What Is Conan the Destroyer About?
The premise of Conan the Destroyer in 270 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a realm where ancient magic crackles in the wind and untamed wilderness stretches beyond the horizon, the world feels both perilous and breathtaking. Towering citadels loom over desert dunes, while hidden valleys whisper of forgotten deities. The atmosphere is thick with the promise of danger and wonder, as every step could unveil a new marvel or a lurking threat. This richly imagined landscape sets the stage for an epic adventure that balances raw brutality with moments of ethereal beauty.
Conan—a battle‑hardened warrior driven by personal loss—answers a summons that promises a chance at redemption. He soon finds himself allied with Princess Jehnna, a determined and clever heir whose courage matches her royal bearing. Beside them stands Akiro, a loyal wizard whose quiet power steadies the group, while Bombaata, a fierce sub‑commander, brings disciplined might to the fellowship. Even the steadfast Malak offers steadfast support, forming a diverse cadre bound by a shared purpose: to locate a sacred gemstone said to hold untold power.
As the party sets out across scorching deserts, shadow‑filled dungeons, and glittering ruins, the tone remains a blend of high‑stakes suspense and swashbuckling thrills. Their interactions hint at underlying loyalties, hidden motives, and the occasional clash of pride, all underscored by a world where sorcery and steel coexist. The journey promises grand battles, awe‑inspiring vistas, and the kind of relentless curiosity that compels heroes to venture beyond the known. In this tale of mythic proportions, every sunrise brings a new question, and every whisper of the wind suggests that the true treasure may lie as much in the bonds forged as in the relic they seek.
What Happens in Conan the Destroyer?
The complete story of Conan the Destroyer, from the first scene to the last, in 625 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Conan, alongside his companion Malak, finds himself face-to-face with Queen Taramis of Shadizar, who subjects them to a test of combat against her guards. Impressed by their prowess, she presents Conan with a perilous quest. Initially refusing her proposition, Conan changes his mind upon hearing that she can resurrect his beloved Valeria. Thus, he agrees to escort the Queen’s niece, Princess Jehnna, a virgin destined to restore the jeweled horn of the dreaming god Dagoth. To locate the horn, they must first retrieve the powerful magic gem known as the Heart of Ahriman. Joining them is Bombaata, the captain of Taramis’s guards, who secretly harbors orders to eliminate Conan once they obtain the gem.
Their journey leads them to the fortress of a wizard where the gem is kept, but first, Conan must rescue his ally Akiro, the Wizard of the Mounds, from cannibals. Along the way, they encounter Zula, a fierce bandit warrior tormented by vengeful villagers. At Jehnna’s behest, they liberate Zula, who pledges his allegiance to their quest.
As they venture to the castle of Thoth-Amon, where the coveted gem resides, they camp by a lake. In the dead of night, the wizard transforms into a giant bird and abducts Jehnna. Concerning this, Akiro uses his powers to sense the situation and reveals a concealed entrance to the castle via a water gate. During their frantic search for Jehnna, Conan finds himself isolated from the group, consequently having to battle a fearsome man-beast amidst a hall of mirrors. While initially unable to harm the beast, Conan discovers that shattering the mirrors inflicts damage on it. By demolishing all the mirrors, he exposes the beast as a transformed Thoth-Amon. The wizard’s demise leads to the castle’s collapse, prompting a hurried escape for the group. Although they fend off an ambush from Taramis’s guards, Bombaata pretends to know nothing of the attack. Utilizing the gem, they trace the location of the horn.
Later, as night falls, Jehnna confesses her feelings towards Conan, but he firmly redirects her affections, reaffirming his loyalty to Valeria. Their next destination is an ancient temple, where the horn is held. Jehnna retrieves the horn while Akiro translates engravings that unveil a dire prophecy: Jehnna is to be sacrificed in a ritual to revive Dagoth. They are soon confronted by the priests who protect the horn. As they find a hidden exit, Bombaata betrays them, blocking their path and seizing Jehnna. Nevertheless, Conan and his crew manage to escape from the priests and make their way back to Shadizar to rescue Jehnna.
With Malak guiding the way through a secret route to the throne room, Conan finally confronts Bombaata, defeating him in a fierce battle. Zula swiftly deals with the Grand Vizier as he attempts to make Jehnna a sacrifice. As the horn is placed upon Dagoth, he emerges as a monstrous entity, mercilessly dispatching Taramis and challenging Conan. Despite the odds, Zula and Malak join Conan in the battle, but they are effortlessly cast aside by the beast. Akiro reveals to Conan that the horn is the source of Dagoth’s vitality, prompting Conan to tear it from the creature’s brow before delivering the final blow.
Following their victory, the newly crowned Queen Jehnna extends an invitation to her companions to join her court: Zula is offered the role of captain of the guard, Akiro to become her advisor, and Malak to serve as the court’s jester. In a moment of unexpected romance, Jehnna proposes marriage to Conan, inviting him to rule Shadizar alongside her. However, Conan graciously declines, asserting, “I will have my own kingdom, and my own queen,” before departing after a brief kiss. The story concludes with a title card that suggests, “this quest is another story.”
Conan the Destroyer Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Confrontation with Queen Taramis” to “A Kingdom Offered”. 13 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Confrontation with Queen Taramis
Conan and his companion Malak are summoned by Queen Taramis of Shadizar. The Queen subjects them to a test of combat against her guards to assess their prowess, which impresses her greatly.
Where:Shadizar
- 2
The Quest Proposition
Queen Taramis presents Conan with a perilous quest after being impressed by his skills. Initially hesitant, Conan changes his mind when he learns that she has the ability to resurrect his beloved Valeria.
Where:Shadizar
- 3
The Rescue of Princess Jehnna
Conan agrees to escort Taramis's niece, Princess Jehnna, on a journey to find the jeweled horn of Dagoth. They first need to secure the Heart of Ahriman, a powerful magic gem.
- 4
Capturing the Heart of Ahriman
Conan and the group set out to retrieve the Heart of Ahriman from a fortress guarded by cannibals. To aid their quest, Conan must rescue Akiro, the Wizard of the Mounds, who has been captured.
Where:Cannibal Fortress
- 5
Gaining a New Ally
Along their journey, they come across Zula, a fierce bandit warrior. Jehnna persuades Conan to liberate Zula, who then pledges his loyalty to their cause.
- 6
The Castle of Thoth-Amon
The group arrives at the castle of Thoth-Amon, where the coveted Heart of Ahriman is located. They set up camp by a lake, unaware of the dangers that lurk nearby.
Where:Castle of Thoth-Amon
- 7
Abduction in the Night
In the dead of night, Thoth-Amon transforms into a giant bird and abducts Princess Jehnna. Akiro senses the calamity and reveals a hidden entrance to the castle through a water gate.
Where:Near the Castle
- 8
Confronting the Beast
In a frantic search to rescue Jehnna, Conan finds himself alone and faces a fearsome man-beast in a hall of mirrors. Realizing that shattering the mirrors can harm the creature, he destroys them and exposes Thoth-Amon's true form.
Where:Hall of Mirrors
- 9
Escape from the Castle
With Thoth-Amon defeated, the castle begins to collapse. The group narrowly escapes but is ambushed by Taramis's guards, whom they fend off, though Bombaata feigns ignorance of the attack.
Where:Castle of Thoth-Amon
- 10
The Dire Prophecy
Upon reaching an ancient temple, Jehnna retrieves the horn, but Akiro uncovers a dire prophecy. It reveals that Jehnna is destined to be sacrificed to revive Dagoth, igniting urgency in their mission.
Where:Ancient Temple
Show the other 5 events of Conan the Destroyer Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Betrayal by Bombaata
As they attempt to flee the priests guarding the horn, Bombaata betrays the group. He blocks their escape and captures Jehnna, heightening the stakes of their quest.
Where:Ancient Temple
- 12
Conan’s Showdown with Bombaata
Using a secret path, Conan confronts Bombaata in the throne room. After a fierce battle, Conan defeats Bombaata, while Zula takes care of the Grand Vizier to prevent Jehnna's sacrifice.
Where:Throne Room
- 13
Revival of Dagoth
As the horn is placed upon Dagoth, he emerges as a monstrous entity. Conan and his allies engage in a fierce battle against Dagoth, who proves to be a formidable foe.
Where:Shadizar
- 14
Conan's Final Act
Learning that the horn is the key to Dagoth’s vitality, Conan tears it from the creature's brow and delivers the final blow, leading to their triumphant victory over the monster.
Where:Shadizar
- 15
A Kingdom Offered
In a surprising turn, Queen Jehnna offers Conan a place in her court, proposing marriage and a co-reign over Shadizar. However, Conan graciously declines and chooses to seek his own kingdom.
Where:Shadizar
Who Are the Main Characters in Conan the Destroyer?
