My first impressions of the Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock (Elric of Melnibone)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

If you want some more Elric content check out this very in depth video from a different perspective by @iWizard kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmmliqxolMeZlc0

[@jch5150]

Ordered book 1, somewhere I'll fit it in. Thanks Jimmy!

[@iWizard]

Thanks for the mention, Jimmy. I enjoy your content. You captured the essence of Elric & Moorcock's vision with great concision. I struggle with concision and wish I had your gift. My TBR this summer includes: Prince of Nothing, Storm of Swords reread, TH White's Once and Future King, Gemmell's Legend, and Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles. I imagine you've read all or most of these, but let's collab sometime! Our taste in fantasy is uncannily similar, even if we come at the books from dif perspectives. :) Cheers!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@iWizard absolutely down to collab my dude!

[@khazz68]

I have read all of Moorcock s collection. I have even the pnp rpg.

[@everking3767]

Just a clarification to a statement you made in the video: Elric of Melinbone, while the first novel in the internal chronology of the series (excluding the "Making of a Sorcerer" 4 vol. graphic novel series with art by the incredible Walt Simonson), the first full novel written & published in the Elric Saga was actually "Stormbringer," which is the conclusion of the tale published c.1962-63 (after Elric made appearances in short form beginning in '61 or so). Not to be a pedant about it...but Michael Moorcock's catalog is something of a passion of mine (together with Tad Williams).

[@matthewfooks9812]

When Michael Moorcock first conceived of the character of Elric, he was asked by a publisher to do a run of the mill Conan-type in the vein of Robert E. Howard. What he did instead was create an anti-thesis to Conan and in doing so created one of the most iconic characters in fantasy.

[@neilhughes9310]

Moorcock wrote lyrics for three Blue Oyster Cult songs: The Great Sun Jester, Black Blade and Veteran of The Psychic Wars, all worth checking out, especially the versions on the Extra Terrestrial Live album. The lyrics were perfect for the music.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That’s awesome

[@AstralProjektor]

Also check out Hawkwind’s “Warrior on the Edge of Time,” “Chronicles of the Black Sword,” and especially “Live Chronicles” (a live double album that expanded on the studio Chronicles of the black sword album- the energy of the performance and overall production is superior to the studio version, IMO as well as having new and classic songs for a more complete package). Moorcock wrote and performed with Hawkwind on these albums, and “Chronicles” are concept albums specifically about Elric.

[@xHugoxN7]

All legendary tracks.

[@KelsaRavenlock]

Basically Moorcock through Hawkwind ended up being one of the biggest influences on hard rock, cosmic rock, and progressive. Which also means he is about 50% responsible for the rise of 70's stoner pad Dodge vans with Wizards and crap painted all over the outside. Of course the rest of the blame goes to Frazetta, Tolkien, and Rumple Minze advertising.

[@solidbriscoe6961]

@@neilhughes9310 don’t forget his Hawkwind collaboration and his own band, The Deep Fix.

[@ADudeWhoReads]

"Just because it's old, doesn't mean you shouldn't read it!" Here, here, well said! I've definitely noticed that Fantasy readers tend to have a stronger recency bias than readers of other types of fiction, so this is a great reminder (and a great recommendation).

[@asdfasdf5695]

No kidding. Robert E. Howard is another classic fantasy writer who people just sleep on and he's excellent.

[@neerajcherukuri4052]

I think some of that is due to hype of newer books being released and wanting to be part of it.

[@ADudeWhoReads]

@@neerajcherukuri4052 could be. And I can see that being the reason why « content » is so skewed by recency, but even when you ask about all time faves, with the exception of Tolkien, there’s rarely anything more than a couple of decades old that gets mentioned.

[@neerajcherukuri4052]

@@ADudeWhoReads I don't know where this started but any fantasy after Tolkien and before Tad Williams and Raymond E. Feist is not talked about enough. Maybe people lost interest in fantasy at the time because most of the series were LOTR clones or that's what everybody keeps saying. Fantasy was at a low point at that time,I guess. There is literally no other explanation I can think of from some things we know.

[@ADudeWhoReads]

@@neerajcherukuri4052 As good a guess as any. All the more reason I appreciate videos like this one that highlight some gems that are a little older.

[@MarkAnthonyHenderson]

I love how you correctly attribute Moorcock's Elric as inspiration for many modern fantasy authors.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He’s definitely super important in the genre imo

[@greenknightable]

Yet Moorcock's Elric has a lot of Eol, the dark elf in him.

