Castlevania Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Castlevania Wiki
Wikivania: Encyclopedia of Darkness
7,120
pages
in: Demons, European Mythology, Flying Bosses,
and 12 more

Changes: Gargoyle

Back to page
Sign in to edit
Tag: rte-wysiwyg
(34 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Infobox GenericEnemy
 +
{{Infobox Enemy
 
|name = Gargoyle
  
|name = Gargoyle
−
|image = [[File:Super Castlevania IV - Gargoyle - 01.png|250px]]
 +
|image = Super Castlevania IV - Gargoyle - 01.png
 
|caption = Ogideran from the All About Akumajō Dracula guide
  
|caption = Ogideran from the All About Akumajō Dracula guide
  +
|jname =
−
|jname = ガーゴイル ''Gāgoiru''<br />オギデラン ''Ogideran''
 +
ガーゴイル ''Gāgoiru''<br />
−
|aname = Ogideran, Card Gargoyle
  
  +
オギデラン ''Ogideran''
−
|abil = Conceals itself as a stone statue<br />Flight<br />Rips enemies with its claws<br />Throws spears
  
  +
|aname = Card Gargoyle, Gargoyle Bat,<ref name="MrP">[http://www.vgmuseum.com/mrp/NewCV/gbg-cvbl.htm Mr. P's Castlevania Realm]</ref> Ogideran
⚫
|type = [[:Category:Demons|Demon]]
  
  +
|abil =
⚫
|lore = [[:Category:European Mythology|European mythology]]
  
  +
*Conceals itself as a stone [[statue]]
  +
*[[:category:Flying Enemies|Flight]]
  +
*Attacks with its claws
  +
*Throws spears
  ⚫
|type = [[:category:Demons|Demon]]
  ⚫
|lore = [[:category:European Mythology|European mythology]]
 
|eng voice =
 
|eng voice =
 
|jpn voice =
 
|jpn voice =
  +
|game =
−
|game = ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]''<br />''[[Castlevania Chronicles|Chronicles]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Rondo of Blood|Rondo of Blood]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Bloodlines|Bloodlines]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night/Saturn|Symphony of the Night]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Circle of the Moon|Circle of the Moon]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow|Aria of Sorrow]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Lament of Innocence|Lament of Innocence]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles|Dracula X Chronicles]]''<br />''[[Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia|Order of Ecclesia]]''
  
  ⚫
''[[Super Castlevania IV]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania Chronicles|Chronicles]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Rondo of Blood|Rondo of Blood]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Bloodlines|Bloodlines]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night/Saturn|Symphony of the Night]]'' ([[Sega Saturn|Saturn]])<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Circle of the Moon|Circle of the Moon]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow|Aria of Sorrow]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Lament of Innocence|Lament of Innocence]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles|Dracula X Chronicles]]''<br />
  +
''[[Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia|Order of Ecclesia]]''
 
|gallery =
 
|gallery =
−
|stuff1 =
+
|stuff1 = [[Gargoyle/Enemy Data|Enemy Data]]
 
|stuff2 =
 
|stuff2 =
 
}}
  
}}
 
{{For|the [[Innocent Devil]]|Gargoyle (Innocent Devil)}}
  
{{For|the [[Innocent Devil]]|Gargoyle (Innocent Devil)}}
  +
{{For|the [[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate|Mirror of Fate]] enemy|Gargoyle (Lords of Shadow)}}
−
'''Gargoyles''' are enemies in the ''[[Castlevania (series)|Castlevania]]'' series. They are living statues of grotesque monsters that boast the wings of a bat, made either of terra-cotta, marble, or granite. In some instances, they are referred to as [[:Category:Demons|demons]] turned to stone. They act as watchers to prevent trespassers from wandering into the [[Dracula's Castle|castle]].
 +
The '''Gargoyle''' is an [[:category:Enemies|enemy]] in the ''[[Castlevania (series)|Castlevania]]'' series. They are living [[statue]]s of grotesque monsters that boast the wings of a bat, made either of terra-cotta, marble, or granite. In some instances, they are referred to as [[:category:Demons|demons]] turned to stone. They act as watchers to prevent trespassers from wandering into the [[Dracula's Castle|castle]].
   
