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Nightmare
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| “ | It all began when the Nightmares appeared in the fountain. The Nightmares rode the currents of the Fountain of Dreams, wreaking havoc and tormenting the residents of Dream Land. | ” | — Thenarrator inKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land |
Nightmare (also referred to asthe Nightmares) is the embodiment of bad dreams who had come to infect theFountain of Dreams in the heart ofRainbow Resort, inDream Land. He has two primary forms: he initially takes the form ofNightmare's Power Orb, a rotating magic orb with stars on it, and then transforms intoNightmare Wizard, a robed warlock with giant pauldrons, a large medallion around his neck, opaque sunglasses, two golden horn-like protrusions, and a pronounced chin. He also possesses disembodied hands, but bears no real body, instead consisting of a tornado under his robe, which happens to be his weak point, though only theStar Rod may do him harm there.
InKirby's Adventure andKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Nightmare inhabits the Fountain of Dreams in order to corrupt it, turning the normally soothing and pleasant dreams emanating from it into painful nightmares. To stop him from using the fountain's power,King Dedede shatters the Star Rod and gives each piece to one of his friends. However, sinceKirby was not told what had happened, he assumed that Dedede was up to no good again and reassembled the Star Rod, accidentally freeing Nightmare from the fountain when he returned the rod to its rightful place. From there, Kirby has to use the Star Rod to battle and destroy Nightmare permanently.
Outside of these games, Nightmare has had several appearances and cameos in subsequentKirby games, most notably appearing as one of the bosses in theVS. BossStadium inKirby Air Riders, and as the lastboss for theKirby Mass AttackSub-GameStrato Patrol EOS. Additionally, hisparallel counterpart appears as a primary antagonist inSuper Kirby Clash. Nightmare also appears as anAssist Trophy in theSuper Smash Bros. series, and serves the main villain of the anime seriesKirby: Right Back at Ya!, under the nameeNeMeE.
Game appearances[edit]
| Nightmare's video game appearances | ||
|---|---|---|
| Game | Role | Notes |
| Kirby series | ||
| Kirby's Adventure | Main antagonist and final boss | |
| Kirby's Avalanche | Cameo | Appears as a background element on theFountain of Dreams. |
| Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land | Main antagonist and final boss | As this is a remake ofKirby's Adventure, his role doesn't change. |
| Kirby: Canvas Curse | Reference | One of the paintings painted byPaint Roller inPaint Panic. |
| Kirby: Squeak Squad | Reference | Appears in one of the Graphics along with some other Final Bosses. |
| Kirby Super Star Ultra | Reference | Appears in one of the cards inKirby Card Swipe. |
| Kirby Mass Attack | Final boss | Nightmare is the final boss ofStrato Patrol EOS. |
| Kirby: Triple Deluxe | Reference | Appears as akeychain. |
| Kirby: Planet Robobot | Reference | Appears as asticker. |
| Kirby Star Allies | Reference | Appears in the "Bad Boss Brothers"Celebration Picture. |
| Super Kirby Clash | Reference | Appears as asticker. The main villain isthe parallel version of him. |
| Kirby's Dream Buffet | Reference | Appears as aCharacter Treat. |
| Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe | Reference | His likeness appears as aDress-Up Mask. |
| Super Smash Bros. series | ||
| Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U | Assist Trophy and trophy | |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Assist Trophy and spirit | |
Kirby's Adventure /Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[edit]
InKirby's Adventure and its remake,Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Nightmare serves as the final boss of the game, and is fought inThe Fountain of Dreams right afterKing Dedede is defeated. Nightmare appears in his initial power orb form when Kirby attempts to return the reassembledStar Rod to the fountain, which prompts King Dedede to spit Kirby after Nightmare with the Star Rod in hand.
Nightmare's fight takes place in two phases. The first has Kirby clash with Nightmare's Power Orb while airborne and slowly falling. Kirby has to repeatedly strike the orb with volleys from the Star Rod while avoiding Nightmare's own volleys. If Kirby takes too long to dispatch the orb, he will crash to the ground and be defeated immediately. Once the orb'shealth is reduced to 0, it flies off, prompting Kirby to give chase on aWarp Star to themoon.
