Michael Moorcock

🎤 Artist Michael Moorcock 🌎 Country (gb-eng)  • Born Mon 18 Dec 1939 ♐ (85 years, 11 months, 18 days, 31399 total living days)

Releases (9 numbers or more)

- Members, music industry, artwork, photograpy, mention or other credits -

• Frost and Fire (Sat 31 Jan 1981)
• King of the Dead (Mon 02 Jul 1984)
• One Foot In Hell (Tue 12 Aug 1986)
• Paradise Lost (Fri 23 Aug 1991)
• I’m Alive (Fri 25 Oct 2019)
• Forever Black (Fri 24 Apr 2020)
• Half Past Human (Fri 28 May 2021)
• Dark Parade (Fri 20 Oct 2023)
• Live at the Roxy (Fri 25 Apr 2025)

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Michael John Moorcock is the creator and writer of the Elric of Melniboné sagas, which influenced both Cirith Ungol’s lyrics and cover art. Elric is a fictional character of hero, or rather young albino on the anti-hero character. He is also writer of Corum, Hawkmoon, Runestaff, etc.

In additions to his writings, Moorcock is also doing music, and he has collaborated with Hawkwind, Blue Öyster Cult, Spirits Burning and other media. Moorcock also has his own music project, which records under the name Michael Moorcock & The Deep Fix. The first album New Worlds Fair was released in 1975. The album included a number of Hawkwind regulars in the credits. A second version of the album Roller Coaster Holiday was issued in 2004. In 2008, The Entropy Tango & Gloriana Demo Sessions was released. These were sessions for planned albums based on two of his novels: Glorianna and The Entropy Tango. The albums were never completed. (The Deep Fix (reissue by DAW Books) was the title story of an obscure collection of short stories by James Colvin published in the 1960s. The Deep Fix was also the fictional band fronted by Moorcock’s character Jerry Cornelius.). Elric was first published in Science Fantasy with The Dreaming City (June 1961) and continued with the broader Eternal Champion series, which includes works like The Hawkmoon series, The Chronicles of the Last Emperor of Melniboné, Count Brass, The Swords of Corum trilogy, The Silver Warriors, The War Among the Angels, The Von Bek-serien, The Second Ether Trilogy, The Knight of the Swords, and others. This body of work expanded the mythos of the Eternal Champion and became a cornerstone of Michael Moorcock’s epic fantasy universe.

The World of Elric

See The World of Elric map on Young Kingdom. Under The Dragon Sea on the left side, there is island civilization of Melniboné.

Melnibonéan Mythos

Elric Series (DAW Books 1-7) Key Characters

• Elric of Melniboné – The 428th Emperor of Melniboné, the albino anti-hero protagonist, wielder of Stormbringer, The Albino Emperor and last emperor.
  • ARMOR CLASS: 6 or -6 (see below). AC 6 likely reflects standard armor for the time; -6 could be magical protection from items or spells like Stormbringer’s influence.
  • MOVE: 6″ or 15″ (see below). 6″ for his natural frailty, 15″ possibly with magical augmentation like spells or Stormbringer’s power.
  • HIT POINT: 45 (variable). 45 is low for a level 15 fighter and 19th-level magic-user, but it reflects Elric’s frailty. Variable HP could refer to Stormbringer healing him as it drains life from others.
  • NO. OF ATTACKS: 2
  • DAMAGE/ATTACK: See below
  • SPECIAL ATTACKS: See below
  • SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
  • MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard or 85% (see below). Fits if Stormbringer or magic items boost him significantly.
  • SIZE: M (6′)
  • ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil. Chaotic Evil seems harsh, but it reflects the influence of Stormbringer and Elric’s morally complex, destructive choices.
  • CLERIC/DRUID: 10th level cleric/5th level druid
  • FIGHTER: 15th level fighter. The combination of Fighter (15th level), Magic-User (19th level), and other classes makes sense, given his martial prowess, sorcery mastery, and occasional acts of assassination. However, some liberties might have been taken for balance in a D&D setting.
  • MAGIC-USER/ILLUSIONIST: 19th level magic-user/10th level illusionist. – same –
  • THIEF/ASSASSIN: 10th level assassin
  • MONK/BARD: Nilg
  • PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
  • Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
  • S(trength): 6(15) – Elric is physically weak due to his albinism, but Stormbringer boosts his strength.
  • I(ntelligence):18 – His brilliant and charismatic leadership qualities are well-represented by this high score.
  • W(isdom):17 – His ability to perceive and react in critical situations is strong, but emotional conflicts may affect his judgment at times.
  • D(exterity):17 – This aligns with his agility and combat skills, complementing his intelligence and wisdom.
  • C(onstitution):3(15) – Elric’s frailty due to his condition is evident, but Stormbringer mitigates this with its life-draining effect, giving him resilience.
  • CH(arisma):18 – Elric’s charisma is his greatest strength, allowing him to command respect and loyalty despite his physical weaknesses and tragic fate.
• Moonglum of Elwher – Elric’s loyal companion and friend. (hero). See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Arioch – The Knight of the Sword, a chaotic god who is closely linked with Elric’s fate. Greater god. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Assinator of the Gods – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
  