[@MarkAnthonyHenderson]

@@greenknightable Not intentionally, because Moorcock despised Tolkien's work.

[@djdksf1]

I was addicted to this saga when I was in high school. Had all the crusty old paperbacks and read each of them at least twice. I both related to and was seriously conflicted about the character of Elric. Genuinely complex and morally ambiguous beyond the usual anti-hero archetype. So glad there's this resurgence of interest in Moorcock's work!

[@Jack__Reaper]

Same! I'm nearly 50 now and read them as a child. Wonderful books and world building

[@Foxiepawstotti]

Me too and I'm 66 and probably read it when it first came out.

[@alexguest9937]

Elric doesn't live in a Universe, he lives in a MULTI-verse. I was so wrapped up in the Elric novels when I first read them in the 90's I actually nearly changed my name to Elric. I read Lord of the Rings and it just seemed like rambling nonsense. I don't think that now. I've got a lot more respect for Tolkien's work than I did. But I've always been a fan of the Elric sagas. Where one of the central characters was a soul-stealing, sentient, 5 foot long, crooning, rune carved black blade; STORMBRINGER and it's twin MOURNBLADE. Wicked! I also think that Deep Purple's "Stormbringer" was written first and foremost about that blade - no matter what David Coverdale says!

[@Jin-Ro]

I grew up on Elric. Fantastic books. Wish it had more popularity, and brought to the screen

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I’m afraid to see it brought to the screen. I’d be cool with an animated film, in the vibe of Arcane. I’d like to see Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser get a similar treatment. I’ve always felt (I’ve had many years to think about this, lol) that I’d dislike anyone they would cast as Elric & it just wouldn’t transfer over to film very well. I truly think animation is the best way to go.

[@stormbringr00]

I always wanted an Elric movie, but I have absolutely no faith in modern movie makers to do it justice

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

You my friend are basically my favorite booktuber after this video. Elric absolutely holds up, and Moorcock's Eternal Champion multiverse is like 50 years old and still a bar above most modern genre fantasy being written today. Moorcock wrote some fascinatingly layered heroes and constantly throws them into morally grey scenarios. Tolkien and his derivatives, no matter how much paint has been slapped on them, are more like Sith dealing in absolutes of good and evil. Whenever you get to it, the Erekosë trilogy that really dives into the mythos behind the Eternal Champion will blow your mind.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’m excited to keep reading his stuff! And thank you 🙏

[@mr2981]

Saying that it is superior to most modern genre fantasy is about the most left-handed compliment I can imagine.

[@AstralProjektor]

I’m very happy to see more and more Moorcock videos popping up in my algorithm- it’s great that more and more people are discovering his work; especially with all of the highly successful franchises and series out there now that have taken so much from his ideas.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I agree!

[@derekkase7884]

Like the Witcher

[@trill_nathan]

This series has had some level of influence on so many of my favorite fantasy series, it's crazy. Berserk, Malazan, everything by Michael R. Fletcher, ASOIAF.. the list goes on. Glad to see you giving it a try.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Couldn't agree more!

[@bob.from.accounting]

The Elric Saga was mind blowing to me when I read the series in the 80s. I still tell people about this series, to this day. Vampire Hunter D reminds me of Elric.

[@Me60262]

Me too! Yet I'm constantly amazed by how many friends of mine who devour fantasy have never even heard of Elric. It's kinda sad.

[@bentoutofshape6319]

This complete series is the best fantasy I have ever read. Dark,brooding and horrific. Could not put it down. I have now read it 3 times and find it to be deeper and deeper in each rereading.

[@raulruiz9098]

Oddly enough, the first three Elric of Melniboné novels were the first things I read in fantasy. Even before The Hobbit or the Dragonlance novels (there wasn't much translated into Spanish in the early 90's). It all happened because we discovered role-playing games and in my group the guy who was the master had the Stormbringer game. I was fascinated by the setting (I was about 12 or 13 years old) and one of the guys who played with me said "hey, this is actually based on some novels, I have them, I'll lend them to you to read". And that's how I started reading fantasy, until today. Curiously I never read more than the first three novels, it's time to fill that gap :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Great origin story!