 
==Origins==
  
==Origins==
−
In architecture, a [[Wikipedia:Gargoyle|gargoyle]] is a carved or formed grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building, [[File:Gargoyle - 01.jpg|thumb|left|Functional gargoyle that sheds water away from the building.]]thereby preventing rainwater from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar between. Architects often used multiple gargoyles on buildings to divide the flow of rainwater off the roof to minimize the potential damage from a rainstorm. A trough is cut in the back of the gargoyle and rainwater typically exits through the open mouth. Gargoyles are usually an elongated fantastic animal because the length of the gargoyle determines how far water is thrown from the wall.
 +
In architecture, a [[wikipedia:Gargoyle|gargoyle]] is a carved or formed grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building, [[File:Gargoyle - 01.jpg|thumb|left|<p style="text-align: center;">Functional gargoyle that sheds water away from the building.</p>]]thereby preventing rainwater from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar between. Gargoyles are usually an elongated fantastic animal because the length of the gargoyle determines how far water is thrown from the wall.
   
 
A French legend that sprang up around the name of St. Romanus, relates how he delivered the country around Rouen from a monster called ''Gargouille''. The Gargouille is said to have been the typical dragon with bat-like wings, a long neck, and the ability to breathe fire from its mouth. In each version of the story, the monster is led back to Rouen and burned, but its head and neck would not burn due to being tempered by its own fire breath. The head was then mounted on the walls of the newly built church to scare off evil spirits.
  
A French legend that sprang up around the name of St. Romanus, relates how he delivered the country around Rouen from a monster called ''Gargouille''. The Gargouille is said to have been the typical dragon with bat-like wings, a long neck, and the ability to breathe fire from its mouth. In each version of the story, the monster is led back to Rouen and burned, but its head and neck would not burn due to being tempered by its own fire breath. The head was then mounted on the walls of the newly built church to scare off evil spirits.
  +
{{clr}}
−  
 
==Description==
  
==Description==
−
Gargoyles are flying, anthropomorphic, reptilian-like [[:Category:Demons|demons]] who are usually found as stone statues decorating some structures in the ''[[Castlevania (series)|Castlevania]]'' universe. These will come to life and attack as soon as the player approaches them. However, not all statues will reanimate in such cases, and sometimes they will wait until the player performs a particular action.
 +
Gargoyles are flying, anthropomorphic, reptilian-like [[:category:Demons|demons]] who are usually found as stone [[statue]]s decorating some structures in the ''[[Castlevania (series)|Castlevania]]'' universe. These will come to life and attack as soon as the player approaches them. However, not all statues will reanimate in such cases, and sometimes they will wait until the player performs a particular action.
   
 
Not all gargoyles appear in their stone form. Depending on the game, they can appear already flying and attacking. Some of them will swoop at the player, while others will come armed with spears which they may hurl at them and then continue on their way.
  
Not all gargoyles appear in their stone form. Depending on the game, they can appear already flying and attacking. Some of them will swoop at the player, while others will come armed with spears which they may hurl at them and then continue on their way.
Line 32: Line 49:
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
 
===''[[Castlevania II: Simon's Quest]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania II: Simon's Quest]]''===
−
In the US instruction booklet for ''Simon's Quest'', the [[Devil]] was renamed as "Gargoyle", perhaps because of [[Nintendo]]'s policy of not including either religious or explicit content in games distributed for their [[Nintendo Entertainment System|console]] at the time.
 +
In the US instruction booklet of ''Simon's Quest'', the [[Devil]] was renamed as "Gargoyle", perhaps because of [[Nintendo]]'s policy of not including either religious or explicit content in games distributed for their [[Nintendo Entertainment System|console]] at the time.
   
−
These enemies only appear inside of [[Villas and Mansions|mansions]]. They attack by walking and jumping sporadically at [[Simon Belmont|Simon]], while shooting a pair of [[Fireball|fireballs]] from their mouths at an angle. The first time the player encounters one is while making their way out of [[Berkeley Mansion]]. The recently acquired [[Rib of Vlad|Dracula's Rib]] will prove to be very useful in deflecting the fireballs shot by this enemy.
 +
These enemies only appear inside of [[mansions]]. They attack by walking and jumping sporadically at [[Simon Belmont|Simon]], while shooting a pair of [[Fireball|fireballs]] from their mouths at an angle. The first time the player encounters one is while making their way out of [[Berkeley Mansion]]. The recently acquired [[Rib of Vlad|Dracula's Rib]] will prove to be very useful in deflecting the fireballs shot by this enemy.
   
