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Saint Seiya (聖闘士星矢), also known as Knights of the Zodiac in the USA, is an anime and manga series about a group of five mystical warriors called the "Saints" (or "Knights") who have adopted various constellations as their guardian symbols. Saints believe each atom within a human body resembles a small solar system. Since human body consist of billions of atoms, the combination forms a "small cosmo" or a "small universe". Each person's cosmo has its own unique signature. The cosmo is the source of power for the saints and can be endowed or given to others. If permission is granted, one can also draw other's cosmo to amplify one's own cosmo.
Saints are given the task to protect Saori Kido (Sienna in the TV dub and the English manga), the reincarnation of Pallas Athena (the goddess of wisdom, art and military strategy), and to fight against evil forces. Athena normally resides in her sanctuary. It is a protected physical location just outside of Athens Greece. In the sanctuary, a command structure is established with the goddess as the supreme commander, follow by the Pope and then by few other gold saints. In both the manga and anime, Athena dislikes weapons. She believes intelligence and body are the strongest weapon of all. In addition, she only allows few saints to carry arms. These arms can be defensive or offensive. The famous saint who carries arms is Libra Dohko. The goddess also forbids unauthorized duels among her saints in the sanctuary. Athena is not the only female in her domain, she also allows other females to become saints. Some of the famous female saints include Aquila Marin and Ophiuchus Shaina.
The anime is based on the manga series of the same title by Masami Kurumada. The animation series by Toei Animation first premiered on Japan's TV Asahi on October 11, 1986.
The series aired in North America on Cartoon Network every Saturday night as an edited-for-TV version called Knights of the Zodiac, but was later cancelled. An unedited subtitled and dubbed version is being released by ADV Films. VIZ Media's Shonen Jump titles the manga Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac for American audiences and it uses the English anime names.
The series was able to make so much success in certain parts of the world that it gained the status of "cult". In Brazil, for example (where it is known as Os Cavaleiros do Zodíaco), the debut of the series in 1994 was responsible for changing the face of animation in the country, making people effectively enjoy Japanese animation for the first time. This was also true in other countries of Latin America, especially Mexico and Argentina, although Japanese animation had slowly been shown in both nations in the previous decade, with shows like Robotech and Mazinger Z. Both anime and manga were introduced into Mainland China as 圣斗士星矢 around 1990 and into Hong Kong and Taiwan as 聖闘士星矢 as early as 1987, and started the ardors of Japanese manga and animation among those areas.
Saint Seiya began to be known in the west as Knights of the Zodiac after it became successful in France, where it was given the name of Les Chevaliers du Zodiaque. That was also the first country where the series was shown, besides Japan itself. In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, it is named as Los Caballeros del Zodiaco, and in Italy it is known as I Cavalieri dello Zodiaco.
It may be said that Saint Seiya has special contributions in the development of Japanese manga and anime culture. It is the most early and important origin for dōjinshi, which has grown into a significant peripheral subculture of manga and anime. Dōjinshi groups now have large amount of members in East Asia, South America and West Europe.
Latest News
The second part of the Hades saga has been started to be produced in July, 2005. The name of this second chapter will be Chapter Inferno. It is said that it will be released in December, 2005. Unfortunately, there are chances that the original japanese voices are replaced by new ones. This has caused certain anger to the fans of this series.
Summary
The story arc in the anime series consists of 114 episodes and can be basically divided into seven main parts:
- The Galactic Tournament (the battle for the golden armour of Sagittarius)
- The search of the stolen pieces of the golden armour of Sagittarius (and battle with the Black Saints and the Phoenix)
- The battle against the Sanctuary's Silver Saints and other close encounters
- The battle against the Gold Saints in the Sanctuary
- The fight against Hilda's God Warriors in Asgard, the Norse People (this saga is not seen in the manga series)
- The battle against the Marinas in Poseidon's kingdom
- The Hades' Sanctuary saga - battle against the fallen gold saints and Hades Specters(13 OVA episodes - finished in the manga but unfinished anime adaptation)
- The Hades' Inferno saga - battle against the Specters, 3 Judges of Inferno, and the God of the Underworld himself. (6 OVA's to appear December 2005 to March 2006)
- The Heaven saga - Tenkai Hen Josō (started with the latest Saint Seiya movie, unfinished in anime and doesn't exist in the original manga)
The story in the manga series consists of 28 volumes.
The first 13 episodes of an OVA series set in Hades' realm were released from November 2002 to 2003. Before that, the Hades' saga could only be seen in the manga. There have also been four theatrical releases (three short movies and a full-length one), which do not belong to the regular chronology, as they contain several storyline contradictions. A fifth movie came out in Japanese theatres in 2004, Heaven chapter - Overture (Tenkai-hen Josō), which is supposed to follow the regular chronology right after the end of the manga (which has not been entirely adapted to anime yet) as a prologue to a new chapter.
The manga has certain differences compared to the anime, such as the lack of the Asgard saga.
On December 2002, serialization began in Champion RED magazine of a new manga called Saint Seiya Episode G. This new work is written by Saint Seiya creator, Masami Kurumada, but drawn by artist Megumu Okada. The story happens years before the Galactic Tournament, and focuses on the Gold Saints and the Sanctuary, particularly on Leo Aiolia, all against Chronos and his Titans.
Characters
Athena's Saints of the 88 Constellations*
Bronze Saints (protagonists)
- Seiya (Saint of Pegasus)
Age: 13
Birthdate: Dec.1, 1972
Birthplace: Japan
Techniques: Pegasus Ryu Sei Ken (Pegasus Meteor Fist), Pegasus Suisei Ken (Pegasus Comet Fist), Pegasus Rolling Crush
Seiya is the main character of the series. In most ways, he's a typical shōnen hero, in the sense that he perseveres to the point of risking his life for what he believes in, and is not generally too complex in personality. Although apparently not too bright, Seiya uses many fighting strategies in battle, adapting his style to the circumstances. He had an older sister, Seika, who was separated from him by the Kido foundation, and desperately wants to see her again. He trained in the Sanctuary in Greece, under the tutelage of Marin (Silver Saint of Eagle). When he loses his armor in battle against a more powerful adversary, Seiya is often saved by the gold armour of Sagittarius, sent by the spirit Aiolos. Seiya's technique "Ryu Sei Ken" travels beyond the speed of sound. Therefore if his opponents are near his proximity, Seiya will be able to unleash hundreds of rounds of energy balls per second toward his targets. Even though these energy balls only possess speed faster than Mach 1, as Seiya grew in experience and skill, his attack eventually approaches light speed. Seiya's relationship with Athena was very strained in the beginning; however, towards Hades Chapter, their amicable interaction blossomed significantly. Due to the commander-and-subordinate association, Athena and Seiya never ventured into a romantic relationship. Nevertheless, Seiya has a strong devotion towards Athena. In return, Athena always has an empathic feeling towards Seiya.
- Shun (Saint of Andromeda)
Age: 13
Birthdate: Sept.9, 1973
Birthplace: Japan
Techniques: Nebula Chain, Thunder Wave, Rolling Defence, Nebula Stream, Nebula Storm
Often confused for a woman by newcomers to the series, Shun is a rather odd choice for a warrior. He is a pacifist, and as a child was very delicate and hated violence. When the time came to draw names randomly, to send the orphans for the training to be saints, Shun was chosen to train in the Death Queen island. Clearly worried that his brother wouldn't survive, Ikki took his place. Shun was then sent to Andromeda Island in the Pacific Ocean, and trained under Daidalos (Silver Saint of Cepheus). In battle he uses two chains: one for defense and one for attack. The defense chain, called "circle chain", has its tip shaped like a ring. It has the ability of circling around Shun, protecting him like a steel wall. The attack chain, called, "triangle chain", is responsible for the offensive aspect of the armor. It is able to find and attack the enemy no matter how far they could be. Shun also possesses a great power he is seldom seen using, called "Nebula Storm", following the shape of Andromeda's nebula. In order for his cosmo to reach this power, he usually removes his armor first. This attack is generally believed to be one of the most powerful of all time, as its intensity can be increased infinitely.
