Lord Byron (1788-1824) wrote this drama in 1821, drawing on the biblical story of Cain and Abel but fundamentally altering it. Cain is now a rebel against the fall from grace, with God having become the source of all human suffering. Lucifer sees in Cain a comrade in his fight against God and further incites his hatred. When Cain finally encounters his fanatically devout brother Abel, he can only defend himself against Abel's fervent faith through the fatal act of fratricide.