Shanoa (シャノア) is the protagonist of Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. She is a member of the Order of Ecclesia, a group dedicated to defeating Dracula in the absence of the Belmont clan. Shanoa possesses the unique ability to absorb Glyphs, which grant her access to magical weapons and elemental spells. Although she is often depicted wielding an ethereal crimson rapier, she can use any weapon provided by the Glyphs she acquires.
Shanoa can equip up to three Glyphs at once, functioning similarly to Soma Cruz's soul system. By combining these Glyphs, she can unleash powerful combos, either through magic or with large-scale weapons like a Holy Claymore or a flurry of daggers. Her weapons include scythes, axes, daggers, lances, hammers, and swords, while her spells summon elements such as fierce winds, lightning orbs, stone fists, fireballs, ice shards, or bursts of light and darkness. Additionally, her Glyphs allow her to traverse areas using magnetic forces or transform into creatures such as a cat-woman or a winged werebat.
This dropdown contains the synopsis of Shanoa’s story. Read at your own risk as you may be spoiled otherwise!
Shanoa was chosen as a vessel for Dominus by Barlowe. However, before the ritual could be performed, she was attacked by her adoptive brother and fellow Ecclesia member, Albus. Since that time, she has lost her emotions and memories. Upon awakening, Shanoa learned Barlowe's version of events and received the order to retrieve both him and Dominus from Albus.
Shanoa sets out towards Wygol Village after her first encounter with Albus in an abandoned monastery, traveling through various dungeons in pursuit of him and to rescue the villagers he had trapped. Along the way, she helps them by completing side quests. The trapped villagers mention a "man" who imprisoned them with Torpor Glyphs. On several occasions, Shanoa encounters Albus carrying pieces of the Dominus Glyphs. It is revealed that he was behind the villagers' capture, offering Shanoa the two parts of Dominus as "gifts." Without hesitation, she absorbs them, believing it is part of her mission assigned by Barlowe.
At Oblivion Ridge, Albus refuses to give Shanoa the third Dominus Glyph. He instead reveals the true nature of the glyphs: that Dominus is a copy of Dracula's power, and using it can have disastrous effects on one's soul. Feeling betrayed, Shanoa returns to Barlowe and explains the situation. She is then tasked with eliminating the corrupted Albus at the Mystery Manor.
The events that follow at the manor are crucial in determining the game's ending. Depending on whether Shanoa successfully rescues all thirteen villagers or fails to save at least one, the ending will differ. There are two possible routes to the conclusion, which are determined after the fight between Shanoa and Albus.
Bad Ending
After the battle, Shanoa absorbs the final part of Dominus and returns to Barlowe in Ecclesia, believing her mission is complete. The only remaining task is to perform the spell beside the coffin to "save the world." Unbeknownst to her, it was all a lie and a manipulation by Barlowe. Instead of succeeding, Shanoa collapses, losing consciousness, and her efforts are presumably used to resurrect Dracula for Barlowe. The screen fades to black, showing the villagers who were not rescued, followed by the Game Over screen.
Good Ending
After the battle, Shanoa absorbs the final part of Dominus. During this process, she begins hearing conversations between Barlowe and Albus. It is revealed that Albus's plan to steal the Dominus was to protect Shanoa from the dangers of using the glyph. This scene hints at Shanoa slowly recovering her memories, as she refers to Albus as her "brother." The voice she hears belongs to Albus's soul, which had merged with the last part of Dominus. His final advice is to avoid casting the union of Dominus at all costs. Shanoa then heads back to Ecclesia to confront Barlowe.
This time, Shanoa refuses to follow Barlowe's orders, and he reveals his true nature as a madman bent on Dracula's revival. Barlowe explains that the "vessel" in his room was actually a seal to confine Dracula, and he had been manipulating Shanoa all along to break the seal and resurrect the dark lord. A fight ensues, resulting in Barlowe's defeat. Despite Shanoa's objections, he offers his life to the seal, causing Dracula and his castle to rise again.
With her memories restored, Shanoa regains her emotions and resolves to banish Dracula alone, as she is the only one capable of doing so. She confronts Dracula in his throne room. Initially, it seems her glyphs cannot defeat him, and he begins preparing a powerful spell to destroy her. However, if the union of the Dominus Glyphs is used, the spell is countered, and Dracula is killed by his own power. Shanoa falls dead, but Albus's soul appears before her one final time, offering his sacrifice for hers. His last request is for Shanoa to smile, and she sheds warm, happy tears for her brother as her memories and emotions fully return. She escapes the crumbling castle as the sun rises.
