Set

Set, the Serpent, is the dark deity at the heart of the narrative's central conflict, a god of immense and terrifying power whose worship shapes the destinies of kingdoms and individuals alike. As the patron of Thulsa Doom and his fanatical cult, Set embodies a force of absolute, amoral authority that stands in stark opposition to the pragmatic, individualistic worldview of Conan. The serpent god is not merely a background element but a driving engine of the plot, his cult's rituals, doctrines, and demands propelling the story's major events, from the abduction of Princess Yasimina to the final, bloody confrontation. Set's presence permeates the narrative, from the ominous chants of his followers to the very architecture of the cult's power, making him a crucial symbol of the story's thematic tensions between faith and steel, magic and mortality.

Identity and Nature

Set is introduced as the "infamous Stygian serpent god," a deity whose worship is centered in a towering, shadow-draped structure in Shadizar, the Tower of the Black Serpent. He is also referred to as "Set the Eternal," a title that underscores his perceived immortality and unchanging power. The god's nature is intrinsically linked to serpents, a connection that permeates the cult's imagery, from the serpent-hide whips used by flagellants to the serpent's fang barbs that draw blood during their rituals. This association casts Set as a figure of insidious danger, a deity whose worship involves a seductive and deadly allure. The cult's practices, as witnessed by Conan and Subotai, involve a disturbing blend of ecstatic devotion and macabre sacrifice, with the god's presence felt in the glazed eyes of his followers and the sickly-sweet perfume of incense that fills the air.

The god's power is not merely spiritual but also magical, as evidenced by the Eye of the Serpent, a jewel of immense repute among wizards. This talisman, stolen from the Serpent's Tower, is said to possess the power to command the beast-men whom Doom keeps to do his bidding, a testament to Set's dominion over both the natural and supernatural worlds. The very act of stealing this sacred object is treated as a grave transgression, one that the faithful would kill to avenge, highlighting the god's jealous protection of his possessions and the high stakes of defying his cult.

The Cult of Set and Its Practices

The worship of Set is depicted as a powerful and pervasive force, capable of ensnaring the young and impressionable. The cult's processions, as seen in the streets of Shadizar, are a spectacle of hypnotic devotion, with girls and young women draped in soiled white garments, their eyes glazed and unaware, dancing to the rhythm of tambourines. These followers are led by robed men with shaven pates, who carry brazen pots of smoldering incense, filling the air with a seductive sweetness that dulls the senses. The cult's methods are insidious, preying on the vulnerable and transforming them into willing instruments of the god's will. Subotai, a seasoned thief, expresses his deep contempt for the worshippers of Set, declaring that he despises them above all others, a sentiment that underscores the cult's reputation for fanaticism and cruelty.

The cult's rituals are a blend of ecstatic worship and chilling violence. In the Tower of the Black Serpent, Conan and Subotai witness a ceremony where a beautiful young woman, barely shielded by a gauzy fabric, mounts a stone corbel above a pit, her actions accompanied by a swelling chant. Below, the floor is littered with corpses in various states of decay, a grim testament to the cult's sacrificial practices. The faithful, young persons of both sexes, are entranced, their faces rapt as they participate in a liturgy that glorifies death and violence. Thulsa Doom, as the high priest of Set, leads these rituals, his hypnotic gaze holding his followers in thrall as he asks if they will "strike true to the infidel heart, whether it be the heart of friend, or lover, or loved one in your former life." This doctrine demands absolute loyalty to Set and Doom, severing all earthly ties and preparing the faithful for a "Great Cleansing" that will purge the world of all who oppose them.

Set's Role in the Conflict with Conan

Set's influence extends beyond the cult's rituals, directly shaping the narrative's central conflict. The god's power is the source of Thulsa Doom's authority, a charismatic force that challenges the traditional rule of King Osric. Doom's desire to marry Princess Yasimina, a union intended to honor his house and, by extension, Set, is a direct challenge to the king's authority, leading to a political and personal confrontation. The cult's demand for Yasimina is not merely a political maneuver but a religious one, as she is to be bound to the service of Set and his prophet.

Conan's opposition to the cult is thus an opposition to Set himself. His theft of the Eye of the Serpent is a direct affront to the god, a violation of the sacred that marks him as an enemy of the faith. The cult's pursuit of Conan is relentless, driven by the need to recover the talisman and punish the blasphemer. This conflict culminates in the final confrontation, where the faithful of Set gather to hear Doom's exhortation, their faces eager and their voices raised in ecstasy as they anticipate the "day of doom" and the "purging" that will cleanse the world. Set's power is thus the ultimate antagonist, a force that Conan must overcome not only through physical strength but through a rejection of the god's entire worldview.

Set vs. Crom: A Clash of Worldviews

The narrative presents a stark contrast between Set and Crom, the god of Conan's people. Crom is described as "father of stars, king of gods and men," but he is also aloof and indifferent, caring not about the sins of puny men. Conan's relationship with Crom is one of distant respect, a god who does not intervene in mortal affairs and to whom prayer is seldom offered. This stands in sharp opposition to Set, who is actively involved in the world through his cult, demanding absolute devotion and promising eternal life in his coils. Set offers a form of re-enchantment, a magical solution to the problems of existence, while Crom represents a more pragmatic, individualistic worldview where a man must rely on his own strength and steel.

This contrast is central to the story's thematic core. Conan's father teaches him that "a blade of well-forged steel is the only thing a man can count on," a philosophy that rejects the need for divine intervention. Set, on the other hand, represents the seductive power of faith, the promise of transcendence through submission. The conflict between Conan and the cult is thus a conflict between these two worldviews, between the self-reliant individual and the obedient follower, between the cold reality of steel and the intoxicating promise of eternal bliss. Set's ultimate defeat at the hands of Conan is not just a physical victory but a philosophical one, a reaffirmation of the value of human agency over divine authority.