Conan the Barbarian: Evaluating His Altruism Through the Lens of His Time

In recent decades, Conan the Barbarian, a character created by Robert E. Howard in the early 1930s, has become synonymous with the antihero archetype. Driven by personal desires rather than a strict moral code, this character embodies the complexities of altruism when viewed through the standards of the Hyborian Age, an imagined prehistoric or ancient world where morality and survival are centred around different principles. This article will explore how Conan's actions, while self-serving, could be perceived as more altruistic when examined within the context of his time.

Survival of the Fittest: Altruism versus Strength and Cunning

Conan's world, characterized by brutal conflicts, treachery, and constant survival, casts a different light on altruistic actions. In the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Hyborian Age, survival is the paramount objective, and altruism might be seen as a weakness. The prevailing belief that the fittest survive often undercuts any demonstration of kindness or selflessness, as these qualities could be perceived as vulnerabilities rather than strengths. This context makes it difficult for actions motivated by altruism to be valued, let alone encouraged.

A Warrior Culture: Heroism is Personal, Not Altruistic

The societies Conan encounters often regard warriors as the epitome of virtue. Heroic deeds are usually tied to personal glory and reputation rather than altruistic motivations. Understanding this cultural mindset is crucial to assess Conan's actions. While Conan does help others occasionally, these acts are often rooted in personal gain, a desire for revenge, or the pursuit of adventure. The primary motivation behind his actions is not a genuine desire to benefit others, but rather his own interests and ambitions.

Complex Morality: A Code of Honor in a Harsh World

Conan's character often straddles the line between heroism and villainy. He can be brutal and ruthless, yet he also displays a code of honor and loyalty to friends and allies. This duality means that while he may not fit the conventional mold of an altruistic hero, his actions can sometimes align with altruistic principles, particularly when they serve his interests or those of his companions. The code of honor and loyalty that Conan adheres to can lead to acts that benefit others, even if they are not purely selfless.

Comparison to Modern Standards: Altruism in the Modern Context

By modern standards, altruism is often associated with selfless acts aimed at benefiting others without regard for personal gain. In contrast, Conan's actions are frequently self-serving, even if they have positive outcomes for others. Therefore, while he might be viewed as less altruistic by today's standards, he could still be seen as somewhat altruistic within the context of his world, where personal honor and loyalty sometimes lead to acts that benefit others. The standards of today’s society—where altruism is more clearly defined and valued—seem to place more emphasis on selflessness and the primary intention behind an action.

Conclusion: Altruism in Conans World

In summary, while Conan the Barbarian is considered an antihero today, his level of altruism would likely be perceived differently in the context of his time. His actions, driven by personal motives, reflect the values of a brutal and competitive world rather than a framework of selflessness. Thus, he is less altruistic by modern standards but more aligned with the harsh realities of his fictional society. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of how context and standards shape our perception of characters and their actions.