Elric of Melnibone, Michael Moorcock's doomed anithrero, has become a pivotal figure in fantasy literature since his first appearance more than thirty years ago. He is one of just a handful of characters in sword-and-sworcery fiction who have had a seminal impact on the entire genre, and his compelling tale and tortured conscience have inspired countless rendering by artists both famed and unknown. Elric has even inspired songs from groups as diverse as Hakwind and Blue Oyster Cult to Cirith Ungol and the Tygers of Pan Tang.