Algol (Japanese: アルゴル, Arugoru) is a character in the Soul series of fighting games and one of the main antagonists of Soulcalibur IV. He can be played like other standard characters, but must be unlocked by defeating him in Story Mode. He appears as one of the final bosses along with Siegfried and Nightmare. Algol has also returned for Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny and Soulcalibur V. As the original wielder of Soul Edge, likely responsible for much of its power, and the creator of Soul Calibur, he is ultimately the cause of the events of the series as a whole. What lies in his soul is Absolution. In Soulcalibur V's promotional material, he is referred to as "The Great Hero King".