The Castle of Otranto

"The Castle of Otranto," recognized as the first Gothic novel, opens with the mysterious death of Manfred, Prince of Otranto's son, on his wedding day due to a colossal helmet. This incident sparks a thrilling narrative filled with jealousy, intrigue, murder, and supernatural elements, all set against a backdrop of ominous thunder and moonlit shadows that reflect the characters' inner turmoil. Written by Horace Walpole and published in 1764, this tale became an immediate success and remains a cornerstone of Gothic literature.