Long ago the world of Shea Ohmsford was ruined by the wars of ancient Evil.

Now mankind must compete for the Earth with many other races gnomes, trolls, dwarfs and elves. But Shea, the half-human, half-elfin adopted son of an inn-keeper, knows little of such troubles. Shady Vale, where he grew to manhood, seems a haven of peace.

Then into Shady Vale comes the giant, forbidding figure of Allanon, possessed of strange knowledge and even stranger Druidic powers. To Shea, he reveals that the evil Warlock Lord, supposedly long dead, is once again plotting to destroy the world. Against this Power of Darkness the sole effective weapon is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true descendant of Jerle Shannara. Shea is the last living heir; on him rests the hope of all races! When Shea protests that he is no hero, the Druid states that he must reclaim the Sword. In the morning Allanon is gone, leaving behind a mysterious warning note.