Who is Erzsebet Bathory in Castlevania? Details explored and more

Castlevania, the animated dark fantasy series, has become a cult favorite for its thrilling storylines and rich characters. The franchise, based on the popular video game series by Konami, introduced a sequel titled Castlevania: Nocturne on September 28, 2023, exclusively on Netflix.

Released on January 16, 2025, this series' second season carried on the narrative during the French Revolution. Despite some complaints about timing, the show has been hailed for its animation, writing and voice cast.

In Castlevania: Nocturne, Erzsebet Báthory emerges as a formidable antagonist. Known as the Vampire Messiah, she's a powerful vampire inspired by both the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory and the character Elizabeth Bartley from Castlevania: Bloodlines.

She's shown as an ancient vampire driven by the blood of the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet, endowed with great powers and will to rule the planet.

Set amid the French Revolution in 1792, the show centers Richter Belmont and his allies as they fight to stop Erzsebet Báthory's terrible ascent. Her plans for endless darkness and rule over vampires bring anarchy and force the Belmont family to rise against unthinkable dangers.

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All about Erzsebet Báthory in Castlevania

The character of Erzsebet Bathory (Image via Netflix)

The character’s origins and role

Erzsebet Báthory, portrayed in Castlevania: Nocturne, is a reinterpretation of the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory, often referred to as the "Blood Countess." In the show, she's an ancient vampire who gains her powers by consuming the blood of Sekhmet, the Egyptian war goddess.

This divine connection elevates her to the status of the Vampire Messiah, leading a cult of vampires dedicated to her vision of eternal darkness.

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Historical inspirations

The real Erzsebet Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman born in 1560, is notorious for alleged crimes that include torturing and killing over 600 women.

While historical accounts remain controversial, she's considered one of history’s most infamous figures, inspiring vampire folklore. The series draws heavily on this legacy, blending it with mythological elements to craft a unique antagonist.

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Her power and influence

Erzsebet's abilities in the series surpass those of Dracula, rendering her a terrifying entity. She has the ability to levitate, shape-shift and summon eclipses, all while maintaining a devoted vampire following.

Her strength and cruelty are exacerbated by her connection to Sekhmet, rendering her the primary antagonist in the narrative. Unlike Dracula, Erzsebet's aspirations are not based on personal retribution, but rather on the transformation of the world to align with her vision.

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Goals and ambitions

Erzsebet’s primary goal is to create perpetual darkness, allowing vampires to dominate humanity. By the end of season 1, she gains the ability to halt a solar eclipse, pushing her closer to her apocalyptic vision.

Her second-in-command, Drolta Tzuentes, helps her build a vampire cult that worships her as a deity, showcasing her unmatched influence.

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All About the show

Clive Bradley designed this animated dark fantasy series, which Kevin Kolde produced for Netflix. Adapting the video games Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, it forms a follow-up to the first Castlevania series.

The next book, Nocturne, centers on Richter Belmont, an ancestor of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, and his fight against Erzsebet Báthory during the French Revolution.

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Voice cast of Castlevania: Nocturne

The talented voice cast of the show includes notable actors who bring the characters to life:

• Edward Bluemel as Richter Belmont
• Thuso Mbedu as Annette
• Pixie Davies as Maria Renard
• Richard Dormer as Emmanuel / The Abbot
• Sydney James Harcourt as Edouard
• Franka Potente as Erzsebet Báthory
• Elarica Johnson as Drolta Tzuentes
• Zahn McClarnon as Olrox
• Sophie Skelton as Julia Belmont
• Iain Glen as Juste Belmont
• James Callis as Adrian "Alucard" Țepeș

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Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.