Notes

There’s been some good discussion back and forth about this matchup, and I have to say that it’s among the toughest I’ve had to decide. Both contestants are physically impressive, good hand-to-hand fighters and cunning warriors.

The Scenario

After much deliberation, I’ve determined that the fight will take place in a small clearing in the jungle. To eliminate the jungle is to take away one of Tarzan’s biggest weapons. However, Tarzan is not able to call upon his jungle friends. He must fight on his own, armed with his knife and the resources of the jungle.

Conan is armed with his two-handed sword. The sword is not magical or enchanted. Both contestants are aware of the other and start on opposite sides of the clearing.

The Fight

The two hunters circle each other cautiously, each sizing up his opponent. Conan moves first, smoothly swinging his sword at Tarzan, who narrowly dodges the blade. Tarzan, surprised by the speed of the larger man, quickly melts backward into the foliage of the surrounding jungle.

Conan charges forward to follow, but the jungle man has already disappeared among the trees. Conan begins chopping a swath through the trees, searching for his opponent. Tarzan observes the barbarian from the treetops, poised and ready to strike.

Just as Conan passes below him, Tarzan leaps down from his perch and sinks his knife into the bulk of the barbarian. Conan thrashes back, knocking down the jungle man. He quickly grabs him on the ground and begins throttling him with his fists. Tarzan grabs the wrists of his opponent, rolls back, and kicks the man backward.

By the time Conan is back on his feet, Tarzan has once again disappeared into the foliage. His sword is gone. He stands his ground and watches the trees for any sign of movement… when out of nowhere, Tarzan swings through on a vine and lands a kick to his jaw. Conan goes down, but this time Tarzan leaps on his back, wraps a vine around, and leaps back. He has formed a primitive noose from the vines, and it tightens around the barbarian’s neck until he passes out.

The Outcome

It’s true that the setting of the fight plays a major part in this fight. Had it taken place in the desert, it’s possible that Conan could have beaten Tarzan. However, in this scenario, Tarzan was able to take advantage of his tactical advantage, and was able to bring down the larger man.