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Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2.The second season of Castlevania: Nocturne, the sequel to Netflix’s original Castlevania series, concludes with its heroes successfully defeating Countess Erzsebet Báthory (Franka Potente), a self-proclaimed Vampire Messiah intent upon plunging the world into eternal darkness. To call the conflict a hard-won victory is an understatement, especially since Nocturne‘s protagonists couldn’t have triumphed without special intervention. Thanks to Annette (Thuso Mbedu), the soul of Sekhmet (Nicola F. Delgado), the ancient goddess whose powers the tyrannical Erzsebet intends to inherit, returns to the mortal realm long enough to thwart Erzsebet. But why is Sekhmet such an integral part of Erzsebet’s bloodthirsty plans?
Who Is Sekhmet in ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’?
In both Castlevania: Nocturne’s universe and the Egyptian mythology upon which it’s based, Sekhmet is the ancient “lioness” goddess of war, medicine, and justice, as well as the daughter of Ra, the Egyptian god of the sun. In Nocturne‘s case specifically, Sekhmet ruled the earth until humanity, in her own words, “found a way to betray their gods as much as they do each other.” Upon her death, Sekhmet’s soul separated into three distinct parts: her blood (the Ka), her heart (the Ba), and her conscious soul (the Akh). The latter exists in the astral plane, while the first two remain in the mortal realm.
As both a warrior deity and a “healing” champion of the vulnerable, Sekhmet follows the scales of justice by balancing violence with restraint and wisdom. When her devoted high priestess Drolta Tzuentes (Elarica Johnson) feeds Sekhmet’s Ka and Ba souls to Erzsebet in an attempt to reincarnate Sekhmet back into the mortal realm, Erzsebet’s lust for power upsets the cosmic scales. Frustrated by Drolta’s betrayal, Erzsebet’s penchant for cruelty, and the punishment awaiting her in the spiritual world if Erzsebet casts an eternal eclipse upon the earth, Sekhmet’s consciousness (her Akh soul) uses Annette as a vessel to reach the mortal realm. Her influence in the fight that follows is limited, but the goddess weakens Erzsebet — and, later, Drolta — enough to regain all three of her souls. Once her Ka, Ba, and Akh are reunited, Sekhmet returns to the spiritual plane.
How Are Drolta and Sekhmet Connected in ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’?
Unlike Sekhmet’s origins in documented mythology, Drolta is an original creation loosely based on the character of the same name from the Castlevania: Bloodlines video game. In 1199 CE, centuries before Nocturne‘s main story, Drolta served as Sekhmet’s high priestess. Although she was faithfully committed to preserving Sekhmet’s body and following in her goddess’ footsteps by spreading “healing and justice to” Sekhmet’s worshipers, Drolta worried she wasn’t strong enough to carry out her responsibilities. After a group of raiders attacked Sekhmet’s temple, murdered innocent bystanders and Drolta’s fellow priestesses, and stole Sekhmet’s body, Drolta abandoned her previously altruistic nature and willingly became a vampire, hoping the transformation would empower her enough to avenge the wrongs inflicted upon her goddess. As part of this, Drolta also became committed to ensuring Sekhmet could reincarnate into the mortal world, believing this was Sekhmet’s ultimate wish.
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In this exclusive Colliders interview, directors Adam and Sam Deats spill all the details on ‘Castlevania Nocturne’s new season.
Throughout the next several centuries, Drolta tirelessly tried to find a person strong enough to house Sekhmet’s reincarnated form. Every potential vessel died after drinking Sekhmet’s blood, except for Erzsebet, whom Drolta sought out as a candidate because of Erzsebet’s steely ruthlessness. Convinced of Erzsebet’s worthiness, Drolta became the countess’s most loyal servant and advisor, helping the Vampire Messiah craft her takeover of the French aristocracy and summon an eternal eclipse. In the series’ second season, Erzsebet’s already formidable power increases once Drolta retrieves Sekhmet’s body and Erzsebet consumes the goddess’s Ba soul by eating Sekhmet’s heart.
What Happens to Sekhmet in ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’?
However, without access to Sekhmet’s Akh soul in the spiritual world, Erzsebet couldn’t truly become a reincarnated version of Sekhmet. Drolta, disgusted at Erzsebet’s failure, abandons her former chosen one, but not before deciding to seize Sekhmet’s Ka and Ba power for herself by drinking Erzsebet’s blood. After another intense battle, the combined efforts of Annette (both on the astral plane and as a conduit for Sekhmet), Alucard (James Callis), Maria Renard (Pixie Davies), Richter (Edward Bluemel) and Juste Belmont (Iain Glen), and the vampire Olrox (Zahn McClarnon) defeat Drolta. Having corrected the scales of justice, Sekhmet reunites her three souls. Whole once more, and with the cosmic balance restored, Sekhmet returns to the spirit world.
Castlevania: Nocturne is available to stream on Netflix.
Richter Belmont, a descendant of the legendary vampire-hunting family, takes center stage as he confronts a resurgence of nightmarish creatures threatening humanity. Set in a richly detailed gothic universe, the series follows Richter’s journey as he hones his combat skills, discovers hidden truths about his lineage, and allies with other hunters. Each episode weaves together thrilling battles and deep lore, showcasing the relentless fight against the sinister forces that lurk in the shadows.
- Release Date
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September 28, 2023
- Seasons
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2
- Story By
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Clive Bradley
- Writers
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Clive Bradley
, Temi Oh
, Zodwa Nyoni - Franchise(s)
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Castlevania
- Directors
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Sam Deats
, Adam Deats - Showrunner
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Clive Bradley
, Kevin Kolde
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