It is later revealed that all records of Ecclesia were erased, leaving no trace of Shanoa's battle with Dracula. A Grimoire-created facsimile of Shanoa in Grimoire of Souls suggests that the world's leaders erased the history to cover up their manipulation by Barlowe.
Personality
Serious and Stoic: Shanoa is a serious and introverted individual, often coming across as emotionless due to her difficulty expressing her feelings. Her amnesia, which causes her to forget her past and the people she once knew, plays a significant role in shaping her cold exterior. While her lack of memories makes it difficult for her to connect with her emotions, her true personality remains somewhat of a mystery.
Tenacity and Drive: Despite the emotional barriers caused by her amnesia, Shanoa is driven by an intense desire to uncover the truth of her past and avenge the loss of her friend Albus. Her determination is unwavering, and she shows relentless focus in her mission to defeat Dracula and protect those she cares about, demonstrating an unyielding resolve.
Artistic Streak: Beneath her serious demeanor, Shanoa possesses a creative side. During her visits to Wygol Village, she expresses an interest in photography, music, fashion, and illustration. She uses her Sketch Book to explore her artistic abilities, finding solace and purpose in her creativity as she seeks to regain some semblance of fulfillment beyond her quest for vengeance.
Stamina:Superhuman (Traveled through entire towns and through various areas absorbing different parts of Dominus back to her, facing strong enemies along the way, finally going to Dracula's Castle in order to face off against Draucla without showing any real signs of tiring)
Range:Standard Melee, Varies with Glyphs (Her Glyphs have various different applications and range)
Ice cream and soda, combined in a delicate dance of delicious.
Hearts +10
Dracula's Castle
Mocha Eclair
A pastry with a hint of coffee flavoring.
HP +50
Irina's Quests
Mushroom
This delicate mushroom is meant to stimulate the appetite.
HP +38
Tymeo Mountains
Pudding
A jiggly custard pudding. Look at it go!
HP +35
Lilith
Ramen Noodles
Pork ramen, medium oil, heavy seasoning.
HP +200
Jacob's Shop
Raw Killer Fish
This looks delicious! ...Where did you get it?
HP +80
Killer Fish
Red Drops
Increases your flame attribute points.
Fire +1000
Serge's Quests, Monastery, Dracula's Castle
Rice Ball
A salmon-flavored rice ball.
HP +26
Flea Man
Rotten Meat
Your ticket to a brand new echelon of stomach problems.
HP -200
Zombie
Salt
Simple rock salt.
HP +1
Needles, Fishhead, Forneus
Schnitzel
A thin Viennese cutlet.
HP +230
Mystery Manor
Spoiled Milk
It's milk you can chew!
HP -400
Ghoul
Tart Tatin
In apple tarts, upside-down is rightside-up!
HP +120
Irina's Quests
Tasty Meat
Restores 290 HP. Delicious!
HP +290
Somnus Reef, Dracula's Castle
Thick Steak
A high-quality cut of choice meat.
HP +1000
Aeon's Quests, Jacob's Shop
White Drops
Increases your light attribute points.
Light +1000
Misty Forest Road, Dracula's Castle
Relic
Description
Found
Book of Spirits
Display enemy names as you attack.
Monastery
Glyph Sleeve
Hold A and press L or R to swap glyphs.
Minera Prison Island
Glyph Union
Combine two glyphs by pressing up + Y and X.
Start game with it
Lizard Tail
Slide by pressing down + B.
Start game with it
Ordinary Rock
Jump a second time while in midair.
Skeleton Cave
Serpent Scale
Move freely underwater.
Lighthouse
Notable Techniques
Glyph
Description
Hearts
Stats
Found
Blue Glyphs
Confodere
A rapier glyph Shanoa swings at short range.
5
ATK +6
Ecclesia, at game's start
Vol Confodere
A powerful rapier glyph swung normally.
10
ATK +11
Dullahan
Melio Confodere
A superior rapier glyph swung normally.
15
ATK +15
Dracula's Castle (Library)
Secare
A sword glyph Shanoa swings overhead at short range.
8
ATK +8
Bone Scimitar
Vol Secare
A powerful sword glyph swung normally.
10
ATK +14
Giant's Dwelling
Melio Secare
A superior sword glyph swung normally.
15
ATK +20
Spectral Sword
Hasta
A lance glyph stabbed forward.
5
ATK +9
Spear Guard
Vol Hasta
A powerful lance glyph stabbed forward.
10
ATK +16
Tristis Pass
Melio Hasta
A superior lance glyph stabbed forward.
