temple gongs boomed and the conchs roared. Their clamor was a faint echo in the gold-domed chamber where Bunda Chand struggled on the velvet-cushioned dais. Beads of sweat glistened on his dark skin; his fingers twisted the gold-worked fabric beneath him. He was young; no spear had touched him, no poison lurked in his wine. But his veins stood out like blue cords on his temples, and his eyes dilated with the nearness of death. Trembling slave-girls knelt at the foot of the dais, and leaning down to him, watching him with passionate intensity, was his sister, the Devi Yasmina. With her was the wazam, a noble grown old in the royal court.
What this Textopian page supports
The People of the Black Circle is listed on Textopian as a play by Robert E. Howard, dated 1934 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: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery, Heroic Fantasy, Action
- Length: 36,355 words
- Structure: 1 section, 617 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The People of the Black Circle 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 The People of the Black Circle?
- How does this play by Robert E. Howard fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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- Queen Of The Black Coast by Robert E. Howard
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features magical elements, mythical creatures, and a richly imagined world.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around quests, battles, and the pursuit of a powerful artifact.
- Sword and Sorcery — The story includes heroic characters engaging in combat and sorcery within a fantastical setting.
- Heroic Fantasy — The protagonist embodies the archetype of a heroic figure facing overwhelming odds.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Sword and Sorcery · High Fantasy · Dark Fantasy · Magic System · Quest Narrative · Hero's Journey · Coming of Age · Good vs Evil · Friendship · Loyalty