"At the dawn of time the world was covered with flames and the demons ruled over men. It was a time of Akivasha sorceress, Queen of Acheron - a kingdom of hell on earth. Then, the great god Valka destroyed Akivasha's evil empire, but left a single flame of Acheron to burn for all eternity. From the ashes of ancient Acheron rose the great kingdom of Valusia where the flame still burns as a reminder of godless times."

The warrior Kull of Atlantis fights a test to get a job in one of the Valusian elite regiments. But despite his obvious deftness with the battle axe and adequate performance with a sword, General Taligaro, the king's chief of command, informs Kull that the corps is for noblemen only and mocks his barbarian weapon.

A messenger arrives with the horrible news - the king has gone crazy and slaughtered all his heirs! For reasons unknown, Kull tags along with the group. Upon arriving at the palace, Taligaro finds out that the king still wants blood. Barehanded Kull breakes up a fight between the General and Borna and immediately is challenged by the king. With borrowed sword Kull confronts him and strikes Borna down. While Taligaro and Ducalon argue over who is next in line to the throne the dying ruler hands Kull the crown. This displeases a lot of people, especially Taligaro.

Among first duties of the new king is to be introduced to Borna's - now his - harem. There Kull finds a fortune-teller Zareta, whom he remember from one of these fine days when he was drunk.

When Zareta approaches Kull by his order, he is enjoying bath and non-obtrusive service of two young slave girls. She is ready to disrobe, but His Majesty is full of cattish curiosity so Zareta has to read her cards. His future apparently will be connected with a tiger and a quest, which doesn't surprise Kull. Then she opens last card and tells him that the destiny of his kingdom lies in a kiss, driving royal attention to the matter at hand...

But it turns out that former pirate Kull has too much pride to accept submissive slave. Been smitten by Zareta's charms, new king announces that all slaves are to be set free so that she can come to him of her own will. But eunuch Tu arrives in time to point to a carven stone tablet which states that Valusians may own slaves, and that the Law is greater than any king. Kull has to back down from his proclamation.

First awkward step on the path of the power doesn't stop Kull. Freeing Ascalante, a high priest of Valka, from the lashing, and allowing his subjects the freedom of religion he makes an enemy from priest Mandara.

Kull's ascendance become an envy of some noblemen who quickly schemes to kill him. After failed assassination attempt at Kull's public coronation wizard Enaros reaches the conspirators (Taligaro, Ducalon and Mandara) with plan of his own. He resurrects an ancient evil force, sorceress Akivasha, to murder Kull at a short distance.

Quite naturally, the former Queen of Acheron has other plans in mind than to serve the conspirators. She wants to revive the kingdom of fire and evil she once ruled over. And she wants Kull alive - just because :). Thus, after drugging Kull on their wedding night, Akivasha imprisons him and convinces the people that he was killed by a jealous concubine Zareta with a poison set going via scratch.

Visiting chained Kull the sorceress offers him power and immortality, but he refuses her flattering proposal and angered Akivasha orders monstrous being to finish him for real. This runs counter to Kull's wishes, so then he kills monster and escape the dungeon.

Now Kull must sail to the Isle of Ice to retrieve the only weapon powerful enough to destroy the forces of evil. Only by capturing the legendary Breath of Valka king will be able to secure the freedom of his people and return his crown. Time is short, for Akivasha has set forces in motion that will free demons.

The trio rides to the port Tatheli, where Kull enlists the help of the crooked black-market trader Juba in obtaining a ship. The man is quick to double-cross his "old friend". Though Kull, the former pirate, knowing him well tries to be careful, he is drugged and falls unconscious. Coming to senses he finds himself tied at the oar bench with Ascalante nearby. Seen Zareta in danger of been drowned Kull goes berserk, with a very original movement slays Juba by throwing him overboard, and after short but intense fight manages to take the control over the ship.

Hopeful of success Taligaro pushes Zareta to Akivasha but nothing happens. Weakened girl is pulled out of the flame by Kull who fights General and puts him down. Astounded Kull helplessly looks over Akivasha turning into a demon. Zareta kisses him to pass the Breath. Kull then kisses Akivasha - in the meantime looking really like hell - heartily to death.

On the "welcome home" ceremony king Kull frees slaves, manifests his true love to Zareta and in three mighty swings of his barbaric weapon destroys stone tablets recording the ancient laws of Valusia. "By this axe I rule!"