Castle Keep

For the general environment, see Castle Keeps.

Castle Keep
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Japanesename	悪魔城最上部 Akumajō Saijōbu (lit. "Uppermost Part of the Demon Castle")
Character(s)	Shaft Maria Renard
Enemies	Enemy Data
Boss(es)	Richter Belmont
Environment	Castle Keep
◄ Previous stage	Royal Chapel
◄ Previous stage	Royal Chapel
Next stage ►	Reverse Keep
Next stage ►	Reverse Keep

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Geography

The Castle Keep is the seventh stage that you need to go to in order to get the first ending in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It is first entered from the left side of the map from the Royal Chapel. The Leap Stone can be obtained from here, which will give you the Double Jump ability that will allow you to enter many other areas of the castle and gain additional items. Its theme music is Heavenly Doorway.

In order to reach the top of the keep, where a battle with Richter whose defeat will allow you to get the first (before meeting Maria in the Gallery) and second (after meeting Maria in the Gallery) endings of the game, you will need the Soul of Bat, which can be obtained in the Long Library using your double jump ability. Unfortunately, the Soul of Bat is behind a grate that requires a Form of Mist, so you will need to get that first by using the double jump ability in the Marble Gallery to enter Olrox's Quarters, which will lead to the Colosseum, which is where you can find the Form of Mist. This will allow you to defeat Richter and finish the game, but it is not the true ending.

In order to continue the game and get the real ending, you will first need to fight Richter with the Holy Glasses and avoid killing him. In order to get the Holy Glasses, you will first need to obtain the Gold Ring and Silver Ring and wear them in the Room of Clocks in the Marble Gallery. The Gold Ring can be found in the Underground Caverns once you have the Form of Bat. The Silver Ring can be found in the Royal Chapel once you have the Spike Breaker Armor, which can obtained in the Catacombs once you have the Echo of Bat, which can be obtained in Olrox's Quarters once you have the Form of Bat.

Defeating Richter without killing him leads to the Reverse Keep of the Reverse Castle.

Item Data

Hover mouse over the "(...)" in the Found column for more details on how to find an item in the Castle Keep.

Item Data: Castle Keep
Image	Name - Game   Type - Users Description	Attributes / Consume	Statistics / Sell	Found	Notes
	Axe - Symphony of the Night   Sub-Weapon - Alucard, Richter, Maria (Saturn only)				[edit]
	Travels in an arc, ideal for defeating overhead foes. (...)	Attrib: Holy/Cut Consume: 4 Hearts (Alucard/Maria), 1 (Richter)	ATT +10 (Alucard); ATT +50 (Richter); ATT +20 (Maria)	Find: Containers (requires Cube of Zoe for Alucard) Drop: Axe Knight	Effect: Arc Throw (Alucard/Richter); Triple Axe (Maria) Special: Item Crash (Spiral Axe, Richter only; Cost: 10 Hearts; ATT +50, Attrib: Holy/Cut)
	Rebound Stone [alt] - Symphony of the Night   Sub-Weapon - Alucard, Richter, Maria (Saturn only)				[edit]
	Ricochets off of the floor and walls, hurting any foes it passes through. (...)	Attrib: Holy/Hit Consume: 2 Hearts (Alucard), 1 (Richter/Maria)	ATT +8 (Alucard); ATT +40 (Richter/Maria)	Find: Castle Keep (...) (all)	Effect: Thrown diagonally downwards and ricochets Special: Item Crash (Richter only; Cost: 10 Hearts; ATT +20 (stones), ATT +10 (beam), Attrib: Hit)
	Tyrfing (jpn) - Symphony of the Night   Sword - Alucard				[edit]
	Cursed dark sword Cursed dark sword	Attrib: Dark, Cut	ATT -30	Find: Castle Keep (...)	Effect: If total ATT is 0 or less passes through enemies; piercing (enemies must be resistant to both Dark and Cut to not take full damage)
	AxeLord Shield (Axe Armor Shield) - Symphony of the Night   Shield - Alucard				[edit]
	Favorite shield of Axe Lords		DEF +3	Drop: Axe Knight	Effect: Projectile block Special: Shield Rod or Mablung Sword spell (20 MP): Summon Axe Lord (runs toward enemy then Axe Chop) (ATT +20, Attrib: Hit)
	Leap Stone (Flight Stone) - Symphony of the Night   Relic (Necklace) - Alucard				[edit]
	Wearer can do double jump			Find: Castle Keep (...)	Sequence: [Jump], [Jump] for Double Jump, follow with ↓ + [Jump] for Jump Kick Effect: Enables Double Jump ability
	Turquoise (jpn) - Symphony of the Night   Other (Jewel/Ring) - Alucard				[edit]
	Fairly valuable ring [salable]		ATT + 6 (with Jewel Sword - Saturn only) Sell: $1,500	Find: Castle Keep (requires Leap Stone) (...) (all) Drop: Fire Warg, Paranthropus, Yorick Create: Jewel Sword
	Turkey (jpn) - Symphony of the Night   Food (Meat) - Alucard				[edit]
	Roast turkey [use]		HP +80	Find: Castle Keep (hidden, requires Leap Stone) (...) (all) Drop: Flea Rider
	Ham and Eggs (jpn) - Symphony of the Night   Food - Alucard				[edit]
	Increases cholesterol [use]		HP +22	Drop: Bone Halberd, Flea Rider

