Conan the Destroyer Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of Conan the Destroyer.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1984, Conan the Destroyer is a Adventure, Fantasy, Action film directed by Richard Fleischer, written by Stanley Mann. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. As part of the Conan the Barbarian Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan.
What Is the Story of Conan the Destroyer?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Conan is commissioned by the evil queen Taramis to safely escort a teen princess and her powerful bodyguard to a far away castle to retrieve the magic Horn of Dagoth. Unknown to Conan, the queen plans to sacrifice the princess when she returns and inherit her kingdom after the bodyguard kills Conan. The queen's plans fail to take into consideration Conan's strength and cunning and the abilities of his sidekicks: the eccentric wizard Akiro, the warrior woman Zula, and the inept Malak. Together the hero and his allies must defeat both mortal and supernatural foes in this voyage to sword-and-sorcery land. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is Conan the Destroyer Structured?
- Opening Hook: Conan the Destroyer establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Richard Fleischer introducing Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan in the opening act, and over its 103-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Arnold Schwarzenegger's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Arnold Schwarzenegger's arc reaching resolution. Richard Fleischer's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.