Unveiling the Legendary Bloodline: Juste Belmont and the Secrets of Castlevania: Nocturne
Unravel the enigmatic roots of Juste Belmont in Castlevania: Nocturne as his intriguing lineage takes center stage, delving into his first appearance and the mysterious fate that awaits him
Castlevania: Nocturne takes a unique approach as a spin-off, presenting a captivating storyline. Set 300 years after the original series, it follows the adventures of the distant descendant of the esteemed heroes as they confront a new breed of vampires. Leading the way is Richter Belmont, the final member of the revered Belmont family known for their monster-hunting legacy. However, his connection to the family name has become fragile following the tragic loss of his mother. As the season draws to a close, he discovers that he is not the sole Belmont struggling to uphold their historic reputation.
The lineage of the Belmont Family has always been complex and convoluted. Each installment in the series vaguely traces the protagonist's ancestry back to the hero of the NES-era, leaving many branches uncategorized and unnamed. This results in difficulty in determining the precise connection between each character and their lineage. It is rare to find multiple Belmonts coexisting in a single Castlevania title. Castlevania: Nocturne boldly defies this conventional tradition.
Who is Juste Belmont in Castlevania: Nocturne?
Richter Belmont, a confident and assertive monster slayer, thrives in battles to the death. As he confronts Drolta Tzuentes, her vampire entourage, and an army of Night Creatures, his encounter takes an unexpected turn. Count Olrox, the ancient Aztec vampire responsible for Richter's mother's demise years ago, cruelly taunts him once again. Richter has carried a deep-seated fear and thirst for vengeance against Olrox throughout his life. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Richter retreats, leaving his companions behind. This act of fear is seen as an unforgivable failure by Richter and some of his allies. Seeking solace, Richter stumbles upon a pub, only to realize he cannot afford anything on the menu. However, a mysterious stranger with white hair, seated in the corner booth, kindly purchases a meal for him. Just as Richter approaches him to express his gratitude, a vampire bursts through the door, instigating a fight. Suddenlly, Richter discovers that his ancestral weapon, the Vampire Killer, has been stolen. Surprisingly, the enigmatic stranger skillfully wields a whip to vanquish their opponent, raising numerous questions.
Juste Belmont, Richter's maternal grandfather, remains an enigma. Growing up, Richter learned about the illustrious Belmont Family lineage, yet his mother insisted that Juste was deceased. She only mentioned him to convey his demise. Juste, in his youth, was regarded as the finest warrior of the Belmont Family, renowned for his mastery of magic, to the extent that he considered the Vampire Killer unnecessary. However, Juste lost his magical abilities following the tragic deaths of his wife and best friend at the hands of vampires. Disowned by his daughter, who believed she could raise Richter without his aid, Juste withdrew from society and lived as a mercenary monster hunter for years. He offers little guidance to Richter but unintentionally aids in the recovery of his magical powers. More of a cautionary example than a true mentor figure, Juste embodies the consequences that can arise when things go awry.
Where did Juste Belmont first appear?
What happened to Juste Belmont?
Juste Belmont takes on the lead role in Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, which was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. Born in 1730, Juste is the grandson of Simon Belmont. The Belmont Clan was initially shunned during Simon's time, but gained renown as heroes following his victories over Dracula in the first two games. Juste spent his childhood in a village that revolved around his family's legacy. At the age of sixteen, he inherited the Vampire Killer, a powerful weapon passed down through the generations. Similar to the show's portrayal, Juste possesses exceptional magical abilities which make him one of the most gifted members of the Belmont Clan. He is entrusted with the task of retrieving various body parts of Dracula. Throughout his journey, Juste is aided by his childhood friends Maxim and Lydie. Maxim informs him that Lydie has been abducted, pushing Juste to embark on a mission to rescue her. However, he is unexpectedly separated from Maxim and finds himself compelled to infiltrate the castle. Known for his reserved nature, Juste is regarded as the most introverted among the Belmonts. While there is a confirmed blood connection between Juste and Richter, the exact family lineage remains unclear.
Juste emerges victorious in his battle against the forces of evil, although he never directly confronts Dracula. Instead, he combats a formidable adversary known as the "Dracula Wraith." This malevolent entity hungers for Juste's blood in order to regain its full strength. However, Juste valiantly vanquishes the wraith, ensuring that it never ascends to become the Lord of Darkness in the canonical best conclusion.
Despite his heroism, Juste remains absent as a playable character in any other installment of the Castlevania games. Nonetheless, he briefly makes a notable appearance in "Portrait of Ruin." In this particular game, Juste showcases a special ability that summons five previous wielders of the legendary Vampire Killer whip.
As the series progresses, Juste's final significant moment thus far occurs when he strolls into the sunset alongside Lydie and Maxim. This touching scene underscores their deep connection and signifies the completion of Juste's story. The convergence of narratives also sheds light on his relationship with Richter.
Significantly, the show somewhat diverges from the game's narrative path by following the worst possible outcome. In this rendition, Juste fails to rescue Maxim and Lydie, enduring a cursed existence of perpetual hunting.
Juste possesses a remarkable design and boasts an impressive title in his repertoire. His initial appearance in Castlevania: Nocturne marked his most prominent moment in the spotlight. However, since then, he has largely remained a peripheral figure since 2002. Potential upcoming seasons of Nocturne hold the possibility for Juste to regain his former glory, reclaim his extraordinary abilities, and emerge as a hero once more. While few Belmonts lead lives filled with contentment, many of them are deserving of greater outcomes. Richter Belmont seized his second opportunity, yet Juste's chance for redemption may still be on the horizon.
