Sphinx

**Sphinxes** (スフィンクス) are recurring characters from the *Monster World* series. On its first appearance, one such Sphinx has a humanoid ninja appearance, but in Monster World, one specific Sphinx is a cat version the Great Sphinx of Giza, with the most recent one appearing more in line with Quetzalcoatl.

## Appearances

### *Wonder Boy in Monster Land*

Sphinx is the boss of the pyramid. When Book enters the Sphinx's room, he will make a question about himself, giving three choices, the right answer changing every new game. A hint of its right answer can be obtained with Betty in the Pyramid's bar. When answered correctly, the Sphinx will allow Book to continue, saving time and health. If the wrong answer is given, the player must fight him, boasting a lot of health and will take some time to be defeated.

The Sphinx fights by standing in one place and firing projectiles at Book. When approached, he teleports to the other part of the room, so the player must hurry and hit the Sphinx before he vanishes. He is worth 3000 points.

#### Questions

Content may vary depending on the version and language, this list being from the English Master System version.

#### Other versions

* In *Bikkuriman World*, the Sphinx was replaced by **Satan Maria** in her powered up form.

* In *Mônica no Castelo do Dragão*, the Sphinx is named **Duque Armadura** ("Duke Armor").

* In *Saiyūki World*, the Sphinx was replaced by **Rasetsujo** (らせつじょ, the Japanese name of Princess Iron Fan)

### *Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap*

A Sphinx appears as a small location in The Desert. In the Sega Master System version and in the remake, she contains a treasure chest with a heart, while the Game Gear version contains a key that can be used to enter the pyramid. She also contains a secret area that can be accessed with the Thunder Saber.

### *Wonder Boy in Monster World*

*"So you've arrived. As you may have guessed, I'm the Sphinx. I've got this thing for quizzes, but then you've probably heard that by now. Tell you what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna ask you some questions - 5, to be exact. When you've answered them all correctly, I'm gonna send you into a new world. Are you ready?"* - Sphinx
The Sphinx is a challenge at the end of the Pyramid of Maugham Desert. To face the Sphinx, all that the player has to do is answer five questions about the game. If four of them are right, the Sphinx is bested and will allow Shion to take the Star Key. If all of the questions are wrong, she'll taunt Shion to restart the questions. If all five question are answered correctly, the Sphinx will also give a Thunder Magic. However, there is a glitch that may avoid the player from getting it if a Thunder Magic was already obtained, avoiding her enhancement.

The Sphinx seems to have a bit of a cocky attitude based on her dialogue, but in regards to her actions, she's somewhat of a merciful character, as she is not arrogant or cruel. However, despite this, the Sphinx is the only boss, as well as the only female, to never be killed by Shion, as well as her incarnation in WBiMW being the only one to be female (apart from the one in WB III: TDT), whereas all of the others are male. In addition, the Sphinx is the only boss who is not completely evil, as she is a kind and caring anti-villainess who willingly helps him.

 What's the first type of magic you acquired? | Fire Storm

If all the answers are wrong, she will say: *"This is terrible. You missed every one! Looks like the end of the line for you... How sad."*

### *Monster World IV*

A Sphinx with a broken nose appears outside the Ice Pyramid. Asha must talk with him to gain access to each part of the pyramid. After completing two parts, the Sphinx will pass a quiz that must be answered to access the final part.

If a wrong answer is given, the Sphinx will open the floor, making Asha fall on the spikes below and lose one heart. If the player is fast enough, it is possible to avoid falling on the spikes. To take the quiz again, Asha must wash her face on the water near the spikes (which is an achievement in the Xbox version) or leave the area and return.

### *Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom*

A Sphinx appears in the Lost Temples. Jin must answer three question correctly in a row to access the temple protected by him, which contains one of the Sacred Orbs. If a wrong answer is given, the Sphinx will kick Jin out of his room and he will need to take the quiz again. The dialogue with the Sphinx implies that he is related to the others Sphinxes seen in the series.

 Who is the ruler of the Misty Woods?
 How many tentacles did the giant squid have?

## Trivia

* The *Wonder Boy in Monster World* version of the Sphinx bears a strong resemblance to Ankha from the *Animal Crossing* series due to being a giant female Egyptian cat, with the clothing being particularly reminiscent to Ankha's attire in *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*.

## Gallery

*Wonder Boy in Monster Land* manual image*Wonder Boy in Monster World**Monster World IV**Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom**Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap*Sphinx sprites from *Wonder Boy in Monster World*The 3D Sphinx from *Asha in Monster World*Normal Sphinx (*AiMW*)Frozen Sphinx (*AiMW*)