 
===''[[Castlevania Chronicles]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania Chronicles]]''===
−
A swarm of Gargoyles (originally named "Ogideran" in the [[Sharp X68000|X68000]] version) can be seen flying in the background of the [[Chronicles Block 2|Underground Aqueduct]]. The player will be able to see their formations while this happens, so they can be prepared for when they arrive to [[Simon Belmont (X68000)|Simon]]'s position. This time they come armed with spears and will attempt to stab him once they arrive.
 +
A swarm of Gargoyles (originally named "Ogideran" in the [[Sharp X68000|X68000]] version) can be seen flying in the background of the [[Chronicles Block 2|Underground Aqueduct]]. The player will be able to see their formations while this happens, so they can be prepared for when they arrive to [[Simon Belmont (Chronicles)|Simon]]'s position. This time they come armed with spears and will attempt to stab him once they arrive.
   
 
===''[[Castlevania: Rondo of Blood]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania: Rondo of Blood]]''===
−
Gargoyles appear in the second section of [[Rondo of Blood Stage 2'|Stage 2']] in ''Rondo of Blood''. This is the first time they appear in stone form in the [[Castlevania (series)|series]]. When approached, they will suddenly come to life from their statuesque condition and start attacking. They die in a single hit; however, they can be very hard to defeat as they will dodge most of the player's attacks. They appear to be oblivious to [[Sub-Weapon|sub-weaponry]], though, so a well aimed [[Axe]] or [[Dragon|Seiryuu]] will be enough to dispose of them. If not dealt quickly enough, they will spit three [[Fireball|fireballs]] in a spreading manner.
 +
Gargoyles appear in the second section of [[Rondo of Blood Stage 2'|Stage 2']] in ''Rondo of Blood'', being the first time they appear in stone form in the [[Castlevania (series)|series]]. When approached, they will suddenly come to life from their [[statue]]sque condition and start attacking. They die in a single hit; however, they can be very hard to defeat as they will dodge most of the player's attacks. They appear to be oblivious to [[Sub-Weapon|sub-weaponry]], though, so a well aimed [[Axe]] or [[Dragon|Seiryuu]] will be enough to dispose of them. If not dealt quickly enough, they will spit three [[Fireball|fireballs]] in a spreading manner.
   
 
===''[[Castlevania: Bloodlines]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania: Bloodlines]]''===
−
After a long and intense battle through the [[Leaning Tower of Pisa]], the player will eventually encounter this menacing creature at its top. The Gargoyle attacks either with tail swipes, shooting projectiles from the tip of its tail, or by making flying passes. When low on health, it will start bouncing around the top of the tower in an attempt to land on the player or knock him off to his doom. Once it is defeated, it will fly one last time into the air and let out a shrilling scream as it explodes into pieces.
 +
After a long and intense battle through the [[Bloodlines Stage 3|Leaning Tower of Pisa]], the player will eventually encounter this menacing creature at its top. The Gargoyle attacks either with tail swipes, shooting projectiles from the tip of its tail, or by making flying passes. When low on health, it will start bouncing around the top of the tower in an attempt to land on the player or knock him off to his doom. Once it is defeated, it will rise one last time into the air and let out a shrilling scream as it explodes into pieces.
   
−
This boss also makes a second appearance as part of [[Death#Castlevania: Bloodlines|Death]]'s boss battle toward the end of the game, in a roulette-style card game prior to fighting Death himself.
 +
This boss makes a second appearance as part of [[Death#Castlevania: Bloodlines|Death]]'s boss battle toward the end of the game, in a roulette-style card game prior to fighting Death himself.
  +
  +
===''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]''===
  +
[[File:Symphony of the Night - Stone - 02.jpg|thumb|<p style="text-align: center;">Alucard turned into a [[gargoyle]] statue in ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night|Symphony of the Night]]''.</p>]]
  +
  +
Various enemies in this game have the ability to turn [[Alucard]] to [[stone]], but an interesting peculiarity of this status is that sometimes he will be turned into a big gargoyle [[statue]]. While there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when it will exactly happen, Alucard does become immune to damage while in this state.
  +
  +
While Gargoyles didn't appear in the original [[PlayStation]] version of the game (or ports based on it), three variants were introduced in the [[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night/Saturn|Saturn version]]: an orange one made of terra-cota, a white one made of marble, and a dark-blue one made of granite, each stronger than the other, respectively, and each inhabiting one of the new areas of this version of the game.
   
 
===''[[Castlevania: Circle of the Moon]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania: Circle of the Moon]]''===
 
Gargoyles are encountered quite early in the game and are a frequent enemy throughout the rest of it. They are just a stronger version of [[Gremlin]]s and attack in very much the same way. They usually appear flying from one edge of the screen to the other and come armed with spears, which they may hurl at [[Nathan Graves|Nathan]].
  
Gargoyles are encountered quite early in the game and are a frequent enemy throughout the rest of it. They are just a stronger version of [[Gremlin]]s and attack in very much the same way. They usually appear flying from one edge of the screen to the other and come armed with spears, which they may hurl at [[Nathan Graves|Nathan]].
   
−
In some parts of the [[Camilla's Castle|castle]], they can also be found in statue form until approached.
 +
In some parts of the [[Camilla's Castle|castle]], they can also be found in [[statue]] form until approached.
   
 
===''[[Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow]]''===
Line 56: Line 80:
   
 
===''[[Castlevania: Lament of Innocence]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania: Lament of Innocence]]''===
−
Gargoyles are first introduced in a little cutscene in one of the rooms of the [[Garden Forgotten by Time]]. They have low health but can be a bit difficult to defeat due to their erratic flying patterns and their evading maneuvers. They can be found either in stone form or already flying, and can become a nuisance as they will do both, attack relentlessly and/or provide supportive offense while [[Leon Belmont|Leon]] is occupied dealing with other enemies.
 +
Gargoyles are first introduced in a little cutscene in one of the courtyards of the [[Garden Forgotten by Time]]. They have low health but can be a bit difficult to defeat due to their erratic flying patterns and their evading maneuvers. They can be found either in stone form or already flying, and can become a nuisance as they will do both, attack relentlessly and/or provide supportive offense while [[Leon Belmont|Leon]] is occupied dealing with other enemies.
   
 
They have three attacks:
  
They have three attacks:
Line 64: Line 88:
   
 
===''[[Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia]]''===
  
===''[[Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia]]''===
−
In ''Order of Ecclesia'', Gargoyles can be first found in the [[Castle Entrance (Order of Ecclesia)|Castle Entrance]], where they appear in statue form. They usually come to life and start to attack as soon as [[Shanoa]] approaches them. However, in some cases the player first needs to perform a specific action for them to attack. Being that they are made of stone, they are weak to [[Hit|Strike]] damage, so using a [[Macir]] [[Glyph|glyph]] against them is recommended.
 +
In ''Order of Ecclesia'', Gargoyles can be first found in the [[Castle Entrance (Order of Ecclesia)|Castle Entrance]], where they appear in [[statue]] form. They usually come to life and start to attack as soon as [[Shanoa]] approaches them. However, in some cases the player first needs to perform a specific action for them to attack. Being that they are made of stone, they are weak to [[Strike]] damage, so using a [[Macir]] [[glyph]] against them is recommended.
   
 
The Gargoyle's sprite was used as base for a later enemy: [[Draculina]].
  
The Gargoyle's sprite was used as base for a later enemy: [[Draculina]].
   
 
==Enemy Data==
  
==Enemy Data==
−
{{Enemy Table Begin|Gargoyle}}
 +
:''See: [[Gargoyle/Enemy Data]]''
  +
−
{{Simon's Quest Enemy Data|The Gargoyle}}
  
  +
==Item Data==
⚫
{{Super Castlevania IV Enemy Data|42}}
  
−
{{Chronicles Enemy Data|Gargoyle}}
 +
{{Item Table Begin|Gargoyle}}
−
{{Rondo of Blood Enemy Data|Gargoyle}}
 +
{{Symphony of the Night Item Data/Items|Money Bag (Yellow)}}
  +
{{Symphony of the Night Item Data/Items|Money Bag (Blue)}}
−
{{Bloodlines Enemy Data|Gargoyle}}
  