Dialogue

Dialogue Data: Castle Keep (edit)
Image / Participants	Game / Location / Title Details Transcript(s) (click Expand to view when necessary)
Richter Alucard	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Richter Battle (if the Holy Glasses aren't obtained) [edit] When: Battle with Richter (if the Holy Glasses aren't obtained) Summary: Richter waits for Alucard at the throne room. He explains that he plans to revive Dracula so that they can continue to battle forever. Richter unleashes a Grand Cross to commence their battle. version (original) - [transcript][video]: Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me. Why is a Belmont planning the resurrection of Count Dracula? Richter: Count Dracula rises but once every century and my role is over. If I can resurrect him, then the battle will last for eternity! version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard enters Richter's room) Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Richter. Why would a Belmont ever plan to resurrect Count Dracula? Richter: Dracula rises once a century. One chance for each Belmont to shine, and then we're finished, forgotten. If I bring him back now, the battle can last for eternity! (Richter unleashes his Grand Cross) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Richter Belmont: 待ちかねたぞ。 Alucard: 答えろ！ 何故ベルモンドが ドラキュラ復活を企む？ Richter Belmont: 伯爵は百年に一度しか蘇らん。 そして、俺の役目は終わった…。 だが、俺の血が戦いを求めている！ 奴さえ復活すれば、 戦いは永遠に続くのだ！ version (fan translated) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard enters Richter's room) Richter Belmont: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: I've expected for you... Why would a Belmont plots for Dracula's resurrection? Richter Belmont: The Count rises but once a century. And my duty is finished... However, my blood implored me to fight him again! If only he could be revived, the battle will last for eternity! (Richter unleashes his Grand Cross) (dialogue at 15:32)
Richter Alucard	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Richter Battle (if the Holy Glasses are equipped) [edit] When: Battle with Richter (if the Holy Glasses are obtained) Summary: Richter waits for Alucard at the throne room. He explains that he plans to revive Dracula so that they can continue to battle forever. Alucard expresses some doubt that those are Richter's true feelings, but if they are, so be it. Richter unleashes a Grand Cross to commence their battle. version (original) - [transcript]: Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me. Why is a Belmont planning the resurrection of Count Dracula? Richter: Count Dracula rises but once every century and my role is over. If I can resurrect him, then the battle will last for eternity! Alucard: ........ If those are your true feelings then so be it. (dialogue at 1:19) version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard enters Richter's room) Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me! Why is a Belmont planning to resurrect Count Dracula? Richter: Dracula rises once a century. One chance for each Belmont to shine, and then we're finished, forgotten. If I bring him back now, the battle can last for eternity! Alucard: ........ You have lost your way. So be it, vampire hunter. Let your battle begin with me! (Richter unleashes his Grand Cross) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Richter Belmont: 待ちかねたぞ。 Alucard: 答えろ！ 何故ベルモンドが ドラキュラ復活を企む？ Richter Belmont: 伯爵は百年に一度しか蘇らん。 そして、俺の役目は終わった…。 だが、俺の血が戦いを求めている！ 奴さえ復活すれば、 戦いは永遠に続くのだ！ Alucard: ････････。 その考えが己自身のものなら、 それもよかろう。 video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard enters Richter's room) Richter Belmont: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me! Why would a Belmont plots for Dracula's resurrection? Richter Belmont: The Count rises but once a century. And my duty is finished... However, my blood implored me to fight him again! If only he could be revived, the battle will last for eternity! Alucard: ......If that thought is your own will, then so be it. (Richter unleashes his Grand Cross) (dialogue at 1:56)
