The Coming of the Huns by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In the mid-fourth century, the Christian faith is embroiled in turmoil, marked by aggressive sectarian strife and the decline of paganism. The conflict between Catholics and Arians creates a landscape of confusion and violence, with theological disputes leading to bloodshed. Amidst this chaos, Simon Melas, a Trinitarian hermit, seeks solitude in the wilderness, hoping to escape the religious discord that plagues society. Simon settles in a remote area near the Gothic settlements, where he encounters Paul of Nicopolis, an Arian hermit. Their differing beliefs lead to a confrontation, forcing Simon to retreat to his cell in sadness. For a year, Simon lives in isolation, engaging in prayer and meditation, until he witnesses a strange figure on a nearby peak, which he initially believes to be a demonic apparition. The following day, Simon discovers a vast army of horsemen advancing from the east, a sight that fills him with dread. He realizes that this is a new wave of barbarian invaders, unlike any he has seen before. The enormity of the approaching horde compels him to act, as he understands the imminent threat to the Roman Empire. Determined to warn the nearby settlements, Simon recalls his Arian neighbor and decides to seek his help, despite their theological differences. However, upon reaching Paul’s cave, he finds the hermit murdered, presumably by one of the invaders. In a moment of desperation and clarity, Simon kills the intruder in self-defense. With newfound resolve, Simon rides out to alert the Roman fort at Tyras. He navigates through the encampment of the invaders, avoiding detection, and crosses the river to reach the fort. Exhausted but driven, he arrives just as dawn breaks, warning the Roman centurion Caius Crassus of the impending invasion. The narrative explores themes of faith, conflict, and the struggle for survival in a world on the brink of chaos. Simon's journey from isolation to action underscores the urgency of confronting threats, regardless of personal beliefs. The story culminates in a call to arms, as the shadow of the barbarian horde looms over the horizon, signaling a pivotal moment in history.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1928 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Adventure · 4,701 words

First lines

In the middle of the fourth century the state of the Christian religion was a scandal and a disgrace. Patient, humble, and long-suffering in adversity, it had become positive, aggressive, and unreasonable with success. Paganism was not yet dead, but it was rapidly sinking, finding its most faithful supporters among the conservative aristocrats of the best families on the one hand, and among those benighted villagers on the other who gave their name to the expiring creed. Between these two extremes the great majority of reasonable men had turned from the conception of many gods to that of one, and had rejected for ever the beliefs of their forefathers. But with the vices of polytheism they had also abandoned its virtues, among which toleration and religious good humour had been conspicuous. The strenuous earnestness of the Christians had compelled them to examine and define every point of their own theology; but as they had no central authority by which such definitions could be checked, it was not long before a hundred heresies had put forward their rival views, while the same earnestness of conviction led the stronger bands of schismatics to endeavour, for conscience sake, to force their views upon the weaker, and thus to cover the Eastern world with confusion and strife.

• Open reader

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Genres

• Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, exploring themes of religious conflict and societal change during the fourth century.
• Religious Fiction — The story delves into theological debates and the impact of faith on individuals and communities.
• Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey that leads to encounters with various characters and a significant conflict.
• Philosophical Fiction — The text engages with deep philosophical questions regarding faith, existence, and morality.

Tags

historical fiction · Huns · ancient history · military strategy · barbarian invasions · Europe · 5th century · Goths · Roman Empire · cultural clash · warfare · leadership

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The Coming of the Huns is listed on Textopian as a novella by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1928 CE.

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• Work type: Novella
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1928 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Adventure, Philosophical Fiction, Drama
• Length: 4,701 words
• Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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• Work identity for The Coming of the Huns by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• The Parish Magazine (1914)
• The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
• The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
• The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
• The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
• The Disintegration Machine (1927)
• The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
• The Brown Hand (1914)
• All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle