 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (April 2020) |
| "The Shadow of the Vulture" | |
|---|---|
| Short story by Robert E. Howard | |
 | |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Historical fiction |
| Publication | |
| Published in | The Magic Carpet Magazine |
| Media type | Pulp magazine |
| Publication date | January 1934 |
The Shadow of the Vulture is a short story by American writer Robert E. Howard, first published in The Magic Carpet Magazine, January 1934. The story introduces the character of Red Sonya of Rogatino, who later became the inspiration for the popular character Red Sonja, archetype of the chainmail-bikini clad female warrior.[1]
Unlike Howard's better-known fantasy work, "The Shadow of the Vulture" is historical fiction, set in the 16th century.[1] It uses the career of Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (also known as Sultan Suleiman I), the aftermath of the Battle of Mohács (1526) and the later Siege of Vienna of 1529 as a backdrop for imaginary characters and events.
- ^ a b Herron, Don. The Barbaric Triumph : A Critical Anthology on the writings of Robert E. Howard. Maryland : Wildside Press, 2004. ISBN 9780809515677 (p.64)