A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
The forest dragon is a ground-moving, tusked monster with a spiked neck and serrated back. It kills the travelers' horses and attacks their rocky refuge. The original account supplies neither wings nor fire breath.
Conan poisons an improvised long weapon with Apples of Derketa and wounds its mouth. The poison acts slowly: the animal continues pursuing them and seeks water. Other dragons are mentioned as a forest danger, but the encounter does not establish universal dimensions or poison tolerance.
First appearances & development
This profile follows Howard's original story, identified in the bibliography. Later comics, films and roleplaying adaptations are separate witnesses and are not imported into this account.
Canon & continuity
The linked transcription supports a concise account of the specific encounter. Character testimony and narrative observation remain distinct. The transcription is not tied to one verified printed edition.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Red Nails
Original prose encounter; edition uncertain.
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary workRobert E. Howard: Red Nails (original story)Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.