The famous writer-historian Sergei Pavlovich Mosiyash in his historical novel “Svyatopolk the Damned” interprets in his own way the image of the main character, who received the nickname “Cursed” for his numerous crimes. Fascinatingly and quite convincingly, the writer creates the image of an honest prince, but slandered by envious people and chroniclers. This is no longer a cruel criminal, but a firm ruler defending the Kiev throne from the attacks of power-hungry rivals.