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Following discussion here, I realised that not all might know (or easily access) the original story of Red Sonja’s life. Recent reprints of the Marvel classic comics are not giving the stories in the right order, and important milestone events are missed. I provide here a summary of the Red Sonja’s life, with reference to the stories ordered chronologically. I did not really do much more that summarising and updating the original Blosser/Thomas order, but likely this could be more accessible in this form here than in the old comics or on the Marvel Chronology archives.

  

1. Early Period in Hyrkania

Red Sonja was born on the eastern steppes of Hyrkania, where her father Ivor raised her alongside her brothers. Sonja life changed dramatically when former mercenaries led by Ivor's old lieutenant murdered her family. Sonja alone survived the massacre after suffering terrible abuse. As the farm burned, she received a vision of a mysterious goddess-like being, named Scathach, who granted her extraordinary skill with the sword, apparently in exchange for a vow to never allowed a man to love her, unless he first defeated her fairly in battle.

Over the next few years Sonja became one of the most feared swords-for-hire among the Hyrkanian city-states, perhaps travelling briefly beside the rogue Sigfal, and maybe even destroying the sorcerer Kulan-Gath in unrecorded adventures. Eventually she entered the service of King Ghannif of Pah-Dishah, who sent her to aid his son-in-law King of Makkalet, then besieged by the armies of Prince Yezdigerd of Turan.

There she first encountered Conan, helping him survive the siege and later getting his help in recovering the legendary Serpent Tiara. Although Conan saved her life and repeatedly attempted to win her affection, Sonja refused every advance.

Returning to Pah-Dishah, Sonja discovered that Ghannif intended to reward her by forcing her into his harem. She answered by killing both the king and his albino bodyguard before fleeing the city. Branded a regicide, she accepted a new commission from King Adano, escorting his daughter across the Vilayet Sea. This is also the period when Sonja adopted her iconic costume (the Iron Bikini armor).

• Flashback in: Kull and the Barbarians 3/2 (1975)
• Conan the Barbarian 23 -24, (1972)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 153/2 (1988)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 187/2 (1991)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 1/2 (1974)

 

2. Travelling Outside Hyrkania in the Hyborian Kingdoms

Now pursued by Ghannif's heirs, Sonja left Hyrkania behind and entered the western kingdoms. In Arenjun, the City of Thieves, her path crossed Conan's once more as they battled a resurrected sorcerer before escaping accusations of murder. Their flight led them to the sinister Tower of Blood, where they destroyed the vampire siblings who ruled over the winged Afterlings.

Passing through Shadizar, Sonja entered the service of Zucarla, and earned the lifelong hatred of the Zamorian captain Lassusar, whose face she permanently scarred.

Continuing west into Nemedia, she survived the dangers of Darkwood Forest, defeating the wizard Vincentius, the treacherous warrior Hunwolf, the cursed werewolf Ghunthar, and the demonic horrors inhabiting the Temple of Abomination. Fate also delivered her long-awaited revenge when she found the mercenary captain responsible for her family's massacre driven insane by bandits. Deprived of the vengeance she had dreamed of, Sonja left him to die among the wolves.

Her travels next brought her to Messantia in Argos, where Karanthes, High Priest of Ibis, hired her to steal a page from the Book of Skelos. The mission reunited her with Conan and Bêlit, leading to a struggle involving Thoth-Amon, a city displaced through time, and even King Kull of Valusia. Although the page was ultimately destroyed, Sonja continued alone toward Venzia, leaving Conan and Bêlit behind.

• The Savage Sword of Conan 1/1 (1974)
• Conan the Barbarian 43 – 44 (1974)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 157/2 (1988)
• Conan the Barbarian 48/2 (1974)
• Kull and the Barbarians 2/3 (1975)
• Marvel Feature Vol.1 1 (1975)
• Kull and the Barbarians 3/2 (1975)
• Marvel Feature Vol.1 2-6 (1975 - 1976)
• Conan the Barbarian 67 (1976)
• Marvel Feature Vol.1 7 (1976)
• Conan the Barbarian 68 (1976)

 

3. Mikal and Suumaro Arcs

While travelling through Argos, Sonja rescued a mystical unicorn from the sorcerer Andar of Bezfarda, then reached Venzia, where she narrowly escaped becoming the unwilling bride of a cursed prince imprisoned within the body of a monstrous toad-demon.

Journeying inland, she won the deadly Games of Gita, met the wandering adventurer Mikal, and travelled with him through Athos, Zotz, and the mysterious City of the Bells, Bor-Ti-Ki. There she aided the strange creatures of the Dark Lake, acquired a magical ring, and eventually rescued Mikal from imprisonment, learning that he was in fact the rightful heir to the throne of Athos.

Her road next led to Skranos, where she became entangled in the succession struggle between the brothers Suumaro and Oryx, sons of King Quillos. Fighting beside Suumaro, Sonja repeatedly clashed with the serpent-sorceress Apah Alah, surviving blindness, magical imprisonment, monstrous guardians and supernatural intrigues. Ultimately Oryx was overthrown, Apah Alah disappeared with her estranged husband Quillos, and Suumaro inherited the kingdom. Although he proposed marriage, Sonja declined both his offer and the throne, choosing the freedom of the road over queenship.

• Red Sonja Vol.1 1-6 (1977)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 23/3 (1977)
• Red Sonja Vol.1 7-13 (1977)

 

4. A Wanderer in the Hyborian Kingdoms

Leaving the mountains behind, Sonja journeyed north through Aquilonia, where tales of her regicide had spread throughout the western kingdoms. She survived encounters with Death itself, destroyed the Three Dead Kings, and continued her wandering life as an increasingly famous mercenary.

Rumours of war eventually drew her south into Shem, where she reunited with Conan and Karanthes in Akkharia. There the wizard Zukala attempted to manipulate Conan through promises of restoring Bêlit to life. Conan destroyed the sorcerer rather than sacrifice either Karanthes or Sonja. Afterwards Sonja deliberately separated from Conan, fearing that remaining near him might eventually force her to break the vow upon which her independence was preserved. She enlisted instead with King Sumuabi, surviving the destruction of his army during a campaign only briefly mentioned in the surviving records.

• Red Sonja Vol.1 14-15 (1977)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 45/2 (1979)
• Conan the Barbarian 115 (1980)

 

5. Return to Hyrkania

Thoughts of her homeland eventually drew Sonja back east. Returning to the ruins of her childhood home, she descended into hidden caverns inhabited by the golden Favored and their enemies, the Drommach. There she learned that the mysterious Red Goddess claimed to have shaped her entire life, declaring Sonja the "Pale Destroyer" destined to lead the Favored against their ancient foes.

With the help of Zora, Sonja uncovered the goddess's deception and escaped the destruction of both peoples. Although she rejected much of the Red Goddess's story, uncertainty remained regarding her own birth and the possibility that Zora might truly be her sister. After this event, Sonja permanently changed her outfit, opting for a blue tunic.

Zora subsequently accompanied Sonja westward. Hired by Lord Daquius, the pair escorted his daughter Merina across the Vilayet Sea toward Aghrapur. Their journey ended in tragedy after pirates led by Kirkos abducted the girl. Daquius was murdered, Zora sacrificed her life protecting Merina, and the orphan ultimately departed with Kirkos under the new name by which history would remember her: Valeria, of the Red Brotherhood.

• Marvel Super Special Vol.1 9/2 (1978)
• Red Sonja Vol.2 1-2 (1982)

 

6. Lassusar and Ice Queen Arcs

During the Aquilonian siege of the supposed city of Sammarcia, Sonja and Conan tunnel beneath the walls hoping to steal a legendary golden idol, only to discover it is made of clay. As the city falls, the defenders reveal that the Aquilonians have spent two years besieging the wrong city.

After claiming a bounty, Sonja joins the half-Pict Freyda to recover the scattered pieces of an enchanted armour. Their companions gradually die or betray them until only Sonja remains. She kills the treacherous Sieglinde and traps her soul within the mummy that a dark resurrection ritual had been intended to revive.

