Sea curse

"Sea Curse" by Robert E. Howard is a short story written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. The tale is situated in a coastal village and revolves around themes of revenge, supernatural curses, and the darker aspects of human nature. Through its vivid portrayal of characters and settings, it delves into the lives of sailors and the impact of their actions on others, particularly through the lens of folklore and the supernatural. The story follows the grim tale of John Kulrek, a brutish sailor who mistreats the innocent girl of Moll Farrell, a woman rumored to be a witch. After Kulrek and his crony, Lie-lip Canool, return from sea, they encounter Moll, who curses Kulrek for the death of her niece. As ominous events unfold, including a ghostly galley crewed by skeletons, the narrative builds toward a chilling climax. The tale concludes with the return of Kulrek's corpse to the shore, revealing the grim consequences of his actions and ultimately fulfilling Moll's curse, as she relishes her vengeance on him. The story intertwines elements of horror with the social and moral ramifications of Kulrek's disrespect for life and the sea. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Ervin Howard was an American writer who wrote pulp fiction in a diverse range of genres. He created the character Conan the Barbarian and is regarded as the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre.