As noted above, the book's plot, such as it is, is patterned on sword-andsorcery novels. The Conan tales by Robert E. Howard are probably the best-known examples of this subgenre.

The Iron Dream also uses motifs from more famous literature. Feric's Great Truncheon is an obvious phallic symbol, especially blatant when the "author" lovingly describes its features.

But the manner in which Feric claims it harks all the way back to King Arthur.

Like Arthur's sword Excalibur, which could only be drawn from the stone by the rightful High King, the Great Truncheon or Steel Commander can only be lifted and wielded by a true heir of the ancient Kings of Held. It has been guarded in the forest by the Avengers, a motorcycle gang. When Jaggar picks it up to defend himself in a fight with their leader, the entire group is stricken with awe...