9. The Bog of the Forgotten

Hit the dead bodies hanging from the tree branches with jumping /\ attacks for
some extra red orbs. Did those bodies just yell? Keep moving straight ahead
and stay out of the swampy area since falling in the water is instant death. A
cutscene will trigger once you move toward the chests in the back. Keep those
two chests in mind for later! The cutscene will lead into an Action Sequence.

Action Sequence

Kratos is dragged by a mysterious man on horseback further into the
woods. As the man on horseback makes a turn, Kratos must [SWAY] to the
left to avoid hitting a concrete wall. Kratos notices the rider is about
to hit a dead tree, so Kratos quickly [SWAYS] to the left once again to
avoid impact with the trunk. The man aims with his bow and shoots a
smaller tree but Kratos quickly (SWAYS) to the right to avoid it. Kratos
uses the chain to pull himself closer to the horse then [ATTACKS] the
horse with his blades making the stranger release orbs to replenish
Kratos' life gauge.

BOSS: BARBARIAN KING

Attacks:

Horse Ram: The Barbarian King's horse rears up on its hind legs then races
toward Kratos and the horse rams him then the Barbarian smacks Kratos with his
mallet.

How to avoid: Roll before the horse reaches Kratos. The roll has to be
performed a bit early.

Hammer Smack: The Barbarian King hits Kratos with his mallet.

How to avoid: Roll/Move away from him.

Arrow Shot: The Barbarian King fires a single arrow at Kratos.

How to avoid: Block or roll away from the arrow.

Arrow Shots: The Barbarian King's horse stands in place as the Barbarian
Commander fires several arrows around the area.

How to avoid: Block. Don't roll so you don't accidentally roll into an arrow.

It's good to have Chronos' Rage powered up to level 2 for this battle since it
will be the most helpful magic attack for this battle.

Make sure to roll away from the horse at the beginning of the battle since it
will try to ram you first thing! While the Barbarian is on the horse, watch
for his horse to rear up on its hind legs and race toward you. The ram and
mallet smack that follow are unblockable so you need to roll before the horse
reaches you. The arrows that the Barbarian shoots are blockable, but
everything else isn't.

He starts the battle with several souls surrounding him that will protect him
from harm. Set some lightning spheres around the area with Chronos' Rage when
close to the Barbarian and attack him with some quick [] attacks. One good
idea is to set one up right when he starts to charge you then roll out of way
while he dashes straight into the lightning sphere. The souls around him will
release blue orbs while they scatter away from him, so don't worry too much
about magic. While attacking the Barbarian at close range, watch for his horse
to rear up on its hind legs then make sure to roll out of the way as the
Barbarian performs his hammer swing - that's always the signal to roll. When
the O button appears above him, start the Action Sequence move to quickly get
rid of his horse.

Attacks (on foot)

Two-Hit Swing: The Barbarian King swings his hammer twice while stepping toward
Kratos.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

Ground Pound: The Barbarian King pounds the ground with his hammer and creates
a small shockwave.

How to avoid: Jump or roll.

Hammer Swing Summon: While the Barbarian King is summoning the Dead Barbarians,
the axe swing that summons them can actually hit Kratos.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

Energy Wave: The Barbarian King places his hammer on the ground and stomps on
it creating an energy wave that moves toward Kratos.

How to avoid: Block, roll, or jump.

Once the horse is dead he will start a whole new set of attacks and start to
summon Dead Barbarians to help him out. He will move under the ground and
appear in the middle portion of the platform then start to summon Dead
Barbarians. The Dead Barbarians will usually attack by grabbing ahold of
Kratos and squeezing him to death. Shake the left analog to the right and left
to break free from their hold. They also have a sword attack. The Dead
Barbarians can be killed with a simple grab or will fall within a few attacks.
One of the Dead Barbarians in the third wave looks a bit different than the
others...hmm. If you played the first God of War, you should get the
reference. Kill the captain that appears to get some green orbs instead of
blue.

All of the Barbarian King's attacks are blockable during this phase of the
fight and you will have to block very quickly to escape some of his attacks.
Chronos' Rage is a godsend during this phase since it will help to hit all
enemies on the platform. Grab the Dead Barbarians for one hit kills. The
Barbarian King does not even need to be hit during this phase - all that is
required is that you kill all the Dead Barbarians that he summons.

Fun Fact: Instead of cutting off the legs and cutting off the head of the
captain once grabbed, Kratos will stab him multiple times or toss him to the
ground like the soldiers at the beginning of the game. It's not really that
special or new, but it is interesting.

Attacks (Giant form)

Hammer Swing Combo: The Barbarian King swings his hammer twice then hits the
ground and creates a shockwave. Sometimes he will only perform one swing
before the ground pound.

How to avoid: All of this is unblockable, so roll away from him when he starts
swinging. The shockwave will not hit you, only the hammer pound.

Hammer Swing Combo 2: The Barbarian King swings his hammer to the side then
performs a ground pound.

How to avoid: Roll to the side of him. This is much easier to roll away from
thanks to only swing at the beginning.

Soon the Barbarian King will absorb the souls around the area and grow much
bigger. During this phase all of his attacks are unblockable, so you will need
to hit him sparingly and roll often whenever he performs any attack. He will
always end his attacks with a ground pound so make sure to roll far enough away
or be prepared to jump to avoid the shockwave. His attacks are limited to axe
swings and ground pound combinations so he is very predicable, but you better
be ready to move when he starts swinging. Rage of the Titans really helps out
for this portion of the battle - you'll have to chip away at him sparingly
otherwise.

Attacks (Final Phase)

Home Run Swing: The Barbarian King runs toward Kratos and swings his hammer
toward him. Sometimes he doesn't run, so watch for him to prepare the swing.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

Upward Swing: After blocking enough hits, the Barbarian King swings his hammer
upward at Kratos.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

Soul Attack: The Barbarian King gathers souls in his hammer and shoots them all
toward Kratos.

How to avoid: Roll (toward him). It is best to run/roll away from him when he
starts to gather souls then roll toward him when he shoots them.

After enough hits, the Barbarian King will release the souls and shrink back
down. He will only keep the energy wave move from the second phase and will
add some new moves to his arsenal. His physical attacks can still be blocked
at this point, but be prepared to roll away from him whenever he starts to
gather souls then roll toward him as he releases them since they are
unblockable. Rolling toward him as he releases the souls will make them fly
right over Kratos and curve downward into the floor. He will also sneak in a
counter attack (upward swing) after he has blocked a few of your hits, so be
prepared to block it when he starts to guard. Very, very rarely, he will sneak
in his energy wave move from the second battle, so be ready to block the energy
wave as he hits the ground with his hammer.

Action Sequence

Kratos jumps onto the Barbarian and grabs his hammer then >>STRUGGLES<<
to break the weapon free from the Barbarian's grasp, and manages to
snatch the weapon and jump away. The Barbarian races toward Kratos but
Kratos [LEANS] the hammer back and smacks the hell out of Barbarian
knocking him to the ground. As the Barbarian starts to get up, Kratos
[LEANS] the hammer back and smashes the Barbarian's head into the
platform and [CLOBBERS] his head once again then [LAYS] the ultimate
smackdown with a third smash to the skull of his foe.

Fun Fact: The Barbarian will pose if the Home Run Swing hits Kratos.

Titan Mode

Phase #1

The first part of the battle can easily be won by simply using Rage of the
Titans along with constant /\ attacks. Don't use any magic during this part of
the battle.

Phase #2

When he starts to summon Dead Barbarians, run up to each one and perform a grab
kill to be invincible to the Barbarian's attacks. Remember that you do not
have to hit him, only kill off his summoned groupies. Keep in mind that all
the Barbarian Commanders moves are blockable during this phase. Hit him a
bunch while he teleports to build up your Rage of the Titans meter.

Phase #3

This is where your heavy hits, magic, and Rage of the Titans come into play.

Stand behind him and do a constant Plume of Prometheus as he starts to grow.
You should be able to get off about three while he is growing, but only the
final hit will probably actually damage him. Watch for the combo indicator to
appear to figure out when your actually hurting him. From then on, you should
run and stay close enough to him to where Cronos' Rage sphere will electrify
him. Set them out constantly until they are all gone. Cronos' Rage must be at
level 2 to fight him this way - if not then you may want to try Typhon's Bane
instead. Inch close to him and wait for him to swing then immediately roll
away and activate Rage of the Titans. As soon as his hammer hits the ground,
start performing /\ strikes into him with Rage of the Titans activate and that
should end this phase. Kratos is invincible during the spinning part of the /\
attack, so he will not get damaged if the Barbarian is attacking at that time.

Another way that I have found requires a bit of luck. You can sometimes stand
behind him as he grows and keep performing Plume of Prometheus when he starts
to attack, but he must perform his single hammer swing followed by a hammer
pound. Whenever he does this move, he will not turn, and that is what you can
really take advantage of. All you really need to do is hit him with about four
full Plumes of Prometheus then Cronos' Rage (level 2) should do the rest. In
other words you won't need Rage of the Titans.

Phase #4

Block his hammer swing then attack him. Whenever he starts to draw in souls,
roll away; once he releases the souls, roll toward him. Plume of Prometheus
will kill him the quickest, but you should only hit him with this attack when
he is readying his soul attack. If he ever starts to guard, make sure to block
his counter uppercut.

You will gain the **BARBARIAN HAMMER** as the boss battle ends. While basking
in the glory of the ultimate ownage displayed upon his age-old rival, a group
of Dead Barbarians will appear to challenge Kratos again directly after the
battle. Use this chance to get the feel of this new weapon. Kratos cannot
roll while you have the Barbarian Hammer equipped. Walk over to the shiny
branch that is hanging above the swamp and grapple to it then swing across. Be
careful since you will fall in the swamp if you walk too close to the edge
directly across from the shiny branch (strangely, it's the only side of the
platform that will allow you to walk off)

While moving along the path on the opposite side find the single skeleton
hanging from a branch up in the trees and destroy it for a few extra red orbs.
Keep moving down the path ahead and gut the Boars along the way. You'll
eventually enter a new area.

Temple of Euryale

The Gorgon face up ahead will shoot green rays that will turn you to stone if
you approach it. Nothing can be done with it at the moment. The left path
will only take you to a locked door and you'll need Euryale's Key to unlock it.
Take the right path to the find a save point close by along with a --GREEN
CHEST--. Hop along the platform pieces up ahead and hop over to the other side
of the path. A cutscene will play once you walk into the open area.

Approach the body in the background and take **EURYALE'S KEY** from it. Beast
Lords will spawn from the ground and attack after taking the key. Watch for
their blade arms to glow then quickly block or dodge to the side as they
attack. You could easily grab them to death; otherwise, use Plume of
Prometheus ([], [], /\) and Chronos' Rage to keep them down on the ground or
stunned. They have a higher tendency to block then other enemies you have
faced thus far.

Run back to the Gorgon face. Skeletons will form from the bones on the ground
and attack. These enemies are not too bad, though they can be aggressive in
groups, but they do not block at all. Make sure that you finish them off with
a O button finish or at least fully destroy them when the icon appears since
they will quickly break apart and reform with full health if you don't. Take
the left path this time. Another skeleton will attack near the dead body.
Walk over to the hidden alcove across from the locked gate and find the --RED
CHEST--. Use Euryale's Key to unlock the gate.

As you move through the doorway, find the --UNMARKED CHEST-- in the right
alcove and open it to collect a ++GORGON EYE (14/?)++. Find the --GREEN
CHEST-- along the side of the building ahead then follow the path around the
side.

The Ruins of the Forgotten

A cutscene will introduce you to the Cyclops Berserkers and another Beast Lord.
The Beast Lords can call Cyclops Berserkers into some of the areas while using
their horn then climb on top of the Cyclops and ride them. While a Beast Lord
is controlling a Cyclops, the Cyclops' attacks will become incredibly
aggressive. Always take the time to dismount the Beast Lord rider by tapping
the O button next to the Cyclops and rotating the left analog to pull off the
Beast Lord. The Beast Lord will constantly try to get back on the Cyclops so
you will always need to dismount them once again. After dismounting the Beast
Lord, attack aggressively with Plume of Prometheus to keep him grounded then
use Cronos' Rage to keep him in one spot while you continue to attack. You can
also simply throw a Beast Lord to death with constant grabs.

The Cyclops Berserker is not as bad without a rider on top. He will attack
mainly with an unblockable two-hit combination, and will turn to face you with
each strike so make sure to roll all the way away from him when he attacks.
Notice how the Cyclops will always growl before launching an attack - that is
your cue to prepare to dodge when he moves toward you. Wear the Cyclops
Berserker down then use the grab button to finish him off in an Action
Sequence. Kratos will actually tear the eye from the beast. Collect 20 of
these Cyclops eyes to unlock a bonus outfit. Keep in mind that you can only
collect Cyclops eyes from this particular type of Cyclops only!

Two more Beast Lords will appear from the ground and they will summon more
Cyclops with their horns. You can limit the amount of Cyclops during these
type of battles by quickly hitting the Beast Lord that is blowing the horn to
shut him up and thereby cancel the Cyclops summon. These types of battles can
get out of control easily later in the game if you don't take measures in
stopping the horn blow of the Beast Lord.

Use the --REPLENISHER CHEST-- to the side if needed then walk past the broken
pillars of the building to the left. The building will start to move as you
make your way to the back - it won't fall in the swamp so don't worry. Grab
the block and pull it out of the doorway. You can't do anything with it right
now, but go ahead and push it to the far left side with the broken pillars to
set it up for later. Open the gate through the doorway and move down the
corridor ahead. Don't shatter the block that you come across! Stand on that
block then jump and use /\ attacks to hit the suspended block in the air to the
left of the block that you're standing on. The block will break open and an
--UNMARKED CHEST-- containing a ++PHOENIX FEATHER (9/?)++ will drop. Shatter
the other block to reveal a --RED CHEST--.

Run down the left path at the intersection and fight off the Sentries that way.
At the dead end, you'll come across a --RED CHEST-- and a --BLUE CHEST--. Go
back the other way and fall into the pit in the cave ahead. Fight off the Fire
Nymphs and Wraiths then attack the middle rock column to make it shatter. Grab
the Nymphs and throw them at the Wraiths. The top stalactite piece will form
into a grapple point so Kratos can swing across the pit. Open the --GREEN
CHEST-- to the side before swinging across if needed. Once you grapple, you
will notice that this swing is a bit different than previous swings in that
Kratos will swing in a circle. Wait until he swings toward the other side then
press the X button to jump off.

Swing on the next few stalactites to get across the swampy water below in the
section ahead. You'll need to jump and grapple to the second grapple point
from the first. Climb the ladder on the right side once you land and move
across the vine at the top. Sentries will attack as you move across. An
--UNMARKED CHEST-- containing a ++GORGON EYE (15/?)++ and a --RED CHEST-- lie
in wait on the opposite side.

Drop back down and hop across the large tree stumps in the swamp. Be sure to
hop across the last few quickly since some Fireball Fiends will start to hurl
explosive fireballs at you. Run over to the two side pillars that the Fiends
stand on and break them with attacks to make the enemies fall. Use R1 to grab
ahold of the middle pillar once the first few enemies are taken care of and
Kratos will toss it to the side after tapping R1 and L1 a few times. Fight off
the Fiends and watch for their explosive fireballs. These enemies are prone to
grabs so make sure to take advantage of that and take the battles to the air a
bunch. All of their moves including their fireballs can be blocked without
taking damage. They actually have a unique death animation if you kill them by
hitting them without grabs where their top half will crawl after Kratos and
explode - this can be blocked as well.

Jump on top of the section of the broken pillar and hop up to the floor above.
Scope out the --RED CHEST-- and the --GREEN CHEST-- hidden in the side alcoves
after hopping up to the next floor. Continue along the path and open the
--BLUE CHEST-- that you'll come across toward the end if needed. Jump into the
circular room below.