  +
{{Symphony of the Night Item Data/Accessories|Zircon}}
−
{{Bloodlines Enemy Data|Card Gargoyle}}
  
−
{{Symphony of the Night Enemy Data/Saturn|Gargoyle [Lv. 15]}}
 +
{{Symphony of the Night Item Data/Medicine|Resist Stone}}
−
{{Symphony of the Night Enemy Data/Saturn|Gargoyle [Lv. 25]}}
 +
{{Symphony of the Night Item Data/Medicine|Hammer}}
−
{{Symphony of the Night Enemy Data/Saturn|Gargoyle [Lv. 35]}}
 +
{{Symphony of the Night Item Data/Two Handed|Double Blade Axe}}
−
{{Circle of the Moon Enemy Data|Gargoyle}}
 +
{{Circle of the Moon Item Data/Body|Prison Garb}}
−
{{Aria of Sorrow Enemy Data|Gargoyle}}
 +
{{Circle of the Moon Item Data/Recovery|Heart High}}
−
{{Lament of Innocence Enemy Data|24}}
 +
{{Aria of Sorrow Item Data/Yellow Souls|Gargoyle}}
−
{{Order of Ecclesia Enemy Data|75}}
 +
{{Lament of Innocence Item Data/Accessories|Perseus's Ring}}
−
{{Mirror of Fate Enemy Data|Gargoyle}}
 +
{{Lament of Innocence Item Data/Items|Heart Repair}}
−
{{Enemy Table End}}
 +
{{Item Table End}}
   
 
==Gallery==
  
==Gallery==
−
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" caption="Gargoyle">
 +
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center">
  +
NP Simon's Quest Gargoyle.jpg|'''Gargoyle''' from the [[Nintendo Power - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest guide|Nintendo Power ''Simon's Quest'' guide]]
 
C4 Demon.JPG|'''Gargoyle''' from the Japanese ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]'' instruction booklet
  
C4 Demon.JPG|'''Gargoyle''' from the Japanese ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]'' instruction booklet
 
Super Castlevania IV - Gargoyle - 01.png|'''Gargoyle''' from the ''[[All About Akumajō Dracula]]'' guide for ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]''
  
Super Castlevania IV - Gargoyle - 01.png|'''Gargoyle''' from the ''[[All About Akumajō Dracula]]'' guide for ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]''
Line 93: Line 118:
 
RoB Gargoyl.JPG|'''Gargoyle''' from the Japanese ''[[Castlevania: Rondo of Blood|Rondo of Blood]]'' instruction booklet
  
RoB Gargoyl.JPG|'''Gargoyle''' from the Japanese ''[[Castlevania: Rondo of Blood|Rondo of Blood]]'' instruction booklet
 
Gargoyle Card.jpg|[[Death]]'s '''Card Gargoyle''' from ''[[Castlevania: Bloodlines|Bloodlines]]''
  
Gargoyle Card.jpg|[[Death]]'s '''Card Gargoyle''' from ''[[Castlevania: Bloodlines|Bloodlines]]''
  +
Saturn 065.png|'''Gargoyle''' Lv. 15's enemy list entry from the [[Sega Saturn]] version of ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night/Saturn|Symphony of the Night]]''
  +
Saturn 101.png|'''Gargoyle''' Lv. 25's enemy list entry from the [[Sega Saturn]] version of ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night/Saturn|Symphony of the Night]]''
  +
Saturn 122.png|'''Gargoyle''' Lv. 35's enemy list entry from the [[Sega Saturn]] version of ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night/Saturn|Symphony of the Night]]''
  +
AoS 088.png|'''Gargoyle''''s enemy list entry from ''[[Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow|Aria of Sorrow]]''
 
GargoyleMoF.JPG|'''Gargoyle''' from ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate|Mirror of Fate]]''
  
GargoyleMoF.JPG|'''Gargoyle''' from ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate|Mirror of Fate]]''
  +
Garg.png|'''Gargoyles''' from the ''[[Castlevania (animated series)|Castlevania]]'' animated series
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
Line 99: Line 129:
 
*Some enemies in earlier games were called "Gargoyles" in the North American instruction booklets. However, they were not designed to be gargoyles at all in their original Japanese versions. These include the [[Devil]]s from ''[[Castlevania II: Simon's Quest|Simon's Quest]]'', and the [[Flying Skeleton]]s from ''[[Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse|Dracula's Curse]]'' (renamed "Flying Gargoyles") and ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]'' (renamed "Gargoyle Skeletons").
  
