The Swords of Conan the Barbarian: Beyond the Legend, Replicas and Their History

Decades have passed since the first appearance of Conan the Barbarian in 1932, a character who has become a true icon of heroic fantasy. Created by the talented Texan writer Robert E. Howard, this Cimmerian warrior has transcended the pages of pulp magazines to conquer short stories, comics, books, films, series, video games, and role-playing games.

Throughout his countless adventures, Conan has wielded a variety of weapons, but none have captured fans’ imaginations as much as his swords. These are not just tools of war but extensions of his own indomitable will, symbols of his lineage and the ancestral power that has forged his destiny. Two of them, the Father’s Sword and the Atlantean Sword, stand as the most famous and coveted.

The character has been adapted many times, with the 1982 film starring the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger propelling him to worldwide fame. Years later, in 2011, Jason Momoa took on the role, bringing a new version of the barbarian to the big screen. Both portrayals, though different, have left an indelible mark on how the character—and, of course, his iconic swords—are perceived. At Tienda-Medieval, the passion for these weapons endures, and their replicas remain some of the most sought-after on the market.

Conan the Barbarian: A Hero and His Legendary Weapons

Conan’s story is inextricably linked to his weapons. From his childhood, the young Cimmerian was forged by pain and by his father’s smithing. The 1982 film shows us the birth of a warrior, not only through his physical strength but also through the emotional bond and skill he develops with his swords. These weapons are much more than a piece of steel: they are relics, trophies of battle, and ultimately, part of his own identity.

The Father’s Sword: The Cimmerian Legacy

The first iconic sword of Conan is the one his father forges before his eyes, a scene imprinted in fans’ memories. This sword is not just a weapon, but a vital lesson: “Crom”, his father teaches him, “you can trust in steel… and only in steel”. It represents honor, his people’s tradition, and the tough path that awaits him.

• Origin and Symbolism: Forged in the harsh lands of Cimmeria, it symbolizes Conan’s lineage and his heritage as a warrior. It’s the weapon that gives him identity in a hostile world.
• Design and Features: It has a more rustic and functional design. Its blade is broad and sturdy, with an ornate hilt that marks its barbarian origin—though without the intricate details of the Atlantean Sword.
• Available Replicas: Replicas of this sword, often made in Toledo, Spain, capture its brutal essence and artisan finish. These pieces are highly valued by collectors who appreciate the hero’s origins.

VIDEO FROM THE MOVIE CONAN THE BARBARIAN 2011

The Atlantean Sword: The Power of a Dead King

The Atlantean Sword is, without a doubt, the most iconic of Conan’s blades. He finds it in the tomb of an ancient Atlantean king, a gigantic warrior who wielded it centuries ago. This sword, with its intricate design and engraved runes, is the one Conan uses throughout most of his adventure—from his rise as a barbarian to his final battle with Thulsa Doom.

Unlike his father’s sword, which is a symbol of his origins, the Atlantean Sword represents his destiny: that of a warrior who transcends his heritage to become a king. It is a sword that has passed from one king to another, forging the fate of empires.

Unique Features of the Atlantean Sword

• Design and Engravings: The Atlantean stands out for its strong blade, its rope-wrapped hilt, and above all, for the details on its guard and pommel, which often feature snake heads and skulls, a nod to the brutality and antiquity of its origin. The runes engraved on the blade are a detail collectors greatly appreciate.
• Materials: Quality replicas, such as those made in Toledo, are usually forged in carbon steel or stainless steel, with hilts made of bronze or zamak. These swords are true works of art faithfully recreating the film version.
• Functional vs. Decorative Versions: It’s important to distinguish between display replicas (focused on aesthetic detail) and functional versions (forged to be strong and properly balanced for handling). The most purist collectors often look for the functional versions to feel the weight and power of these legendary weapons.

Key Differences between the Atlantean Sword and the Father’s Sword

While both are fundamental swords in Conan’s story, their differences are significant and mark distinct stages in the character’s life:

• Origin: The Father’s Sword is a family legacy, forged with the knowledge and steel of Cimmeria. The Atlantean is an ancient and mythical weapon, found in the tomb of a lost civilization.
• Design: The Father’s Sword is more functional and austere, a reflection of barbarian life. The Atlantean is more ornate and heavier, with a design that evokes power and mystery.
• Symbolism: The first represents heritage and honor. The second symbolizes destiny, power forged through struggle and conquest.
• Fame: While both are iconic, the Atlantean Sword is the most recognized worldwide, mainly because it is the main sword in the 1982 film.

Other Swords and Weapons in the World of Conan

Conan’s arsenal isn’t limited to these two swords. Throughout his adventures, he’s also wielded other weapons worth mentioning:

• Valeria’s Sword: In the 1982 film, Conan’s companion Valeria wields an elegant and deadly sword—a weapon that represents her skill and bravery as a warrior. Replicas of this sword are also very popular among collectors.
• Daggers and Axes: Throughout the stories, Conan also uses other weapons, like Cimmerian axes and daggers, showing his versatility in combat.
• Queen’s Sword: In the 2011 film, the queen’s sword is a key element in the plot, and its design has also inspired replicas and collectibles.

The rich history of Conan and his relationship with his weapons has generated a vibrant collector’s market. From high-end replicas for demanding collectors to more affordable versions for fans of all ages, the magic of these swords lives on.

If you are a true Conan fan, owning one of these replicas means holding a piece of history. We invite you to explore our extensive collection of Conan the Barbarian products, where you’ll find exact replicas and other items inspired by the universe of this legendary character.

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