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Same for me. 1980. When Deities & Demigods came out. I was 12 & discovered Elric & probably my favorite fantasy duo, Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser. I devoured those books, along with books like LotR & Sword of Shannara. I’m 56 now & I’ve read lots of books, but I still have a great love of fantasy, going back to that 1980 summer, poring over every greater god, lesser god & hero described in Deities & Demigods

[@laurahernandezmolina3370]

It makes me so happy to see that more people is finally getting familiar with Moorcock... the influence of his work is everywhere in todays modern fantasy, and yet, no one appears to apreciate. Great job with your video!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you!

[@davidminken4094]

As entertaining as the first novel is, as the series goes forward, MM really hits his stride. So many good ideas, and Elric as a character develops into one of the most interesting fantasy protagonists ever written.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I love to hear that

[@splifftachyon4420]

The Elric saga were the books that first got me into fantasy as a teenager back in the early 80s. I've got the new editions and I'm looking forward to re-reading them. It's good to see them getting some attention again.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

🙌🙌🙌

[@malcongrued]

I loved Elric. I read it as a kid. I’m still sad, and pondering the ending to this day, but damn, it was a great ride

[@willp2877]

I find it interesting that the SF community on KZbin is primarily focused on reviewing and dissecting the classic novels of the genre of the 50s through the early 80s. & the fantasy community on KZbin has an aversion to the classics. Props to you Jimmy for going and finding out for yourself!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That’s a very interesting point!

[@WhiteOwl1061]

Robert Howard and Fritz Leiber should be next on your reading list. Also, try the Thieve's World anthologies by Robert Aspirin.

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

So cool that you came out with this video today. I actually started the audiobook yesterday. Dude has a black dragon helm!! So gangster. Excellent review Jimmy.

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah, Moorcock went fucking nuts when House of Dragons came out. 😆

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

@@MattonBooks lmao!! He definitely would've been a perfect Elric.

[@jeffreyvenier3245]

I read these 45 years ago as a child, which was a big of a mind'f' at that age. Very different than Lord of the Rings... dark dark stuff

[@wileyschmitt]

For those who don't have enough time to read, Recorded Books let me keep the upload of the first book up on KZbin, plus there are no ads (though you can hear me sleeping in the background some of the time, and sleep laughing at one point). The 2nd and 4th books are also available. All the Elric novels are very short though and worth reading first.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Awesome!

[@jmhaces]

Many years ago I heard someone describe Elric as the anti-Conan the Barbarian and I think it's a pretty good summary of his character. Whereas Conan and his many spiritual descendants were traditional manly characters, huge in stature, boasting humongous muscles and tiny brains and capable of astounding feats of strength and swordsmanship but eschewing scholarly pursuits and distrusting sorcery as the tool of weaklings who cheated to defeat with magic foes they could not overcome using their own strength, Eric is physically frail and is an introspective and intellectual sort, fully dependent on sorcercy and his magic runesword to be able to act like the Eternal Champion. Years later when I read Weis & Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles I felt that the Majere twins, Caramon and Raistlin, were basically Conan if he was a lovable himbo instead of kind of a dick and Elric if he never learned how to wield a sword and had absorbed the dicki-ish nature taken away from his Conan-analogue twin brother.

[@williamsmith8790]

Fantasy comes in two varieties: The Robert E. Howard “sword and sandals” barbarian, and the elves, dwarves, wizards of Tolkien. Most fantasy authors fall in one of those silo’s. Moorcock is the outlier with Elric. Either a bastard child of the two genres, or maybe even his own genre.

[@christopherbacon1077]

While most of his imitators fit the stereotype Conan as written by Howard is quite intelligent

[@williamsmith8790]

Remember that Conan out thought all of his adversaries to hold the throne of Aquilonia for 20 years and was strategist enough to conquer all of the Western Hyborian world. He had to be a little smart.

[@Cometofdoom4316]

​@@williamsmith8790this is was my reaction too... The idea that conan is simply a barbarian brute couldn't be further from the truth. He was portrayed as cunning, intelligent and the ability to often outsmart his foes.

[@elroliz9442]

I would assume you haven't read the actual Conan stories. Otherwise, idk how you would have this take on the character.

