Literary Model for Happy Barbarian

Starfox · Nov 21, 2012

A friend of mine is making a barbarian character losely based on Monkey B Luffy. But the original is not a barbarian, so I am looking for literary models for happy-go-lucky barbarians. No angst, no deep resentment or anger, just a strong guy with a big sword and passion. This is for Skull & Shackles, the Pazio adventure path.

One of the few ideas I've come up with is Sir Francis Haddock from Tintin, but there must be more. Preferably female, if possible, as the character is female.

Umbran · Nov 21, 2012

Fafhrd? Pretty classic.

Tonguez · Nov 21, 2012

Obelix was the first to come to mind

can't think of any female barbarians, although the Big Momma type might be adapted

Dioltach · Nov 21, 2012

Happy-go-lucky barbarians? Have you checked out The Barbarian Brothers? That's a classic.

Joe Abercrombie's book feature loads of barbarians, with varying degrees of moodiness and angst. Whirrun of Bligh and (for a female character) Wonderful, both from The Heroes, might be examples.

Alternatively, look up some Celtic mythology.

sabrinathecat · Nov 21, 2012

Quigley from Myth Adventures? Starts as a barbarian fighter and self professed demon hunter. Ends up a bottom-rate wizard.

Starfox · Nov 21, 2012

Thanks, will forward these to my friend. Some were new to me. Obelix is good - don't know how I could miss that one!

Dannyalcatraz · Nov 22, 2012

Not really literary per se, but Marvel Comic's take on Hercules was pretty jovial.

At one point, he wandered the galaxy, bar hopping and looking for beings who were worthy enough for him to bestow upon them "The Gift"...which is to get into a good natured fight with a demigod (namely, him), then celebrate afterwards.

Hand of Evil · Nov 22, 2012

While a god, Thor also comes to mind, remember he was also a fertility god! They seemed to like to party!

Fafhrd, second.

Dannyalcatraz · Nov 22, 2012

Hand of Evil said:
Thor also comes to mind, remember he was also a fertility god!

Odd, since his hammer was short-handled...

Orius · Nov 22, 2012

A case could be made for Conan himself, he could be pretty jovial when people weren't messing with him.

Of course in most of his stories, someone IS messing with him.