World God Quote by Robert E. Howard
““He stalked through the world as a god, for no earthly weapon could harm him, and to him a century was like an hour. In his wanderings he came upon a primitive people inhabiting the island of Dagonia, and it pleased him to give this race culture and civilization, and by his aid they built the city of Dagon and they abode there and worshipped him. Strange and grisly were his servants, called from the dark corners of the planet where grim survivals of forgotten ages yet lurked. His house in Dagon was connected with every other house by tunnels through which his shaven-headed priests bore victims for the sacrifice.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Shadow Kingdom (Conan the Barbarian series), 1934
A god‑like being grants civilization to a primitive people, but his power is sustained by dark, sacrificial rituals.
In simple terms: A powerful entity gives culture but demands blood.
Key Takeaway
Beware the cost of unchecked power.
Themes
power
civilization
ritual
mythology
corruption
Mood
ominous
epic
dark
Type
mythic
cautionary
When to use this quote
- colonial conquest
- building societies
- ritual sacrifice
- authoritarian rule
Key Concepts
divinity
cultural imperialism
sacrifice
darkness
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the ethical limits of imposing culture?
- How does power corrupt the benefactor?
A Different Perspective
The narrative glorifies domination without critiquing its moral implications.