15
ATK +23
Dracula's Castle (Barracks)
Macir
A hammer glyph swung overhead.
5
ATK +10
Monastery
Vol Macir
A powerful hammer glyph swung overhead.
10
ATK +18
Misty Forest Road
Melio Macir
A superior hammer glyph swing overhead.
15
ATK +25
Hammer Shaker
Arcus
A bow glyph that fires forward a single arrow.
15
ATK +6
Bone Archer
Vol Arcus
A bow glyph that fires arrows diagonally.
15
ATK +9
Somnus Reef
Melio Arcus
A bow glyph that turns to target enemies.
25
ATK +9
Misty Forest Road
Ascia
An axe glyph tossed high into the air.
15
ATK +8
Axe Knight
Vol Ascia
A powerful axe glyph tossed high into the air.
30
ATK +12
Somnus Reef
Melio Ascia
A superior axe glyph tossed high into the air and far across the screen.
45
ATK +16
Great Knight
Falcis
A sickle glyph swung overhead.
5
ATK +11
Minera Prison Island
Vol Falcis
A powerful sickle glyph swung overhead.
10
ATK +19
Miss Murder
Melio Falcis
A superior sickle glyph sung overhead.
15
ATK +28
Dracula's Castle (Arms Depot)
Culter
A knife glyph tossed forward.
8
ATK +3
Monastery
Vol Culter
A double knife glyph tossed forward, hitting for double the damage.
16
ATK +3
Red Smasher
Melio Culter
A triple knife glyph, hitting for triple the damage.
24
ATK +3
Dracula's Castle (Arms Depot)
Scutum
A shield glyph that hovers over Shanoa's head for protection against certain attacks.
5
Kalidus Channel
Vol Scutum
A powerful shield glyph that remains in front of Shanoa and offers protection from certain attacks.
5
Lizardman
Melio Scutum
A superior shield glyph that remains in front of Shanoa and offers better protection than Vol Scutum.
5
Dracula's Castle (Arms Depot)
Red Glyphs
Magnes
Shanoa creates an attractive magnetic field that allows her to hook onto floating magnets and toss herself in any direction, at varying lengths.
5
ATK +10
Monastery
Paries
Shanoa can pass through solid walls, moving within them, but only in specific locations.
5
Wallman
Volaticus
Shanoa conjures a pair of wings, allowing the power of flight.
20
Dracula's Castle (Final Approach)
Fidelis Caries
Summon zombies that fight to the death; they move about and damage enemies with whom they make contact.
80
ATK +2
Necromancer
Fidelis Noctua
Summon owls to soundlessly descend; the owl appears and rapidly attacks onscreen enemies.
80
ATK +3
Owl
Fidelis Mortus
Summons a lively assortment of the dead; Jiang Shi's zombie followers will appear and attack onscreen enemies.
80
ATK +5
Jiang Shi
Glyph Unions
Glyph
Description
Hearts
Two Rapiers
Shanoa stabs the rapier, releasing damaging petals, each hit dealing triple damage.
15
Two Swords
Shanoa swings a giant sword capable of hitting enemies half a screen away.
15
Two Lances
Shanoa stabs forward a giant lance capable of scoring two hits.
15
Two Hammers
Shanoa swings a giant hammer capable of hitting enemies half a screen away.
15
Neutral Combo
Directional Combo
Jumping Attack
De Custos
Sis Custos
Pneuma
Ignis
Dominus Odium
Union Rapisto
Glyph of Gales
Other
Standard Tactics: Shanoa uses glyphs and armor that best suit the situation, normally absorbing magic from the enemy she's facing in order to gain new glyphs.
In an interview for GameSpot, Koji Igarashi mentioned that "Shanoa" is a codename, which means her real birth name and bloodline are unknown.
"Shanoa" may have derived from the French Chat Noir, meaning "Black Cat".
The phrase "I am the morning sun, come to vanquish this horrible night!", said by Shanoa in Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, does reference to the text "The morning sun has vanquished the horrible night.", used to signify the coming of daytime in Castlevania II: Simon's Quest.
Shanoa is one of the two female characters in the Castlevania series who are the main and only protagonists in their own games, along with Sonia Belmont.
Furthermore, Order of Ecclesia is the first "metroidvania" game in the series to feature a woman in the lead role.