Alucard Richter	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Death of Richter [edit] When: After Defeating Richter (without equipping the Holy Glasses or without destroying Shaft's orbs) Summary: Richter admits defeat while lamenting that there is no need for him anymore without the threat of Dracula. The castle starts to crumble and Alucard makes his escape. version (original) - [transcript][video]: Alucard: It's over... Belmont. Richter: So the war between humans and vampires finally ends here... Alucard: ........ Richter: What need for the shepherd when the wolves have all gone... My time on this world has come to an end... version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Richter receives heavy damage, but shrugs it off, recites a phrase and strikes a pose with power. He then summons Hydro Storm and battles once more. He receives further damage and falls by Alucard's blade) Alucard: It's over... Belmont. Richter: So the war between humans and vampires finally ends here... Alucard: ........ Richter: "What need for the shepherd when the wolves have all gone," eh? My time... It's over now... (The entire castle starts to crumble. Alucard makes his escape from the castle) (dialogue at 0:27) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Alucard: 終りだ…、ベルモンド。 Richter Belmont: そうだ…。 人と吸血鬼の闘いの歴史は、 今ここで終わる…。 Alucard: ････････。 Richter Belmont: 狩られる者がいない今、 狩る者は不要だ…。 もう､ここには俺の居場所は なかったのかもしれないな…。video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript][video]: (Richter falls by Alucard's blade) Alucard: It's over... Belmont. Richter Belmont: So it is... The ancient struggle between humans and vampires is finally come to an end... Alucard: ... Richter Belmont: With nothing to hunt, there's no need for hunters... Perhaps there was no place for me here, either... (The entire castle starts to crumble. Alucard makes his escape from the castle) (dialogue at 1:08)
Shaft	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Defeating Shaft's Illusion [edit] When: After destroying Shaft's orbs (equipping the Holy Glasses) Summary: During his battle with Richter, Alucard destroys Shaft's orbs that he was using to manipulate Richter. Shaft is disappointed, but says that the resurrection of Dracula is at hand and vanishes. version (original) - [transcript][video]: Shaft: You've defeated me. But all is not yet lost. The resurrection of Count Dracula is at hand! version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard destroys a small crystal ball which is floating round Richter, seems to controlling him. Shaft appears in front of them) Shaft: How inconvenient. But we've only just begun. The Master's ascension is at hand! (Shaft vanishes away with evil laughter) (dialogue at 1:00) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Shaft: くっ、しくじったか…。だが、まだ終わらぬ。伯爵様の復活は目の前なのだ！ video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript][video]: (Alucard destroys a small crystal ball which is floating round Richter, seems to controlling him. Shaft appears in front of them) Shaft: Tch, so I've failed... But 'tis not o'er yet. The Count's revival is at hand! (Shaft vanishes away with evil laughter) (dialogue at 2:49)
Richter Maria Alucard	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Reverse Castle Revived [edit] When: After defeating Shaft's Illusion Summary: After Shaft disappears, an upside down version of Dracula's Castle is revealed descending from the sky. Maria thanks Alucard for saving Richter, who is amazed that he could be the same Alucard that once teamed up with his ancestor Trevor Belmont 300 years ago. Alucard then goes after Shaft in the other castle, promising to finish this. version (original) - [transcript][video]: Richter: No... What have I done... Maria: Thank you Alucard, for saving Richter. Richter: Alucard!? The same Alucard who fought alongside my ancestor Trevor Belmont?... That was over 300 years ago! Alucard: No time for small talk. Is the person who controlled you in that castle over there? Richter: Yes, I think so... Alucard: Maria, take Richter and leave here. I'll finish this. Maria: All right... Good luck. version (new) - [transcript][video]: (Richter recovers his consciousness) Richter: No... What have I done...? Maria: You saved him, Alucard. Thank you so much. Richter: Alucard?! The Alucard? You can't be. That was over 300 years ago! Alucard: Never mind that. Is the man who controlled you in that castle? Richter: Yes, I think so... Alucard: Maria, take Richter and leave here. I'll finish this. Maria: All right... Good luck. (Alucard leaves the Keep quickly) version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Richter Belmont: 俺としたことが…。 