Sonja next travelled to Alwazar, where she became embroiled in conflict against the ambitious warlord Lassusar, now seeking to unite the Hyborian kingdoms beneath his rule. After surviving his treachery and defeating his invasion of Alwazar, she pursued him into northern Zamora, eventually ending both his life and his growing crusade.

Soon afterwards Sonja was drawn north into frozen Sythia, where Queen Vasilisa, ruler of Ice and Blood, sought both her heart and the power associated with the mysterious deity identified there as Scathach. Joined by Brawnyn, Math, Alain, Kynon, and the wizard Achmal, Sonja battled harpies, avalanches, demons and the Queen herself. Although Alain sacrificed his life, Vasilisa was destroyed, the kingdom freed, and Sonja resumed her solitary wanderings.

• Conan the Savage Vol.1 9/2 (1996)
• Red Sonja: Scavenger Hunt (1995)
• Red Sonja Vol.3 1-13 (1983)

 

7. The Devourer of Souls

In Koth, Sonja reunited with Conan during the rebellion against King Strabonus. Although hired to assassinate the Cimmerian, she instead warned him of the plot. Their partnership soon confronted Wrarrl, the Devourer of Souls, whose servant Bahtk, transformed into the Dark Apostle, sexually abused and nearly killed Sonja.

Shaken by defeat and believing she had somehow lost the strength granted by her vision, Sonja accompanied Conan through the struggle against the cosmic threat represented by the Devourer. Their quest led from Koth to Arallu, where Conan sought counsel from Thulsa Doom, before culminating in a battle that threatened the entire universe.

Having recovered both her confidence and her swordsmanship, Sonja later accompanied Conan to seize the legendary treasure of Baron Strakkus. Instead they entered the extradimensional Necropolis, where Strakkus himself revealed his monstrous true nature. Together the two warriors escaped the strange realm before once more following separate roads.

• Conan the Barbarian 195-199 (1987)
• Conan the Barbarian Annual 12 (1987)
• Conan the Barbarian 200 (1987)
• Conan the Barbarian 204-205 (1988)

 

8. War of Khoraja and Zula Arc

Returning to Zamora, Sonja again assisted Karanthes in foiling the schemes of the godling Zukala, whose son El-Ron was intended to become the vessel for his reincarnation. Conan joined the mission, and together they destroyed El-Ron before riding toward Khoraja. Along the way they were joined by Zula, surviving imprisonment, vampires, and renewed encounters with the Afterlings before reaching Princess Yasmela. There they fought the armies of the mysterious prophet Natohk, in truth the resurrected sorcerer Thugra Khotan, while also confronting the Stygian prince Katuman and the demon Helgor. Conan ultimately became commander of Khoraja's army, while Sonja and Zula fought beside him through the decisive Battle of Shamla Pass.

Following victory, the companions journeyed to Kutchemes, sacrificing its legendary treasure to save Conan from the demon Zug. Refusing to remain subordinate to either Yasmela or Conan's growing political responsibilities, Sonja departed with Zula, once more embracing the freedom of the open road.

• Conan the Barbarian 241-250 (1990)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 194/2–195/2 (1992)

 

9 - Xanadu Arc and Ring of Ikribu

Travelling east from the Turanian outpost of Yukkub, Sonja accepted employment from the Nemedian noble Linneus, whose lifelong dream was to discover the legendary city of Xanadu. During the expedition she unexpectedly fell in love with him and attempted to fulfil her sacred vow by allowing him to defeat her through a game of Hyborian chess rather than combat. Their hopes ended in tragedy when Xanadu proved to be only a ruined city inhabited by a gigantic demon. Witnessing Linneus sacrifice his own sister in panic destroyed Sonja's affection for him. Leaving both Linneus and Xanadu behind, she resumed her solitary life.

Later journeys took her through Kosala, where she opposed the custom of widow-burning, before returning to Koth to become involved in the struggle between Lord Olin and the wizard Asroth. There she came into possession of the legendary Ring of Ikribu, the only weapon capable of overcoming Asroth's magic.

• The Savage Sword of Conan 207/2, 208/2, 209/2, 210/2 (1992 - 1993)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 229/2 (1994)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 192/3 (1991)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 230/2, 231/2, 232/2, 233/2 (1994 - 1995)

* Potential placement of the other novels: Demon Night (1982), When Hell Laughs (1982), Endithor's Daughter (1982), Against the Gods (1983), Star of Doom (1983) by David C. Smith and Richard L. Tierney (subjected to revision)

10. Time Displacement and the Kozaki Confederation

Accepting service under King Yildiz of Turan, Sonja escorted a shipment of gold before reuniting once again with Conan among the Kozaks. Their campaign against Turan led them into an extraordinary sequence of adventures involving the resurrected sorcerer Rotath, the Pictish shaman Gonar, and repeated journeys across time itself. Together Sonja and Conan returned to Valusia, rescued King Kull, witnessed the destruction of the Thurian Age, fought through the empire of Acheron, encountered Xaltotun, and carried the Heart of Ahriman before finally escaping back to their own era. These adventures permanently linked Sonja's history with both Conan and the legendary civilizations that preceded the Hyborian Age.

• Marvel Graphic Novel Vol.1 73 (1992)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 223/2, 224/4 (1994)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 226 (1994)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 229-233 (1994)

 

11. Scattered Tales

Several isolated adventures cannot be placed securely within Sonja's chronology, yet they reveal different facets of her wandering life. In one tale, she sees through an ambush devised by the resourceful girl Tara, who survives by manipulating both her brothers and local soldiers. Rather than condemn her, Sonja leaves impressed by the girl's determination to make her own way in a man's world.

In another adventure, after easily defeating Retep, yet another warrior seeking to overcome her vow, Sonja helps Kayla rescue her sister Medora, who has long been held captive by her husband. Although Sonja defeats the guards, Medora ultimately chooses to remain with her children. Departing alone, Sonja reflects that every person bears different chains, and only the gods can judge which life is truly freer.

A final tale takes Sonja to the Bossonian Marches, where the legendary Endless Stairs appear. There she encounters a mysterious, almost divine stranger who proves capable of defeating her in combat, yet cannot persuade her to abandon her vow. As the celestial being ascends once more into the light, Sonja realizes that her greatest treasure is not one that can be carried away, but the vow itself, however heavy its burden may be.

• The Savage Sword of Conan 172/4 (1990)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 178/2 (1990)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 169/2 (1989)

 

12. Graaskal Mountains

Sonja eventually returned to Hyrkania, where she accepted employment from the hetman Rustopha. Pursuing the kidnapper Nokall into Brythunia, she unexpectedly reunited with Conan in the Graaskal Mountains. Together they explored a forgotten city, destroyed the horror lurking there, rescued Rustopha's children from slavery, and finally went their separate ways once again.

• The Savage Sword of Conan 144-145 (1987)

 

13. Nordheim

Later Sonja travelled into Nordheim, where a hunt for an alleged criminal unexpectedly reunited her with both Conan and the pirate Valeria. Their search for a legendary emerald proved futile, while a subsequent conflict over a stolen golden idol brought them into battle against the Iron Damsels and Vanir raiders. Disgusted by Conan's willingness to rob peaceful people, Sonja abandoned both companions, continuing her wanderings alone.

• The Savage Sword of Conan 170 (1989)
• The Savage Sword of Conan 179 (1990)

 

14. Final Mention

A final tale, whose historical accuracy remains doubtful, claims that many years later, during Conan's reign as King of Aquilonia, the ageing monarch encountered Red Sonja once more in Tarantia. The two supposedly embarked upon one last adventure together along the Khoratas River, recovering treasure from a haunted death barge before parting forever. Whether this meeting truly occurred remains uncertain. Likewise, the later years of Red Sonja's life include many more adventures hinted but never recorded, including her encounter with the Khitan conqueror Khengor (as cited in her songs).

