Introduction
Francis Xavier Gordon, better known by his nickname “El Borak,” is another interesting character created by Robert E. Howard.
Howard was only 10 years old when he thought up the character, but he didn’t see print until the publication of “The Daughter of Erlik Khan” in the December 1934 issue of Top-Notch.
Howard may have drawn inspiration for the character of El Borak from real-life figures such as Richard Francis Burton, John Nicholson, “Chinese” Gordon, and T.E. Lawrence (also known as Lawrence of Arabia), as well as from the works of authors such as Talbot Mundy.
El Borak is a Western adventurer who is equally at home in the deserts of Arabia and the wilds of Afghanistan, and who uses his quick wits, expert marksmanship, and fighting skills to navigate a dangerous and treacherous world. As mentioned, El Borak made his first appearance in a short story titled “The Daughter of Erlik Khan,” which was published in the magazine Top-Notch in 1934.
One of the things that makes El Borak unique among Howard’s characters is his ability to operate in both the Western and Eastern worlds. He is a Texan by birth, but his travels have taken him to places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, where he has learned to speak several languages and gained valuable knowledge about the local customs and politics.
El Borak is also notable for his physical prowess. He is an expert swordsman, a skilled marksman, and a formidable hand-to-hand combatant. His fighting skills are the result of years of training, as well as a natural talent for violence.
In many ways, El Borak represents the classic pulp hero: brave, resourceful, and unafraid to take risks in order to achieve his goals. He is a man of action, always ready to leap into the fray and take on any challenge that comes his way. But he is also a man of principle, with a strong sense of justice and a willingness to fight for what he believes in.
Despite his popularity, El Borak has never achieved the same level of fame as some of Howard’s other characters, like Conan the Barbarian or Solomon Kane. Nevertheless, he remains a compelling and exciting figure in the world of pulp fiction, and his stories continue to be read and enjoyed by fans of the genre.
The name
El Borak is Arabic for “The Swift”. It is the name given to him in Afghanistan due to his speed and quickness (similar to Buraq, the swift flying steed who carried the Prophet Muhamad).
This name is said to be whispered with awe, reverence and fear in Afghanistan particularly by those “who would by force or guile take what was not rightfully theirs.” This is most often represented as his speed in drawing his pistol or attacks with another weapon but can also represent his mental agility as well. Both are the defining traits of the character.
Physical appearance
As a pulp fiction character, El Borak was often described in broad strokes that allowed readers to easily envision him in their minds. Here is a more detailed description of his appearance based on various sources:
El Borak is typically depicted as having a compact and slender figure and is shorter than other characters. He is also very strong. His skin is tanned from years of exposure to the sun. His defining physical ability, however, is the quickness that inspired his pseudonym. El Borak describes his ancestry as Highland Scot and Black Irish, he has black hair but has black eyes instead of the blue typical of the Black Irish.
Overall, El Borak’s appearance reflects his dual identity as a Western adventurer and an Eastern traveler. He is a man who can blend in with the locals in order to get what he needs, but who also carries with him the tools and weapons of a seasoned fighter. His look is one of practicality and efficiency, designed to help him survive in the dangerous world he inhabits.
Recurring characters
Yar Ali Khan is a recurring character in the stories of El Borak. He is a Pathan, a member of the Pashtun ethnic group who inhabit the region between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Khan is portrayed as a loyal friend and ally of El Borak, often accompanying him on his adventures and serving as a valuable ally in battles against their enemies. He is a skilled warrior and marksman, and he shares El Borak’s code of honor and bravery.
In many of the stories, Yar Ali Khan acts as a foil to El Borak’s character, providing a counterpoint to his friend’s brash and impulsive nature with his own more measured and thoughtful approach. Together, they form a formidable duo, capable of overcoming even the most dangerous foes and challenging obstacles in their path.
Another character connected with Howard is the Sikh Lal Singh. He was one of REH’s primal heroes, created before both Kull or Conan. Howard brought Lal Singh back when he returned to writing tales of Francis X. Gordon.
Lal Singh is featured in the following stories:
Complete list of stories featuring El Borak
Publications featuring El Borak
Only three stories were published Howard’s lifetime. These were:
- “The Daughter of Erlik Khan” (Top-Notch, December 1934)
- “Hawk of the Hills” (Top-Notch, June 1935)
- “Blood of the Gods” (Top-Notch, July 1936)
Later in 1936, these were published:
- “The Country of the Knife” (Complete Stories, August 1936)
- “Son of the White Wolf” (Thrilling Adventures, December 1936)
Article by Rick Lai
Sources:
- El Borak – Wikipedia
- ChatGPT (which contained many facts wrong and which I have tried to train).
- Thanks to Ed Chazyk for mentioning Lal Singh.