- Shiryū (Saint of Draco / Dragon)
Age: 14
Birthdate: Oct.4, 1972
Birthplace: Japan
Techniques: Rozan Sho Ryu Ha (Rozan's Rising Dragon), Rozan Ko Ryu Ha (Rozan's Highest Ascending Dragon), Rozan Hyaku Ryu Ha (Rozan's Hundred Rising Dragons), Excalibur
It could be said that Shiryū is the more contemplative and less impulsive of the young Bronze Saints. Often one to think rather than rush to face the enemy, Shiryū is nonetheless a very powerful Saint. He has extremely destructive powers tamed only by his chivalrous and controlled nature. When fully unleashed, usually when his friends or mission are jeopardized by his enemy, or when an injustice has angered him, the raw fury of Shiryū's attacks is potent enough to kill him along with his enemy. He trained in the Rozan Peaks, China, under Dohko, the Ancient Master and Gold Saint of Libra. He also has an unclear relationship with Shunrei, an orphan that Dohko took in and who lives with him.
- Hyōga (Saint of Cygnus / Swan)
Age: 14
Birthdate: Jan.23, 1972
Birthplace: Siberia
Techniques: Diamond Dust, Aurora Thunder Attack, Aurora Execution, Ice Ring, Kholodnyi Smerch (In Russian, it means freezing tornado)
Unlike the other Bronze Saints, Hyōga is not a full orphan as he knew his mother and lived with her (although it is implied that Ikki and Shun knew their parents). He is very strongly attached to his mother, Natasha, who died when the ship that they were in sank near Siberia. Fortunately, he was sent to train in Siberia under Camus, Gold Saint of Aquarius (in the anime, his teacher is the Crystal Saint). He initially trained in order to recover his mother's body, but after a very important incident he dedicated himself fully to becoming the Cygnus Saint.
- Ikki (Saint of Phoenix**)
Age: 15
Birthdate: Aug.15, 1971
Birthplace: Japan
Techniques: Hoyoku Ten Sho (Flight of the Flaming Phoenix), Phoenix Houou Genma Ken (Phoenix Illusion Demon Fist)
A renegade, Ikki is by nature a lone wolf. Cocky, prone to violence, unpredictable and explosively powerful. Scarred by his training in Death Queen Island (described as "Hell on Earth"), he initially comes back to take revenge on the Kido foundation for sending him there, and on his brother whose place he took. Recruiting the help of the Black Saints, he took parts of the Gold Cloth of Sagittarius but was eventually foiled. With time he joins the other Saints in their struggle against the Sanctuary and subsequent fights, but is generally doing his own thing until it is his time to act. He is almost certainly the strongest Bronze Saint: not only his armour has the ability to regenerate -- like the Phoenix rising from the ashes -- this is also true for himself. In other words, every time he is killed, he will come back to life even stronger and more powerful than before. Because of this unique ability, it is arguable that he is in fact one of strongest Saints of all, Bronze, Silver or Gold. He trained under Guilty (a former Saint of an unknown constellation who was driven to madness) in the Death Queen Island.
