Introduction
“Dagon Manor” is an incomplete fragment (only 300 words). This tale, set in the desolate fens of England, revolves around the mysterious and ominous Dagon Manor and its reclusive owner, Tavarel. The narrative explores themes of isolation, mystery, and the supernatural, capturing the eerie atmosphere typical of Howard’s works.
According to Rusty Burke “Dagon Manor” was obviously a first fumbling attempt at “The Children of the Night.” In just 300 words you have Conrad introduced (but Kirowan unnamed), and two characters named Tavarel and Ketric (“I never liked the fellow. There was something about his bare, high skull, his cold light eyes and thin hooded nose which was unpleasantly reminiscent of a vulture or some foul bird of prey.”). In “The Children of the Night” we’re in Conrad’s study, and we find characters named Taveral (or Taverel, which is how it’s spelled after its first appearance) and Ketrick. Of the latter, we quickly learn that “to me the man always seemed strangely alien.” The only possible conclusion is that “Dagon Manor” was a false start to the story that became “The Children of the Night.”
It would then also belong to the Cthulhu Mythos.
Summary
The story begins with the narrator and his companion, Conrad, arriving at Dagon Manor, a lonely and foreboding estate situated in the desolate fens. The manor, recently inherited by their acquaintance Tavarel, stands isolated against a backdrop of crimson sunset and cold grey skies. The narrator explains Tavarel’s nature as a recluse and mystic, suggesting that the eerie setting suits his temperament.
Upon their arrival, they are greeted by Ketric, Tavarel’s gaunt and sinister servant. The house itself exudes an air of ancient gloom and mystery, enhancing the uneasy feelings of the visitors. The narrative quickly delves into the uncanny occurrences and dark secrets that shroud Dagon Manor, revealing the sinister forces at play within its walls.
Characters
- Tavarel: The reclusive and mystic owner of Dagon Manor, recently inherited from his uncle. His personality is marked by moroseness and a penchant for isolation.
- Conrad: The narrator’s companion, who shares the narrator’s apprehensions about Tavarel’s choice of residence and the unsettling aura of Dagon Manor.
- The Narrator: The unnamed storyteller who describes the events at Dagon Manor and provides insights into Tavarel’s character and background.
- Ketric: Tavarel’s single servant, a gaunt and cadaverous man with a mysterious past. His appearance and demeanor are unsettling, adding to the ominous atmosphere of the story.
Published in:
- SHUDDER STORIES #4, Cryptic Publications, March 1986 (completed by C. J. Henderson)
- DIFFERENT WORLDS #42, Sleuth Publications Ltd., May/June 1986 (completed by C. J. Henderson)
- LA FLAMME DE LA VENGEANCE, NeO, April 1988 (French)
- THE NEW HOWARD READER #3, Marek, November 1998
- LES OMBRES DE CANAAN, Bragelonne, February 2013 (French, as untitled “When I lie dying . . .”)
- LES OMBRES DE CANAAN. LA PIERRE NOIRE, Bragelonne, February 2014 (French, as untitled “When I lie dying . . .”)
- PICTURES IN THE FIRE, REH Foundation Press, June 2018
- ZOTHIQUE 10, Dagon Press, November 2021 (Italian)
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