Valeria (Conan the Barbarian)

She appears in Robert E. Howard's Conan novella "Red Nails", serialized in Weird Tales 28 1-3 (July, August/September & October 1936).

Flaring-topped boots of soft leather came almost to her knees, and a low-necked, wide-collared, wide-sleeved silk shirt completed her costume.

Her unruly golden hair, cut square at her shoulders, was confined by a band of crimson satin.She is also described as a superior swordswoman, and is faster and more agile than Conan.

Like Conan, Valeria's pursuit of freedom against her society's wishes marginalizes her, making her other, but it also forces Howard to go to extravagant lengths to substantiate her femininity, which he does by including not one, but two female bondage scenes.

Valeria in those sexually debased moments isn't a character in and of herself, but rather a narrative tool designed to provoke a response from the readers.

Cover of Weird Tales (July 1936) which featured the short story " Red Nails " by Robert E. Howard . It depicts Valeria about to be sacrificed by Tascela. Art by Margaret Brundage .
Interior illustration from Weird Tales (August–September 1936). It depicts Valeria standing on the far right, beside Conan. Art by Harold Saylor De Lay.