This dropdown contains the synopsis of John Morris’s story. Read at your own risk as you may be spoiled otherwise!
Early Life
John grew up in Texas as part of the Morris family, a branch of the Belmont Clan. Unlike their ancestors in England, the Morris family had distanced themselves from vampire hunting due to financial hardships. During the Gold Rush, they moved to America, achieving immense wealth through gold mining and becoming one of the richest families in Texas.
At two years old, John lost his father, Quincy Morris, who had traveled to England and sacrificed his life defeating Count Dracula.
After Quincy's passing, John received an education and learned magic from a Native American elder named Morgan. When he turned 18, his grandfather revealed the family's vampire-hunting heritage and tested him with the Vampire Killer whip. When John grasped it, a red aura engulfed him before fading into his body. This marked the beginning of his career as a vampire hunter, with the whip and Morgan's teachings becoming his tools for success.
Castlevania: Bloodlines
In 1914, Elizabeth Bartley, Dracula’s niece, was resurrected by the sorceress Drolta Tzuentes at the ruins of Castle Dracula. Despite Dracula's physical defeat by Quincy Morris, his spirit lingered in search of a new host. Elizabeth sought to use the massive death toll from World War I to resurrect her uncle, aiming to complete the ritual at Castle Proserpina in Whitby, England.
In 1917, John, after vanquishing vampires in Saxony, arrived in Bistritz, Romania, with German support to visit his father's grave. Reports of monsters near Castle Dracula’s ruins led him to investigate, where he joined forces with Eric Lecarde. Together, they pursued Elizabeth across Europe, battling her minions and eventually confronting her at Castle Proserpina. The duo defeated Elizabeth and Drolta, thwarting Dracula's return and banishing his spirit from the continent.
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Following the events of Bloodlines, John faced severe health issues caused by the Vampire Killer whip, which drained the life of those outside the Belmont bloodline. Years of relying on the whip’s true power had left him weakened.
In 1926, John became a father to Jonathan Morris. Determined to protect his son from the whip’s harmful effects, John refrained from teaching Jonathan how to use it, urging him instead to develop his own strength. After teaching Jonathan only basic combat skills, John passed away. Unaware of his father's reasons, Jonathan harbored resentment for years. When Dracula returned in 1944, Eric Lecarde explained the truth, helping Jonathan embrace his family’s legacy. Unlike his father, Jonathan managed to use the Vampire Killer without suffering its consequences, possibly as the last Morris to wield it.
Find: (Start with) Evolve: Chain Whip (Short) with Coat of Arms, sometimes Undulating Whip with Spell Book
Chain Whip (Short)
Whip - John Morris
(The Vampire Killer at level 2)
Create: Leather Whip + Coat of Arms Evolve: Chain Whip (Long) with Coat of Arms, sometimes Undulating Whip with Spell Book
Chain Whip (Long)
Whip - John Morris
(The Vampire Killer at level 3)
Create: Chain Whip (Short) + Coat of Arms Evolve: Undulating Whip with Coat of Arms or sometimes Spell Book
Undulating Whip
Whip - John Morris
(The Vampire Killer at max level 4)
Allows Mystic Attacks
Create: Chain Whip (Long) + Coat of Arms, sometimes any spear + Spell Book Evolve: Downgrades to Chain Whip (Long) when damaged
Special Weapons - John Morris and Eric Lecarde
Item Name
Type
Description
Effect
Special
Evolve
Battle Axe
Special Weapon - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Consume: 1 Jewel (4 when using special power)
Arc Throw
Triple Axe Special
Water Dragon (John) or Thunderbolt Spear (Eric) with Level 4 Primary Weapon and Jewels > 7
Sacred Water
Special Weapon - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Consume: 1 Jewel (4 when using special power)
Water Dragon (John) or Thunderbolt Spear (Eric) with Level 4 Primary Weapon and Jewels > 7
Boomerang
Special Weapon - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Consume: 1 Jewel (4 when using special power)
Water Dragon (John) or Thunderbolt Spear (Eric) with Level 4 Primary Weapon and Jewels > 7
Items - John Morris
Item Name
Type
Description
Effect
Additional Info
Red Jewel
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Adds one jewel to your total.
Jewels +1
Blue Jewel
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Adds five jewels to your total.
Jewels +5
Mirror of Truth
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Touch it to destroy or inflict damage on all enemies on screen.
Invincibility orb
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Makes you invincible for a fixed period of time.
Coat of Arms John
Item - John Morris
Power-up John's whip. Powers up to three levels.
Coat of Arms Eric
Item - Eric Lecarde
Power-up Eric's lance. Powers up to three levels.
Bag of Kreutzers
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Worth 100 to 2,000 points.
Mutton Chop
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Restores half of your life.
Common Drop: Hanged Man
Orb
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Magic Crystal
Drop: Bosses
1-Up
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Adds one player life.
Spell Book
Item - John Morris, Eric Lecarde
Either a help or a hindrance, only the Spirits know for sure.
Effect: Third Coat-of-Arms or Jewels +20
Notable Techniques
Water Dragon - John Morris
Item Name
Type
Description
Effect
Special
Evolve
Water Dragon
Ultimate Item - John Morris
Creates a powerful whirlpool on screen and damages enemies.
Consume: 8 Jewels
Create: Any Special Weapon + Power-Up or Same Special Weapon with Level 4 Undulating Whip and Jewels > 7 Evolve: Downgrades to previous Special Weapon if lose Undulating Whip or Jewels < 8
Other
Standard Tactics: John will use attacks with the Vampire Killer and the sub-weapon that best fits the situation.
John Morris is often depicted using the Vampire Killer with his left hand, a trait only shared with Christopher Belmont, Sonia Belmont and Jonathan Morris's character sprites. All other Belmont sprites use their right hand, back facing the camera, while John whips with his left hand, chest facing the camera, differentiating him from the Belmonts. The North American cover artwork for Castlevania: Bloodlines contradicts this by showing the whip in his right hand instead.
In the American instruction booklet story for Castlevania: Bloodlines, John is said to be a childhood friend of Eric Lecarde, and to have witnessed the death of his father Quincy. However, both these facts are missing in the Japanese and European booklets.
↑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: Symphony of the Night Richter Mode Reverse Colosseum
↑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 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."
↑Akumajo Dracula: Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku "“Oh, it does not matter much. Here, here!”
Hammer sensed that the air between the two suddenly felt heavy so he laughed out while holding a weapon. It was a whip that was soaked in blood in some places. “I picked this up at the garden and I believe this is yours, right? Old man Julius also uses a whip. I came here just to deliver this to ya.” Whoosh, receiving the thrown whip, Michelle noticed that it was the magical whip that serves as Curtis’ weapon. “That’s great……! Curtis! With this your power-----“ In order to shake away the confusion she had a while ago, Michelle raised her voice, but----- “Sorry, but…… with my current self, I could not handle it.” “……? What are you talking about? Curtis……” was he still confused, Michelle made him grip his whip. Snap, some kind of popping sound rang and Michelle felt a light shock in her arm. “Uh……!?” What happened, she directed her eyes on the origin of the shock----- A part of the whip’s handle had a rotten like disintegration----- A part of Curtis’ hand was burned, and that skin immediately returned back to as before. ----- No way…… “Curtis……?” “……I am currently weak at holy magic.” “Eh……”"
↑Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge Game Manual Page 4
↑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 Richter Mode Reverse Colosseum