The Champion of the Forecastle

Introduction

“The Champion of the Forecastle” is a rousing tale of rivalry, honor, and the unexpected turns of friendship set against the gritty backdrop of a seafaring life. Steve Costigan, our steadfast protagonist, finds himself once again embroiled in a confrontation with Sven Larson, a crewmate on the Sea Girl, who is determined to prove himself by challenging Steve, the reigning champion of their vessel. Despite having beaten Sven in past encounters, Steve is reluctantly drawn into training him to become a better fighter, a decision that leads to unexpected consequences.

First published in Fight Stories, volume 3, number 6 November 1930 as “Champ of the Forecastle“. Howard was paid $65 for this story. Later, after Howard had passed, it was published under the pseudonym Mark Adams in Fight Stories volume 5, number 8 in 1938 as “Champ of the Seven Seas“.

Summary

“The Champion of the Forecastle” is a rousing tale of rivalry, honor, and the unexpected turns of friendship set against the gritty backdrop of a seafaring life. Steve Costigan, our steadfast protagonist, finds himself once again embroiled in a confrontation with Sven Larson, a crewmate on the Sea Girl, who is determined to prove himself by challenging Steve, the reigning champion of their vessel. Despite having beaten Sven in past encounters, Steve is reluctantly drawn into training him to become a better fighter, a decision that leads to unexpected consequences.

As they near Stockholm, Sven’s home and the place where his romantic interest, Segrida, resides, he is eager to prove his worth by defeating his rival, Olaf Ericson. Under Steve’s tutelage, Sven indeed overcomes Olaf, only to be spurned by Segrida, who decries his violent ways. Feeling bereft of purpose without Segrida’s affection, Sven sets his sights on claiming the title of champion of the Sea Girl by challenging Steve directly.

In a makeshift gymnasium on Hjolmer Street, arranged by Knut, a friend of Sven, the two men engage in a fierce, no-holds-barred match that tests the limits of their endurance, strength, and the bonds of their friendship. The fight reaches a dramatic climax when Steve, seemingly on the brink of defeat, manages a knockout blow against Sven, only to be rendered unconscious himself by a surprising assailant.

The story culminates in a revelation that cements the respect and camaraderie between Steve and Sven, even as it underscores the unpredictable nature of honor and valor among men who live by the code of the forecastle.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan: The protagonist, a skilled and honorable fighter, champion of the Sea Girl.
  • Sven Larson: A crewmate on the Sea Girl, determined to prove himself as a fighter.
  • Bill O’Brien: A friend of Steve, who acts as the referee in Steve and Sven’s fight.
  • Mushy Hansen: A crewmate on the Sea Girl and part of Steve’s entourage.
  • Mike: Steve’s loyal and formidable bulldog.
  • Segrida: Sven’s love interest, whose affections shift following Sven’s fight with Olaf.
  • Olaf Ericson: Sven’s rival, a handsome and formidable fighter favored by Segrida.
  • Knut: A friend of Sven, who owns the gymnasium where Steve and Sven’s final fight takes place.
  • Fritz: A crewmate who informs Steve of Sven’s challenge.

Alternate titles:

CHAMP OF THE FORECASTLE and CHAMP OF THE SEVEN SEAS.

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