Other Bronze Saints
- Ban (Saint of Lionet)
- Birthdate: Dec. 30, 1971
- Birthplace: Japan
- Training location: Tanzania
- Techniques: Lionet Bomber
- Geki (Saint of Bear)
- Birthdate: May 15, 1971
- Birthplace: Japan
- Training location: Canada
- Techniques: Hanging Bear
- Ichi (Saint of Hydra)
- Birthdate: Feb. 10, 1972
- Birthplace: Japan
- Training location: Finland
- Techniques: Mellow Poison
- Jabu / Jab (Saint of Unicorn/Monoceros)
- Birthdate: Nov.3, 1972
- Birthplace: Japan
- Training location: Algeria
- Techniques: Unicorn Gallop
- Juné (Saint of Chameleon)
- Birthdate: Apr. 17, 1972
- Birthplace: Ethiopia
- Training location: Andromeda Island
- Techniques: Unknown
- Nachi (Saint of Wolf)
- Birthdate: July 20, 1972
- Birthplace: Japan
- Training location: Liberia
- Techniques: Dead Howling
Black Saints
- Black Pegasus (Black Saint of Pegasus)
- Birthdate: July 13, 1971
- Birthplace: Israel
- Training place: Death Queen Island
- Techniques: Black Pegasus Ryusei-ken, Kokushi-ken
- Black Andromeda (Black Saint of Andromeda)
- Birthdate: Oct. 4, 1972
- Birthplace: Turkey
- Training place: Death Queen Island
- Techniques: Black Fang Nebula
- Black Dragon (Black Saint of Dragon)
- Birthdate: Aug 10, 1971
- Birthplace: Poland
- Training place: Death Queen Island
- Techniques: Unknown
- Black Cygnus (Black Saint of Cygnus)
- Birthdate: Dec. 28, 1971
- Birthplace: Finland
- Training location: Death Queen Island
- Techniques: Black Blizzard
- Black Phoenix (Black Saint of Phoenix)
Five shadows of Ikki
- Guilty (Ikki's Master on Death Queen Island)
The Black Saints except for Guilty were all henchmen of Ikki. All the Black Saints have sold thier souls to the devil.
Silver Saints
- Agora (Saint of Lotus, disciple of Shaka, Gold Saint of Virgo) ***
- Algethi (Saint of Hercules)
- Birthdate: Aug. 15, 1970
- Birthplace: Africa
- Training location: Uganda
- Techniques: Cornephoros
- Algol (Saint of Perseus)
- Birthdate: Nov. 11, 1970
- Birthplace: Saudi Arabia
- Training location: Australia
- Techniques: Rhas Al-Ghûl Gorgoneion, Gorgon Kick
- Equipment: Medusa Shield
- Named after the star Algol ("Demon Star"), known for its varying brightness.
- Arachne (Saint of Tarantula) ***
- Named after renowned mythical weaver Arachne. After a weaving duel with Athena (which many authors imply Arachne won) she was rebuked by the goddess for her shameles choice of subjects. After she hanged herself of shame, Athena resurrected her as a spider.
- Asterion (Saint of Hound)
- Birthdate: Feb. 20, 1970
- Birthplace: Denmark
- Training location: Austria
- Techniques: Million Ghost Attack
- Asterion has the ability to read the opponent's mind and heart.
- Named after Asterion, husband of Europa.
- Babel (Saint of Centaurus)
- Birthdate: Feb. 20, 1970
- Birthplace: Iran
- Training location: Kentaurus Island
- Techniques: Fotia Roufihtra
- Named after the ancient city Babel, known for its the biblical story the Tower of Babel.
- Capella (Saint of Auriga)
- Birthdate: Aug. 21, 1970
- Birthplace: Greece
- Training location: Greece
- Techniques: Saucer Attack
- Crystal (Saint of Crystal; Hyoga's first master) ***
- Daidalos (Saint of Cepheus)
- Birthdate: Apr. 30, 1968
- Birthplace: Argentina
- Training location: Ethiopia
- Techniques: Unknown
- Named after the Greek mythical inventor Daidalos, known for the Labyrinth of Crete and his aerial escape from Crete and the tragic death of his son Ikaros.
- Dante (Saint of Cerberus)
- Birthdate: Mar. 29, 1970
- Birthplace: Italy
- Training location: Italy
- Techniques: Unknown
- Named after Florentine poet Dante Alighieri.
