The Frost-Giant's Daughter (Annotated)

By: Robert E. Howard

Narrated by: Matthew Schmitz

The Frost-Giant’s Daughter, written by Robert E. Howard in 1932, is one of the earliest tales of Conan the Barbarian, set in the mythical Hyborian Age.

Originally rejected by Weird Tales magazine during Howard’s lifetime, the story was later published posthumously in 1953 in The Coming of Conan. This tale stands out for its dreamlike quality, blending raw, brutal action with haunting, mythic beauty.

Inspired by Nordic mythology, The Frost-Giant’s Daughter takes place in a frozen wilderness, where Conan, a young warrior of Cimmeria, survives a brutal battle against northern foes. Exhausted and wounded, he encounters a spectral, otherworldly woman named Atali, the daughter of the frost-giant Ymir.

Ensnared by her beauty and seductive allure, Conan follows her through the icy wasteland, only to find himself drawn into a deadly trap orchestrated by Atali’s monstrous brothers.

This tale is a testament to Howard’s ability to blend action-packed storytelling with mythic and poetic elements. Through Conan’s relentless pursuit of Atali, Howard explores themes of primal desire, the savage nature of humanity, and the unforgiving power of the natural world. Atali, with her ethereal presence and sinister motives, symbolizes both beauty and treachery, embodying the stark contrast between allure and danger.

This audiobook is presented by Altrusian Grace Media with additional sound design by The Russian Comic Book Geek.

©2024 Matthew Schmitz (P)2024 Matthew Schmitz

Short and sweet.

Enjoyed it from beginning to end even though it was shorter than expected. Still recommend though.