Marko the Damned

"Marko the Damned" is one of the few examples of Gothic prose in Ukrainian classical literature. Oleksa Storozhenko drew inspiration from folklore, so he wrote about devils, witches, and sorcerers in his unique manner.

The story of Marko the Damned in popular belief is the story of a sinful, lazy Cossack who goes to hell and gets a chance to atone for his sins by saving other Cossacks. In the literary framework of Oleksa Storozhenko, this legend acquires artistic and bloodthirsty features, becomes truly Gothic, and disturbs the consciousness. His Marco is an outcast fed on bird blood, who is doomed to wander the earth forever for his sins.

This spooky story is complemented by graphic illustrations by the modern Ukrainian artist Mariia Khymynets.