Crowd-horror

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

79105

Title

Crowd-horror

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this gripping tale of crowd-horror, a talented but instinct-driven boxer named Slade Costigan struggles against the hypnotic influence of the roaring crowd, which drives him to fight like a wild beast rather than a skilled athlete. His manager, Steve Palmer, attempts to teach him science, but only the love of a young woman, Gloria, can anchor his mind. When she leaves him, Costigan faces a legendary opponent, Buffalo Gonzalez, in a desperate final bout where his survival depends on...

Summary up to 500 words

In Robert E. Howard's "Crowd-Horror," the story centers on Slade Costigan, a boxer of immense natural power and talent who suffers from a terrifying psychological weakness: the roar of the crowd. When thousands of fans cheer, the noise hypnotizes Costigan, causing his trained boxing skills to vanish and leaving him to fight with blind, savage ferocity. His manager, Steve Palmer, attempts to train Costigan scientifically, but the boxer remains unable to control his transformation once the bell rings. The only countermeasure discovered is the voice of a loved one. Costigan's girlfriend, Gloria, a dancer, initially helps him win by shouting commands from the stands. However, after a fight where she leaves him, his condition worsens, and he prepares to face the invincible Buffalo Gonzalez in a championship match. Without Gloria, Costigan seems destined for destruction. In the ring against the giant Gonzalez, Costigan fights recklessly, trading heavy blows until he is battered and near defeat. Just as he is about to be knocked out, Gloria returns to the stands. Her voice cuts through the noise, and Costigan instantly snaps back to his rational self, shifting from a mindless slugger to a clever boxer. He uses his regained skill to outmaneuver Gonzalez, clinching and jabbing until the giant is exhausted. In a climactic exchange, Costigan lands a devastating blow that drops Gonzalez. Though knocked down himself, he rises to deliver the final knockout. The story concludes with Costigan victorious, his mind anchored by his love for Gloria. This proves that even the strongest "crowd-horror" can be overcome by a single, steady voice. The narrative explores themes of instinct versus intellect, the destructive power of mass hysteria, and the redemptive strength of personal love. Howard portrays Costigan not merely as a punch-drunk brute, but as a tragic figure whose latent genius is suppressed by external forces until a personal anchor restores his humanity and skill. The victory signifies that love can provide the stability necessary to master one's own nature, transforming a potential tragedy into a triumph of the human spirit.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Romance
• Horror
• Sports fiction