This movie was almost my choice for the class’ research paper. Yes, I know… a young “Governator” beheading various evil minions with a giant sword doesn’t seem too profound, but this movie can truly hold its own to further academic analysis. The major theme of Conan the Barbarian is centered on the “Riddle of Steel.” The initial answer Conan is given is that you can not be confident of the flesh, only the steel in your hand will remain trustworthy. This argument is countered by the antagonist of the movie, James Earl Jones … err Thulsa Doom, who explains that flesh is stronger as he commands thousands of followers to worship him as an avatar of a god. In his final example, Doom commands a beautiful girl to leap of a cliff to her death out of faith. The desire of one’s heart is demonstrated to be far more powerful than the swing of any blade. After numerous battles and conflicts (with both mind and body) Conan realizes that the true answer to the riddle is that both the power of steel and flesh are derived from one’s own convictions.
Furthermore, Conan’s god Crom is a cruel one that ignores all pleas for help. Crom is ready to pass disapproving judgment all those who deems as unworthy. According to Conan and his people he gave them the will to survive and that should be enough. To beg for aid or salvation is seen as weakness. The only time Conan ever prays is right before his last major battle with Doom’s minions as he screams "Valour pleases you, Crom, so grant me one request: grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to hell with you!"
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