The Hyena

Experience the atmospheric visual edition of this tale by searching 'Jonathan Dunne Horror' on YouTube.

Title: The Hyena

Series Name: Timeless Terrors

Series Entry: 135

Author: Robert E. Howard

Narrator: Jonathan Dunne

Original Publication: 1928

Public Domain: Yes

YouTube Channel: YouTube (search “Jonathan Dunne Horror Stories & Audiobooks”)

Description:

The Hyena by Robert E. Howard is a dark and visceral tale of obsession, forbidden rites, and the thin boundary between man and beast. Set against the eerie backdrop of North Africa, the story follows a traveler who encounters a strange and deeply unsettling individual—one whose connection to ancient, savage forces defies rational explanation.

As the narrative unfolds, whispers of blasphemous rituals and unnatural transformations emerge. The titular hyena becomes more than a mere creature of the wild; it is a symbol of something older, more primal, and terrifyingly intimate. Howard masterfully builds tension through stark, vivid prose, blending adventure with creeping horror as the truth reveals itself in dreadful stages.

Unlike cosmic horror’s distant dread, The Hyena delivers something immediate and physical—a nightmare rooted in flesh, instinct, and the corruption of the human soul. The story explores themes of duality and degeneration, suggesting that beneath civilization’s veneer lies something savage waiting to break free.

Narrated by Jonathan Dunne, this performance captures the story’s raw intensity and mounting unease, immersing listeners in a haunting journey where ancient darkness and human nature collide with brutal, unforgettable force.