The Frost King’s Daughter

Introduction

Originally written by REH as a Conan story “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter” (REH1). The story was not accepted, so REH rewrote it with a different hero (Amra) and changed the title to “The Frost King’s Daughter” (REH2). It was sent to The Fantasy Fan on November 10, 1933. When published by there, they changed the title to “Gods of the North.”

“The Frost King’s Daughter” is an engrossing tale that blends elements of fantasy, mythology, and adventure.

Alternate Title: THE FROST GIANT’S DAUGHTER
Alternate Title: GODS OF THE NORTH
Alternate Title: THE FROST-GIANT’S DAUGHTER

The story

The story begins in the aftermath of a brutal battle on a snow-covered landscape, where two warriors, Heimdul and Amra (also known as Amra of Akbitana), are the sole survivors.

Heimdul, a red-haired warrior, challenges Amra, demanding to know his name for posterity. In response, Amra declares that his tale will be told not in Vanaheim, as Heimdul expects, but in the hallowed halls of Valhalla. A fierce duel ensues, ending with Amra fatally wounding Heimdul. However, the victory leaves Amra weakened and disoriented.

In his weakened state, Amra encounters a mesmerizing and otherworldly woman. Her ethereal beauty captivates him, and he pursues her across the snowbound landscape. This woman, who appears to be naked and unaffected by the frigid conditions, leads Amra on a wild chase, her laughter echoing hauntingly as she eludes him.

As the pursuit continues, Amra’s exhaustion and confusion grow, but his desire for the mysterious woman only intensifies. Their chase leads them to a realm that seems both magical and surreal, under a sky alive with the shimmering colors of the aurora borealis.

The climax of the story arrives when two colossal, ice-covered giants appear, summoned by the woman, who reveals herself to be Atali, the daughter of Ymir, the frost giant. She calls upon her brothers to kill Amra. A fierce battle ensues, with Amra managing to slay the giants.

Despite his victory, Amra’s obsession with Atali continues unabated. As he finally catches up to her, she calls upon her father, Ymir, for rescue. In response, the skies erupt in icy flames, and Atali vanishes before Amra’s eyes, leaving him in a state of shock and disbelief.

As Amra lies exhausted and delirious in the snow, he is found by his comrades, led by Niord, who had been searching for him. Amra recounts his tale, but his friends are skeptical, attributing his experience to delirium from battle and the cold. An old warrior named Gorm, however, believes Amra’s story, claiming that Atali is known to appear to dying warriors.

The story ends with Amra still in disbelief, holding a piece of Atali’s gossamer garment – a tangible proof of his encounter with the supernatural.

In summary, “The Frost King’s Daughter” is a thrilling narrative that takes the reader into a fantastical world of Norse mythology, with vivid descriptions and a fast-paced plot.

Characters

  • Heimdul: A red-haired warrior who battles Amra.
  • Amra of Akbitana: The protagonist, a powerful warrior who pursues Atali.
  • Atali: The daughter of Ymir, the frost giant, who lures Amra into a supernatural realm.
  • Ymir: The frost giant, father of Atali.
  • Niord: Amra’s comrade who leads the search for him.
  • Gorm: An old warrior who believes in Amra’s supernatural encounter.

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