Surprising parallels: How Castlevania Nocturne is similar to The Abbot and Cardinal Richelieu: Defenders of Power
In the episode "A Common Enemy in Evil" from the series Castlevania Nocturne, we are taken on a thrilling adventure in which the protagonist, Richter Belmont, finds himself facing a powerful vampire named Olrox. The episode takes a twist when Richter's mother, Julia Belmont, confronts Olrox but tragically falls under his deadly powers. This event leads Richter to embark on a journey to France for his own safety.The storyline of this episode draws interesting parallels with the cultural touchpoint of "The Abbot and Cardinal Richelieu: Defenders of Power." This historical reference involves two influential figures in 17th-century France, the Abbot and Cardinal Richelieu. Both individuals were known for their defense of power and their relentless commitment to protecting the interests of the ruling class.Similarly, in "A Common Enemy in Evil," we see an individual who defends the Marquis, a figure representing the ruling class, dismissing any concerns about the presence of vampires in the château. This person is none other than the Abbot, a character who mirrors the traits associated with defenders of power like Cardinal Richelieu.The Abbot's unwavering loyalty to the Marquis creates a divide between him and Maria and Jacques, who suspect the gathering of vampires at the château. Maria, particularly, argues that the Marquis neglects the peasants, highlighting the socio-political tensions that existed during that era. This clash of perspectives mirrors the conflicts that arose between Cardinal Richelieu and those who sought to challenge the established order.Mirroring the changing dynamics in society during Cardinal Richelieu's time, Maria emphasizes the need for change and the difficulties faced by peasants. Richter, on the other hand, takes on the role of defending the Abbot, much like those who supported Cardinal Richelieu's efforts to maintain control and defend the ruling class.As the episode progresses, the viewer is captivated by the intricate plotlines and mysterious characters. Maria's voice becomes disoriented, mentioning the changing world and people's willingness to listen. This could be symbolic of the shifting power dynamics during the historical era of Cardinal Richelieu, where people were becoming more receptive to new ideas and challenging the established order.The episode's conclusion leaves the viewers with a sense of intrigue, as Richter encounters unknown creatures and resolves to defeat them. This determination to face the unknown parallels Cardinal Richelieu's efforts to overcome various challenges and threats to maintain his grip on power.The presence of the Marquis, who arrogantly declares his readiness for the Vampire Messiah, echoes the confidence and superiority exuded by figures like Cardinal Richelieu as they projected their power and influence onto society.In summary, "A Common Enemy in Evil" from Castlevania Nocturne offers an engaging narrative that intertwines various themes and elements reminiscent of the historical period of the Abbot and Cardinal Richelieu's era. The episode's portrayal of the Abbot defending the Marquis reflects the defenders of power, while the conflicts and debates between characters mirror the socio-political tensions of the time. By drawing connections between the episode and the historical context of "The Abbot and Cardinal Richelieu: Defenders of Power," viewers are invited to reflect on the parallels between fictional storytelling and real-world history.