[@magellan1000]

Great video! Elric is my favorite series and IMO Moorcock is the greatest living fantasy author. It’s amazing that his illustrious writing career spans all the way from the mid 1950s (when he was 16 or 17 years old) through his most recent book which released just last week at the age of 83! He’s also worked in so many genres; pulp adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, early steampunk, some very subversive/experimental work, and also more “serious” literary fiction. I hope you enjoy the rest of the Elric books, and maybe check out some of his others such as the Corum books, the Jerry Cornelius books, and more!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I definitely will!

[@murph_archer1129]

Ever since seeing The Library Ladder video on Moorcock he has quickly become one of my favourite authors. He's written so many amazing series in different genres and styles. The orignal Elric stories are definitely a lot better than the later stories (including Elric of Melnibone.) The Dreaming City through to Stormbringer are easily some of the best fantasy out there that I've found so far. Looking forward to seeing more people reading Moorcock

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Library Ladder is incredible 🙌

[@jimclayson]

I got into Elic and Moorcock in the late '80s/early '90s. Hugely popular in TTRPG and nerd circles, but virtually unknown by normies. Wonderful books by a criminally underrecognized author. Far more people know Tolkein, but every other fantasy writer knows and has been influenced by Moorcock. GRRM's Valyrians are heavily reminiscent of Moorcock's Melniboneans.

[@KidIndigo1]

Many thanks for posting this. I've been an Elric fan since the early '80s, and I'm glad to see there's still some appreciation for Moorcock's works.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My pleasure!!

[@currangill430]

I literally said out loud "This seems like my type of book." Dark fantasy that inspired Witcher. Sold. And complicated and morally gray main character right up my alley. That description of Elric was BEAUTIFUL.

[@shaser3684]

I advise you to look into videos that retrace why the Witcher is kind of a rip of Elric. The main argument being that The Witcher's author translated Elric a year or so before releasing the Witcher. No hate on him tho, his stories are fine it's just that he refuses to admit the inspiration

[@currangill430]

@@shaser3684 Will do! I'm finishing up Luveship Traders then I'm on to Elric 😁

[@shaser3684]

@currangill430 is just a warning, tho. The Witcher is not stritly a rip of. It's very inspired by some aspects. Some of the similarities are just tropes. But it created kind of a heated argument, amplified by the fact that the Elric series was refused by companies like Netflix and like because it was too similar to the Witcher and Game of Thrones Also, I made a mistake in my previous answer. He admitted the inspiration from Elric. Not loudly, but he did. Anyway, I didn't want to appear as someone who fed drama, I was a little polarizing in my previous answer.

[@KelsaRavenlock]

For founders of modern Fantasy we must also not forget Fritz Leiber who taught us not to be overly uptight and serious about the whole thing =)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

True!

[@greenknightable]

Howard beat him to it.

[@edwincabrera9605]

Super hyped you started this series it's so good.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’m hyped too!

[@thelibraryladder]

Great video, Jimmy! I completely agree with your take on this first stage of the Elric saga. Subsequent Elric stories begin crossing over with those of other Eternal Champions, so you might consider reading some of the other Champions before getting too deep into Elric's story. The Von Bek and Erekose stories provide helpful background information about the multiverse and about its theological and philosophical underpinnings. And Corum and Hawkmoon are, along with Elric, very instrumental in the broader conflict between Order and Chaos at the heart of Moorcock's multiverse.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’ll follow that advice and read those next, I will hunt down some copies of those. I appreciate you checking out the video!

[@mattkean1128]

Gollancz has a giant set of Moorcock i was going to collect until this gorgeous hardcovers came out. It would be nice if they did the same for his other properties. Maybe it's the changing writing style of modern fantasy, but i really miss the atmosphere of older works like this. Fritz Lieber is another one I'm looking to get into.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I wanna read Lieber as well

[@joemountains1539]

These are based on the revised Gollancz editions! The other Eternal Champion books are scattered amongst publishers.

[@OriginalHuman]

It's been sitting on my shelf for so long.... Maybe its time!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It’s quick!

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

Yes! Started vol 1 a few months ago and I am hooked. I’ve been gradually collecting books from his Eternal Champion series wherever I can find them. Hoping to find some vol 1’s of those so a I can start reading those as well.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I need to try the stuff for EC

[@Jistarii]

Years ago i was recommended this series. I bought everything he wrote. Its been sitting on my shelf awaiting me to read it. I'm glad I got it when I did since some of his books are pretty rare and pricey now. I'm excited to get into it when I have time

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Very rare!

