Ascend - The Great Books Podcast: "The Tower of the Elephant" by Robert E. Howard

Hosts: Deacon Harrison Garlick and Alberto Fernandez
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, host Deacon Harrison Garlick welcomes Alberto Fernandez, Vice President of the Middle East Media Research Institute, to delve into the life and works of Robert E. Howard, the creator of the iconic character Conan the Barbarian. The discussion centers around Howard's philosophy, his contribution to the sword and sorcery genre, and an in-depth analysis of one of his most celebrated stories, "The Tower of the Elephant."

Exploring Homeric Influences

Before transitioning to Howard, Garlick and Fernandez briefly reminisce about their appreciation for Homer’s epics. Garlick remarks on the enduring relevance of The Iliad and The Odyssey, emphasizing how timeless human nature is reflected in these ancient texts:

[04:00] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "Everything has changed with human nature... You look at these characters like Agamemnon or Odysseus or Achilles or Hector or even Patroclus, like, you realize, like, oh, yeah, I've met people like this."

Fernandez echoes this sentiment, highlighting his affinity for Odysseus, which he partly attributes to his experiences as a diplomat:

[02:22] Alberto Fernandez: "Yes, I gravitate more towards the Odyssey than the Iliad... maybe because I'm a father... I have some empathy for Odysseus."

Introducing Robert E. Howard

The conversation shifts to Robert E. Howard, with Fernandez providing a comprehensive overview of Howard’s life and literary contributions. Howard, a Texan born in 1906, was a prolific writer who tragically took his own life at the age of 30. Despite his short life, Howard's vivid storytelling and creation of Conan the Barbarian left an indelible mark on the fantasy genre.

[06:36] Alberto Fernandez: "He was a guy who was always writing, looking for new markets to write his stuff... he had a lot of problems... but he was a guy with some real literary gifts."

Garlick underscores Howard's enduring legacy, noting the annual Howard Days in Cross Plains, Texas, and the expansive fan base that continues to celebrate his work.

Sword and Sorcery: Howard’s Genre Innovation

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Howard’s pioneering role in establishing the sword and sorcery genre. Garlick explains how Howard’s creation of Conan the Barbarian laid the groundwork for a style of fantasy that emphasizes raw strength, fortitude, and individualism over the grand, high-fantasy narratives popularized by authors like Tolkien.

[11:33] Alberto Fernandez: "Howard's influence is huge... his voice was kind of unique, poetic, violent... that's why you read it."

Fernandez attributes Howard’s success to his ability to blend adventure with elements of horror and magic, making his stories both thrilling and rich in atmosphere.

Friendship with H.P. Lovecraft

Garlick and Fernandez explore Howard’s epistolary friendship with H.P. Lovecraft, another luminary of the Weird Tales magazine. They discuss how their correspondence influenced Howard’s writing, particularly in terms of blending cosmic elements with traditional adventure narratives.

[13:45] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "Howard and Lovecraft became friends... It's like Twitter friends today."

Fernandez highlights the mutual admiration between the two writers and speculates on the creative potential had they met in person.

Analyzing "The Tower of the Elephant"

The heart of the episode is an in-depth analysis of "The Tower of the Elephant." Garlick praises the story for its ability to captivate readers with Howard’s descriptive prowess and layered narrative.

[39:59] Alberto Fernandez: "It's a heist story and yet it's a lot more, more than a heist story... it's a fascinating work with many layers."

They examine the juxtaposition of barbarism and civilization portrayed in the story, highlighting how Conan embodies raw strength and instinct in contrast to the morally corrupt civilized individuals he encounters.

[43:43] Alberto Fernandez: "Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skull split... As a general thing."

Garlick elaborates on how this theme reflects Howard’s own views on society and individualism, drawing parallels with philosophical ideas such as those of Nietzsche.

Philosophical Underpinnings: Nietzsche and Beyond

The discussion delves into the philosophical themes underpinning Howard’s work, particularly the influence of Nietzschean thought. Garlick suggests that Conan’s relentless pursuit of greatness and overcoming adversity mirrors Nietzschean ideals of the Übermensch.

[28:16] Alberto Fernandez: "Howard was not a deep intellectual... He was an American figure... Conan is the hand of fate."

Fernandez contrasts Howard’s portrayal of Conan with Lovecraft’s cosmic horror, noting that while Lovecraft emphasizes human insignificance, Howard celebrates individual prowess and heroic action.

Howard’s Diverse Characters and Storylines

Beyond Conan, Fernandez introduces listeners to Howard’s diverse array of characters and storylines, including Solomon Kane, Kull, and various Western and horror protagonists. He emphasizes Howard’s versatility and his ability to craft compelling narratives across different genres.

[31:01] Alberto Fernandez: "He has a smorgasbord of stuff... his very best work, whether fantasy adventure, historical adventure, horror, is really good."

Garlick encourages listeners to explore Howard’s broader oeuvre to fully appreciate his literary talent.

Concluding Insights and Recommendations

As the episode concludes, Garlick and Fernandez reflect on Howard’s untimely death and the potential literary masterpieces that were lost. Fernandez recommends “The People of the Black Circle” as a standout Conan story and encourages listeners to delve deeper into Howard’s other works, such as the Solomon Kane series and historical adventures.

[71:32] Alberto Fernandez: "Tower of the Elephant is one of my favorite stories... My favorite story is called 'The People of the Black Circle.'"

Garlick expresses his enthusiasm for revisiting Howard’s stories and encourages listeners, especially those with young imaginations like his four sons, to explore these timeless adventures.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast offers a rich exploration of Robert E. Howard’s literary legacy. Through insightful discussion and vivid analysis, Garlick and Fernandez illuminate why Howard remains a pivotal figure in fantasy literature, celebrating his ability to blend adventure, horror, and profound philosophical themes into compelling narratives.

For more episodes and resources, visit thegreatbookspodcast.com or follow Ascend on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Patreon.

Notable Quotes:

• Deacon Harrison Garlick [02:36]: "Reading the classics with friends... you've read it four times. You just see all these things."

• Alberto Fernandez [14:12]: "Howard admired Lovecraft... they were friends through epistolary means."

• Deacon Harrison Garlick [38:53]: "Howard's capacity to draw you into a story... you're in the world in the second paragraph."

• Alberto Fernandez [43:39]: "Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skull split."

Resources Mentioned:

• Robert E. Howard’s Works:

  • The Tower of the Elephant
  • The People of the Black Circle
  • Lord of Samarkand
  • Solomon Kane series

• Publications:

  • Weird Tales Magazine
  • European Conservative

• Websites:

  • thegreatbookspodcast.com

Connect with Alberto Fernandez:

• Twitter: @AlbertoFernandez
• Middle East Media Research Institute: MENA Research Institute
• European Conservative: Contributor

Tune in next week as Ascend begins its exploration of Hesiod's Theogony, followed by Aeschylus's Oresteia, continuing their journey through the Great Books of Western Civilization.