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Moore’s Jirel of Joiry stories, which were published in the 1930s and 1940s, feature a strong female protagonist who is not afraid to use violence to protect her people. Jirel is a skilled warrior and a powerful sorceress, and she is not afraid to challenge the traditional gender roles of her time.

Russ’s Alyx stories, which were published in the 1960s and 1970s, also feature a strong female protagonist who is not afraid to fight for what she believes in. Alyx is a thief and a con artist, and she is always looking for a way to make a profit. However, she is also a skilled fighter and a loyal friend, and she is willing to risk her life to protect those she cares about.

Both Moore and Russ challenged the traditional sword and sorcery tropes by creating strong female protagonists who were not afraid to use violence to achieve their goals. They also explored themes of gender and power in their stories, and they challenged the idea that women were only good for being damsels in distress.

In addition to challenging the traditional sword and sorcery tropes, Moore and Russ also maintained some elements of the genre. For example, both authors set their stories in exotic lands populated by monsters and other forces of evil. They also created stories that were full of action and adventure.

However, Moore and Russ also added their own unique touches to the genre. For example, Moore’s Jirel of Joiry stories often featured elements of romance, while Russ’s Alyx stories were often more satirical in tone.

Overall, Moore and Russ’s sword and sorcery stories were a refreshing change from the traditional sword and sorcery stories of their time. They created strong female protagonists who were not afraid to fight for what they believed in, and they explored themes of gender and power in their stories. Their work helped to pave the way for future female authors of sword and sorcery fiction.

In addition to the elements that Moore and Russ challenged and maintained, it is also worth noting the following:

• Both authors used humor in their stories, which helped to lighten the tone and make them more accessible to a wider audience.
• They both explored the psychological aspects of their characters, which added depth and complexity to their stories.
• They both used their stories to comment on social and political issues of their time, which made their work more relevant and engaging.

Moore and Russ’s sword and sorcery stories were groundbreaking in their time, and they continue to be influential today. They helped to expand the possibilities of the genre and to make it more inclusive. Their work paved the way for future female authors of sword and sorcery fiction, and it continues to inspire and entertain readers of all ages.