Shanoa's design notably resembles certain characters from other franchises, such as Shiki from Samurai Shodown 64 (1997) and Millennia from Kagero: Deception II (1998). Common traits between these characters include: fair skin, pitch black and straight hair, apparels mainly themed in blue and black, but most prominently a wide cleavage on the back featuring very similar tattoos. However, it is unknown if these similarities were intentional.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
Note: Fights against characters in the time rift are technically not the actual characters but one's desires being made within the time rift, such as why some characters like Dracula kill others in their story mode but the characters is alive and defeats Time Reaper in their own story mode, never meeting Dracula.
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "““……Is there no way……Curtis can be saved.” “What have you misunderstood? I am Death. Human death only comprises a part of chaos. They can come back again as zombies or skeletons, but without a soul, dead bodies cannot be revived. And ----- there is no reason to perform that.”
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "Those scythes constructed by magic did not turn towards Olrox or Michelle, every scythe then gathered near the youth’s body. Then, those numerous blades made from magic overlapped with each other and with a powerful atrocious magic constructed a Death scythe in Death’s arm. “This false castle……You shall fall into chaos as a thing that denies the existence of the [lord]……[death] shall pass judgment on your sins!” Sensing the overwhelming existence of [death], Olrox again realized that the youth in front of him is [Death]------laughed out loud. “interesting…… So, death really exists! Thus I’ll use all my power…… to shatter that thing called [death].”
↑Castlevania Judgment Aeon's Hyper Attack on Death
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku Novel “I had said it before. I do not intend to bind the world with chaos.” “…… If so, why did you take power away from the crack in the eclipse’s seal? If you just intend to imitate like a monkey, isn’t your own power enough?” Those were the emotionless words of Death. In response, Olrox laughed his bold answer. “As I’ve said, I would equally gain control over the human world and the source of Dracula’s power, chaos. I do not intend to obey someone else’s mind aside from my own. That includes you who were born out of chaos.” “……” “You should be glad though to know yourself. Just by stealing power, my shameful monotonous time is over…… Even before Alucard appeared, just because I showed up and declared war on him.” Olrox’s voice was mixed with a tinge of thin delight. He respectfully bowed to Death who completely killed his emotions. “I would end the reincarnation cycle of this demon castle. I who understood and was spun out of the stains of chaos, swear to rob that power with my hands. Now, yield.” With Death’s reply, an explosive murderous intent rose. Two bronze colored scythes much larger than usual appeared; it advanced to the space in between the two men with an intention to cut off Olrox’s head. Kill the distance----- Kill the sound----- Just, faster, soon, die. It can be seen that the blades have certainly caught Olrox’s neck, but----- that is only an after image and the vampire is already at Death’s back. “……die.” That was said by the enemy who called on his servants. From the surrounding space, a group of purple bats rose, passed by Olrox’s arm with the speed of a bullet, attacking Death.
However, Death did not show any gesture of avoiding them. He simply faced Olrox and sprayed out numerous scythes. The bats and scythes cancelled each other out and the entire dance hall sparkled with blood."
↑Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Bestiary No. 44
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "From the time they stepped into the mountains, Curtis and Michelle felt malicious intent in the air.
Even though it is still far away, their bodies seemed to squeal [run away]. There was definitely no room for doubt. It is certain that the [castle] exists at the back of the mountains. The church’s greatest vampire hunter, Julius Belmont must be contacted. However, the conversation jumped into the matter of the disappearance of several village children."
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "A drawbridge suspended from the main gate is seemingly welcoming Michelle’s arrival. And her body was telling her [do not go] as her leg muscles were petrified like stone."
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "“Uh……aa……Mi……chelle……” That really is no doubt an obsession. The youth had more than 28 holes penetrating his limbs and body. His heart is already starting to fail and he is desperately trying to say something amidst the darkness. “Only…… protect…… you……-----“ When he said those words he must say, the man’s soul already left his body-----becoming one of the floating spirits that wander the halls of the castle. However----- Fate did not allow it. For those people who are involved with the demon castle, even the loneliness of death seemed half hearted----- The man’s soul is pierced by a small scythe that flew in from somewhere. That scythe did not exist physically. It was a diabolic blade created by some magic and possessed a strong soul."
