Set in the Hyborian Age, the movie opens with a Cimmerian blacksmith showing his son, Conan, a sword he made, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's weapon over people or beasts. Conan discovers an enemy gang in the forest, but before he can warn his village, the gang arrives, leading to a brutal attack. Conan's father fights bravely but is killed by Rexor, who uses war dogs to finish him off. The enemy leader, Thulsa Doom, hypnotizes and beheads Conan's mother. The invaders capture the village children, including Conan, and sell them into slavery. Conan and the other children are forced to labor on a treadmill, known as the Wheel of Pain. Years later, Conan has grown into a strong adult, now running the treadmill alone. He becomes a gladiator, winning many battles before receiving formal combat training in the east.