The Brand of Satan

Introduction

“The Brand of Satan” is an unfinished story (about 6200 words) by Robert E. Howard, an author renowned for his contributions to the pulp fiction genre in the early 20th century. This tale, like many of Howard’s works, is rich in atmosphere and brimming with suspense, set against the exotic backdrop of the Himalayan foothills and the dense jungles of Nepal. The narrative revolves around the mythical figure Shaitan Khan, a spectral tiger-like beast that terrorizes both the local populace and the Englishmen stationed in the area.

Summary

The story begins by introducing Shaitan Khan, a fearsome and elusive creature described as a shadowy figure haunting the jungles and hills where the Himalayas descend into southern Nepal. The locals and even the wild animals fear this spectral marauder, who seems to be neither fully man nor beast.

The narrative shifts to a group of Englishmen at a remote jungle outpost. Among them is Delton, who recounts a harrowing encounter with Shaitan Khan during a tiger hunt. He describes seeing the creature as a pair of blazing yellow eyes in the moonlight and narrowly escaping with a scar on his forehead, a mark shared by others who have faced the beast. The men discuss the supernatural nature of Shaitan Khan, debating whether it is a ghost or a living entity.

As the story progresses, a German man, who had betrayed an infamous outlaw named Brand Kenmara, arrives seeking Kenmara’s hidden treasure. Jenson, one of the Englishmen, reveals his knowledge of Kenmara, suggesting a connection between the outlaw and Shaitan Khan. The tension heightens when Shaitan Khan attacks, leaving the German dead and instilling fear in the survivors.

Fenton, another Englishman and a scholar of the occult, experiences a chilling visit from Shaitan Khan. During this encounter, the beast displays a terrifyingly human intelligence, further blurring the line between man and monster. Fenton, driven mad by the encounter, scribbles notes about Kenmara and Shaitan Khan before succumbing to insanity.

In the final section, Kenmara’s background is revealed through a manuscript found among Fenton’s writings. Kenmara, a former sailor and outlaw, was betrayed and captured by British forces. In a desperate bid for freedom, he agreed to an experiment by a mysterious scientist, resulting in his transformation into Shaitan Khan, a tiger with a human mind. The manuscript details Kenmara’s struggles with his new form and his thirst for vengeance against those who wronged him.

Characters

  • Shaitan Khan: The primary antagonist, a spectral tiger-like creature that terrorizes the jungles of Nepal. Initially believed to be a supernatural entity, it is later revealed to be Brand Kenmara transformed into a tiger.
  • Delton: An Englishman and tiger hunter who has a direct encounter with Shaitan Khan, resulting in a distinctive scar on his forehead.
  • Jenson: Another Englishman with a similar scar, knowledgeable about the legends surrounding Shaitan Khan and Kenmara.
  • Burk: An Englishman at the jungle outpost, skeptical of the supernatural aspects of Shaitan Khan.
  • Fenton: An Englishman and occult scholar who delves into the mysteries of Shaitan Khan and ultimately goes mad after an encounter with the beast.
  • Brand Kenmara: An outlaw transformed into Shaitan Khan by a scientist’s experiment. His background and transformation are detailed in a manuscript found by the Englishmen.
  • The German Betrayer: A former associate of Kenmara who seeks the hidden treasure and meets a grisly end at the hands of Shaitan Khan.

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