5 characters, among them Conan, Queen Taramis and Princess Jehnna: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Conan
Played by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Conan is a robust and resilient warrior, driven by love and loyalty, particularly towards his lost companion Valeria. His character exhibits a blend of brute strength and honorable intentions, as he navigates a perilous world filled with treachery. Despite the multitude of battles he faces, Conan's unwavering resolve and leadership shine through during critical moments.
- 🗡️ Warrior
- ❤️ Loyalty
- 🌪️ Strength
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Queen Taramis
Played by Grace Jones
Queen Taramis is ambitious and manipulative, using her charm to bend others to her will. While she presents herself as a regal figure with noble aspirations, her underlying schemes reveal a more self-serving nature. Her decisions, including the proposition of resurrecting Valeria, showcase her willingness to exploit the desperation and desires of others for power.
- 👑 Ambitious
- 🎭 Manipulative
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Princess Jehnna
Played by Olivia d'Abo
Princess Jehnna is characterized by her innocence and determination, playing a crucial role in the quest for the horn. Her naive yet hopeful nature contrasts with the dark elements around her, emphasizing the threat posed by the prophecy. Jehnna's emotional connection with Conan adds depth to her character, showcasing her longing for love and belonging amidst turmoil.
- 👸 Innocence
- ❤️ Longing
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Bombaata
Played by Sven-Ole Thorsen
Bombaata is a formidable captain with an imposing presence, initially appearing loyal yet ultimately driven by hidden motives. His betrayal serves as a turning point in the story, revealing the darker undertones of loyalty in a power-hungry world. Bombaata's strength and combat prowess make him a notable adversary in Conan's journey.
- ⚔️ Captain
- 🎭 Deceitful
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Akiro
Played by MAKO
Akiro serves as a wise and magical ally to Conan, providing guidance throughout their perilous quest. His knowledge of magic and lore is instrumental in deciphering prophecies and navigating through danger. Akiro's character embodies the archetype of the sage, offering a blend of wisdom and magical prowess.
- 🧙♂️ Wizard
- 📜 Knowledge
Where and When Is Conan the Destroyer Set?
Conan the Destroyer is set in Shadizar, Fortress of the Wizard, Castle of Thoth-Amon and Ancient Temple. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Shadizar, Fortress of the Wizard, Castle of Thoth-Amon, Ancient Temple
Shadizar is a vibrant and treacherous kingdom known for its political intrigue and magic. Within its confines, the Fortress of the Wizard harbors powerful secrets and treasures, making it a key location in the quest. The Castle of Thoth-Amon, an imposing stronghold, serves as the resting place for the magical gem that Conan seeks. The ancient temple, where the horn of the dreaming god Dagoth lies, represents a significant site for both worship and dark rituals.
- 🏰 Kingdom
- 🏞️ Fortress
- 🏯 Temple
What Are the Themes of Conan the Destroyer?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heroism, Sacrifice and Betrayal.
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01
Heroism
Heroism is a central theme in Conan the Destroyer, depicted through Conan's unwavering determination to rescue his beloved Valeria. As he embarks on a perilous quest, he showcases courage and selflessness by confronting formidable foes and overcoming daunting challenges. The loyalty and bravery of his companions emphasize the importance of friendship in the pursuit of noble causes.
-
02
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is intricately woven into the narrative, particularly through Jehnna's intended fate as a ritual sacrifice to revive Dagoth. The characters face moral dilemmas regarding what they must give up for their goals, underscoring the value of love and loyalty when confronted with dark forces. Conan's final refusal of Jehnna's offer of marriage further highlights his commitment to his past love, Valeria.
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03
Betrayal
Betrayal is a recurring motif, especially represented by Bombaata, who betrays Conan and his companions despite initial appearances of loyalty. This theme serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of trust within alliances and the potential for treachery that looms in a world filled with ambition and power struggles. Bombaata's actions create tension and drive the quest towards its climax.
What Kind of Film Is Conan the Destroyer?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A fast-paced, high-stakes sword-and-sorcery adventure filled with visceral combat, magical dangers, and treacherous allies, culminating in a triumphant yet bittersweet resolution for the wandering hero.
- adventurous
- sword-and-sorcery
- triumphant
- treacherous
- visceral
- mythic
- quest
- betrayal
- magic
- mythology
Content notes: human sacrifice, combat violence, monster violence.
Quiz
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Where to Watch Conan the Destroyer
Stream it on YouTube Free and YouTube TV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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