Rouges in the House - Where in Hyboria is this?

[freelance]

In which Hyborian kingdom is this story set? I can find no clear reference. It's early in Conan's career, he is a young thief, the mood is similar to "The Tower of the Elephant", but the 'Maze' is referenced, not the Maul of Zamora. Thak comes from the mountains that fringe the Eastern frontier of Zamora . . .

[Von K]

Jul 18, 2021 13:03:01 GMT -5 freelance said:

In which Hyborian kingdom is this story set? I can find no clear reference. It's early in Conan's career, he is a young thief, the mood is similar to "The Tower of the Elephant", but the 'Maze' is referenced, not the Maul of Zamora. Thak comes from the mountains that fringe the Eastern frontier of Zamora . . .

REH himself wasn't 100% sure:

I am not sure that the adventure chronicled in "Rogues in the House" occurred in Zamora. The presence of opposing factions of politics would seem to indicate otherwise, since Zamora was an absolute despotism where differing political opinions were not tolerated. I am of the opinion that the city was one of the small city-states lying just west of Zamora, and into which Conan had wandered after leaving Zamora.

Robert E Howard - letter to P S Miller, March 10th 1936

[johnnypt]

I think people have tended to put it in Corinthia if I remember correctly. It's the easiest solution since it's to the west of Zamora. Exactly what part is open for interpretation.