Itavans

Itavans are a fictional humanoid species created by the American writer and artist Robert E. Howard for his *Conan the Barbarian* series. First introduced in the 1933 short story "The Hyborian Age," Itavans are depicted as a tall, fair-skinned people with blue or gray eyes, often associated with the northern regions of the fictional Hyborian Age world. Their culture is portrayed as a blend of advanced civilization and martial prowess, with a strong emphasis on chivalry, scholarship, and military discipline.

The Itavans are believed to be descendants of the ancient Atlanteans, a lost civilization that once dominated the world before its fall. Their society is structured around noble houses, with a rigid class system that includes warriors, scholars, and artisans. They are known for their mastery of metallurgy, architecture, and the arts, as well as their use of advanced weaponry, such as the iconic Itavan longsword, a curved blade favored by their knights.

Geographically, Itavia is often placed in the northern reaches of the Hyborian Age, near the lands of Aquilonia and Stygia. The Itavans are depicted as a proud and independent people, often at odds with their neighbors, particularly the warlike Aquilonian kings. Their capital, Itamar, is described as a grand and fortified city, reflecting their wealth and power.

In Howard’s stories, Itavans frequently appear as allies or adversaries to the protagonist Conan, the Cimmerian. Their cultural influence extends beyond fiction, inspiring elements of medieval European aesthetics and mythology in fantasy literature. While their portrayal is largely idealized, the Itavans serve as a contrast to Conan’s more primitive yet resilient Cimmerian heritage, highlighting themes of civilization, decay, and survival in Howard’s works.