• Yyrkoon – Elric’s cousin, an ambitious prince, and the primary antagonist of the early novels. Evil hero.
• Cymoril – Elric’s cousin and lover.
• Sadric LXXXVI (86) – Elric’s father and the 427th Emperor of Melniboné.
• Theleb K’aarna – An evil wizard who becomes a significant enemy of Elric.
• Dyvim Tvar – Elric’s friend and one of the few who supports him in his kingdom.
• Jagreen Lern – A former ruler of Melniboné and a significant figure in Elric’s world.
• Sartorius – A powerful sorcerer who plays a role in Elric’s journey.
• Myshella – A powerful sorceress and one of Elric’s allies.
• Rackhir the Red Archer – A skilled archer who aids Elric.
• Belys – A minor character with a deep connection to Elric’s world.
• Suminé – A mysterious sorceress in Elric’s adventures.
• Zarozinia – Elric’s aunt and a member of the Melniboné royal family.
• Stormbringer – Elric’s cursed black sword, an entity of its own with a thirst for souls.
• Arioch’s Herald – The figure that serves as the messenger and agent for the chaotic god Arioch.
• The Rose – A character that is part of the greater narrative involving Elric’s universe and his journey.
• Nuru-Ah – Master of cattle and a demigod.
• Fileet – Lady of the Birds, a demigoddess with significant influence.
• Pyaray – The Whisperer of Impossible Secrets, a lesser god.
• Straasha – Lord of the Water Elementals, a lesser god.
• The Dragons of Melniboné – Legendary creatures tied to the empire’s history.
• Grome – Lord of the Earth, King of the Land Below the Roots, a lesser god.
• Donblas, the Justice Maker – A greater god, symbolizing justice in the cosmos. Greater god.
• Haaashastaak (master of all lizardking) Demigod.

Other Notable Characters and Entities from the Elric Universe (DAW Books 1-7)

• The Eternal Champion – A recurring figure in Moorcock’s works, of which Elric is an incarnation.
• Arioch’s Lesser Servants – Various beings serving the chaos god Arioch.
• Melnibonean Nobles – Several members of Elric’s court, many of whom play minor or antagonistic roles.
• Bard, the Bounty Hunter – A character who becomes a companion to Elric.
• The Vampire Trees – A dangerous and mystical force in Elric’s world.
• The Mist Giants – Giant entities that represent elemental forces in Elric’s world.
• Xiombarg – A greater god whose nature is closely tied to chaos.
• Zarozinia – A powerful sorceress and member of Elric’s family.
• Misha, Lord of the Wind Giants – A lesser god involved in Elric’s cosmic struggles.
• Arioch’s Rivals – Gods and entities who oppose or balance Arioch’s forces.
• The Black Army – A group of demonic soldiers who serve Elric and later betray him.
• Swords of Chaos – Legendary weapons used by gods and heroes to influence the balance of power.
• Mordagz – A powerful sorcerer with his own agenda, often crossing paths with Elric. An antagonist who seeks control of magic and power.
• Zabash – A character who has a connection with Elric’s magical abilities.
• Clakar – A character who serves as a mirror to the Melnibonean empire’s downfall. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Dharzi – A legendary hunting dog, symbolizing power and loyalty. Hunting Gods. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• The Sea of Fate – A mystical region that affects the lives and destinies of Elric and his allies.
• Vulture Lion – A dangerous mythical creature in Elric’s adventures.
• Myyrrhn of Shaarilla – A sorceress with vast magical knowledge.
• Dragons of Chaos – Powerful beings that wreak havoc in the world.
• The Lords of the Sky – A group of powerful deities whose roles influence the world of Melniboné.
• The Lords of the Earth – Earth-based deities with vast influence over the land and the forces of nature.
• Moonglum’s Enemies – Various foes that Moonglum faces in his adventures alongside Elric.
• Dragon of Melniboné – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
  
• Elenoin – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Grahluk – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
  
• Kelmain – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Meerclar – (mistress of catking). Demigod. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Mish Giant – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Nihrain Horse – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Nnuuurrrr’c’c’ – (master of all the insect swarm) “King with Wings”. Demigod. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Nura-ah – (master of cattle). Demigod. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Oonai – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Quaolnargn – See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.
• Roofdrak – (master of all dogs). Demigod. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.

Other Demigods and Deities:

• Cladere – A demigod with great knowledge of magic.
• Grubbo – A mysterious, trickster-like deity that occasionally interferes with Elric’s plans.
• Kakatal, The Fire Lord – A lesser god involved in Elric’s cosmic struggles.
• Darnizhaan – A lesser god known for his underhanded tactics. Lesser god. See the Melnibonéan Mythos chapters.

“See below” here:

All the headlines is the Melnibonéan Mythos. See more of Melnibonéan Mythos (page 86-95) or whole of the other mythos and Deities & Demigods RPG on details. Please note that chapter Melnibonéan Mythos is indeed on the Deities & Demigods. Publisher TSR removed the Melnibonéan Mythos and Lovecraft‘s Cthulu mvosos in later editions. See The True Story here and Deities & Demigods on Wikipedia on the four variants.