- Dio (Saint of Fly)
- Birthdate: July 10, 1971
- Birthplace:Mexico
- Training location: Mexico
- Techniques: Dead End Fly
- Jamian (Saint of Crow)
- Birthdate: July 27, 1970
- Birthplace: England
- Training location: England
- Techniques: Black Wing Shaft
- Marin (Saint of Eagle/Aquila)
- Birthdate: Mar. 18, 1970
- Birthplace: Japan
- Training location: Greece
- Techniques: Eagle Toe Flash, Ryusei-ken, Ku-en
- Misty (Saint of Lizard/Lacerta) **
- Birthdate: Oct. 11, 1971
- Birthplace: France
- Training location: France
- Techniques: Murble Tripper
- Moses (Saint of Cetus)
- Birthdate: Aug. 2, 1970
- Birthplace: New Zealand
- Training location: New Zealand
- Techniques: Kaitos Spounting Bomber
- Named after the biblical religious leader Moses, known for his persecution of polytheists.
- Shiva (Saint of Peacock, disciple of Shaka, Gold Saint of Virgo
- Named after the Hindu God Shiva.
- Shaina (Saint of Ophiuchus, the serpent constellation)
- Birthdate: Mar. 24, 1970
- Birthplace: Italy
- Training location: Greece
- Techniques: Thunder Claw
- Sirius (Saint of Canis Major)
- Birthdate: Jan. 6, 1970
- Birthplace: East Germany
- Training location: Greece
- Techniques: Unknown
- Named after the double star Sirius, also the name of the dog of Orion.
- Tremy (Saint of Sagitta)
- Birthdate: July 16, 1971
- Birthplace: Libya
- Training location: Egypt
- Techniques: Phantom Arrow
- Orpheus (Saint of Lyra, he appears only in the manga, during the Hades saga)
- Birthdate: Nov. 15,1970
- Birthplace: Greece
- Training location: Greece
- Techniques: Stringer Nocturn, Stringer Fine, Death Trip Serenade
- Named after the Greek mythical musician Orpheus. After his wife Eurydice died he went to Hades to reclaim her, but lost her again because he failed to abide by Hades' condition.
Steel Saints
- Sho (Sky Armour***) - Power with Sky waves
- Daichi (Land Armour***)- Power with Earth hydraulic movements
- Ushio (Aquatic Armour***) - Power with Sound waves
The Steel Saints' armours were created by Dr. Mamori (supported on the beginning by Mitsumasa Kido). Unlike the other saints The Steel Saints' powers come from their robotic armours and not from the cosmos. They only appear on the Steel Saint Arc and before the Bronze saints travel to the Sanctuary in Greece.
Gold Saints (the "Knights of the Zodiac" in question)
- Shion (Late Saint of Aries and Pope of Sanctuary, master to Mū)
He was one of the two survivors of the last Holy War against Hades. Few is known about the time where he ruled as the Pope of the Sanctuary, but he was killed by Saga of Gemini to be replaced by him. Shion, however, comes back to life as a spectre of Hades. He uses more powerful version of Mu's attacks including 'Star Dust Revolution', 'Crystal Wall', 'Starlight Extinction', and 'Crystal Net'.
- Mū (Saint of Aries)Birthdate: Mar. 27, 1967
Birthplace: Tibet
Mū is very soft spoken and possess a scholarly like persona. He also has a cool and logical demeanor, almost like a professor in the sanctuary. Mandarin speaking Saint Seiya fans usually call him 'Mū xiansheng', or 'Mister Mu'. Mū is an artisan in the sanctuary and also is the only person possess the ability to repair saints' armors. Mū has telekinetic abilities and he can teleport from one location to another. Mū has a special facial feature which he shares with his master Shion. They both have two round dots between their eyebrows. Mū's apprentice Kiki also has identical facial feature. The origin of Mū was suspected to be the lost continent of Mu. During Saga's terror reign over the sanctuary and Athena's exile, Mu resided in the mountain range of Jamir near Tibet. His attacks are similar to Shion's.
