Conan the Barbarian Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Conan the Barbarian?

A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of the childhood massacre, Conan is released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting. Transforming himself into a killing machine, Conan travels into the wilderness to seek vengeance on Thulsa Doom, the man responsible for killing his family. In the wilderness, Conan takes up with the thieves Valeria and Subotai. The group comes upon King Osric, who wants the trio of warriors to help rescue his daughter who has joined Doom in the hills.

John Milius's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Arnold Schwarzenegger (Conan)'s journey. As the sole survivor of the childhood massacre, Conan is released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting.

As part of the Conan the Barbarian Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.

How Does Arnold Schwarzenegger (Conan)'s Story End?

• Arnold Schwarzenegger: Arnold Schwarzenegger's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• James Earl Jones (Thulsa Doom): James Earl Jones's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Max von Sydow (King Osric): Max von Sydow's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Conan the Barbarian Mean?

Conan the Barbarian's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Arnold Schwarzenegger may feel rushed. John Milius's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution. Based on 2,784 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.