[@joebo7777]

Great to see a review of Elric of Melinibone. Read it about forty years ago and it still resonates. It’s not the world building, the novels too short, it’s the lore of this world which grabs the reader and demands attention. Amazing read. I would also recommend the History of the Runestaff, really good.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks!

[@terra451]

You should read the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber - considered to be the beginning of fantasy writing. Great books!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@terra451 will do!

[@rodneymolidorjr.6095]

I read these when I was a kid over 40 years ago. I thought about a comment I heard recently about the HBO series "Succession", that good tragedy feels inevitable, and that made me think back about Elric. The ending of that first book you mention, as well as the whole series, I thought were phenomenal. I remember in the official Dungeons & Dragons 'Dieties & Demigods', Elric was listed as a 'chaotic evil' person. But it's hard to see him as evil while reading the books, at least at first. In fact, this whole good/evil, moral/immoral is a persistent theme in the Elric books and even now, I bet I could read them again and have a different take. Wonderful, wonderful books! Hopefully some day will be given the same glorious screen attention as the George Martin novels.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That would be excellent

[@dixieflatline1189]

Starting Lawful / Evil moving to Neutral - even when that’s not his intent.

[@robgraham5697]

I still have that D&D book. A;;e the rest of the original printing too.

[@slowlyred2082]

Super glad you're getting into Elric!!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Me too brother!

[@kevins4254]

I just read this book and agree with everything you said. Great book. In this era of epic fantasy where so many series consist of a dozen 1,000 page books, I think Moorcock does more with less. I love his world building because he DOESN'T describe every tiny detail. He describes it enough to spark the imagination and leaves the rest to the reader. I agree the dialogue is a bit tricky but IMO it's sort of like the way Tolkien wrote. it's kind of a formal, rigid style that doesn't always flow smoothly. BTW I'm a huge Tad Williams fan. too. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is my favorite fantasy series.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Tad is the man!

[@DavidLightbringer]

Nice video, enjoyed the context of how Moorcock was doing something very different from Tolkien

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hey man thank you so much!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Clearly not a one for one but a pale white hair prince that regretfully a swordsman reminds me a smidge of Rhaegar 👀

[@MattonBooks]

I read Elric everything in my teens, even had a signed print of that Michael Whelan cover in your thumbnail on my wall. Definitely a reaction to Tolkien’s “the destined king will solve all the world’s problems.” 😆 And now I need to reread it very soon.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's awesome!

[@Trygvar13]

I love the Elric saga and I was stunned when I read the last chapter and how it ended. I would have loved to read about the Melnibonéans at the height of their power.

[@thepaulwalkerexperience8727]

One of the ideas behind Elric is that he was meant to be an anti-Conan. Whereas Conan was strong and tough, Elric was frail. Whereas Conan fought wizards, Elric was a sorcerer in league with a demon god. Whereas Conan started out as a warrior and became a king, Elric was an Emperor who led barbarians against the land that exiled him. Moorcock really opened up the idea of what a fantasy protagonist could be.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Love it

[@thepaulwalkerexperience8727]

@@thefantasynuttwork Same. It's inspired me to write a fantasy protagonist who starts out as nothing more than a tavern girl.

[@mariareadsssf]

I am considering the author's "An Alien Heat". Happy reading to you.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You as well!

[@richard_d_bird]

never got into the elric books, as popular as they always were. an alien heat is one of the best sf books i think i've ever read though

[@patmianwinston]

at 11:07 which writer are you referring to? I think I might be mishearing it as Dunsby or some other name, did you mean to say Lord Dunsany?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah, I’m big dumb. Been hit the head a lot

[@marxmeesterlijk]

Probably my all time favorite series. Moorcock really despised a lot of the more problematic and reactionary undertones that he saw in many of his contemporary scifi and fantasy stories. And his writing was an answer to that. I think that's one of the reason it's still so readable today. It feels modern and fresh and calls out imperialism and such instead of upholding it. also i love that scifi and fantasy where much more overlapping instead of so rigidly defined. as Moorcocks multiverse takes places in typical fanatsy worlds, scifi worlds, alt earth history and they all interact with each other.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Great points!

[@BookishChas]

I’m super excited about this! I’ll be starting it next month. Thanks Jimmy!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Happy reading!