In the XXI century, it appears the spirit of Red Sonja possessed the body of Mary Jane Watson, to fight once more the sorcerer Kulan Gath, assisted by Spiderman.

• Conan the King Vol.1 28 (1985)
• “The song of Red Sonja” - The Savage Sword of Conan 1 (1974)
• Marvel Team-Up Vol.1 79 (1978)

 

Additional material:

• Nice graphical view of main events in Red Sonja’s life by Alea_aeternis
• Evidence-based Respect Thread of Marvel Sonja by Br3ndan5
• Updated chronology of Marvel's Sonja in Conan Fandom
• Sonja Chronology from the Marvel Chronology project

 

 

 

Conan is not exactly a gentleman, but he always help a damsel in peril. Or almost... I was wondering who Conan treat the worst?

Update (thanks Thunder-Fist): women that did not deserved the bad treatment!

Many argued that Red Sonja’s original oath, namely that she cannot yield to love unless bested in combat, limited her agency and prevented meaningful interactions with men.

To explore this, I compiled a list of male characters who interact with Marvel’s Red Sonja (1974–1995), the version defined by that oath. The list includes both allies and antagonists, with brief descriptions of each interaction. Hope this is relevant here.

While some encounters are purely hostile or incidental, others clearly involve emotional or even romantic dimensions. The entries are presented in approximate chronological order, based on Sonja’s timeline and reference of their first meeting. Let me know if I forgot anything/anyone deserving to be mentioned.

1. The Nameless – Kull and the Barbarians #3/2 (flashback). A mercenary and former companion of Sonja’s father. He raped Sonja and killed her family when she was seventeen. Sonja hunted him for revenge, but five years later she found him already unconscious and brutally tortured by other bandits. She never learned his name and left him to die in the forest.

2. King Ghannif – Savage Sword of Conan #1/2 (flashback). Ruler of Pah-Dishah, a Hyrkanian city-state involved in the War of Tarim. Sonja serves him as a mercenary. Upon her return from a mission, Ghannif attempts to keep her by force within his harem. Sonja feigns compliance long enough to assassinate him and escape the city.

3. Conan – Conan the Barbarian #23. Her most significant recurring partner. Initially drawn to each other, they clashed several times but also collaborated frequently, developing mutual respect. This is Sonja’s most important long-term relationship, though it never reaches emotional resolution. On multiple occasions Sonja allows moments of closeness with Conan, or regrets denying them, and she once kissed him while he was unconscious.

4. Sigfal – (unseen; referenced in Conan the Barbarian #48). A Hyrkanian warrior or mercenary from Sonja’s early years. Their relationship is never depicted, but Sonja recalls having enjoyed his company. Sigfal was later killed by a wanderer named Hunwolf, whom Sonja subsequently killed.

5. Lassusar – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #3 (flashback). A captain of the Zamoran guard who later becomes a lord. He is maimed and disfigured by Sonja in a battle, though she does not remember the encounter. He later seeks revenge during the siege of Alwazar, where he captures Sonja and appears intent on violating her. However, Sonja is rescued by Achmal and eventually kills Lassusar.

6. Dunkin – Marvel Feature Vol. 2 #2. A crippled youth, son of the leader of a group of thieves, sharp-tongued and defiant. He kisses Sonja to prove his manhood; she neither encourages nor rejects him. He is later killed by Rejak the Tracker despite Sonja’s attempt to save him.

7. Tusan – Marvel Feature Vol. 2 #5. A wandering bard met in Zingara. Witty and non-dominating, he is the only man with whom Sonja openly flirts. They share a kiss and possibly a night in close proximity, though anything further is unlikely.

8. Kull – Conan the Barbarian #68. Though separated by millennia, Sonja meets Kull through sorcery (Book of Skelos) and later via time displacement involving Tuzun Thune. Kull shows little personal interest, but Sonja admits she could have been drawn to him.

9. Mikal – Red Sonja Vol. 1 #3. A wanderer encountered in Athos (Argos). Sonja shares several adventures with him but shows no romantic interest. She nonetheless risks herself to save him when needed. Mikal appears interested but never crosses boundaries.