*Some enemies in earlier games were called "Gargoyles" in the North American instruction booklets. However, they were not designed to be gargoyles at all in their original Japanese versions. These include the [[Devil]]s from ''[[Castlevania II: Simon's Quest|Simon's Quest]]'', and the [[Flying Skeleton]]s from ''[[Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse|Dracula's Curse]]'' (renamed "Flying Gargoyles") and ''[[Super Castlevania IV]]'' (renamed "Gargoyle Skeletons").
 
*There exists artwork of a gargoyle in the ''[[Castlevania: Dracula X]]'' instruction booklet. However, the Gargoyle does not appear in the actual game.
  
*There exists artwork of a gargoyle in the ''[[Castlevania: Dracula X]]'' instruction booklet. However, the Gargoyle does not appear in the actual game.
  +
  +
==See also==
  +
*[[Devil]]
  +
*[[Flying Skeleton]]
  +
*[[Gargoyle (Lords of Shadow)]]
  +
*[[Gremlin]]
  +
*[[Statue]]
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
  +
<references />
 
*[http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/589680-castlevania-lament-of-innocence/faqs/27891 ''Castlevania: Lament of Innocence'' Enemy Strategy FAQ] by Vesperas at GameFAQs.com
  
*[http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/589680-castlevania-lament-of-innocence/faqs/27891 ''Castlevania: Lament of Innocence'' Enemy Strategy FAQ] by Vesperas at GameFAQs.com
   
 
{{BLD}}
  
{{BLD}}
 
[[Category:Demons]]
  
[[Category:Demons]]
  +
[[Category:European Mythology]]
 
[[Category:Flying Bosses]]
  
[[Category:Flying Bosses]]
 
[[Category:Flying Enemies]]
  
[[Category:Flying Enemies]]

Revision as of 12:02, 6 September 2019

For the Innocent Devil, see Gargoyle (Innocent Devil).
For the Mirror of Fate enemy, see Gargoyle (Lords of Shadow).

The Gargoyle is an enemy in the Castlevania series. They are living statues of grotesque monsters that boast the wings of a bat, made either of terra-cotta, marble, or granite. In some instances, they are referred to as demons turned to stone. They act as watchers to prevent trespassers from wandering into the castle.

Origins

In architecture, a gargoyle is a carved or formed grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building,

Gargoyle - 01

Functional gargoyle that sheds water away from the building.

thereby preventing rainwater from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar between. Gargoyles are usually an elongated fantastic animal because the length of the gargoyle determines how far water is thrown from the wall.

A French legend that sprang up around the name of St. Romanus, relates how he delivered the country around Rouen from a monster called Gargouille. The Gargouille is said to have been the typical dragon with bat-like wings, a long neck, and the ability to breathe fire from its mouth. In each version of the story, the monster is led back to Rouen and burned, but its head and neck would not burn due to being tempered by its own fire breath. The head was then mounted on the walls of the newly built church to scare off evil spirits.

Description

Gargoyles are flying, anthropomorphic, reptilian-like demons who are usually found as stone statues decorating some structures in the Castlevania universe. These will come to life and attack as soon as the player approaches them. However, not all statues will reanimate in such cases, and sometimes they will wait until the player performs a particular action.

Not all gargoyles appear in their stone form. Depending on the game, they can appear already flying and attacking. Some of them will swoop at the player, while others will come armed with spears which they may hurl at them and then continue on their way.

The first game where gargoyles appeared in their stone form was in the Aqueducts stage from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood.

Appearances

Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

In the US instruction booklet of Simon's Quest, the Devil was renamed as "Gargoyle", perhaps because of Nintendo's policy of not including either religious or explicit content in games distributed for their console at the time.

These enemies only appear inside of mansions. They attack by walking and jumping sporadically at Simon, while shooting a pair of fireballs from their mouths at an angle. The first time the player encounters one is while making their way out of Berkeley Mansion. The recently acquired Dracula's Rib will prove to be very useful in deflecting the fireballs shot by this enemy.