- Aldebaran (Saint of Taurus)
Birthdate: May 8, 1967
Birthplace: Brazil
Aldebaran is the only gold saint taller than 200 centimeters. Although his sheer physical size may intimidate most of his opponent, he is considered to be kind and straight forward. During the fight between the bronze saints and the sanctuary, he saw the enthusiasm in Seiya and their potentials, and allowed them to pass through his temple. His friendship with Mū seems to be very close. 'Great Horn' is his attack. Although defeated by a Marina and then by a spectre (used by the author to show the strength of the enemy), in the Hades chapter, Mu said that he is the most physically strongest saint out of all 88 saints.
- Saga (Saint of Gemini)
Birthdate: May 30, 1959
Birthplace: Greece
Saga has the ability to warp around space. The technique is called 'Another Dimension". Saga has a double personality. The dark personality's ethical senses and moralities were twisted beyond repair. Thus Saga was the culprit who caused chaos in the Sanctuary Chapter. He is also the most grievous victim of his own evil deeds. However, despite his feigned attack towards Athena in the Hades Chapter, the positive side of Saga was always loyal to his beloved goddess. Saga can hit the nervous system of his enemy, he can paralyze the body of his opponent and finally gain the control over the enemy's mind, nobody can regain his sense unless he kill, this technique is known as the 'Demon Emperor Fist'. His most devastating attack is the 'Galaxian Explosion' which has the power of an exploding galaxy. He is one of the most powerful gold saints, with one of the strongest cosmos of all the saints. He is supposed to be the chosen one to be the next pope.
- Kanon (Saga's twin brother, becomes the new Saint of Gemini during the Hades chapter
Birthdate: May 30, 1959
Birthplace: Greece
Kanon is as powerful as his older brother Saga. Kanon was the one who caused Saga to turn into the 'dark side'; therefore until the beginning of Hades Chapter, the surviving saints were very hostile towards Kanon. Eventually Kanon abandoned his evil roots and pledged his allegiance to Athena. In the Hades Chapter, Kanon suit up in the Gemini armor and fought successfully against multiple Spectres.
- Death Mask (Saint of Cancer)
Birthdate: June 23, 1964
Birthplace: Italy
Death Mask's belief in absolute power transformed him into a villain of the sanctuary. Although deemed as a traitor and demon in the eyes of other saints, in order to rescue Athena, Deathmask joined other gold saints and sacrificed himself in front of hell's 'wall of sigh'. He has been redeemed through his sacrifice to aid Athena. His attacks include 'Death Wave' and 'Cadaverous Gas' and he can also send his opponent to hell.
- Aiolia (Saint of Leo)
Birthdate: Aug. 16, 1967
Birthplace: Greece
Aiolia's technique 'Lightning Bolt' generates multiple small powerful plasma energy which travel at the speed of light. If enemies are within 3 meters of his premise, the technique will allow Aiolia to fire 100 million rounds per second of plasma bolts at his opponents. Aiolia is head strong and usually allow his emotion to get the best of him. Besides Marin, Seiya considered Aiolia to be his mentor, close friend and a surrogate older brother. Therefore both of their combat technique takes similar art form.
- Named after the mythical island Aiolia or Aeolia, residence of Aiolos, the god of winds.
- Shaka (Saint of Virgo)
Birthdate: Sept. 19, 1967
Birthplace: India
One of the most powerful gold saints, Shaka is perceived to be the reincarnation of Siddhartha or Buddha, and is known as 'the man closest to deity'. This is certainly reflected in his volatile temperament and often totalistic reasoning. In order to hold back his extremely powerful cosmo, Shaka's eyes are normally shut. However, just as Leo Aiolia warned Seiya et al during the Sanctuary chapter, calamity befalls should Shaka opens his eyes -- the precursor to his ultimate attack, 'Tenbu Horin,' which not only traps and defangs Shaka's victims, but also wipes out their five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) and essentially reduces them to living corpses. Shaka's skill and power is evidenced in the Hades Chapter, where he single handedly repelled three powerful gold saints, namely Saga, Camus and Shura. Shaka is also the first saint to master the eighth sense, which allows one to move freely within Hades' realm even after death.