↑Castlevania Judgment Aeon's Hyper Attack on Death
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku Novel “I had said it before. I do not intend to bind the world with chaos.” “…… If so, why did you take power away from the crack in the eclipse’s seal? If you just intend to imitate like a monkey, isn’t your own power enough?” Those were the emotionless words of Death. In response, Olrox laughed his bold answer. “As I’ve said, I would equally gain control over the human world and the source of Dracula’s power, chaos. I do not intend to obey someone else’s mind aside from my own. That includes you who were born out of chaos.” “……” “You should be glad though to know yourself. Just by stealing power, my shameful monotonous time is over…… Even before Alucard appeared, just because I showed up and declared war on him.” Olrox’s voice was mixed with a tinge of thin delight. He respectfully bowed to Death who completely killed his emotions. “I would end the reincarnation cycle of this demon castle. I who understood and was spun out of the stains of chaos, swear to rob that power with my hands. Now, yield.” With Death’s reply, an explosive murderous intent rose. Two bronze colored scythes much larger than usual appeared; it advanced to the space in between the two men with an intention to cut off Olrox’s head. Kill the distance----- Kill the sound----- Just, faster, soon, die. It can be seen that the blades have certainly caught Olrox’s neck, but----- that is only an after image and the vampire is already at Death’s back. “……die.” That was said by the enemy who called on his servants. From the surrounding space, a group of purple bats rose, passed by Olrox’s arm with the speed of a bullet, attacking Death.
However, Death did not show any gesture of avoiding them. He simply faced Olrox and sprayed out numerous scythes. The bats and scythes cancelled each other out and the entire dance hall sparkled with blood."
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "Ever since the Middle Ages, every 100 years, this legendary castle would rise together with its master Count Dracula ----- And whenever it happens, it is said that a clan of vampire hunters will seal it.
Several hundred years have passed with battles with the [dark lord] Dracula. When suddenly, an end to it all has been foretold.
1999----- Thanks to the power of a clan in Japan, Dracula’s castle was sealed inside a [solar eclipse] to disappear forever. However, in this world, there is no such thing as forever. [They] had understood that Dracula’s regeneration cycle ought to have ended. Indeed, people have prepared for this but will it still exist?
The castle is the symbol of the chaos within humans and as long as people exist, it will not be completely sealed.
↑Castlevania Judgment Aeon's Hyper Attack on Death
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku Novel “I had said it before. I do not intend to bind the world with chaos.” “…… If so, why did you take power away from the crack in the eclipse’s seal? If you just intend to imitate like a monkey, isn’t your own power enough?” Those were the emotionless words of Death. In response, Olrox laughed his bold answer. “As I’ve said, I would equally gain control over the human world and the source of Dracula’s power, chaos. I do not intend to obey someone else’s mind aside from my own. That includes you who were born out of chaos.” “……” “You should be glad though to know yourself. Just by stealing power, my shameful monotonous time is over…… Even before Alucard appeared, just because I showed up and declared war on him.” Olrox’s voice was mixed with a tinge of thin delight. He respectfully bowed to Death who completely killed his emotions. “I would end the reincarnation cycle of this demon castle. I who understood and was spun out of the stains of chaos, swear to rob that power with my hands. Now, yield.” With Death’s reply, an explosive murderous intent rose. Two bronze colored scythes much larger than usual appeared; it advanced to the space in between the two men with an intention to cut off Olrox’s head. Kill the distance----- Kill the sound----- Just, faster, soon, die. It can be seen that the blades have certainly caught Olrox’s neck, but----- that is only an after image and the vampire is already at Death’s back. “……die.” That was said by the enemy who called on his servants. From the surrounding space, a group of purple bats rose, passed by Olrox’s arm with the speed of a bullet, attacking Death.
However, Death did not show any gesture of avoiding them. He simply faced Olrox and sprayed out numerous scythes. The bats and scythes cancelled each other out and the entire dance hall sparkled with blood."
↑Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Bestiary No. 44
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "From the time they stepped into the mountains, Curtis and Michelle felt malicious intent in the air.
Even though it is still far away, their bodies seemed to squeal [run away]. There was definitely no room for doubt. It is certain that the [castle] exists at the back of the mountains. The church’s greatest vampire hunter, Julius Belmont must be contacted. However, the conversation jumped into the matter of the disappearance of several village children."
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "A drawbridge suspended from the main gate is seemingly welcoming Michelle’s arrival. And her body was telling her [do not go] as her leg muscles were petrified like stone."
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "“Uh……aa……Mi……chelle……” That really is no doubt an obsession. The youth had more than 28 holes penetrating his limbs and body. His heart is already starting to fail and he is desperately trying to say something amidst the darkness. “Only…… protect…… you……-----“ When he said those words he must say, the man’s soul already left his body-----becoming one of the floating spirits that wander the halls of the castle. However----- Fate did not allow it. For those people who are involved with the demon castle, even the loneliness of death seemed half hearted----- The man’s soul is pierced by a small scythe that flew in from somewhere. That scythe did not exist physically. It was a diabolic blade created by some magic and possessed a strong soul."