Medusa, also known as the Prophetess, serves as one of the initial bosses in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. Defeating her is crucial for acquiring the keys needed to access the catacombs. The game does not explicitly guide players to her location, requiring exploration of early maps for clues leading to her boss arena.
Locating the Prophetess
The Prophetess can be found in the Holy Innocents' Cemetery region, situated to the left of the Paris Streets area. To reach the cemetery early in the game, navigate left from the Street of the Tomb Masons within Paris Streets. Continue heading left within the Holy Innocents' Cemetery until you reach the Fountain of the Lost. Descend into the water to enter the Serpent's Lair below. The Prophetess's boss arena is the westernmost room on the left, found past the Mirror of Life located on the right.
Mastering the Medusa Fight
Success against Medusa hinges on memorizing her attack sequence and effectively utilizing the platforms within the arena. Victory yields the Prophetess Key and the Petrifying Gaze arcana. Medusa employs three primary attacks:
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Slam attack: Medusa strikes the platform with her arm, followed by a slash. She telegraphs this by raising an arm for several seconds before striking. Players can land a few hits during this charge-up but must eventually evade by jumping off the platform. Utilizing the whip on the purple anchor allows for a return to the platform.
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Petrifying attack: This attack is indicated by glowing particles converging on Medusa as she charges. To avoid it, turn the player character Rose away from Medusa.
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Tail attack: Medusa will use her tail to strike players remaining on the lower platforms.
Once adept at dodging these attacks, focus on staying on the upper platform nearest Medusa and exploiting openings to attack.
Approximately 25% into the fight, Medusa will unleash an ultimate move. The screen will shake, her tail will strike the lower platforms repeatedly, and she will perform a series of frontal slashes. As the screen begins to shake, move to the upper platform on the side opposite Medusa. After her tail recedes into the water, locate a large rock that has fallen from the ceiling; it will be on the lower platform across from Medusa. Quickly take cover behind this rock to avoid the multiple beams emanating from her hair, which would otherwise result in a swift defeat.
Medusa will repeat this ultimate attack several times. While her pattern remains consistent, subsequent uses will cause smaller rocks to fall from the ceiling, posing an additional hazard. Evade these falling rocks while prioritizing cover behind the large, stable rock.