[@GUNDAMURX73]

How timely that this was uploaded just two days ago. Today, on this gloomy and rainy day, I felt in the mood for some dark fantasy and decided to take the leap and see what Elric was all about. I'm a few chapters in, and I adore it. I feel immediately that one of my other great loves, the story of the Legacy of Kain series, must have taken some inspiration from Elric with it's brooding protagonists and its sword that is more doom than salvation, as questions of self and destiny abound. Already I can tell that I am in for something special!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That’s awesome!

[@thefantasythinker]

Great review Jimmy! I'm glad you like this book. I read it a long time ago and loved it. I should probably do a re-read but I've also read all the graphic novel adaptations by Roy Thomas back in the day and those are very cool as well.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’ll look for those graphic novels, thanks!

[@garrybessant826]

The Elric saga is fantastic! Hawkmoon is really good too 👍

[@Riddler_von]

The attack through the labyrinth and the torturer is wild.

[@chrispatty8953]

Thank you, this and a few other videos convinced me to read. Wow so glad, just about to finish Elric of Melniboné. What a great complex character!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Wonderful!

[@TBRKyle]

Will be interested to hear what you think after you jump into Fortress of the Pearl. I think it's a really lushly descriptive work, but it was written many years after Elric of Melnibone and you can definitely tell. I'm not sure the chronological order that the new Saga hardcovers employs hangs together as well as I'd like, but I'm glad they're finally back in print in the US regardless.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’ve heard the stories vary quite a bit so hopefully I still find them magical

[@joemountains1539]

This order comes directly from Moorcock.

[@TBRKyle]

Sure. But sometimes authorial revisions after the fact don’t necessarily make for the best reading experience. As much as I like these hardcovers, I think I prefer publication order personally.

[@joemountains1539]

@@TBRKyle it’s occasionally true, like Narnia, but in this case, it fits best.

[@dookieshoe2905]

I was feeling the same way. I've read so many more modern fantasy and I just felt like I needed to go back and check out some Moorcock. I want to check out some more now but I'm in the middle of my first Malazan read- through so it will have to wait a bit.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Good thing is that it’ll be there whenever you’re ready!

[@Paromita_M]

I read the first two omnibus volumes earlier this year and liked them. Very nice discussion. 🙏🏽

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JustinHight-py2sw]

When a woman wants to borrow a book from me i always give her moorcock. I didn't know there was also a writer with the name moorcock. Two separate things

[@thefantasynuttwork]

🤔

[@curtjarrell9710]

Sounds fascinating. Thanks Jimmy.

[@heidi6281]

After watching many of Brian Lee Durfee’s classic fantasy reviews I decided to rotate between modern and classic fantasy. I went ahead and purchased all 3 Elric omnibus editions and got half way through this first book. After your review I am now going back to finish at least Elric of Melnibone. I also wanted you to know that I read Memory, Sorrow & Thorn after your Lands of Osten Ard video. That was a super video! Other classics I enjoyed recently are The Black Cauldron & Magician Master.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you enjoyed the first one! I'm five novels in and definitely enjoying them, especially the contrast with just about everything else I've read in the genre.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I think this has potential to become one of my favorite series. I wanna read some eternal champs before I continue I think!

[@annak_reads]

This sounds so interesting! My TBR is infinitely long already haha but it would be cool to check out some more old school fantasy. Great review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you Anna!

[@benjamineer3045]

If only Elric had executed Yrkoon on the spot it would have most likely been better for everyone. It might have been impressive at that moment that he didn't but the consequences are maximally tragic. In later decsions (outside of this first book) Elric rarely shows mercy, maybe he has at least learnt one lesson.

[@Qwazim0d00]

Great review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks!

[@ToriTalks2]

This is such a great review, Jimmy. I'm hooked! Added to the TBR.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you!

[@sawyerk641]

I feel like the wave is coming around again for classic fantasy. If you've ever read any old English Romances, the defining characteristic of "modern" works in comparison is that they focus so intently on characterization, motivation, etc. Something we got from Shakespeare and his generation, by and large. But, as someone who loves the classics, I've always thought about how our oldest story telling traditions are more concerned with plot and symbolism then with interpersonal dynamics. The Elric Saga (which I've just started reading myself) is a wonderful conflagration of both of these things, and I personally like that it tips just a /little/ more in the direction of plot and symbolism. It feels epic, and it feels legendary--and I think a lot of that is because classic fantasy follows in that ancient tradition in a way that modern stories don't.