くそッ、なんてことだ。 Maria Renard: ありがとう、アルカード。 リヒターを助けてくれて…。 Richter Belmont: アルカード…！？ まさか、わが祖先ラルフと共に、 ドラキュラを倒した…。 Alucard: そんなことは、どうでもいい。 お前を操っていた者は、 あの城にいるのか？ Richter Belmont: あぁ、そのはずだ…。 Alucard: マリア。 リヒターを連れて城を出ろ。 後は俺がやる。 Maria Renard: えぇ…。 分かったわ。video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript][video]: (Richter recovers his consciousness) Richter Belmont: What have I done...? Damn it... How could this happen!? Maria Renard: Thank you, Alucard. You saved Richter... Richter Belmont: Alucard...!? You can't be the one who defeated Dracula alongside my ancestor Ralph...!? Alucard: That's not important right now... The one who controlled you... Is he in that castle? Richter Belmont: Yes, I think so... Alucard: Maria. Take Richter and leave this castle. I'll handle the rest. Maria Renard: Okay... I understand. (Alucard leaves the Keep quickly) (dialogue at 3:53)
Richter	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Dark Priest [edit] When: Talking with Richter Summary: Richter tells Alucard to hurry up and stop Shaft from reviving Dracula at the center of the other castle. version (new) - [transcript][video]: Richter Belmont: The dark priest, Shaft... He's trying to revive Dracula at the center of that other castle. Hurry! version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Richter: 神官シャフト…。 奴は異界の城の中央で、 ドラキュラ復活の儀を行っている。 急いでくれ！ video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript]: Richter Belmont: The priest Shaft... He's performing the ritual for Dracula's resurrection at the center of the inverted castle. Hurry!
Maria	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Castle Keep / Talking with Maria [edit] When: Talking with Maria Summary: Maria tells Alucard to take care and asks for God to protect him. version (new) - [transcript]: Maria Renard: Please take care, Alucard. May the Lord protect you. version (Japanese text) - [transcript][video]: Maria: 気をつけて、アルカード。 神の御加護ががありますように…。 video - Nico Nico Douga video (registration required) version (fan translated) - [transcript]: Maria Renard: Please take care, Alucard. May the divine blessing be with you.

Gallery

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Related areas

• Royal Chapel - Previous stage for Alucard.
• Entrance, Outer Wall - Areas initially connected to by Teleporter. Other areas will become connected as their teleporters are found.
• Marble Gallery, Underground Caverns, Long Library, Outer Wall, Royal Chapel, Clock Tower - Areas that can be explored further once the Leap Stone has been acquired.

Other appearances

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (LCD handheld)

The Castle Keep is the fourth and final stage of the LCD version of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. All enemies from previous stages swarm from all sides. Dracula is at the end of this stage and can be defeated with the Cross special weapon.

Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night

The Castle Keep in Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night includes some enemies from the original Castle Entrance and from its inverted version, the Reverse Keep. It is also host to a Werewolf enemy and a Cerberus boss, whose original stages, the Colosseum and Abandoned Pit to the Catacomb, do not exist in this game.

Castlevania: Moonlight Rhapsody

Main article: Castle Keep (Moonlight Rhapsody)

The general layout of the Castle Keep (called Upper Level of the Magic City in Chinese) in Castlevania: Moonlight Rhapsody is similar to its layout in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.