Magazines and Books

There is publication order, chronological order or alphabetical order by Elric of Saga. Several lists, one, two and three dimensional table on Elric books. Some few of these books or magazines:

• DAW Books publication (Cover by Michael Whelan)
  • amongst Cirith Ungol
• Berkley Books publication (Cover by Robert Gould)
  • amongst Falcon
• Gollancz Editions publication
• Original fantasy publication
• Internal chronology
• Comic publication

DAW Books chronology

All the Elric stories published for the first time in chronological order, revived by the author and containing material never before published anywhere in the world. Available in paperbound editions by DAW Books, Inc.

The Elric Novels / The Books of Elric / The Elric Series / The Elric Sagas:

1. Elric of Melniboné (edited version The Dreaming City) ★ (Oct 1976)
   • The 1972 novel left as is.
2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate ★★ (Dec 1976)
   • The previously mentioned 1976 project that re-wrote and re-edited some unused stories to serve as connective tissue to Elric’s first publication appearances.
3. The Weird of the White Wolf (partial version The Stealer Of Souls) ★★★ (Mar 1977)
   • A compilation that combines “The Dreaming City,” “While the Gods Laugh,” and “The Singing Citadel” with the short story “The Dream of Earl Aubec” tacked on to the beginning as a prologue (though in my opinion it really doesn’t belong here in what’s essentially the middle of the saga).
4. The Vanishing Tower (earlier version The Sleeping Sorceress) ★★★★ (Jun 1977)
   • Literally just The Sleeping Sorceress from 1971 with a new title for no real reason.
5. The Bane of the Black Sword ★★★★★ (Oct 1977)
   • A compilation that combines “The Stealer of Souls,” “Kings in Darkness,” and “The Flame Bringers” with a somewhat-related non-Elric story called “To Rescue Tanelorn,” focusing on the side character Rackhir the Red Archer.
6. Stormbringer ★★★★★★ (Nov 1977)
   • The 1969 novel, re-edited and expanded slightly to contain all of the original magazine text.
7. Elric at the End of Time (May 1985)
   • 1984 compilation printed after the originals – not really part of the saga

The star (★) is under the frontispiece on drawn Elric face. It stands for the number of these books. Three heading is from DAW Books, and the last four The Elric Saga is from Nelson Doubleday/Robert Gould (1983/4) and media/community, etc. Text is from Elric Reading Guide: The Books.

DAW Books

Ill Literature: What can you tell me about the fact that your cover art and many of your songs were influenced by Elric?  Was it natural to use Moorcock’s stories in your songs? Are there any songs inspired by Hawkmoon or Corum, or any other of Moorcock characters?

Robert Garven: I think they hit a chord with us at the time.  The whole thing about good and evil, chaos vs. law is a never-ending struggle and we felt our music had the same duality about it.

Has Michael Moorcock ever contacted you about your Elric-inspired songs?  I know he did some songs with Hawkwind that were based around Elric.

No, he hasn’t, but we have followed his career from the beginning and I think his works are mostly masterpieces, especially the Elric and Corum books!

Pre Saga

Tarzan Adventures magazines (1957-8)

Writers were Edgar Rice Burroughs and Moorcock. Original Tarzan Adventures sources was most likely these issues on Elric 7.
Note: the short source e.g. 7.01 is Vol.7, No.1.

• Sojan the Swordsman (source 7.22, 31 Aug 1957)
• Daughter of a Warrior King (source 7.22, 31 Aug 1957 – the same as above)
  • “An Adventure on Another World in a Different Universe.
  • By Mike J. Moorcock.”
• Mission to Asno (source 7.25, 21 Sep 1957)
• Revolt in Hatnor (source 7.35, 23 Nov 1957)
• The Hordes Attack (source 7.38, 21 Dec 1957)
• The Purple Galley (source 7.47, 22 Feb 1958)
• The Sea Wolves! (source 7.48, 01 Mar 1958)
• Sojan at Sea (source 7.49, 08 Mar 1958)
• The Sea of Demons (source 7.50, 15 Mar 1958)
• Prisoners In Stone (source 7.51, 22 Mar 1958)
• The Plain of Mystery (source 8.09, 31 May 1958)
• The Sons of the Snake-God (source 8.12, 21 Jun 1958)
• The Devil Hunters of Norj (Part 1) (source 8.15, 12 Jul 1958), 2 pages, illustrated by James Cawthorn
  • “Another great ‘Sojan’ Tale!
    SOJAN and the DEVIL HUNTERS of NORJ.”
• The Devil-Hunters of Norj (Part 2) (source 8.16, 19 Jul 1958), 2 pages, illustrated by James Cawthorn
  • “Concluding our two-part SOJAN story—
    SOJAN and the DEVIL-HUNTERS of NORJ”

Tarzan was non-Elric chapter Sojan the Swordsman inside of the compilation The Elric Saga 7 – Elric at the End of Time. Moorcock was editor of Tarzan Adventures from 27 Jul 1957 to 06 Jun 1959. Note: ⚠️conflicting with this and next on ERZine (not two, but three “Devil Hunters” zines) and Comics.org (not 1958, but 1953 Series)

• anchor: #tarzan
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), DMR Books
• Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
• DAW Books (May 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
  • 6. Sojan the Swordsman
• Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

Original Saga

The first version of the Elric Saga consisted of ten novelettes and novellas (including To Rescue Tanelorn…), which were written at the behest of John Cornell, editor of Science Fantasy, and chronologically detail Elric’s life from the sacking of Imrryr to his death. Releases of the original saga is Elric 1 (I’m Alive), Elric 3 (Half Past Human), Elric 5 (King of the Dead) and Elric 6 (Frost and Fire and Forever Black – Stormbringer).

