Malachi

Malachi (known simply as in Japanese versions) is an enemy in the Castlevania series. He is a pagan being from ancient times who strikes fear into anyone near his presence.
==Origins==
Malachi is based on the Lovecraftian entity Cthulhu, a towering, dragon-like creature with a tentacled visage, known to cause madness at a glance and capable of acts of massive destruction. Cthulhu is a member of 'The Great Old Ones', a race of mighty cosmic entities trapped for unknown reasons, and is fated to rise from the depths of his sunken city of R'lyeh to bring about the end of mankind.
The name "Malachi" comes from the Bible, the writer of the Book of Malachi, but seemingly has no relation to the monster aside from its bio in The Dracula X Chronicles version of Symphony of the Night identifying it as a demon from Hell.
==Description==
In the Castlevania series, Malachi draws from its origin quite extensively, with an appearance similar to his literary counterpart; being more anthropomorphic but with a characteristic tentacled head, complete with a squid-like beak. His distinguishing attack, Nightmare, also seems to be adapted from the source material. He should not be confused with the enemy called Ctulhu in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which was the English localized name given to the Devil enemy in that game.
Malachi appears to be wearing a belt buckle, although without pants or a belt. It can be seen when he leans back to perform a slash attack.
==Appearances==
===Castlevania: Symphony of the Night===
Encountered in the Reverse Castle, Malachi will attempt to call forth a rolling orb of darkness to engulf his foes, or swing his claws at them. In Alucard's case, the latter will inflict poison if he's not equipped with the Topaz Circlet. However, as Malachi is slow, multiple attacks may be possible against him while avoiding the dangers posed by both attacks.
He yields 666 EXP, referencing the Number of the Beast.
===Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow/Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin===
In both games, Malachi can still summon his orb of darkness, but he can no longer poison the player by striking them. In compensation, his strike now inflicts great damage on the player and propels them away. In addition, he utters bizarre cries when he's attacking or dying.
In Dawn of Sorrow, Malachi is seen for the first time during the opening cinematic, where he attempts to attack Soma Cruz shortly after the latter took out an Axe Armor, although he dodges the attack and promptly impales the demon with his sword, absorbing his soul in the process. Despite his initial smiting, Malachi would reappear multiple times throughout the main game, once in The Dark Chapel, during a cutscene where Dmitrii Blinov tests his power by copying the demon's orb of darkness attack before using it to kill him, and several times as an uncommon enemy within the Cursed Clock Tower, Demon Guest House, The Pinnacle, and The Abyss.
His soul in Dawn of Sorrow grants the Evil Sphere ability, which summons a dark sphere similar to his own. It can also be used for synthesizing an Osafune into a Kunitsuna at Yoko's shop. He also drops this same ability in Portrait of Ruin, but as a spell for Charlotte.
<tabber>Dawn of Sorrow=
|-|Portrait of Ruin=
</tabber>
===Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night===
===Castlevania: Harmony of Despair===
Unlike his previous appearances, Malachi seems to no longer be able to attack in close combat. However, he may back off slightly.
==Other appearances==
===Castlevania (animated series)===
right|200px
Malachi makes an appearance in the final episode of Season 3, "Abandon All Hope", as part of the legion of monsters the Visitor summons. He attacks as he does in the games, with a dark fireball, although he is defeated by Sypha Belnades and her fire magic.
==Item Data==
==Gallery==
Dxc 126.png|Malachi enemy list entry from The Dracula X Chronicles version of Symphony of the Night.
Malachi ball sigil.jpg|Symbol seen when launching the Magic ball.
Malachi DoS Trailer.png|Malachi in the trailer of Dawn of Sorrow.
HD 1koma 07.jpg|Malachi in the official Koma comic strips.
Malachi Netflix.png|Malachi in "Abandon All Hope" from the Castlevania animated series.
Malachi Model Sheet.png|Malachi model sheet from the Castlevania animated series.
Malachi Model.png|Malachi model.
==References==
*Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin – Bestiary by Darth Nemesis at GameFAQs
*Mr. P's Castlevania Realm
==See also==
*Devil (Ctulhu)
Category:Dark Enemies
Category:Flying Enemies
Category:Lovecraft Lore
Category:Literary Monsters
Category:Night Creatures
Category:Poison Enemies
Category:Dawn of Sorrow Enemies
Category:The Dracula X Chronicles Enemies
Category:Encore of the Night Enemies
Category:Harmony of Despair Enemies
Category:Portrait of Ruin Enemies
Category:Symphony of the Night Enemies