Once there, the orb transforms into Nightmare Wizard and Kirby must then fight him on foot, still using the Star Rod. Nightmare attacks by teleporting, flying around the arena, and firing star-shaped volleys. Nightmare's only weak point in this form is his tornado-like "body" underneath his robe, which Kirby must hit whenever it is exposed. Nightmare is significantly bigger relative to Kirby inKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land compared toKirby's Adventure, which makes it easier to attack his weak point, but also easier to get hit. Once defeated, he disintegrates with an ear-piercing screech, causing the moon to partially explode into a permanent crescent shape, while Kirby escapes and returns the Star Rod back to the Fountain of Dreams.
The following are all of Nightmare's attacks inKirby's Adventure andKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land. Note that attack names are conjectural:
| Nightmare's Power Orb's attacks inKirby's Adventure andKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | Description | |||
| Star Shot | Nightmare's Power Orb fires a single Star Shaped projectile forward while moving up and down. | |||
| Two Star Shot | Nightmare's Power Orb fires out two star projectiles in front of it with a hole in the middle. | |||
| Charge | Nightmare's Power Orb rumbles before flying forward through the center of the arena. | |||
| Triple Star Shot | Nightmare's Power Orb fires out three scattered star projectiles forward. | |||
| Four Star Shot | Nightmare's Power Orb fires four star shapes projectiles that move forward in the arena. | |||
| Dark Magic Barrage | Nightmare's Power Orb fires around the arena erratically and fires out five projectiles in front of it. | |||
| Nightmare Wizard's attacks inKirby's Adventure andKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | Description | |||
| Palm Star Shot | Nightmare opens his palm, exposing his weak point from the front and fires multiple star projectiles at an arc in front of him. | |||
| Pointed Finger Shot | Nightmare charges up energy in one hand, exposing the back of his weak point before pointing at Kirby and firing a barrage of star projectiles exposing the front of his weak point. When low on health, the barrage of star projectiles in front of him is split among two arcs. | |||
| Sweep | Depending on Kirby's position in the arena, Nightmare sweeps forward on the arena to the left or to the right. | |||
| Open Cloak Star Shot | Nightmare flies to the center or a relatively central position in the arena and opens his cloak, exposing his weak point while firing five star projectiles from his body in a fan formation: two on each side and one beneath him. | |||
| Twister Dash | Nightmare opens his cloak and begins twisting at Kirby like a tornado. He stops using this move when low on health. | |||
| Upside-Down Tornado | Nightmare opens his cloak and begins twisting like a tornado before going up off-screen, then quickly moves down until nearly touching the ground while upside down. He only uses this attack when low on health. | |||
Kirby's Avalanche[edit]
InKirby's Avalanche, Nightmare's Power Orb appears in the background of the Fountain of Dreams, but is not mentioned and can't be interacted with.
Kirby: Canvas Curse[edit]
Nightmare makes a cameo appearance inKirby: Canvas Curse, being one of the paintings inPaint Panic.
Additionally, Nightmare's Power Orb was originally set to appear as aball character inKirby: Canvas Curse, along with otherbosses from previous games, likeLololo & Lalala,Dark Matter, andZero. However, the idea was scrapped, and he doesn't appear in the final game.[1]
Kirby: Squeak Squad[edit]
Nightmare Wizard makes a cameo appearance inKirby: Squeak Squad, being featured in one of the Graphics using hisKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land artwork alongsideDark Mind, King Dedede,Marx andDark Matter Blade.
Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]
Nightmare Wizard appears inKirby Super Star Ultra as a card in theSub-GameKirby Card Swipe.
Kirby Mass Attack[edit]
 | This section isincomplete. You can help WiKirby byexpanding it. Could use more info on how he attacks in both phases |
InKirby Mass Attack, Nightmare appears as the final boss of theSub-GameStrato Patrol EOS, where he is fought as both Nightmare's Power Orb and Nightmare Wizard.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]
InKirby: Triple Deluxe, Nightmare appears as twokeychains, Nightmare's Power Orb (using the sprite fromKirby's Adventure) and Nightmare Wizard (using the sprite fromKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land). Additionally,Circus Kirby's Balloon Pop Art attack has a possibility of forming balloon art of Nightmare's Power Orb.
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
InKirby: Planet Robobot, Nightmare Wizard appears as asticker using the artwork fromKirby's Adventure. Notably, while the sticker contains only artwork of his head, the original art had his full body. Additionally, Circus Kirby's Balloon Pop Art of Nightmare's Power Orb can also appear here.