[@hsffaudioblog]

Started with this one now, too. In German it is one collected volume and so only a single audible credit. German narrator is great as well. Other than that I agree with all you points. A remarkable work, even today. First Law Reddit pointed to it, repeatedly.

[@marcyrogers13]

Michael Moorcock is still one of my favourite authors. I have read all of his major series more than once and still consider him to be a king.

[@claytonhomer3096]

Excellent video, Jimmy! I completely agree with basically everything you said. I think his world and story are absolutely amazing. As for his general prose and dialog it's not my favorite but it is very serviceable and by no means bad. I also agree with his criminally underappreciated legacy along with Glenn Cook. Two titans that paved the way for many of my favorites. Would love to see some spoiler wrap up thoughts or spoiler discussions with some people if you really dig it going forward!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grahamturner1290]

I'm rereading it at the moment.

[@thomassears1432]

I have bought all four reprints, but haven’t started them yet.

[@ag0n1an]

Great review, thanks.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My pleasure, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@andrewgarrison7485]

Wow. I remember the Elric Saga coming to my attention over a decade ago when, at the time, I was looking for the next great fantasy series to dive into. I had just come off of devouring all the Hobb books to date, the Harry Potter series, Discworld, Garth Nick's original Old Kingdom trilogy, Earthsea, Dune, Ender's Game and it's sequels, and lord knows how many others. Elric was on my list of series to check out but for some reason I picked up something else and just completely forgot about them. I haven't thought about Elric in all the time since until just a few minutes ago when I saw the title to this video. Damn! Yeah! I will be hunting these books down ASAP. HUGE thanks Nutts for recommending this. I'm off the bookstore

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Have fun!!

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Yesssssss love getting hyped for this. I picked up the audios on sale since it’s done by my boy Samuel Roukin from Sun Eater. Can’t wait to try them out!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's so good!

[@GoDamnWeird]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned it or not, but the easiest way to read the Elric Saga is the pair of omnibus editions; Elric of Melnibone and Stormbringer. All the main Elric stories in two volumes presented in Michael Moorcock's instructed timeline (not publishing) order. They do not include the latter three books, which are not Elric adventures per se though the Proud Prince of Ruins does show up in The Dreamthief's Daughter, The Skrailing Tree and...the last book escapes me. Millennium Publishing, possibly Orion for the omnibus editions. They cataloged and published the entire Eternal Champion series that way, so probably the best bet all round if you're interested. Blood and Souls for my Lord Arioch!

[@AyaGumede]

I'd like to give you a heartfelt thank you, you got me reading again. 👏

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That makes me so happy!

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

Bobby ain’t behaving 😂 Really interesting video, Jimmy!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Bobby need to chill

[@LordEriolTolkien]

In my late teens I learnt of Elric and the Eternal Champion and sought a copy. it was out of print in the late 80's and thus began an almost two year search for the first novel I wanted to read. In the intervening months I collected almost all Eternal Champion stories ( Corum, Hawkmoon, Bastable, Erekose, ) until, when finally acquiring Elric of Melnibone I had amassed well over 50 volumes and proceeded to read them all in succession. i have since read them all again. Moorcock forever remains a great favourite and one i fully recommend to all.

[@WhiteIkiryo-yt2it]

Blood and souls for Lord Arioch!

[@civoreb]

Been on my old school fantasy kick for 5-6 months now. A lot of gems out there.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Feels refreshing too

[@AL13NM]

discovered Elric back in the late 80's when I nicked a graphic novel, The Sailor on the Seas Of Fate. Been a massive fan ever since.

[@Dwish305]

Awesome, this is on my TBR now

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Enjoy!

[@MagusMarquillin]

I snapped those recent collections up happy to own the entire Elric story, I am however hesitant to read them. I took Library Ladder's video to heart and don't want to get into Elric without the best introduction to his Eternal Champion mythos, which Bridger says is The Von Beck trilogy and John Daker at least. Rare or not, I'm going to hold out for as much Moorcock as I can before I enter the multiverse - I have a few of them already. Hopefully Saga press will also reprint some/all of the lesser known incarnations.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

A great approach!

[@spikeanny5710]

Whenn i was 14 i read ender's game and elric back to back and i've loved this genre ever since. I just realized ive never reread elric. Whelp next on my tbr

[@EpicTalez]

I have been looking into this, watching review after review. Everything I hear about it, it’s history, the setting and tone is consistent with everything I love about fantasy. I just bought the first volume. The cover is beautiful. I can’t wait to read and review it.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’d love to see you tackle this on your channel. Love your stuff!