Castlevania Chronicles

A swarm of Gargoyles (originally named "Ogideran" in the X68000 version) can be seen flying in the background of the Underground Aqueduct. The player will be able to see their formations while this happens, so they can be prepared for when they arrive to Simon's position. This time they come armed with spears and will attempt to stab him once they arrive.

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood

Gargoyles appear in the second section of Stage 2' in Rondo of Blood, being the first time they appear in stone form in the series. When approached, they will suddenly come to life from their statuesque condition and start attacking. They die in a single hit; however, they can be very hard to defeat as they will dodge most of the player's attacks. They appear to be oblivious to sub-weaponry, though, so a well aimed Axe or Seiryuu will be enough to dispose of them. If not dealt quickly enough, they will spit three fireballs in a spreading manner.

Castlevania: Bloodlines

After a long and intense battle through the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the player will eventually encounter this menacing creature at its top. The Gargoyle attacks either with tail swipes, shooting projectiles from the tip of its tail, or by making flying passes. When low on health, it will start bouncing around the top of the tower in an attempt to land on the player or knock him off to his doom. Once it is defeated, it will rise one last time into the air and let out a shrilling scream as it explodes into pieces.

This boss makes a second appearance as part of Death's boss battle toward the end of the game, in a roulette-style card game prior to fighting Death himself.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Symphony of the Night - Stone - 02

Alucard turned into a gargoyle statue in Symphony of the Night.

Various enemies in this game have the ability to turn Alucard to stone, but an interesting peculiarity of this status is that sometimes he will be turned into a big gargoyle statue. While there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when it will exactly happen, Alucard does become immune to damage while in this state.

While Gargoyles didn't appear in the original PlayStation version of the game (or ports based on it), three variants were introduced in the Saturn version: an orange one made of terra-cota, a white one made of marble, and a dark-blue one made of granite, each stronger than the other, respectively, and each inhabiting one of the new areas of this version of the game.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Gargoyles are encountered quite early in the game and are a frequent enemy throughout the rest of it. They are just a stronger version of Gremlins and attack in very much the same way. They usually appear flying from one edge of the screen to the other and come armed with spears, which they may hurl at Nathan.

In some parts of the castle, they can also be found in statue form until approached.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Gargoyles are again a stronger version of Gremlins and attack in exactly the same manner, by flying and making swoops at Soma.

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

Gargoyles are first introduced in a little cutscene in one of the courtyards of the Garden Forgotten by Time. They have low health but can be a bit difficult to defeat due to their erratic flying patterns and their evading maneuvers. They can be found either in stone form or already flying, and can become a nuisance as they will do both, attack relentlessly and/or provide supportive offense while Leon is occupied dealing with other enemies.

They have three attacks:

  • It rears back very far and pegs Leon with its feet. This attack should be blocked.
  • It emits purple sound waves which will turn Leon to stone if hit, while dealing a bit of damage at the same time. This attack should be blocked twice, as it deals two consecutive hits. Successfully guarding against this attack will net Leon with 70 MP.
  • A little whirlwind surrounds the Gargoyle, then it will fly high up and make a quick swoop at Leon. This attack should also be blocked.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

In Order of Ecclesia, Gargoyles can be first found in the Castle Entrance, where they appear in statue form. They usually come to life and start to attack as soon as Shanoa approaches them. However, in some cases the player first needs to perform a specific action for them to attack. Being that they are made of stone, they are weak to Strike damage, so using a Macir glyph against them is recommended.

The Gargoyle's sprite was used as base for a later enemy: Draculina.

