Waltorious: Actually, MM1 does have some level scaling... many random encounters will get harder or will feature more enemies when the player party is higher level. But other encounters are fixed, and usually the types of monsters that appear are specific to the location so certain areas are always hard and others are always easier. I think the scaling was handled quite well in the game.

I don't remember what level I was when I did that. I do think it was pretty late in the game for me; I'd explored much of the world before tackling it. If you're having trouble, just try heading somewhere else! If there's anywhere you haven't been, go check it out and see how you fare. When you've gained some levels (and especially new spells) you can come back to try again.

Frostyfirefly: Thanks, I have yet to face it, just wanted to know because I didn't want to go through the fortress just to be killed by the minotaur at the end.