Hyborian Age
The Hyborian Age
The Hyborian Age was created by author Robert Howard as a mythical, post-Atlantean age. The name “Hyborian” stems from the Greek concept of “Hyperborea,” literally “Super-North-Land.” This was a mythical place far to the north that was not cold. The Hyborian Age was discussed by Howard in his essay, “The Hyborian Age,” and was finally published in 2003 The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian.
The Kingdoms and Land
Howard created imaginary kingdoms in this age that drew from real world locations. For instance, Aquilonia is taken not only from a town of the same name, but is also named after the Carolingian Empire, whereas Cimmeria is based on a Celtic Brittain/Scottland of ancient times and Stygia being Egypt, the name derived from the Styx river of Greek mythology. Speaking of the river Styx, it has replaced the Nile in Howard’s story. Portions of the sea on Earth have been made dry (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea) while portions of the continent are under water (West coast of Africa).
« back to lore