Behold the Man - Michael Moorcock

This time I may have bitten of more than I can chew but the hard slog begins here and what I start I finish all!

The reason why I say I may have bitten off more than I can chew is because I am trying to write a piece on one of the oddest pieces of written work by any author that I have ever seen. This set of books, 14 collected volumes in total, is hard act by any standards. But it has something for everyone!

All I can ...
...I have not read all the volumes involved in this epic tale and recommend the volumes in the set that I love personally, giving a brief insight into the ‘champion’ of the volume in question. So now I will put my fingers to the keyboard and see where they take me.

Imagine this universe as just one aspect of a infinitely layered cake called the ‘Multiverse’! A broad panorama of realities in which anything can happen and does. Universes ... more

This time I may have bitten of more than I can chew but the hard slog begins here and what I start I finish all!

The reason why I say I may have bitten off more than I can chew is because I am trying to write a piece on one of the oddest pieces of written work by any author that I have ever seen. This set of books, 14 collected volumes in total, is hard act by any standards. But it has something for everyone!

All I can do is write an overview of these works as even I have not read all the volumes involved in this epic tale and recommend the volumes in the set that I love personally, giving a brief insight into the ‘champion’ of the volume in question. So now I will put my fingers to the keyboard and see where they take me.

Imagine this universe as just one aspect of a infinitely layered cake called the ‘Multiverse’! A broad panorama of realities in which anything can happen and does. Universes of magic and science live side by side, some others the total antithesis of each other. All of these universes are currently heading towards a time of conjunction! A moment when the multiverse will choose to become a force of Law or Chaos.

The Eternal Champion is the avatar of this change. A spirit (the best description I can think sorry) inhabiting chosen vessels to fight on the side of either Law or Chaos and helping to define. Normally not knowing of his fate but always inexplicably drawn into moments of great change. These men and woman suffer trials at great personal and sometimes their losses are beyond what any of us would want or dream possible. Not knowing what they are fighting for (bar one) or why their reality seems to have gone mad.

These heroes struggle on striving on in fantasy worlds, the modern age, the realm of science-fiction. Some succeed in their goals, some fail and some are just betrayed but their struggle effects not just their world but all worlds.

The Known Aspects of the Champion

Erekose:
The one avatar of the champion that knows what he is. He has struggled in a multiple of worlds using his knowledge to succeed. But always only really wanting one thing his beloved Ermhizahad who waits for him in the hidden City of Tanelorn.

Elric of Melnibone:
A Melnibonean (possibly what dark elves are based on) , Completely amoral, worshipping the Chaos God Arioch and wielding the dread sword Stormbringer which is occasionally his salvation but eventually his curse. He strives to survive in a world entering its last days. If you fantasy fans have not heard of Elric I am surpised.

Corum
An elf caught up in coming supremacy of man upon his world. He takes and vanquishes the gods of his world and in the process destroys his race and the woman he loves. He also lose quite a few bits of his anatomy.

Dorian Hawkmoon
A young man struggling against the horror of the Gran Bretan Empire. Which threatens to consume the whole of Europe within its black heart. He loses nearly all in hi struggle, suffering heartache and madness before searching for his lost love in Tanelorn.

Oswald Bastable
The classic 19th century British officer a ordinary man pushed from word to world. Observing matters of great import at each step and being driven insane at the same time.

Jherek Carnelion
A member of the hedonistic culture of Earth at the End of Time. He falls in love with Mrs Amelia Underwood who is kidnapped from the late 19th century. The adventure revolves around their romance and stretches form the 19th century to the End of Time and beyond.

There are also many other aspects of the Eternal Champion to numerous to mention all struggling to survive. Controlled by forces beyond their comprehension, some revelling in it others fighting against. In the end however they are all heroes.

The Collected Volumes:

1. Von Bek
2. The Eternal Champion
3. Hawkmoon
4. Corum
5. Sailing to Utopia
6. A Nomad of the Time Streams
7. The Dancers at the End of Time
8. Elric of Melnibone
9. The New Nature of Catatstrophe
10. The Prince with the Silver Hand
11. Legends from the End of Time
12. Stormbringer
13. Earl Aubec
14. Count Brass

All of these volumes are available in a paperback version from Orion Books and available from most bookshops for £6.99 on average.

As I said at the beginning I honestly do not believe I can truly do this set of books true justice, here as you have seen is a opinion that helped give a kick start the science fiction and fantasy genres at a timewhen it was really needed. Epic in scope and great ride for anyone that wants to get on the train. So buy your ticket, get a mug of your favourite beverage and enjoy.
 

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