The Curse of Kehama, Volume 1 (of 2)

by Robert Southey

"The Curse of Kehama, Volume 1 (of 2)" by Robert Southey is an epic poem published in 1810. Set in a mythological Hindu world, it follows the evil priest Kehama as he sacrifices to gain demonic power and seeks to become a god himself. When peasant Ladurlad kills Kehama's son to protect a girl named Kailyal, the priest unleashes a terrible curse. Yet this curse paradoxically grants Ladurlad extraordinary abilities, allowing him to become an unlikely hero who must ally with Hindu gods to stop Kehama's terrifying ascent.