Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Tropes
Synopsis
**Elric of Melniboné** is a 1972 fantasy novel by **Michael Moorcock**. It is the first original full-length novel to feature **Elric**, the last emperor of the stagnating island civilisation of Melniboné who wields the cursed, soul-drinking sword **Stormbringer**.
Is Elric of Melniboné appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
Elric of Melniboné features a morally complex antihero wielding a soul-devouring cursed sword, with sustained dark fantasy violence, themes of decadence and empire, and mature moral ambiguity throughout.
What to know going in
This book has graphic violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include slavery, graphic violence, and soul-drinking/supernatural death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
A dark, classic fantasy about a doomed emperor and his cursed sword — best for older teens and adults who enjoy morally complex heroes.