Enemy Data

See: Gargoyle/Enemy Data

Item Data

Item Data: Gargoyle
Image Name - Game
  Type - Users
Description 		Attributes / Consume Statistics / Sell Found Notes
Money Bag Icon 3 Money Bag [Yellow] [alt] - Symphony of the Night
  Item (standard) - any 		[edit]
Add funds to your current total. Different types contain different sums.(...) Gold +100
 Find: Lanterns (requires Cube of Zoe for Alucard)
Drop: Zombie, Gargoyle [Lv. 35] (Saturn-only)
 Effect: Can use funds to purchase items from the Master Librarian (Alucard-only)
Money Bag Icon 5 Money Bag [Blue] [alt] - Symphony of the Night
  Item (standard) - any 		[edit]
Add funds to your current total. Different types contain different sums.(...) Gold +400
 Find: Lanterns (requires Cube of Zoe for Alucard)
Drop: Ghost, Blade Soldier, Bone Archer, Gargoyle [Lv. 25] (Saturn-only)
 Effect: Can use funds to purchase items from the Master Librarian (Alucard-only)
Zircon Icon Zircon (jpn) - Symphony of the Night
  Other (Jewel/Ring) - Alucard 		[edit]
Sparkling ring [salable] ATT + 1 (with Jewel Sword - Saturn only)
Sell: $150
 Find: Underground Caverns, Royal Chapel, Outer Wall, Reverse Keep, Reverse Caverns, Anti-Chapel, Reverse Entrance, Reverse Colosseum
Drop: Merman, Blue Raven
Create: Jewel Sword
Resist Stone Icon Resist Stone (jpn) - Symphony of the Night
  Medicine (Attribute Potion) - Alucard 		[edit]
Resistance to stone [use] Attrib: Stone
 Drop: Gargoyle (Saturn only), Medusa Head
 Effect: Temporarily grants immunity to Stone status
Hammer Icon Hammer (jpn) - Symphony of the Night
  Medicine (Cure) - Alucard 		[edit]
Unpetrify [Familiar use only] Attrib: Stone
 Buy: $200
Find: Marble Gallery, Reverse Entrance, Reverse Outer Wall
Drop: Gorgon, Hammer, Gargoyle (Saturn-only)
 Effect: Allows the Faerie Familiar to remove Stone status
Satquip-doubleaxe Double Blade Axe (jpn) - Symphony of the Night (Saturn-only)
  2 Handed Weapon - Alucard 		[edit]
Sharp by two-blades Attrib: Cut
 ATT +42
 Drop: Gargoyle [Lv. 35]
Prison Garb Icon Prison Garb (Clothes of Prisoners) - Circle of the Moon
  Body (Clothes) - Nathan 		[edit]
Clothes that were worn by a prisoner DEF +20, STR +5
 Drop: Evil Hand, Gargoyle, Ghoul, Clinking Man, Zombie Thief
Heart High Icon Heart High (Heart High Up) - Circle of the Moon
  Recovery Item (Heart Potion) - Nathan 		[edit]
Recover 25 Hearts. Heart +25
 Drop: Arachne, Gargoyle, Catoblepas, Ghoul, Dryad, Bone Tower
Yellow Soul Gargoyle - Resist-Stone - Aria of Sorrow
  Enchanted Soul - Soma 		[edit]
Immunity to petrification. Drop: Gargoyle
Perseus's Ring Perseus's Ring (jpn) - Lament of Innocence
  Accessory - Leon Belmont 		[edit]
75% chance of nullifying special effects of petrification attacks. Sell: $2,000
 Drop: Gargoyle
 Effect: 75% protection from being petrified.
Heart Repair Heart Repair - Lament of Innocence
  Recovery Item - Leon Belmont 		[edit]
Medicine that recovers hearts. Hearts +50
Sell: $250
 Find: Dark Palace of Waterfalls B1F, Ghostly Theatre 1F
Drop: Flea Man, Gargoyle, Death Reaper, Mad Diver, Lesser Demon

Gallery

Trivia

  • Some enemies in earlier games were called "Gargoyles" in the North American instruction booklets. However, they were not designed to be gargoyles at all in their original Japanese versions. These include the Devils from Simon's Quest, and the Flying Skeletons from Dracula's Curse (renamed "Flying Gargoyles") and Super Castlevania IV (renamed "Gargoyle Skeletons").
  • There exists artwork of a gargoyle in the Castlevania: Dracula X instruction booklet. However, the Gargoyle does not appear in the actual game.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mr. P's Castlevania Realm
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Characters
Protagonists
John Morris • Eric Lecarde
Antagonists
Elizabeth Bartley • Drolta Tzuentes • Dracula
Bosses
Hellhound • Armor Battler • Wizard • Heavy Armor • Great Axe Armor • Golem • Snake Dragon • Gargoyle
The Creature • Gear Steamer • Talos • Silhouette Demon • Princess of Moss • Death • Medusa
Stages
Ruins of the Castle Dracula • Atlantis Shrine • The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Munitions Factory • Versailles Palace • The Castle Proserpina
Music
Akumajō Dracula X
Guides
MegaDriveFAN
Archives
Bestiary • Inventory
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms