The Eternal Champion (Tale of the Eternal Champion) (Taschenbuch)

The stories contained herein were all originally published between 1962 and 1970, and while some have since undergone revision, the quality of writing typifies much of the work produced during that period, both in fantasy and in science fiction. Conceptually pregnant, the narrative devotes much of its energy to the expression and exploration of ideas, or the description of imaginary landscapes and populations that could be accused as flights of fancy for invention's sake. The work is weak when in comes to characterization, sense of place, or providing background for the development of the narrative. The style of writing seems almost undeveloped and dated when compared to the narrative and descriptive powers present in some of the better contemporary work available. Or perhaps it is simply that Moorcock is more interested in the expression of the abstract than in the grounding of his notions in good storytelling.

I am somewhat unclear as to the inclusion of "The Sundered Worlds" in this volume. Not only is it the weakest story by far of the four, with a plot that is disjointed and moves from one event to the next with little supporting logic, but it is clearly a tale of science fiction set in the future amid more traditional tales of sword and sworcery, and only tenously linked to the latter by reference to the multiverse. Further, it indulges in some of the worst excesses of science fiction fancy, replete with creatures that could inhabit the worst of Harryhausen's B-movie efforts. By itself this confused adrift in space rates only a single star.

The three other tales - "The Eternal Champion," "Phoenix in Obsidian," and "To Rescue Tanelorn" - are all traditional sword and sorcery fare notable for their exploration of the notions of an often reluctant hero doomed to repeat his life forever in various incarnations within the alternate realities of Moorcock's multiverse. And though he wears the mantle of a champion, the causes he fights for are not always of his choosing. All three tales - the last a short story - in varying degrees exhibit the lack of strong narrative skills noted above, but remain, nonetheless, intriguing in their conceptual content. The strength of these ideas ameliorates somewhat the lack of prose skills in their rendering.

I would have to say, as far as this book, that for historical interest it is worth a look. However, in terms of narrative power the stories are never fully realised and remain, unfortunately for all the promise of their ideas, largely stillborn.

There are four novels in this volumn, so I'll take them separately:
The Eternal Champion: One of his first and his simpliest, but the themes protrayed in it would have a lasting effect on the rest of the series. Some of the best scenes are those where Erekose is dreaming and the names of the other champions are being shouted. Classic.

The Sundered Worlds: Little departure, but its sets up the rest of the multiverse, although it can be hard to follow all the ideas at times. But, hey, there's a Von Bek in it, can it be all that bad?

Phoenix in Obsidian: I just like the title to be honest. A nice continuation of the story of Erekose/John Daker/whoever, furthering the themes presented in the first story. I think it's even simpler than The Eternal Champion, but still fun to read.

To Rescue Tanelorn: A short story about the peaceful city that was only included because of said city. A good fantasy tale with hints of what will later happen in the series. And hey, it mentions Elric! It can't be all that bad.

So, while these stories are simple, one has to start somewhere, and with Michael Moorcock, the beginning is always the best place