Among Bloodborne’s many enigmatic figures, few captivate players quite like Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower. As one of the most memorable and challenging bosses in The Old Hunters DLC, Lady Maria stands apart not just for her breathtaking combat style but also for her deeply tragic backstory. Her connection to the Healing Church, her hidden guilt, and her ultimate fate make her one of Bloodborne’s most compelling characters.
In this deep dive, we’ll unravel the lore of Lady Maria, explore her role in the game, and analyze what makes her one of Bloodborne’s most beloved and sorrowful figures.
Who Is Lady Maria?
Lady Maria was once a hunter of the Healing Church, a member of the mysterious Hunters of Byrgenwerth who served under Gehrman, the First Hunter. She hailed from Cainhurst Castle, a place known for its lineage of nobles infused with vile blood. However, Maria rejected the bloodthirsty ways of her ancestors, choosing instead to follow Gehrman’s teachings and become a hunter.
Unlike many other hunters, Maria displayed compassion for those afflicted by the plague. She wielded the Rakuyo, a finely crafted dual-bladed weapon, and fought with unmatched grace. Yet, despite her strength, Maria’s story took a dark and tragic turn during her time in the secretive Research Hall.
The Horrors of the Research Hall
Maria’s greatest regret stemmed from her involvement in the atrocities committed at the Healing Church’s Research Hall. Under the orders of the Church, she and other hunters captured victims—many of whom were innocent—to undergo horrific experiments aimed at uncovering the secrets of the Great Ones.
The research conducted in the hall led to the grotesque transformation of its subjects, turning them into malformed creatures that still roamed the hallways in agony. Witnessing the suffering she had enabled, Maria was overcome with guilt. Unable to bear what she had done, she abandoned her duties, discarding her beloved Rakuyo into a well, as if hoping to erase the memory of her past actions.
Maria took refuge in the Astral Clocktower, far removed from the horrors of her past. Whether she sought redemption or simply wished to isolate herself from the world, the truth remained the same—Maria could not escape the weight of her guilt.
The Astral Clocktower and Maria’s Role
By the time the player encounters Maria, she has become the guardian of the Astral Clocktower, watching over the hall and ensuring that none may pass beyond its doors. The patient villagers in the Research Hall revere her as a caretaker, and many call out to her for guidance, unaware that she is no longer their protector.
Maria’s role is ambiguous. While she does not appear to be hostile by nature, she is willing to fight the player when they attempt to move beyond the Clocktower. Some theories suggest that Maria is protecting something—or someone—on the other side of the Astral Clocktower. Given her connection to the Healing Church and the experiments conducted there, some believe she is preventing access to the true nightmare that lies beyond.
The Boss Fight: A Dance of Blood and Fire
Maria’s boss fight is one of the most visually striking and exhilarating encounters in Bloodborne. She is an incredibly agile opponent, wielding her Rakuyo with deadly precision. Her fight progresses through three distinct phases, each more intense than the last.
Phase 1: Elegant but Deadly
Maria begins the fight using standard melee attacks with her Rakuyo, relying on speed and finesse to overwhelm the player. Her moves are reminiscent of Gehrman’s fighting style, emphasizing the connection between the two hunters.
Phase 2: The Blood Awakens
At around 70% health, Maria embraces the forbidden Cainhurst blood she once rejected. She ignites her Rakuyo with her own blood, extending its range and increasing her attack speed. This phase makes dodging and precise counterattacks crucial.
Phase 3: A Firestorm of Wrath
When Maria reaches 40% health, she unleashes her full power, coating her weapons in both blood and fire. In this final phase, her attacks become faster, more erratic, and significantly more devastating. Players must be cautious, as her newfound power can quickly overwhelm even the most skilled hunters.
Maria’s Legacy and Connection to Gehrman
One of the most intriguing aspects of Lady Maria is her connection to Gehrman. Many players speculate that Maria was not only Gehrman’s student but also someone he deeply cared for. Some theories even suggest Gehrman harbored romantic feelings for Maria—feelings that were not reciprocated.
Evidence for this can be found in the Hunter’s Dream, where Gehrman’s Doll—created to resemble Maria—exists as his eternal companion. The Doll speaks with a gentle and calming tone, much like Maria, and her presence suggests that Gehrman could not let go of his memories of the hunter he once trained.
Maria, however, seemed determined to distance herself from Gehrman’s influence. Her rejection of Cainhurst’s blood, her abandonment of the Church, and her self-imposed exile all point to a character who sought to escape the past, even as it continued to haunt her.
The Tragedy of Lady Maria
Maria’s story is one of sorrow and regret. Unlike many of Bloodborne’s figures, she does not succumb to madness or monstrous transformation. Instead, her downfall comes from the burden of guilt. She is a rare character in the world of Bloodborne—a hunter who sought to protect rather than destroy, yet one who ultimately could not save those she wished to help.
Even in death, Maria remains a tragic figure. Unlike the other hunters, she does not revel in the hunt or seek power. Her fight is not one of rage or revenge, but one of duty—a final attempt to atone for her past sins.
Final Thoughts
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower is more than just a boss in Bloodborne—she is a symbol of guilt, redemption, and loss. Her past actions, her connection to the Healing Church, and her tragic fate make her one of Bloodborne’s most unforgettable characters. Whether players see her as a guardian, a warrior, or a lost soul seeking forgiveness, one thing is certain: Lady Maria’s legacy will endure as one of Bloodborne’s most haunting stories.
