How to Beat Gleeok (Dungeon 4 – The Legend of Zelda NES)

By the time you reach Dungeon Four, The Legend of Zelda stops pulling punches. Enemy damage increases, rooms are more chaotic, and the boss—Gleeok—is a major difficulty spike compared to Aquamentus and Dodongo.

If earlier bosses tested your observation skills, Gleeok tests your execution and survivability.

Who (and What) Is Gleeok?

Gleeok is a massive multi-headed dragon that guards the Triforce in Dungeon Four. Unlike many enemies, he does not move, but don’t let that fool you—this is one of the most dangerous fights in the early game.

What makes Gleeok so brutal:

• Constant fireball attacks
• Detached heads that attack independently
• Heavy damage per hit
• No safe corner in the room

This is the first boss that truly forces you to manage space and health carefully.

How Gleeok Attacks

Gleeok’s behavior changes as the fight progresses:

1. Stationary Phase
   • Gleeok remains attached to his body
   • Fires fireballs directly at Link
2. Detached Head Phase
   • After taking enough damage, one of Gleeok’s heads breaks free
   • The head turns red and begins flying around the room
   • The flying head also fires fireballs, doubling the pressure

At this point, Gleeok effectively becomes Aquamentus plus chaos.

Best Strategy to Defeat Gleeok

Step 1: Enter Fully Prepared

Before walking into Gleeok’s chamber, make sure you:

• Are near full hearts
• Have your sword upgraded as far as possible
• Are mentally ready to take a few hits

This is not a “no-damage” fight.

Step 2: Use Sword Beams (If Possible)

If you have full health, your sword fires powerful beams:

• Stay at a safe distance
• Fire sword beams at Gleeok’s heads
• Focus on consistent hits while dodging fireballs

This is the safest way to fight him.

Step 3: Close Combat (If You Must)

If you’re not at full health, sword beams won’t work. At that point:

• Move in close
• Slash relentlessly at Gleeok’s heads
• Expect to trade damage

This fight becomes a war of attrition—but one you can win.

💡 Key insight:
If you stay aggressive and don’t hesitate, Gleeok will fall before you run out of health.

Dealing With Detached Heads

Once a head breaks free:

• Keep moving—never stand still
• Watch both fireball trajectories
• Finish the remaining head(s) as quickly as possible

The longer the fight drags on, the more dangerous it becomes.

Victory and the Triforce

Once Gleeok is defeated:

• Head north into the next room
• Collect the Triforce
• You’ll be fully healed and transported outside the dungeon

Dungeon Four is officially complete.

Why Gleeok Is a Turning Point Boss

Gleeok marks the moment when The Legend of Zelda shifts from exploration-focused to combat-heavy mastery:

• Positioning matters
• Health management matters
• Hesitation gets punished

If you can beat Gleeok consistently, you’re officially ready for the tougher half of the game.

Final Thoughts

Gleeok isn’t fast. He isn’t clever.
But he is relentless.

Stay calm, stay aggressive, and remember—sometimes the best strategy in classic Zelda is to walk straight into danger and swing until it’s over.

Onward to Dungeon Five.

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