The Haunter of the Ring by Robert E. Howard is a supernatural horror story steeped in dark magic, occultism, and the perilous consequences of meddling with ancient forces. The narrative follows John Kirowan, a recurring character in Howard's mythos, who is drawn into a sinister plot involving a cursed ring and a malevolent spirit.
The story begins when Kirowan's friend, John Conrad, reaches out to him in desperation. Conrad's wife, Evelyn, has been behaving strangely, seemingly under the influence of a powerful, malevolent force. Conrad reveals that Evelyn has been possessed by the spirit of a vengeful sorcerer, instigated by a cursed artifact—a serpent-shaped ring with a dark history. The ring, imbued with ancient and evil powers, once belonged to an evil sorcerer from the distant past. The sorcerer's spirit haunts the wearer of the ring, controlling them to enact its wicked will.
Kirowan, familiar with the occult and the dangers it poses, recognizes the severity of the situation and agrees to help. As the story unfolds, he confronts the sorcerer's restless spirit, a demon-like figure that manipulates the living to further its sinister goals. The ring is revealed to be more than a simple artifact, serving as a conduit through which the sorcerer's dark magic can continue to influence the world from beyond the grave.
Through a combination of knowledge, occult expertise, and sheer courage, Kirowan battles to break the hold of the cursed ring and save Evelyn from its terrifying grip. The climax of the story is intense and suspenseful, as Howard skillfully combines elements of adventure and horror.
The Haunter of the Ring is a classic example of Howard's mastery in weaving tales of the supernatural, exploring the dangers of delving into forbidden knowledge, and the timeless struggle between good and evil.