WATERWAY PUZZLE

Step on the pressure switch in the middle of the room to see that it opens the
middle gate halfway. While standing on the pressure switch, hold L2 to target
using Typhon's Bane and Kratos will automatically lock onto the vine-covered
wall behind the treasure chest to the right. Shoot the vines and a grapple
point stalactite will be revealed up above the chests that Kratos can grapple
onto to reach the --2 UNMARKED CHESTS--. The left chest contains a ++GORGON
EYE (16/?)++.

Walk over to the back right side and pull the switch. This will open the gate
on the right side. Break the walls on both sides to reveal a hidden waterway.
Two Fireball Fiends will attack as you break open the wall leading to the right
section of the waterway. There is a dead body lying by the right waterway and
another pressure switch on the left side. Both pressure switches have to have
something on them in order to open the middle door. You can't put the body on
the middle pressure switch and stand on the left switch or you won't have time
to make it through the door.

HINT: Watch the waterway on one side to see some human remains float by then
walk over to the other side to eventually see those same human remains float by
once again.

Still don't get it? The waterways are connected. Place the human body in the
water of the right waterway and it will float down that waterway. Run over to
the left waterway and wait for the body to float by then grab and place it on
the pressure switch on the left side. Now, stand on the middle pressure switch
to make the middle gate open. Quickly run through the gate before it closes.

Save your game at the save point and open the --GREEN CHEST-- if needed. A
battle will be waging in the background as you approach the area ahead. Jump
on the first big gear in the swamp water and push the lever upward and then in
a clockwise rotation so that the gear moves up the chain and over to the next
gear. Sentries will eventually appear on the gear and attack. Use Cronos'
Rage to keep them shocked then go back to pushing the lever. Hit them with []
hits to kill them off if they try to hit you, but be forewarned that they will
continue to respawn. Quickly leap toward the next gear as the current one
moves close to it and push the lever in a counterclockwise motion. Use Cronos'
Rage once again to keep the Sentries stunned. Jump to the third gear once you
reach it then hop over to the land on the other side of the swampy river.

Run up the path and walk toward the mysterious rock in the background. This is
actually not a rock at all but a Rock Minotaur.

BOSS: ROCK MINOTAUR

Attacks:

Ground Pound: The Rock Minotaur hits the ground with both hands then
aggressively pounds the ground in front of him.

How to avoid: Roll or move away.

Lariat: The Rock Minotaur holds out its arms and spins in place.

How to avoid: Roll or move away.

Rock Throw: The Rock Minotaur picks up a boulder and tosses it.

How to avoid: Roll.

Make sure that you use the Athena's Blades while fighting this enemy since you
must roll to escape many of his attacks. Use the Plume of Prometheus ([], [],
/\) attack from midrange and roll away when he begins to attack. Magic doesn't
work too well for hurting him but each magic you have at this point can be used
for extra damage while attacking him. The battle basically boils down to
"attack, retreat, attack, retreat". To get some extra hits in, jump toward him
and hit him just as he ends an attack then finish your attacks while on the
ground. I suggest staying close to him so he will perform his lariat attack
instead of the ground pound (from mid range), since the lariat has more
recovery time allowing you to get in more attacks after the move.

Action Sequence

Kratos latches onto the beast with one of his blades then [SPINS] him
around and slaps him with the other blade. Kratos runs up the Minotaur's
back then jumps and [PLUNGES] both of his blades into the beast's back.
Then [LEAPS] to the beast's chest and [STABS] the Minotaur with both
blades making the giant crash to the ground.

Use the --REPLENISHER CHEST-- to the left side if needed then walk over to the
shiny tree with the chain on it. Stand in front of it and press R1 to have
Kratos latch both blades into it and pull it down to make a bridge up to the
ledge above. Walk up the tree trunk and start to climb the vines on the side
of the wall. Climb around the side of the wall then get on the platform and
jump then grab onto the vine above. Move across the vine and kick off the
Sentries that attack on your way across.

Hop off the vine once you reach the platform. One of the soldiers that was
seen earlier is now dead. Walk over to the black door with the handle at the
bottom and lift if upward. A Fate Statue holding a flashing green stone will
be behind the door. Don't even try to cross that big gear while it is moving.
Stand in front of the gear and use the Amulet of the Fates to slow time then
move across it safely to the other side.

