Publication History |
Michael Moorcock's six-book "Elric Saga" is one of the great classics of high
fantasy, dark fantasy, and sword & sorcery. Its characters, environments, and
obstacles are among the genre's most memorable and influential. Elric is the
archetypal anti-hero and one of the most recognizable figures of the genre.
The series begins with "Elric of Melnibone." Elric is the 428th Emperor of
Melnibone, an eldritch kingdom well past its prime, overshadowed by younger,
hungrier, human rivals that it despises. Melniboneans ruled the world for
10,000 years, though their power has now waned. Although they take much
pride in their lore and tradition, Melniboneans have lost much of both.
Saturated with hallucinogenic drugs, they live in a fantastical city of multi-hued
towers, dreaming of past glories and unable to see their changing place in the
changing world.
This first book is, for the most part, about Elric's transformation. He begins as
a brooding albino prince who prefers to philosophize than rule. His authority is
challenged by his cousin Yyrkoon. Because of his love of his cousin Cymoril
(Yyrkoon’s sister) and the taunts and treachery of Yyrkoon, however, Elric is
driven to abandon his efforts at modernizing. A central question is whether he
will relinquish himself to the cruel traditions of his folk, becoming the
Melnibonean Emperor of his forbearers, or whether he will be able to help his
folk adjust to the status quo.
"Elric of Melnibone," like Elric himself, is a work of shifting gears. It begins
with a rich and complex portrait Elric and his decaying empire, then quickly
changes into desperately paced journey of war-craft and dark sorcery. As ever
for Elric, just as one gruesome and brutal task is complete, he finds he has
another. Each solution brings him further from the Elric he wishes to be and
closer to that which he fears and despises.
The book is not without it faults: Elric's introspection will prove a bit much for
some readers. Still, for its importance in the genre and creativity, I rate it a 9
out of 10.
fantasy, dark fantasy, and sword & sorcery. Its characters, environments, and
obstacles are among the genre's most memorable and influential. Elric is the
archetypal anti-hero and one of the most recognizable figures of the genre.
The series begins with "Elric of Melnibone." Elric is the 428th Emperor of
Melnibone, an eldritch kingdom well past its prime, overshadowed by younger,
hungrier, human rivals that it despises. Melniboneans ruled the world for
10,000 years, though their power has now waned. Although they take much
pride in their lore and tradition, Melniboneans have lost much of both.
Saturated with hallucinogenic drugs, they live in a fantastical city of multi-hued
towers, dreaming of past glories and unable to see their changing place in the
changing world.
This first book is, for the most part, about Elric's transformation. He begins as
a brooding albino prince who prefers to philosophize than rule. His authority is
challenged by his cousin Yyrkoon. Because of his love of his cousin Cymoril
(Yyrkoon’s sister) and the taunts and treachery of Yyrkoon, however, Elric is
driven to abandon his efforts at modernizing. A central question is whether he
will relinquish himself to the cruel traditions of his folk, becoming the
Melnibonean Emperor of his forbearers, or whether he will be able to help his
folk adjust to the status quo.
"Elric of Melnibone," like Elric himself, is a work of shifting gears. It begins
with a rich and complex portrait Elric and his decaying empire, then quickly
changes into desperately paced journey of war-craft and dark sorcery. As ever
for Elric, just as one gruesome and brutal task is complete, he finds he has
another. Each solution brings him further from the Elric he wishes to be and
closer to that which he fears and despises.
The book is not without it faults: Elric's introspection will prove a bit much for
some readers. Still, for its importance in the genre and creativity, I rate it a 9
out of 10.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Elric of Melnibone (Michael Moorcock) By SC Bryce |
First Printing:
SFReader.com (Nov. 23, 2005).
SFReader.com (Nov. 23, 2005).
Second Printing:
SCBryce.com (Dec. 23, 2006).
SCBryce.com (Dec. 23, 2006).
|