A Vision for Kingship (Conan #2)

In issue #1, Conan a vision was shared in which Conan is crowned king. In issue #2, he doesn't remember who told him? How can he not remember? Conan's apparent lapse in memory regarding his vision of being crowned king could be explained in several ways, aligning with his character and the mystical elements often present in his stories:

1. Subconscious Suppression

Conan, as a pragmatic warrior, might unconsciously downplay or suppress the memory of such a grand vision. The weight of destiny, especially one as monumental as kingship, could feel out of place with his self-image as a wandering adventurer. By attributing the prophecy to an anonymous source, he distances himself from its implications, treating it as just another tale rather than a certainty.

2. Mystical Blurring

In worlds filled with magic and gods, visions and prophecies are often hazy and dreamlike. The memory of the vision might have faded, or mystical forces could obscure it to prevent Conan from focusing too much on his future, ensuring his journey unfolds naturally.

3. Storytelling Pragmatism

Conan’s line might be less about literal memory loss and more about his blunt way of conveying stories. Rather than delve into the details of a mystical vision, he simplifies it into "someone once told me," staying true to his direct, no-nonsense persona.

4. Narrative Growth

This discrepancy could reflect Conan’s evolving perspective. In Issue #1, the vision might have felt vivid and immediate. By the time of this issue, however, the trials he’s faced could have dulled his focus on prophecy, turning it into a half-remembered statement of fate rather than a vivid certainty.

Conan’s memory lapse serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of destiny in his world—a thread always present but never fully grasped.

The Crowning of Kiord

Conan placing the king's crown on the deceased Kiord is a striking act that offers a glimpse into his deeper layers and personal growth. Here's what this act reveals:

1. Respect for Honor and Sacrifice

Conan, though often seen as a ruthless and self-serving barbarian, has always held a deep respect for valor, loyalty, and sacrifice. By crowning Kiord, he acknowledges the warrior's worthiness and grants him a symbolic honor in death. It underscores Conan's understanding of the weight of leadership and the sacrifices it entails.

2. Sentiment Beneath the Stoicism

This moment shows Conan's capacity for sentimentality and reverence, traits often overshadowed by his rugged demeanor. While he rarely expresses these feelings outwardly, this act demonstrates that Conan values comradeship and heroism, even if he doesn’t articulate it verbally.

3. Maturity and Reflection

Placing the crown on Kiord suggests a moment of reflection for Conan. It reveals that he recognizes the fleeting nature of power and glory. Instead of claiming the crown for himself, an act that might have appealed to a younger, more ambitious Conan, he chooses to honor the fallen—a sign of his growing maturity and understanding of what truly matters.

4. Foreshadowing His Own Destiny

The act might also reflect Conan’s complicated relationship with kingship. By crowning Kiord, Conan symbolically distances himself from the role he is destined to fulfill, as if testing the weight of the crown by placing it on another. It serves as a poignant reminder of the burden that awaits him and his reluctance to embrace it fully.

5. An Embodiment of Barbarian Nobility

This moment exemplifies the "barbarian nobility" that defines Conan. He lives by his own code of honor, one that values deeds over titles. His crowning of Kiord shows that, in his eyes, true kingship is earned through actions and integrity, not by birthright or ambition.

This act of sentimentality reveals Conan as a complex character—brutal and pragmatic on the surface, but deeply reflective and guided by a personal code of honor beneath. It enriches his journey and hints at the qualities that will one day make him a reluctant yet worthy king.