Elric first appeared in print in a series of six novelettes published in Science Fantasy magazine:

Science Fantasy with The Dreaming City (Jun 1961)

• anchor: #dreaming-city
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 47 Volume 16
• first collections
• cover on front page of Elric: Brian Lewis
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), Archive, Archive(2), Jayde Design, A Sixtieth Anniversary Edition

1. Michael Whelan – Elric Of Melniboné (1976)
2. DAW Books (Oct 1976) – Elric 1. Elric of Melniboné (The Dreaming City)
3. Cirith Ungol – I’m Alive (2019)

1. Michael Whelan – White Wolf (1977)
2. DAW Books (Mar 1977) – Elric 3. The Weird of the White Wolf (The Stealer Of Souls)
   1. Book One: THE DREAMING CITY
3. Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (2021)

Science Fantasy with While the Gods Laugh (Oct 1961)

• anchor: #while-the-gods-laugh
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 49 Volume 17
• first collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), Archive(2), Archive(3), Archive(4)

1. Michael Whelan – White Wolf (1977)
2. DAW Books (Mar 1977) – Elric 3. The Weird of the White Wolf (The Stealer Of Souls)
   2. Book Two: WHILE THE GODS LAUGH
3. Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (2021)

Science Fantasy with The Stealer of Souls (Feb 1962)

• anchor: #stealer-of-souls
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 51 Volume 17
• first collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive)

1. Michael Whelan – White Wolf (1977)
2. DAW Books (Mar 1977) – Elric 3. The Weird of the White Wolf (The Stealer Of Souls)
3. Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (2021)

1. Michael Whelan – King of the Dead (1977)
2. DAW Books (Oct 1977) – Elric 5. The Bane of the Black Sword
   1. BOOK ONE: The Stealer Of Souls
3. Cirith Ungol – King of the Dead (1984)

Science Fantasy with Kings in Darkness (Aug 1962)

• anchor: #kings-in-darkness
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 54 Volume 18
• first collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive)
• novelette by James Cawthorn and Michael Moorcock
• Review: Shadows With Eyes by Fritz Leiber • review by John Carnell

1. Michael Whelan – King of the Dead (1977)
2. DAW Books (Oct 1977) – Elric 5. The Bane of the Black Sword
   2. BOOK TWO: Kings in Darkness
3. Cirith Ungol – King of the Dead (1984)

Science Fantasy with The Flame Bringers (Oct 1962)

• anchor: #flame-bringers
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 55 Volume 19
• cover illustration on front page of Elric: James Cawthorn
• Review: The Survivor and Others by August Derleth and H. P. Lovecraft • review by John Carnell
• first collections
• retitled in the later collections: The Caravan of Forgotten Dreams
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), Archive(1), Archive(2)

1. Michael Whelan – King of the Dead (1977)
2. DAW Books (Oct 1977) – Elric 5. The Bane of the Black Sword
   3. BOOK THREE: The Flamebringers
3. Cirith Ungol – King of the Dead (1984)

Science Fantasy with To Rescue Tanelorn… (Dec 1962)

• anchor: #rescue-tanelorn
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 56 Volume 19
• first collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), Archive(1), Archive(2)

1. Michael Whelan – King of the Dead (1977)
2. DAW Books (Oct 1977) – Elric 5. The Bane of the Black Sword
   • EPILOGUE: To Rescue Tanelorn…
3. Cirith Ungol – King of the Dead (1984)

After this came four novellas:

Science Fantasy with The Greater Conqueror (Apr 1963)

• anchor: #greater-conqueror
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 58 Volume 20
• earlier version of “The Singing Citadel” (Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB, Amazon)
• Review: Gather, Darkness! by Fritz Leiber • review by John Carnell
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse (archive)

1. Michael Whelan – White Wolf (1977)
2. DAW Books (Mar 1977) – Elric 3. The Weird of the White Wolf (The Stealer Of Souls)
   3. Book Three: THE SINGING CITADEL
3. Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (2021)

Science Fantasy with Dead God’s Homecoming (Jun 1963)

• anchor: #dead-gods-homecoming
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 59 Volume 20
• later collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   1. BOOK ONE: Dead God’s Homecoming
3. Cirith Ungol – Frost and Fire (1981)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977) 🎨
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   1. BOOK ONE: Dead God’s Homecoming
3. Cirith Ungol – Forever Black (2020)
   5. Stormbringer

Science Fantasy with Black Sword’s Brothers (Oct 1963)

• anchor: #black-swords-brothers
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 61 Volume 21
• drawing on front page on Jason and the Argonauts
• later collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   2. BOOK TWO: Black Sword’s Brothers
3. Cirith Ungol – Frost and Fire (1981)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   1. BOOK ONE: Dead God’s Homecoming
3. Cirith Ungol – Forever Black (2020)
   5. Stormbringer

Science Fantasy with Sad Giant’s Shield (Feb 1964)

• anchor: #sad-giants-shield
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 63 Volume 21
• later collections
• Notes at the end of the novel: “The last story in this series, Doomed Lord’s Prayer will appear in the next issue of Science Fantasy.” (No. 64 Vol. 22, Apr 1964), but has changed name or misinformation to Doomed Lord’s Passing.
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), Archive(1)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   3. BOOK THREE: Sad Giant’s Shield
3. Cirith Ungol – Frost and Fire (1981)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   1. BOOK ONE: Dead God’s Homecoming
3. Cirith Ungol – Forever Black (2020)
   5. Stormbringer

Science Fantasy with Doomed Lord’s Passing (Apr 1964)

• anchor: #doomed-lords-passing
• publisher: Nova Publications Ltd.
• catalog id: No. 64 Volume 22
• later collections
• links: ISFDB, Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), Archive(1)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   4. BOOK FOUR: Doomed Lord’s Passing
3. Cirith Ungol – Frost and Fire (1981)

1. Michael Whelan – Stormbringer (1977)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1977) – Elric 6. Stormbringer
   1. BOOK ONE: Dead God’s Homecoming
3. Cirith Ungol – Forever Black (2020)
   5. Stormbringer

Also read the reissues of magazines here:

Strange Highways – Reading Science Fantasy 1950-1967

See the other Science Fantasy with Damien Broderick and John Boston also.

The Saga Expanded

Moorcock continued to detail Elric’s adventures in novella form during the remainder of the ’60s and early ’70s with the following stories. Releases of the saga expanded is Elric 2 (Paradise Lost and Dark Parade – Sailor on the Seas of Fate), Elric 3 (Half Past Human), Elric 4 (One Foot In Hell) and Elric 7 (Dark Parade).

Fantastic Stories of Imagination with Master of Chaos (May 1964)

• anchor: #master-of-chaos
• publisher: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
• catalog id: Vol 13 No 5.
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB
• availability: Amazon
• interior artwork of fantasy characted Elric by Virgil Finlay
• retitled to The Dream of Earl Aubec
• Adept’s Gambit • [Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser] • (1947) • novella by Fritz Leiber

1. Michael Whelan – White Wolf (1977)
2. DAW Books (Mar 1977) – Elric 3. The Weird of the White Wolf (The Stealer Of Souls)
   • Prologue: THE DREAM OF EARL AUBEC
3. Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (2021)

The Fantastic Swordsmen with The Singing Citadel (May 1967)

• anchor: #singing-citadel
• publisher: Pyramid Books
• catalog id: R-1621
• retitled “The Greater Conqueror”
• cover illustration on front page of fantasy Elric by Jeff Jones.
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB
• Drums of Tombalku • [Conan] • novelette by L. Sprague de Camp and Robert E. Howard
• The Other Gods • [Dream Cycle] • (1933) • short story by H. P. Lovecraft
• availability: Amazon

1. Michael Whelan – White Wolf (1977)
2. DAW Books (Mar 1977) – Elric 3. The Weird of the White Wolf (The Stealer Of Souls)
   3. Book Three: THE SINGING CITADEL
3. Cirith Ungol – Half Past Human (2021)

Warlocks and Warriors with The Sleeping Sorceress (1971)

• anchor: #sleeping-sorceress
• publisher: Mayflower Books Limited
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB
• retitled to The Vanishing Tower
• The Curse of the Monolith • [Conan Pastiches] • (1968) • short story by Lin Carter and L. Sprague de Camp (variant of Conan and the Cenotaph)
• The Unholy Grail • [Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser] • (1962) • novelette by Fritz Leiber

1. Michael Whelan – Urish’s Bane (1976)
2. DAW Books (Jun 1977) – Elric 4. The Vanishing Tower (The Sleeping Sorceress)
3. Cirith Ungol – One Foot In Hell (1986)

The Jade Man’s Eyes (08 Jun 1973)

• anchor: #jade-mans-eyes
• publisher: Unicorn Bookshop
• cover illustration on front page of Elric: James Cawthorn
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB

1. Michael Whelan – Sailor on the Sea of Fate (1976)
2. DAW Books (Dec 1976) – Elric 2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
   3. Book Three: Sailing to the Past
3. Cirith Ungol – Paradise Lost (1991)

1. Michael Whelan – Sailor on the Sea of Fate (1976)
2. DAW Books (Dec 1976) – Elric 2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
   1. Book One: Sailing to the Future
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)
   3. Sailor on the Seas of Fate

Triode Twenty with The Stone Thing: A Tale of Strange Parts (Oct 1974)

• anchor: #stone-thing
• publisher: Triode 20
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), fanac

1. Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
2. DAW Books (Nov 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
   10. The Stone Thing
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

The Quest for Tanelorn with Sailing Between the Worlds: 3 Sailing For Tanelorn… (Feb 1975)

• anchor: #sailing-for-tanelorn
• publisher: Mayflower
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB
• Third Volume of the Chronicles of Castle Brass, Book Two – Sailing Between the Worlds: 3 Sailing For Tanelorn… with chapters

1. Michael Whelan – Sailor on the Sea of Fate (1976)
2. DAW Books (Dec 1976) – Elric 2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
   1. Book One: Sailing to the Future
3. Cirith Ungol – Paradise Lost (1991)

1. Michael Whelan – Sailor on the Sea of Fate (1976)
2. DAW Books (Dec 1976) – Elric 2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
   1. Book One: Sailing to the Future
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)
   3. Sailor on the Seas of Fate

Foundation with New Worlds (Nov 1975)

• anchor: #new-worlds
• publisher: North East London Polytechnic
• links: ISFDB

1. Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
2. DAW Books (May 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
   8. New Worlds
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

In Lighter Vein: A Note on the Jerry Cornelius Tetralogy (1977)

• anchor: #in-lighter-vein
• editor: Jerry Cornelius Tetralogy
• links: ISFDB

1. Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
2. DAW Books (May 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
   9. In Lighter Vein
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

Flashing Swords! #4: Barbarians and Black Magicians with The Lands Beyond the World (May 1977)

• anchor: #lands-beyond-the-world
• publisher: Nelson Doubleday / SFBC
• catalog id: 1811
• links: Multiverse, Multiverse (archive), ISFDB, age_undreamed_of @ Instagram
• availability: Amazon

1. Michael Whelan – Sailor on the Sea of Fate (1976)
2. DAW Books (Dec 1976) – Elric 2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
   2. Book Two: Sailing to the Present
3. Cirith Ungol – Paradise Lost (1991)

1. Michael Whelan – Sailor on the Sea of Fate (1976)
2. DAW Books (Dec 1976) – Elric 2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
   1. Book One: Sailing to the Future
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)
   3. Sailor on the Seas of Fate

Sojan with The Secret Life of Elric of Melnibone (Sep 1977)

• anchor: #sojan
• publisher: Savoy Books
• original published 1957
• cover illustration on front page of Sojan: James Cawthorn
• links: ISFDB
• availability: Amazon
• Compilation of Tarzan Adventures

1. Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
2. DAW Books (May 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
   5. The Secret Life of Elric of Melnibone and
   6. Sojan the Swordsman
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

Ariel: The Book of Fantasy with The Last Enchantment (Apr 1978)

• anchor: #last-enchantment
• publisher: Ariel Books / Ballantine Books
• catalog id: Volume Three
• cover illustration on front page by Roger Dead (from the band Yes and Asia)
• Musings (“The little poets sing of little things …”) • (1968) • poem by Robert E. Howard
• Barry Windsor-Smith • (1978) • interior artwork by and interview of Barry Windsor-Smith
• links: ISFDB
• availability: Amazon, Amazon

1. Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
2. DAW Books (May 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
   4. The Last Enchantment
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

The Vanishing Tower – Illustrated Collectors Edition (Jun 1981)

• anchor: #vanishing-tower-illustrated
• author: Michael Moorcock
• publisher: Archival Press (Robert Wiener of Donald M. Grant’s original company)
• links: ISFDB, Amazon

1. Michael Whelan – Elric Demonslayer (1980)
2. Archival Press (Jun 1981) – Elric 4. The Vanishing Tower – Illustrated Collectors Edition
   • contains the same text as the DAW Books edition (June 1977), but includes additional illustrations – Elric 4: The Vanishing Tower (The Sleeping Sorceress).
3. Cirith Ungol – Live at the Roxy (2025)

Tales of Fantasy: Elsewhere with Elric at the End of Time (Sep 1981)

• anchor: #elric-at-the-end-of-time
• editors: Terri Winding & Mark Alan Arnold
• publisher: Ace
• catalog id: Volume 1
• links: ISFDB

1. Michael Whelan – Elric and The Sinking City (1984)
2. DAW Books (May 1985) – Elric 7. Elric at the End of Time
   3. Elric at the End of Time
3. Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade (2023)

The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 7 (Oct 1981)

• anchor: #years-best-fantasy-7
• editors: Arthur W. Saha
• publisher: DAW Books
• catalog id: No. 454
• links: ISFDB, Wiki, Amazon 1, Amazon 2, Amazon 3 and Amazon (list)

1. Michael Whelan – Elric Demonslayer (1980)
2. DAW Books (Oct 1981) – The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 7
   • NB! contains non-Moorcock and non-Elric except the cover art with Elric by Michael Whelan
3. Cirith Ungol – Live at the Roxy (2025)

The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 12 (Nov 1986)

• anchor: #years-best-fantasy-12
• editors: Arthur W. Saha
• publisher: No. 690
• links: ISFDB, Amazon

NB! The book The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 12, published by DAW Books, features cover artwork of Elric by Julek Heller, not Michael Whelan. It has no connection to the band.

The Elric Saga with DAW Books

In total, there are most likely nine DAW Books featuring Elric of Melniboné cover artwork.

Novel	1. Elric of Melniboné (Oct 1976)	2. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate (Dec 1976)	3. The Weird of the White Wolf (Mar 1977)	4. The Vanishing Tower (Jun 1977)	5. The Bane of the Black Sword (Oct 1977)	6. Stormbringer (Nov 1977)	7. Elric at the End of Time (May 1985)	The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 7 (Oct 1981)	The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 12 (Nov 1986)
Number		The New Elric Novel	The Third Novel of Elric of Melniboné	The Fourth Novel of Elric of Melniboné	The Fifth Novel of Elric of Melniboné		The Seventh Book Of Elric of Melniboné	The fantasy annual with the finest
Previously published	Previously published in an edited version entitled The Dreaming City		A partial version was previously published as The Stealer Of Souls	An earlier version was previously published as The Sleeping Sorceress
book cover
Alternative artwork	Frank Brunner  Robert Gould	Robert Gould	Frank Bunner Robert Gould	Robert Gould	Robert Gould	Frank Bunner Robert Gould	Rodney Matthews
Tarzan Adventures magazine (1957-8)							Chapter 6. Sojan the Swordsman
Fantastic Stories of Imagination with Master of Chaos (May 1964)			Prologue: THE DREAM OF EARL AUBEC
Science Fantasy with The Dreaming City – No. 47 Volume 16 (Jun 1961)	edited version		Book One: THE DREAMING CITY
Science Fantasy with While the Gods Laugh – No. 49 Volume 17 (Oct 1961)			Book Two: WHILE THE GODS LAUGH
Science Fantasy with The Stealer of Souls – No. 51 Volume 17 (Feb 1962)			Partial version on DAW Books		BOOK ONE: The Stealer Of Souls
Science Fantasy with Kings in Darkness – No. 54 Volume 18 (Aug 1962)					BOOK TWO: Kings in Darkness
Science Fantasy with The Flame Bringers – No. 55 Volume 19 (Oct 1962)					BOOK THREE: The Flamebringers
Science Fantasy with To Rescue Tanelorn… – No. 56 Volume 19 (Dec 1962)					EPILOGUE: To Rescue Tanelorn…
Science Fantasy with The Greater Conqueror – No. 58 Volume 20 (Apr 1963)			Book Three: THE SINGING CITADEL
Science Fantasy with Dead God’s Homecoming – No. 59 Volume 20 (Jun 1963)						BOOK ONE: Dead God’s Homecoming
Science Fantasy with Black Sword’s Brothers – No. 61 Volume 21 (Aug 1963)						BOOK TWO: Black Sword’s Brothers
Science Fantasy with Sad Giant’s Shield – No. 63 Volume 21 (Feb 1964)						BOOK THREE: Sad Giant’s Shield
Science Fantasy with Doomed Lord’s Passing – No. 64 Volume 22 (Apr 1964)						BOOK FOUR: Doomed Lord’s Passing
The Fantastic Swordsmen with The Singing Citadel (May 1967)			Book Three: THE SINGING CITADEL
Warlocks and Warriors with The Sleeping Sorceress (1971)				Earlier version on the chapters
The Jade Man’s Eyes (08 Jun 1973)		Book Three: Sailing to the Past
The Stone Thing: A Tale of Strange Parts: Triode (Oct 1974)							Chapter 10. The Stone Thing
Foundation with New Worlds (Nov 1975)							Chapter 8. New Worlds
The Quest for Tanelorn with Sailing Between the Worlds: Sailing To Tanelorn (Feb 1975)		Book One: Sailing to the Future
In Lighter Vein: A Note on the Jerry Cornelius Tetralogy (1977)							Chaprer 9. In Lighter Vein
Flashing Swords! #4: Barbarians and Black Magicians with The Lands Beyond the World (May 1977)		Book Two: Sailing to the Present
Sojan with The Secret Life of Elric of Melnibone  (Sept 1977)							Chapter 5. The Secret Life of Elric of Melnibone   Chapter 6. Sojan the Swordsman
Ariel: The Book of Fantasy, Volume Three with The Last Enchantment (Apr 1978)							Chapter 4. The Last Enchantment
Elsewhere with Elric at the End of Time (Sep 1981)							Chapter 3. Elric at the End of Time

Note that The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 7 and 12 book features cover art of Elric by Michael Whelan but contains no Elric-related content, and neither the authors nor editors have any connection to Elric or Michael Moorcock.

Internal chronology

The main sequence, according to the saga’s internal chronology, comprises the following books. Bold roman numerals indicate the six or seven-book sequence of the 1976 DAW paperbacks. The dates following each story refer to the date of original publication. In those cases where a book was assembled from several pre-existing stories, each story is given along with its original date; when an original novel is subdivided into parts, the parts are named but not given individual dates. Several Elric are also there.

Elric VIII, 428th Emperor of Melniboné	Magazine series (with Moorcock)	Original books	DAW Books (illustration from Michael Whelan)
1. Elric of Melniboné	Science Fantasy with The Dreaming City – No. 47 Volume 16 (Jun 1961)	Hutchinson (Sep 1972)	Elric of Melniboné (Edited version of The Dreaming City) (Oct 1976)
2. The Fortress of the Pearl		1989	x
3. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate	The Quest for Tanelorn with Sailing Between the Worlds: Sailing To Tanelorn (Feb 1975) Flashing Swords! #4: Barbarians and Black Magicians with The Lands Beyond the World (May 1977) The Jade Man’s Eyes (08 Jun 1973)	Quartet Books (Mar 1976)	The Sailor on the Seas of Fate (Dec 1976) 1. Book One: Sailing to the Future 2. Book Two: Sailing to the Present 3. Book Three: Sailing to the Past
4. Elric at the End of Time	Tarzan Adventures magazine (1957-8) The Secret Life of Elric of Melniboné (1964) New Worlds — Jerry Cornelius (1972) The Stone Thing: A Tale of Strange Parts: Triode (Oct 1974) In Lighter Vein: A Note on the Jerry Cornelius Tetralogy (1977) Sojan with The Secret Life of Elric of Melnibone (Sept 1977)   Ariel: The Book of Fantasy, Volume Three with The Last Enchantment (Apr 1978)  Tales of Fantasy: Elsewhere with Elric at the End of Time (Sep 1981)	Savoy (1977) Elric at the End of Time, Ace Boooks (1981) Sojan the Swordsman (1984)	Elric at the End of Time (May 1985) 1. Introduction 2. Elric 3. Elric at the End of Time 4. The Last Enchantment 5. The Secret Life of Elric of Melnibone 6. Sojan the Swordsman 7. Jerry Cornelius and Co. 8. New Worlds 9. In Lighter Vein 10. The Stone Thing
5. The Weird of the White Wolf	Science Fantasy with The Stealer of Souls – No. 51 Volume 17 (Feb 1962). First side on DAW Books. Fantastic Stories of Imagination with Master of Chaos (May 1964) Science Fantasy with The Dreaming City – No. 47 Volume 16 (Jun 1961) Science Fantasy with While the Gods Laugh – No. 49 Volume 17 (Oct 1961) The Fantastic Swordsmen with The Singing Citadel (May 1967)		The Weird of the White Wolf (Partial version of The Stealer Of Souls) (Mar 1977) 1. The Dream of Earl Aubec 2. The Dreaming City 3. While the Gods Laugh 4. The Singing Citadel
6. The Sleeping Sorceress	Warlocks and Warriors with The Sleeping Sorceress  – Mayflower (1971)	New English Library (1971) The Sleeping Sorceress, Lancer Books (Sep 1972). without author	The Vanishing Tower (Earlier version of The Sleeping Sorceress) (Jun 1977)
7. The Revenge of the Rose		1991	x
8. The Bane of the Black Sword	Science Fantasy with The Stealer of Souls – No. 51 Volume 17 (Feb 1962) Science Fantasy with Kings in Darkness – No. 54 Volume 18 (Aug 1962) Science Fantasy with The Flame Bringers – No. 55 Volume 19 (Oct 1962) Science Fantasy with To Rescue Tanelorn… – No. 56 Volume 19 (Dec 1962)	The Stealer of Souls (1963) The Stealer of Souls and Other Stories, Lancer Books (1967)	The Bane of the Black Sword (Oct 1977) 1. The Stealer Of Souls 2. Kings in Darkness 3. The Flamebringers 4. To Rescue Tanelorn…
9. Stormbringer	Science Fantasy with Dead God’s Homecoming – No. 59 Volume 20 (Jun 1963) Science Fantasy with Black Sword’s Brothers – No. 61 Volume 21 (Aug 1963) Science Fantasy with Sad Giant’s Shield – No. 63 Volume 21 (Feb 1964) Science Fantasy with Doomed Lord’s Passing – No. 64 Volume 22 (Apr 1964)	Stormbringer, Herbert Jenkins (1965) Stormbringer, Lancer Books (1967)	Stormbringer (Nov 1977) 1. Dead God’s Homecoming 2. Black Sword’s Brothers 3. Sad Giant’s Shield 4. Doomed Lord’s Passing
The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 7			The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 7 (Oct 1981) The book features cover art of Elric, a creation of Michael Moorcock, illustrated by Michael Whelan—but contains no Elric-related content, and neither the authors nor editors have any connection to Elric or Moorcock.
The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 12			The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 12 (Nov 1986) The book features cover art of Elric, a creation of Michael Moorcock, illustrated by Julek Heller—but contains no Elric-related content, and neither the authors nor editors have any connection to Elric, Whelan or Moorcock.

Whelan – Moorcock – Cirith Ungol

Comic publication

See the comic on Elric The Necromancer and Conan vs Elric here.

Elric of Melniboné first appeared in comics (1965-73) in France and distributed local. And then Elric of Melniboné second appeared in comics in Conan the Barbarian issues #14–15 (March–May 1972) in USA and distributed world wide/many nationality.

Sources

• Multiverse / Moorcock’s Miscellany -> Moorcock’s Miscellany
• Falcon at discussion on Moorcock’s Miscellany
• Multiverse / Wikiverse (error now) Archive
• Michael Moorcock’s Multiverse
• Akratic Wizardry
• Moorcography.org: The Michael Moorcock Bibliography
• Summary Bibliography: Michael Moorcock
• Elric of Melniboné – Wikipedia
• Controversy of Michael Moorcock
• Logos including Chaos Star
• Michael Moorcock @ Amazon
• eBay (Michael Moorcock)
• eBay (DAW Books)
• Wikipedia
• ISFDB
• Discogs
• Metal Archives
• Robert Gould
• Rodney Matthews
• Frank Brunner
• Gerald Brom
• Michael Whelan
• Maegan LeMay
• Brian Cräbaugh
• Virgil Finlay
• Urish’s Hoard – The Guide To Elric Collectibles
• DAW Books
• CU@FB about Michael Moorcock
• CU@FB about Donald Allen Wolheim (DAW Books)

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