[@brentasmith]

Samuel Roukin doing the audiobooks for these has me interested.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He nails the atmosphere and tone imo

[@EricMcLuen]

Not having an order of these books was very frustrating. Then you pick up an Eternal Champion book and wonder who this Hawkmoon guy is and where is Elric. But thoelse covers are gorgeous. So this was 72, Covenant shortly after and Black Company in 84. Game of Thrones 96 - at what point will that be considered 'old'? But all of them had an incredible influence on fantasy for a similar reason - fantasy could do a lot more than people thought.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I definitely hear people thinking ASOIAF is old now haha

[@dracul74]

Moorcock was my the first dip into Fantasy… haven’t read him in years… might need to go back. Thanks for the review.

[@OliverBrackenbury]

I've been fortunate enough to work with Michael on the next issue of my magazine, which will contain a brand new, original Elric story. Let me tell you, it was a totally positive "Meet your heroes" experience - he's great.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That’s great to hear

[@shwnholroydful]

My dad let me borrow part 1 of the hardbacks which had the first 3 books. Almost done with it. Got lucky the other day at a used book store and found the other 3 parts on hardback for 10 bucks a piece. Elric is pretty awesome. The stories are really good. I haven't read in years and I'm having a blast.

[@KelsaRavenlock]

Moorcock isn't an old author, he just released a book this year.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He’s 83 years old…. I’d say he’s an older author lmao

[@KelsaRavenlock]

@@thefantasynuttwork Just wanted to point out he is still an active author and not a member of the dusty old tome crew yet =)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@KelsaRavenlock haha that’s fair!

[@jerrycornelius2261]

A NEW ELRIC and Vol 2 in the WHITEFRIARS

[@elricreicherts2495]

My mom named me after this character from the book thanks for filling me in at who he is in the books

[@Self_Proppelled]

I remember reading some of those stories when I was like 12. I found it fascinating but it went the way of distant memory. It seems to be having something of a renaissance these days. Maybe I should pick it up again.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’d encourage it!!

[@khazz68]

Have you read the Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I have not yet

[@khazz68]

@@thefantasynuttwork IMO it is the best trilogy after Lord of the Rings.

[@khazz68]

Thanks to my interest in fantasy I corrected my dyslexia.

[@MacScarfield]

I recently mentioned to you that I had read “Salammbo” by Gustave Flaubert, from 1862. Since then, I have learned that some of the biggest names in Sword & Sorcery were inspired by Flaubert and “Salammbo”: Especially his incredible detailed settings drips of decadence and brutality and his prose is a clear inspiration for Clark Ashton-Smith and HP Lovecraft. And the characters, especially the eponymous Princess Salammbo (a damsel in distress or a femme fatal?) and the Mercenary duo of the big and physical strong (but also prone to great passion and distress) “Barbarian” Matho the Libyan and the willy and “entrepreneurial” Jack of all trades Spendius, would not be all unfamiliar from a Sword & Sorcery setting! In fact, Spendius might be an “ur-rogue”, as Fritz Leiber mention Spendius specifically as an inspiration, along with Loki and Peer Gynt, for his own “the Grey Mouse” (of “Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser” fame), who in turn was a great inspiration for the Rogue/Thief Class in “D&D”!

[@AGS363]

I should be mentioned that Moorcock is the original creator of the "GrimDark" genre. If you ever heard about Warhammer (40K), you will be familiar with the forces of Chaos: Moorcock created them. (He is even the original inventor of the 8-pointed star as its emblem)

[@moseshamlett3887]

I need a reading order for the COMICS of Elric. I littereally cant find it anywhere. Been searching for like an hour. They don't exactly match up with the book titles and no one has an explanation of order for reading ANYWHERE Please help.

[@garfieldv2]

I'm re-reading the Elric series right now. Had the book set for over 35 years. Re-Read The History of the Runestaff and the Chronicles of Castle Brass then Elric as part of the Eternal Champion saga. It's awesome.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That’s awesome!

[@MetalGildarts]

Added to my TBR! I actually don't care for most newer stuff unless its by current authors I follow, so this is perfect!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Def worth the shot

[@AntwanFuzznips]

Easily the most important and influential fantasy writer that no one knows about