The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane

The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane collects Robert E. Howard's stories about a 16th-century Puritan swordsman who wanders Europe and Africa to battle evil. Kane is a stark figure in black and silver who carries both blade and flintlock pistols as he pursues his mission of vengeance and justice. The collection includes both complete stories and unfinished fragments, originally published in Weird Tales magazine during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Howard blends historical fiction with supernatural horror as Kane confronts sorcerers, demons, ghosts, and forgotten gods across multiple continents. The stories follow Kane through misty English moors, ancient ruins, dense African jungles, and cursed cities. His adventures pit him against bandits, cultists, ancient evils, and his own internal struggles with faith and purpose. These tales explore themes of good versus evil, civilization versus savagery, and the price of justice. Howard's vision of a haunted warrior-pilgrim creates a unique fusion of Puritan values with swashbuckling adventure and cosmic horror.

Readers appreciate Howard's atmospheric writing and ability to build tension through Solomon Kane's supernatural encounters. The mix of historical fiction, horror, and action resonates with fans of sword & sorcery. Many note the Puritan protagonist offers a different perspective from Howard's other characters. Specific praise focuses on the stories "Red Shadows," "Wings in the Night," and "The Hills of the Dead" for their pacing and memorable monsters. Reader Michael R. states "The African settings feel fresh compared to typical fantasy locations." Common criticisms include repetitive plot structures, dated racial depictions, and uneven quality across the collection. Some find Kane's character too rigid and one-dimensional. Reader Sarah K. notes "The stories follow a predictable formula after a while." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (280+ reviews) LibraryThing: 4.2/5 (400+ ratings) Most readers rank these stories below Howard's Conan tales but above his other works.

Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard The tales follow a brooding warrior who battles sorcerers and monsters across prehistoric lands while pursuing treasure and justice.

The Witcher: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski A monster hunter travels medieval lands to slay supernatural creatures while grappling with moral choices and dark magic.

Elric of Melniboné by Michael Moorcock An albino sorcerer-emperor wields a soul-drinking sword through a series of dark fantasy adventures across multiple dimensions.

The Black Company by Glen Cook A mercenary company faces sorcerers, demons, and political intrigue while serving various masters in a gritty fantasy world.

Kane by Karl Edward Wagner An immortal warrior-sorcerer wanders through a dying earth encountering ancient evils and forbidden magic in his quest for power.

🗡️ Solomon Kane was created before Howard's more famous character, Conan the Barbarian, and represents one of the earliest examples of a sword-and-sorcery hero in a historical setting. ⚔️ Howard wrote the Solomon Kane stories between 1928 and 1932, drawing inspiration from his fascination with Puritan history and African folklore. 🌍 Despite never traveling to Africa himself, Howard created vivid descriptions of the continent for Kane's adventures by extensively researching African mythology and colonial-era travelogues. 💀 The character of Solomon Kane was partially inspired by Reverend John Grimm, a vengeful Puritan minister from Robert W. Chamber's story "The Yellow Sign." 📝 Many of the Solomon Kane stories were first published in Weird Tales magazine, which paid Howard approximately one cent per word - making "Red Shadows," the first Kane story, worth about $100.