Publication History |
"The Weird of the White Wolf" is the third in Michael Moorcock's renown
six-book Elric Saga, a classic of high fantasy, dark fantasy, and sword &
sorcery. Like many other of Elric stories, these were originally written as pulp
serials. Readers who like tight continuity should be warned that some of these
adventures are more closely connected than others.
"Prologue: The Dream of Earl Aubec" is the story of the relationship between
Law and Chaos and how the world is created. It's an interesting aside that does
not involve Elric, but does provide a reference point for later adventures.
In "The Dreaming City," Elric has been declared a traitor and renegade. His
love, Cymoril, is once again in a sorcerous slumber. Enraged, Elric returns to
Imrryr to locate Cymoril.
"While the Gods Laugh" takes place one year later. Sharrilla, a wingless woman
of Myyrrhn enlists Elric's help in her search for the Dead Gods' Book.
Together, they set off to find this mythical book of wisdom that most doubt
exists. Traveling through strange landscapes and battling against strange foes,
they come across red-headed Moonglum, who joins their quest. Elric, haunted
by his acts in "The Dreaming City" searches for peace changes Elric from the
passivity of "Elric of Melniboné" (Book 1 of the Elric Saga) to reckless
obsession.
Another year has passed since "The Dreaming City," and Elric and Moonglum
embark on another adventure in "The Singing Citadel." They sail to Dhakos in
Jharkor. This time, his capricious aid is sought by Queen Yishana of Jharkor,
whose kingdom has been invaded by the sudden appearance of a sorcerous
citadel. Hundreds have disappeared, lured by the citadel's haunting song.
In this third book of the Elric Saga, Elric becomes the guilt-ridden,
guilt-driven, fickle, wild sword-slinger that his fans know and love. Elric's
reputation is even more legendary throughout his world, filled with rumor and
half-truths, and fed by his fickleness, sense of crushing doom, and vampiric
runeblade, Stormbringer.
Critics of Elric will find all the usual faults: Moorcock glosses over some of the
more interesting features of his world, some fights are given short shrift while
others linger over-long, and Elric too often relies on others (whether
Stormbringer, supernatural allies, or gods) to extricate him from danger. Still,
for its importance in the genre, creativity, and pace, I rate it a 9 out of 10.
six-book Elric Saga, a classic of high fantasy, dark fantasy, and sword &
sorcery. Like many other of Elric stories, these were originally written as pulp
serials. Readers who like tight continuity should be warned that some of these
adventures are more closely connected than others.
"Prologue: The Dream of Earl Aubec" is the story of the relationship between
Law and Chaos and how the world is created. It's an interesting aside that does
not involve Elric, but does provide a reference point for later adventures.
In "The Dreaming City," Elric has been declared a traitor and renegade. His
love, Cymoril, is once again in a sorcerous slumber. Enraged, Elric returns to
Imrryr to locate Cymoril.
"While the Gods Laugh" takes place one year later. Sharrilla, a wingless woman
of Myyrrhn enlists Elric's help in her search for the Dead Gods' Book.
Together, they set off to find this mythical book of wisdom that most doubt
exists. Traveling through strange landscapes and battling against strange foes,
they come across red-headed Moonglum, who joins their quest. Elric, haunted
by his acts in "The Dreaming City" searches for peace changes Elric from the
passivity of "Elric of Melniboné" (Book 1 of the Elric Saga) to reckless
obsession.
Another year has passed since "The Dreaming City," and Elric and Moonglum
embark on another adventure in "The Singing Citadel." They sail to Dhakos in
Jharkor. This time, his capricious aid is sought by Queen Yishana of Jharkor,
whose kingdom has been invaded by the sudden appearance of a sorcerous
citadel. Hundreds have disappeared, lured by the citadel's haunting song.
In this third book of the Elric Saga, Elric becomes the guilt-ridden,
guilt-driven, fickle, wild sword-slinger that his fans know and love. Elric's
reputation is even more legendary throughout his world, filled with rumor and
half-truths, and fed by his fickleness, sense of crushing doom, and vampiric
runeblade, Stormbringer.
Critics of Elric will find all the usual faults: Moorcock glosses over some of the
more interesting features of his world, some fights are given short shrift while
others linger over-long, and Elric too often relies on others (whether
Stormbringer, supernatural allies, or gods) to extricate him from danger. Still,
for its importance in the genre, creativity, and pace, I rate it a 9 out of 10.
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| The Weird of the White Wolf (Michael Moorcock) By SC Bryce |
First Printing:
SFReader.com (Jan. 13, 2006).
SFReader.com (Jan. 13, 2006).
Second Printing:
SCBryce.com (Dec. 23, 2006).
SCBryce.com (Dec. 23, 2006).
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