Kirby Star Allies[edit]
In this game, Nightmare Wizard appears in the "Bad Boss Brothers"Celebration Picture, along with other final bosses. He is seen next toDrawcia andDark Matter Blade.
Super Kirby Clash[edit]
Nightmare Wizard appears as asticker using his artwork fromKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land. It is unlocked after clearing the "Tougher: Parallel Nightmare" Story Quest. Aparallel version of him also appears as the main villain, and is largely the same sort of entity.
Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]
InKirby's Dream Buffet, Nightmare Wizard appears on one of theCharacter Treats, using his artwork fromKirby's Adventure.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
InKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, there is aDress-Up Mask based on Nightmare Wizard, unlocked by completingStamp Rally card #24. It replaces the wearer's voice with sound effects fromKirby's Adventure.
Kirby Air Riders[edit]
| This section isincomplete. You can help WiKirby byexpanding it. Section needs more info on the boss fight in VS. Boss Stadium/Road Trip. --     (profile :::talk) 13:08, 16 January 2026 (UTC) |
InKirby Air Riders, Nightmare appears as one of the bosses inRoad Trip and theVS. Boss Stadium mode inCity Trial. His necklace's pendant is now shaped like a crescent moon, similarly to Parallel Nightmare, though it faces the opposite direction.
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
Nightmare makes an appearance as an Assist Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. His role is to enshroud the stage and fighters in complete darkness for a brief time, disallowing anyone from seeing, including the summoner. He initially appears in his Power Orb form upon being summoned before re-appearing as Nightmare Wizard to darken the screen.
Nightmare is also mentioned in the description of Star Rod's trophiesSuper Smash Bros. Melee,Super Smash Bros. Brawl, andSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U. Notably, he is calledCloaked Nightmare in the first two, a name not used anywhere else.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
InSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nightmare appears as aspirit, along with his initial Power Orb form (which transforms into Nightmare Wizard proper after 'Enhancing'). Both spirits are of the 'grab' type, with the Power Orb being 'advanced' level with 2 support slots, and Nightmare Wizard being 'legend' level with 2 support slots as well. The level one stats of the Power Orb are 1,003 attack and 711 defense, in addition to level 99 stats of 4,024 attack and 2,855 defense. It can be obtained either by battling it in the Spirit Board or by purchasing it from theShop. The Nightmare Wizard spirit has level 1 stats of 2,380 attack and 2,027 defense, with level 99 stats of 5,950 attack and 5,069 defense. This version gives the user the Jam FS Charge ability, making enemy fighters'Final Smash meter(s) increase more slowly than usual.
InKirby: Right Back at Ya![edit]
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- Main article:eNeMeE
Nightmare (referred to aseNeMeE in the English dub) is the main villain in the anime seriesKirby: Right Back at Ya! and is responsible for the creation ofNight Mare Enterprises, also known as N.M.E, and nearly all of themonsters in their employ. He and his corporation dominate much of the universe from their giantspace fortress, using any combination of sociopolitical, economic, or military force to maintain control of their subjects. This stranglehold was created with eNeMeE had managed to wipe out nearly all of theStar Warriors who had led the Galaxy Soldier Army, and it becomesKirby's task to carry on the fight by defendingDream Land from eNeMeE's creations and schemes.
In the anime series, eNeMeE keeps largely to the shadows, as little more than a silhouette of him is seen prior to Episode 99:Combat Kirby, where he formally appears to harass Kirby and his friends when they invade his fortress using theHalberd. He is shown to be largely ethereal, as no physical attacks can hurt him, and is only defeated from within Kirby's dreams when the pink puffball ensnares him using the power of the Star Rod, forcing him to dissipate.
Nightmare also makes a brief appearance in theKirby of the Stars Pilot, where he antagonizes Kirby, theDream Land princess, andKing Dedede.
Additionally, in the animation for "Kirby ★ March" fromKirby: Right Back at Ya!, Kirby (and laterTiff) is seen walking on top of a circus ball that resembles Nightmare's Power Orb.
