The Isle of the Eons (draft b1)

Introduction

Howard wrote several drafts of “The Isle of the Eons,” each version revealing his iterative process and evolving vision. Draft B1 of “The Isle of the Eons” was probably written by Howard circa the second half of 1929. This story exemplifies Howard’s signature style of adventure fiction, set against the exotic and mysterious backdrop of the South Seas. The narrative follows the protagonist and his companion as they struggle for survival on a desolate, ancient island haunted by enigmatic horrors. Howard’s vivid descriptions and tense atmosphere create a gripping tale of exploration and terror.

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Summary

The story begins with the protagonist aboard the Vagabond, a ship with a crew of desperate and degenerate men, sailing from Tahiti on a doomed mission to find the pearl cache of Lao-Tao. Amidst a violent hurricane, the Vagabond is wrecked on a reef, and the protagonist awakens on an unknown island with one other survivor, a giant Dutchman. The island is surrounded by treacherous reefs, and the two men soon discover a natural aperture at the base of a cliff, leading to a tunnel with carved steps.

Exploring the tunnel, they encounter a labyrinth of ancient passages that emit a strange, repulsive odor. The duo becomes aware of a mysterious creature stalking them in the darkness. The descriptions suggest a large, slithering monster, evoking immense fear. Narrowly escaping the creature, they find themselves in a vast cavern containing an idol of monstrous design and an ancient sacrificial altar.

Continuing their exploration, the men discover the ruins of an ancient temple on a hill, indicating the presence of a long-lost civilization. Despite the island’s eerie silence and lack of animal life, they decide to sleep in the temple. During the night, the protagonist senses a lurking menace and hears the soft, sinister music from the cliffs.

The following day, they explore further and stumble upon more ruins, suggesting an advanced but extinct civilization. The Dutchman theorizes that the island was once part of the mythical Lemuria. They come upon a well-preserved ancient structure with massive bronze doors decorated with a grotesque skeleton and hieroglyphics that translate to a grim warning. Inside, they find a gigantic idol poised to strike with a mighty arm, barely escaping its deadly swing.

As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the island, they face numerous perils, including the nocturnal attacks of a powerful, unseen entity that they narrowly survive by taking refuge in the ancient ruins. The story’s tension heightens with each encounter, emphasizing the relentless danger that pervades the island.

The protagonist’s and the Dutchman’s ordeal reaches a climax as they confront the horrors both below and above ground, grappling with the island’s dark secrets and the lurking, malevolent forces. The narrative ends with a sense of foreboding and unresolved mystery, characteristic of Howard’s ability to leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Characters

  • Protagonist: The narrator of the story, a sailor who survives the shipwreck of the Vagabond and explores the island with the Dutchman. He provides descriptions of the events and environment and faces the island’s horrors head-on.
  • Giant Dutchman: The other survivor from the Vagabond, a large, strong sailor who proves to be both a companion and a source of critical insights into the island’s mysteries. He is instrumental in deciphering the island’s secrets and saving the protagonist’s life on multiple occasions.

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