Hop up to the --GREEN CHEST-- up in the alcove on the other side and open it if
needed. Hang from the ledge with the green chest and move across the ledge to
the small section of broken wall to the right. Pull yourself up once you reach
the small open section in the wall up above the grinder and find the --UNMARKED
CHEST-- in the hidden alcove containing some red orbs.

From the alcove, go ahead and jump to the conveyor belt across from the wall.
Sentries will attack on the conveyor belt and you'll need to move past some
deadly snake eyes that unleash gorgon gazes that will turn you to stone
instantly if caught in the gaze. The Gorgon gazes will stone the Sentries as
well. To get past this part easily, roll through the snake eyes - even if they
are glaring, the glare will not hit you as long as you're rolling. Whatever
you do, don't grab a Sentry to dispose of him since that will take too long.
Cronos' Rage and [] attacks work fine to keep them at bay. Roll to the far end
of the conveyor belt and break the wooden gate with constant attacks.

Grapple to the shiny stalactite beyond the conveyor belt and use it to swing to
the platform ahead. Open the --GREEN CHEST-- if needed then break the stone
statues along the side of the wall. The middle statue is hiding a secret
passage. Grab the block behind the middle statue and push it through the other
side of the wall to make it fall to the other side. This will take you back to
the familiar area where you pulled out the stone block quite a while ago.

CONCRETE PLATFORM PUZZLE

You need to get the block that you just pushed out from the wall on top of the
loose platform. If you haven't done so already, push the block that is already
on the platform over toward the side with the broken pillars so that the loose
platform leans to that side. Push the second block on top of the platform and
move it over to the far side closest to the doorway. Grab the first block and
push it over to the doorway as well. Once both blocks are on the far side of
the loose platform next to the doorway the end on the side that with the broken
pillars will lean upward and expose a shiny piece. Hop off the platform and
press R1 to grab the shiny piece then tap the O button to have Kratos lift the
platform and push it into the swamp.

Jump over to the roof of the platform in the swampy water then hop over to the
steps on the far side. Climb the wall up ahead and move to the left. Destroy
the branches on the left side then jump and grab onto the next section of the
wall on the left. Fall down to the rock ground and enter the cave to the side.

Move around the side and make a left then hop up the raised area past the
rotating gear. Destroy the stone Minotaur for a few red orbs then approach the
wounded soldier up ahead and examine him for a cutscene. A Gorgon Assassin
will attack after the cutscene, and this type is not just your normal Gorgon.
They have a powerful stare gaze that will stone you instantly if it hits.
Watch for them to hold back their glowing head and charge the gaze then quickly
roll to avoid the gaze. As long as you roll in some direction during the gaze,
it will not hit you. The Hammer works very well for these enemies since they
can't dodge it as easy, but you can't roll away from their stares, so keep that
in mind while using it.

Run back and grab the injured soldier (R1). The left turn down the path ahead
will only lead to a dead end for the moment, so continue along the main path.
As you can see through the vines, it appears that Jason isn't faring so well
against the Dark Cerberus on the other side. Continue to the left side and
you'll run across a conveyor belt leading to a grinder. Place the injured
soldier on the conveyor belt. Attack the grinder gear after the soldier is
ground up to destroy them.

Don't go that way just yet though. Follow the path around the corner up ahead
to find --2 UNMARKED CHESTS--. The right chest contains a ++PHOENIX
FEATHER (10/?)++. Walk back to the conveyor belt and hop over the small gears
at the end of the conveyor belt. Use the --REPLENISHER CHEST-- if needed then
lift open the gate. Walk toward the Dark Cerberus for a cutscene.

BOSS: DARK CERBERUS

Attacks:

Claw Strikes: The Cerberus strikes Kratos twice with its claw. It will
sometimes add in a headbutt for the second attack.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

Headbutt: The Cerberus will run toward Kratos and ram him with its head.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

Flames: The Cerberus will breathe fire from all three mouths and make it sway
around the area in front of it.

How to avoid: Block or roll away. Don't roll while you're already blocking the
attack or it will hit Kratos for sure.

Fireballs: The Cerberus will shoot out several fireballs from its middle head.

How to avoid: Roll or move away.