Nightmare in theKirby of the Stars Pilot
eNeMeE reveals himself fully for the first time inCombat Kirby.
eNeMeE absorbing a volley from theHalberd
Kirby using the Star Rod against eNeMeE
eNeMeE being surrounded in Star Rod projectiles
eNeMeE dissipating
Legacy[edit]
Despite being the first truly evil force that Kirby had to reckon with in the series, Nightmare has had surprisingly little subsequent influence or impact on the video game series or its lore. Since his initial appearance and defeat, Nightmare's only real legacy aside from cameo appearances comes in the form ofDark Mind (who somewhat resembles him in form and function), his boss encounters in Strato Patrol EOS andKirby Air Riders, and Parallel Nightmare inSuper Kirby Clash. Instead, the early villains that would come to more profoundly affect subsequent games would beDark Matter,Marx, andDrawcia, as most subsequent final bosses would take aspects from one or more of these characters first and foremost.
Profiles[edit]
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U trophy[edit]
| Name | 3DS Image | Wii U Image | Appears In | American English description | British English description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightmare |  |  | NES Kirby's Adventure (05/1993) GBA Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land (12/2002) | This ball of nightmares came from the Fountain of Dreams, taking nightmares to all of Dream Land. King Dedede sealed it away by shattering the Star Rod, but it was revived when the Star Rod was restored by Kirby. In Smash Bros., it hides the stage and the fighters in pure darkness. | This terrible being came from the Fountain of Dreams, bringing bad dreams to all of Dream Land. King Dedede sealed him away by shattering the Star Rod, but when Kirby restored it, Nightmare was able to come back. In this game, he shrouds the stage in darkness, making it impossible for the fighters to see. |
Blue indicates exclusive to the Wii U version.
Nintendo Today![edit]
Nightmare is wrapped in a starry cloak. He has two forms: Nightmare's Power Orb and Nightmare Wizard. In Kirby's Adventure, he conspires to afflict the residents of Dream Land with nightmares.
Trivia[edit]
- According to an internal memo fromHAL Laboratory circa 1993, Nightmare's Power Orb is intended to resemble an egg.[2] Notably, inKirby's Adventure, Nightmare can be seen visibly "hatching" from the Power Orb when he transforms into his Wizard form, whereas inKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, he merely changes shape.
- Nightmare-inspired gear forBeam Mage was considered forSuper Kirby Clash, but was scrapped.
- While his official artwork consistently depicts Nightmare Wizard with stars on his cloak, it's solid purple in most in-game appearances. InKirby's Adventure, the effect is mimicked by making his cloak transparent, allowing the stars in the scrolling background to appear as if they're part of his cloak.
- Similarly, Nightmare is depicted having arms in most of his official artwork and in the anime, but this is not present for most of his in-game appearances; instead, he has floating hands. His parallel counterpart is never shown to have arms in both his artwork and in-game appearance.
Gallery[edit]
Artwork[edit]
Nightmare's Power Orb fromKirby's Adventure
Nightmare Wizard cameos in the "Bad Boss Brothers"Celebration Picture fromKirby Star Allies
Original sketch of the "Bad Boss Brothers" Celebration Picture
Promotional poster showing the main cast ofKirby: Right Back at Ya!
Kirby: Right Back at Ya! animator sheet showing front, side, and back views
Kirby: Right Back at Ya! animator sheet showing front, side, and back of head
Kirby: Right Back at Ya! animator sheet showing an open pose
Illustration from theKirby JP Twitter commemorating Christmas in 2017, featuring an ornament of Nightmare's Power Orb
Concept art ofParallel Nightmare forSuper Kirby Clash, featuring a modern design for Nightmare
Sprites[edit]
Nightmare's Power Orb fromKirby's Adventure
Nightmare Wizard fromKirby's Adventure
Nightmare's Power Orb fromKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Nightmare Wizard fromKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Nightmare's Power OrbKeychain fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Nightmare Wizard Keychain fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Screenshots[edit]
Kirby firing shots from the Star Rod at Nightmare's Power Orb inKirby's Adventure
The Kirbys fighting Nightmare's Power Orb inKirby Mass Attack's sub-gameStrato Patrol EOS
Circus' Balloon Pop Art inKirby: Planet Robobot (which also appears inKirby: Triple Deluxe)
Kirby wearing the Nightmare Wizard Dress-Up Mask inKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Nightmare inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Merchandise[edit]
"Adventure" figure from the "Kirby Terrarium Collection Game Selection" merchandise line, manufactured by Re-ment
Drawstring Pouch from the "Memorial Balloon" merchandise line, featuring a hot-air balloon based on Nightmare's Power Orb
Hand towel from the "Memorial Balloon" merchandise line, featuring a hot-air balloon based on Nightmare's Power Orb
Set of stickers from the "Memorial Balloon" merchandise line, featuring a hot-air balloon based on Nightmare's Power Orb
"Saga / Balloon 2" keychain from the "Kirby's Dream Land: Pukkuri Keychain" merchandise line.
