Robert E. Howard, the celebrated creator of Conan the Barbarian, led a life marked by personal struggles and tragedy. Despite his success as a writer, Howard faced numerous challenges, including family
issues and mental health concerns. His life came to a tragic end in 1936, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the world of fantasy literature.
Early Life and Family Struggles
Born in Peaster, Texas, in 1906, Robert E. Howard was the only son of Dr. Isaac Mordecai Howard and Hester Jane Ervin Howard. His early years were spent moving between various Texas towns due to his father's work as a traveling physician. Howard's mother, Hester, played a significant role in his intellectual development, instilling in him a love for literature and poetry.
The Howard family faced financial difficulties, exacerbated by Isaac Howard's investments in get-rich-quick schemes. Tensions between Howard's parents grew, with Hester believing she had married beneath her social standing. These family dynamics, combined with Howard's exposure to violence and crime in the oil boom towns, shaped his worldview and influenced his writing.
Mental Health and Personal Challenges
Howard's life was marked by struggles with mental health, which have been the subject of speculation and analysis. His mother's long-term illness with tuberculosis weighed heavily on him, and her eventual decline into a coma was a devastating blow. Howard's writings often reflect themes of violence and existential despair, hinting at his inner turmoil.
Despite his success as a writer, Howard faced challenges in his personal life. He had only one known romantic relationship, with Novalyne Price, which ended as Howard became increasingly preoccupied with his mother's health. His isolation and the pressures of caring for his mother contributed to his mental health struggles.
The Tragic End
In June 1936, as his mother's health deteriorated, Howard made the decision to end his life. On June 11, he shot himself in the head, dying eight hours later. His mother passed away the following day. Howard's suicide note, quoting a poem by Viola Garvin, reflects his sense of despair and resignation.
Howard's tragic end has led to various interpretations of his mental state, with some suggesting he suffered from depression or an Oedipal complex. Despite the tragedy of his life, Howard's work continues to be celebrated for its creativity and impact on the fantasy genre. His legacy endures, reminding us of the complex interplay between personal struggles and artistic achievement.
