SOURCE: "Pigeons From Hell" by Robert E. Howard (Weird Tales, May 1938)

DESCRIPTION: "“Was that thing a woman once?” whispered Griswell. “God, look at that face, even in death. Look at those claw-like hands, with black talons like those of a beast. Yes, it was human, though — even the rags of an old ballroom gown. Why should a mulatto maid wear such a dress, I wonder?” “This has been her lair for over forty years,” muttered Buckner, brooding over the grinning grisly thing sprawling in the corner. “This clears you, Griswell — a crazy woman with a hatchet — that's all the authorities need to know. God, what a revenge! — what a foul revenge! Yet what a bestial nature she must have had, in the beginnin', to delve into voodoo as she must have done———” ("Pigeons From Hell" by Robert E. Howard)

NOTES: The zombie-like Zuvembie has the power to control her victims. She places them in a dream-state then commands them. Once in her midst she likes to chop them with hatchet and drink their blood.

HISTORY: Robert E. Howard based this story on the old legends his grandmother told him in West Texas. This is without doubt Howard's scariest horror tale and this may be because he brings more depth to it than usual. My first reaction to it was that it is a racist story but as one intelligent reader pointed out it features a sheriff asking the advice of a black man. Not typical Howard. It was made into an episode of Thriller (June 6, 1961). The Zuvembie was played by Ottola Nesmith.

Ax me that question again?

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