Towels from "Cloudy Candy" merchandise series, featuring Nightmare's Power Orb
Keychain charms from Lawson's Kirby's 30th Anniversary Campaign, featuring Nightmare's Power Orb on the "1993" charm
Other[edit]
Character Treat of Nightmare Wizard fromKirby's Dream Buffet, featuring artwork fromKirby's Adventure
Data-rendered model fromSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U
Data-rendered model fromSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Dedede Directory about Nightmare
Circus Kirby juggling a ball resembling Nightmare's Power Orb inFind Kirby!! Full of Kirby
A bag of Circus Kirby's juggling items inFind Kirby!! Full of Kirby
Nightmare withYo-Yo Kirby with the Flashy Knit CapRare Hat inFind Kirby!! Big Gathering at the Party!
Names in other languages[edit]
Nightmare[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ナイトメア Naitomea | Nightmare |
| Traditional Chinese | 夢魘 mèng yǎn | Nightmare |
| Simplified Chinese | 梦魇 mèng yǎn | |
| Dutch | Nightmare | - |
| French | Cauchemar | Nightmare |
| German | Nightmare Albtraum | - Nightmare |
| Italian | Mago incubo | Nightmare Wizard |
| Korean | 나이트메어 Naiteume'eo | Nightmare |
| Portuguese | Pesadelo | Nightmare |
| Russian | Кошмар[3] Koshmar | Nightmare |
| Spanish | Pesadilla | Nightmare |
Nightmare's Power Orb[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ナイトメア パワーオーブ Naitomea pawā ōbu | Nightmare Power Orb |
| Chinese | 夢魘 力量球[4] Mèng yǎn lìliàng qiú | Nightmare Power Ball |
| Dutch | Nightmares krachtbol[4] | Nightmare's power orb |
| French | Boule Cauchemar | Nightmare Ball |
| German | Energiekugel | Energy Ball |
| Italian | Sfera del Mago Incubo | Nightmare Wizard's Sphere |
| Korean | 나이트메어 파워 오브 Naiteume'eo Pawo Obeu | Nightmare Power Orb |
| Russian | Сфера силы Кошмара[5] Sfera sily Koshmara | Nightmare's power sphere |
| Spanish | Orbe Pesadilla | Nightmare Orb |
Nightmare Wizard[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ナイトメア ウィザード Naitomea wizādo | Nightmare Wizard |
| Traditional Chinese | 夢魘 巫師 mèng yǎn wūshī | Nightmare Wizard |
| Simplified Chinese | 梦魇 巫师 mèng yǎn wūshī | |
| Dutch | Tovenaar Nightmare | Wizard Nightmare |
| French | Sorcier Cauchemar | Nightmare Sorcerer |
| German | Albtraum-Zauberer | Nightmare Wizard |
| Italian | Mago incubo | Nightmare Wizard |
| Korean | 나이트메어 위저드 Naiteume'eo Wijeodeu | Nightmare Wizard |
| Portuguese | Mago Pesadelo | Nightmare Wizard |
| Russian | Кошмарный маг[5] Koshmarnyy mag | Nightmare wizard |
| Spanish | Mago Pesadilla | Nightmare Wizard |
References
- ↑20th Anniversary Kirby Pupupu Encyclopedia, page 125
- ↑Translation of "Kirby’s Secrets" from20th Anniversary Kirby Pupupu Encyclopedia (translated by Gigi)
- ↑Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
- ↑4.04.1Nintendo Today! Dream Land Directory #10
- ↑5.05.1Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
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- Pages using Tabber parser tag
- Articles with incomplete sections
- Articles which list Japanese names
- Articles which list Chinese names
- Articles which list Dutch names
- Articles which list French names
- Articles which list German names
- Articles which list Italian names
- Articles which list Korean names
- Articles which list Portuguese names
- Articles which list Russian names
- Articles which list Spanish names