Claw Pound: Mid-battle, the Cerberus will pound the ground and create a minor
shockwave in front of it.

How to avoid: Block or roll.

The Dark Cerberus is a very ferocious and agile beast, but most of its attacks
can be blocked, even the flame. Make sure to dodge away whenever it starts to
shoot fireballs. The fireball attack is long range, so just watch for the
Cerberus to ready the attack. Never attack too aggressively since you will
constantly need to block. This boss can only be staggered very rarely, so you
will almost always have to watch for its attacks while attacking it.

Both magic spells work all right for the boss, but neither of them really
stands out as all that helpful. Typhon's Rage works well for when it starts to
shoot fireballs though. A cutscene will eventually play where the Dark
Cerberus' middle head will eat Jason's arm thereby consuming the Golden Fleece.
It will start to use a new claw pound attack during this time, but the attack
can be blocked.

This battle mainly requires patience while attacking along with some quick
reflexes for guarding its attacks. I wouldn't recommend performing anything
outside of [] attacks, not even Plume of Prometheus since this enemy is so
vicious that it will easily attack during any type of recovery on your end.
Once the O button icon appears, start the Action Sequence to put a quick end to
the beast. The action sequence requires no button taps this time, just
activation through the O button.

Kratos will gain the **GOLDEN FLEECE** after finishing off the Dark Cerberus.
In order to get out of this area, pull the switch on the right side to make the
head on the wall shoot fireballs. Stand in the black area in the middle of the
arena and tap L1 right before a fireball hits Kratos to deflect a fireball back
at the head on the wall. It's all about timing.

Walk out through the hole in the destroyed wall. Some of those Gorgons from
earlier will attack once you step out of the arena. The Golden Fleece can
reflect Gorgon stares also, so press the L1 button right as they release a
stare then press the required button that appears on the screen to reflect the
stare and stone them. This will stone multiple Gorgons or enemies if more than
one is on the screen. This can be a bit risky though, but the deflection for
the stare seems much easier than deflecting a fireball. Deflect their stares
then hit them with your Hammer. Jump back across the raised platforms up ahead
then destroy the large gear that has now stopped on the left wall to reveal a
tunnel with an --UNMARKED CHEST-- that contains a ++GORGON EYE (17/?)++.

Run all the way back to the area with the platform that Kratos pushed into the
swamp. Jump on the platform and the camera angle will now show the strip of
land to the side with the crows feasting on the fallen soldier. Jump to that
strip of land and move down it, toward the camera angle. Hop along the
platforms and save your game at the save point. Your main destination is to go
back to the door with the Gorgon face on the front of it, but you should go
past it for now and head down the other side. We need to perform some
backtracking to get back to the area with the conveyor belt and the snake eyes
with Gorgon stares if you want some extra items.

SNAKE EYES PUZZLE (OPTIONAL)

Make a left at the Gorgon door and move past the doorway where you used
Euryale's Key. Follow the path beyond it until you come to the area where you
pushed the platform into the swamp below. Jump over to the gate on the left
wall above the submerged platform. A few Sentries and Wraiths will attack in
the room ahead. Swing back across the pit then swing on the next few grapple
points to move past the swamp in the cave. Hop across the tree stumps in the
swamp and fight off the Fireball Fiends that spawn on the other side along the
way. Stand on the pressure switch in the circular room then quickly run
through the gate once again. Go ahead and save your game at the save point up
ahead. Rotate the gears in the swamp and hop across them.

Walk up the tree branch and climb across the wall. Grab the vine and move all
the way across it. Use the Amulet of the Fates to slow time then move across
the giant gear. Jump over to the conveyor belt with the snake eyes that use
Gorgon stares. Stand in between each set of snake eyes and press L1 followed
by the correct button to reflect the stares back at each set of snake heads.
Each set holds an unmarked chest against the left wall for a total of
--3 UNMARKED CHESTS--. The first chest contains a ++PHOENIX FEATHER (11/?),
the second chest contains the ++URN OF THE GORGONS++, and the third chest
contains a ++GORGON EYE (18/?)++. Swing across the gap and fall through the
hole in the wall. Take whichever way you want to back to the Gorgon face door.