The Battle of Olympus/Palace of Hades

Misleading passages
From your arrival on the left side of section A, wait for the Gold Snake to drop off the ledge through the gap below, and then head to the right. Pass below another snake, and you will eventually encounter an old foe: the Lamia. This Lamia is much stronger than the one you fought back in the beginning of the game. However, if you are equipped with the Divine Sword, you can trade blows with the Lamia's bow using the Power of Argus. Clear the Lamia out of the way so that you may continue on to section B.

Watch out for the Gargoyles that fly through section B. Climb up the first set of stairs that you come to (continuing on to the right only leads to a dead end.) When you reach the top, you have a choice between continuing right and returning to the left. The right will only lead to a Nymph at door E by a dead-end which forces you to turn around. So use the floating platforms on your left to return to the upper portion of section A.

Carefully jump over the gap and continue along the path that runs above the Lamia. You will eventually reach door B where a woman inside offers to sell you Nectar for 30 Olives. If you happen to have the Olives, it's worth taking her up on her offer, as the Olives won't do you any good beyond this point. Back outside, continue left, and climb up the steps to section C.

In section C, you'll want to head right, although you can explore the left side where you will find door D with a woman who comments about the Moon Crystal. Be on guard for Gargoyles and Gold Snakes as you climb up and jump across the series of platforms that lead to the right side of this section. Do not fall down to the floor on the right side, or you will be forced to work your way around again. Stay on the upper platforms and continue to section D.

As soon as you arrive in section D, you will see the staircase that leads to section E. However tempting it is to explore these stairs, pay close attention to the platforms that continue to the right in section D. Taking the stairs to section E will ultimately bring you to a Nymph behind door F at a dead-end. The Nymph returns you to the very beginning of the Palace, but not before restoring all of your health. Instead, remain in section D, and follow the platforms to the right of the stairs. More Gargoyles and Gold Snakes will attack as you make your way to a second flight of steps that lead further into section E.

Two Gargoyles will be hovering nearby when you climb up this second staircase. Remove them and then jump onto the nearby platform. Climb up and over the staircase you arrived from, and drop down to the nearby staircase on the right which leads back down to section D. You will be inevitably attacked as you make your way down. Safely reach the stairs on the right that lead down to the right side of section B. Then continue your descent until you reach the floor and can pass through door C on the right.

Rescuing Helene
Inside the next room, you will see Helene frozen as a statue. You must remember to return to this room after the final battle is complete. Pass through door H on the opposite side of the room.

The next room will appear pitch black, with some water reflecting a small amount of light below you. If you are unprepared for what's to come, you may be surprised to find yourself getting struck by an invisible force in the darkness. Now is the time to use the Moon Crystal. When you do, the moon will appear in the background and provide some illumination. It will not be enough light to see your attacker. However, it will be enough light to cast a shadow on the water below. By examining the shadows, you will find that you are being attacked by a tall warrior. This warrior is Hades.

Naturally, Hades is quite strong and fairly aggressive. He is very much like a tall version of you; he can swing his sword, he can block attacks with his shield, he can kneel down, and he can jump up. The only trick to beating him is to be a better swordsman. You can use some of his behaviors against him though.

When he approaches you, squat down low and swing your sword at his legs. This usually causes Hades to jump backwards. You have two choices at this point. You can attempt to use the Power of Argus against him, but he will most likely block the lightning with his shield. Or you can press your attack by moving forward and squatting back down to push him back even 1further. Eventually, you can push his back against the right wall. However, if you push him back too far, he will simply jump over you and hurt you by landing on you. The trick is to push him back just far enough that he lands on your sword whenever he jumps. It's difficult to do, but if you kneel down so that your back foot is on the left edge of the second brick, you should be able to strike him every time.

Hades will remain invisible until you hit him a few times, at which point he will reveal himself to you and continue his attack. Even after you make him appear, you will still have to hit him several more times. It takes 26 hits to defeat him with the Divine Sword, 13 if you are also equipped with the Power Bracelet. Once Hades is destroyed, return through door I on the left to visit the statue of Helene. The three fragments of love will encircle her, and bring her back to life. Then you will be presented with the ending and the credits. Congratulations.