Directed by
Richard Fleischer
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Conan the Destroyer (1984). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.”
Track the key events of Conan the Destroyer (1984) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet the characters that bring Conan the Destroyer (1984) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Conan
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.
Queen Taramis
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.
Princess Jehnna
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.
Bombaata
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.
Akiro
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.
Uncover the settings of Conan the Destroyer (1984), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Location
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.
Explore the core themes of Conan the Destroyer (1984). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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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.
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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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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.
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