10. Suumaro – Red Sonja Vol. 1 #7. A prince and sorcerer of Skranos. After saving Sonja from his brother, he makes her a general and develops strong feelings for her. Sonja forms an emotional bond but firmly rejects his romantic advances. He openly declares his love and survives, making him one of the few to do so after expressing such feelings.

11. Zukala – Conan the Barbarian #115. A sorcerer primarily interacting with Conan. He attempts to exchange Sonja’s life for Belit’s resurrection, later revealed to be motivated by desire for Sonja herself. Sonja remains unconscious throughout and never directly interacts with him.

12. Sabaterus – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #1. A sorcerer imprisoned within the Blood Crystal of Charii’ssi. He seduces Sonja through dreams but appears in reality as a monstrous being. Sonja defeats him after realizing his intent to use her to escape the gem.

13. Byratus – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #2. A man who rescues Sonja while she was ill in the Nemedian hills. She remains largely unconscious during their interaction. He is killed by his brother Galon before any relationship develops.

14. Galon – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #2. A mercenary, originally at Lady Feema’s service, who becomes an ally. He openly declares his love for Sonja, who consistently rejects him, citing her vow. He could not best Sonja in duel but once managed to obtain a kiss with a trick. He later dies fighting a demon. Sonja states clearly she loved him only as a friend or brother.

15. Achmal – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #2. A wizard who joined Sonja after the death of Lady Feema in Alwazar. He saved Sonja life and remained a loyal ally. He died fighting a demon but continued to assist Sonja as a spirit. Achmal was somehow connected with Scathach (the goddess linked to Sonja’s oath).

16. Unnamed Merman – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #5. A sea-being freed by Sonja. He later saved her from drowning and kissed her; she did not object. He assisted again later but remained bound to the sea, while Sonja chose to remain on land.

17. Alain D’Bruges – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #8. A sturdy architect who joined Sonja’s mission. He quickly fell in love with her and ultimately sacrificed himself to save her. Sonja never encouraged his feelings, and although deeply affected by his death, did not reciprocate them.

18. Math Mac Llion – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #8. A raider and husband of Sonja’s friend Branwyn. He developed interest in Sonja during their shared mission to save Branwyn but never acted beyond restraint. Sonja showed no reciprocal interest.

19. Inar Skallosson – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #10. A Lappuit shaman who hosted Sonja. Misinterpreting hospitality customs, he attempted to initiate intimacy and was immediately rebuffed by Sonja with physical force.

20. Bahkt – Conan the Barbarian #197. A former ally of Conan turned enemy. Empowered by dark forces, he abducted and assaulted Sonja to provoke Conan. He was later killed by Conan. The trauma left Sonja temporarily unable to fight.

21. Baron Strakkus – Conan the Barbarian #204. An extradimensional being nearly immune to harm. He manipulated Sonja into entering his world by threatening Conan. Though briefly intrigued, she escaped with Conan’s help.

22. El-Ron – Conan the Barbarian #242. Son of Zukala. He sought to marry Sonja as part of a plan to reincarnate his father. Sonja feigned acceptance to assassinate him but was drugged or hypnotised before acting. Conan ultimately killed him.

23. Zula – Conan the Barbarian #244. A warrior and occasional sorcerer allied with Conan. He and Sonja fought together and developed mutual respect, but no romantic dimension.

24. Lord Linneus – Savage Sword of Conan #207/2. A Nemedian nobleman. Sonja developed a strong attraction and even wished he could defeat her to overcome her vow. After accepting his marriage proposal, she abandoned him upon discovering his weaknesses.

25. Lord Olin – Savage Sword of Conan #230/2. A nobleman who hired Sonja. He fell in love with her and attempted to win her through combat. Of course he could not best her, but he proposed to her. She was emotionally affected but undecided. After his death, she admitted she had loved him.

26. Man of the Endless Stair – Savage Sword of Conan #169/2. A mysterious, possibly otherworldly figure. He defeated Sonja in combat and kissed her before being reclaimed by the phenomenon known as the Endless Stair.