- Dohko (Saint of Libra**, master of Shiryū)
Birthdate: Oct. 20, 1724 or 1725
Birthplace China
Dohko is Chinese in origin. His gold cloth resembles the armour of an ancient Chinese scale. The cloth also carries six pairs of weapons. They are tongfars, nunchaku, spears, swords, triple rods and shields. Therefore the total number is twelve. Dohko's pupil Shiryū calls him 'Roshi'. 'Roshi' in Mandarin (spelled as 'Laoshi') means 'teacher'. Dohko in his dormant form resembles a tiny old man who has purple skin. Dohko can transform into a young 20 year-old version of himself with the average height and weight of a man in his prime. However, Dohko is blessed with 'Misopethamenos'. It is a gift which allows his heart to beat at 100,000 times per year. Normal human heart beats at 100,000 times per day. Therefore, this technique allows Dohko to age at an extremely slow rate compare to other human beings. Similar to Mū Dohko took refuge in the Rozan Five Ancient Peaks in China. The purpose was to watch over the mountain peak where Athena imprisoned the spirites of Hades's 108 Spectres. His attack unleashes the power of 100 dragons (Rozan Hyaku Ryu Ha ). He is arguably the most experienced and best fighter of the saints.
- Milo (Saint of Scorpio)
Birthdate: Nov. 8, 1966 or 1967
Birthplace Greece
Milo's attacks are not very powerful, but extremely painful to his opponents. Similar to a scorpion sting, Milo usually takes his time to torture his enemies. However, Milo does have a kind heart, when he saved Hyoga and Kanon during their confrontation with Milo.
- Aiolos (Aioros) (Saint of Sagittarius and Aiolia's big brother; deceased before the beginning of the series
Birthdate: Nov. 30, 1961
Birthplace Greece
Aiolos died very young (at 13). His courage to stand up to the entire sanctuary and escape with the infant Athena proved his bravery. Aiolos was selected by Shion as the next Pope of the sanctuary; however, due to Saga's coup d'etat, Aiolos was branded a traitor and evenutally hunted down and killed with Athena escaping successfully to Japan. As a spirit, he helps the Bronze Saints, specially Seiya, in defeating their enemies, sometimes lending Seiya his Sagittarius armor. Aiolos's technique 'Atomic Thunder Bolt' has similar form as Aiolia's 'Lightning Bolt'.
- Named after the Greek god Aiolos or Aeolus, Keeper of the Winds.
- Shura (Saint of Capricorn)
Birthdate: Jan. 12, 1964
Birthplace Spain
Shura considered himself to be the loyalest saint to Athena. The irony in this is that he tried to kill her when she was just a baby. Shiryu of Dragon makes him realize that. His most powerful attack is Excalibur, which is a fist with the sharpness of a sword. It is legend that his loyalty to Athena made Athena grant him this power.
- Camus (Saint of Aquarius, master of Hyōga)
Birthdate: Feb. 7, 1967
Birthplace France
Camus's famous technique 'Aurora Execution' can freeze anything near absolute zero (0 degree kelvin). He can also create a 'Freezing Coffin' which is unbreakable even when all 12 Gold Saints unite their power. Camus is French in origin and is one of the favorite gold saints among the Saint Seiya fans.
- Named after the French-Algerian writer Albert Camus
- Aphrodite (Saint of Pisces)
Birthdate: Mar. 10, 1965
Birthplace Sweeden
Considered to be the most "beautiful" saint. Attacks with roses (Royal Demon Rose, Pihranian Rose, Bloody Rose). Just like Death Mask, he knew the true identity of the pope (Saga) but still chose to follow him.
- Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
*NOTE: Supposedly, the Saints represent the 88 constellations, yet according to the official number of saints given (12 Gold Saints, 24 Silver Saints and 48 Bronze Saints), there are still four unaccounted Saints. These could be considered to be Eris' warriors from the first Saint Seiya movie, as they also represent constellations. However, four Silver Saints and over thirty Bronze Saints never make an appearance.
***NOTE: It has been said that the other four knights or armours are the ones used to create or repair every other armour, these unknowned armours are: "Altar", "Cup", "Sculpture". The last name is missing by this time.
**NOTE: Plot references seem to imply these Saints are the "leader" of each particular Saint sub-category.
***NOTE: These characters are exclusive to the anime TV series.
Asgard God Warriors
- Thor (God Warrior of Phecda (Gamma))
- Named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor.
- Fenrir (God Warrior of Alioth (Epsilon))
- Mime (God Warrior of Benetnasch (Eta)) Mime (pronounce Mimay) has similar attack style as Lyra Orpheus, who is one of the most skillful silver saint under Athena's banner.
- Alberich (God Warrior of Megrez (Delta))
- Named after the Norse mythical king Alberich of the dwarves, a sorcerer who guards the treasure of the Nibelung.
- Hagen (God Warrior of Merak (Beta))
- Cid (God Warrior of Mizar (Zeta))
- Bud (God Warrior of Arkor (Zeta))
- Siegfried (God Warrior of Dubhe (Alpha))
Poseidon's Marinas
- Thetis (Marina of Mermaid)
- Baian (Northern Pacific Marina General of the Sea Horse)
- Io (Southern Pacific Marina General of Scylla)
- Krishna (Indian Marina General of Krisaor)
- Kassa (Antarctic Marina General of Lymnades)
- Isaac (Arctic Marina General of Kraken) (Issac is the training partner of Cygnus Hyoga, while he was trainning to get the Cygnus Bronze Cloth)
- Sorrento (Southern Atlantic Marina General of Siren)
- Kanon (Northern Atlantic Marina General of the Sea Dragon) (Kanon is the twin brother of Gemini Saga)
Hades's Warriors
Hades's Heralds
The 108 Spectres*
- Radamanthys (Spectre General of Wyvern, Celestial Raging Star)**
- Minos (Spectre General of Griffon, Celestial Valiant Star)**
- Aeacus (Spectre General of Garuda, Celestial Superior Star)**
- Niobe (Spectre of the Deep, Terrestrial Abyss Star)
- Zeros (Spectre of the Frog, Terrestrial Strange Star)
- Markino (Spectre of Skeleton, rank-and-file soldier)
- Gigant (Spectre of Cyclops, Terrestrial Violent Star)
- Myu (Spectre of Butterfly, Terrestrial Faerie Star)
- Raimi (Spectre of Worm, Terrestrial Hidden Star)
- Valentine (Spectre of Harpy, Celestial Lamentation Star)
- Charon (Spectre of Acheron, Celestial Interstellar Star)
- Rune (Spectre of Balrog, Celestial Talent Star)
- Pharaoh (Spectre of Sphinx, Celestial Beast Star)
- Phlegyas (Spectre of Lycaon, Celestial Punishment Star)
- Rock (Spectre of Golem, Celestial Target Star)
- Ivan (Spectre of Troll, Celestial Defeat Star)
- Stand (Spectre of Killer Beetle, Celestial Repulsion Star)
- Sylphid (Spectre of Basilisk, Celestial Victory Star)
- Queen (Spectre of Alraune, Celestial Magic Star)
- Gordon (Spectre of Minotaur, Celestial Prison Star)
*NOTE: Most of the 108 spectres are not actually named or characterized in any way.
**NOTE: in Greek myth, Radamanthys, Minos and Aeacus were the Judges of the Underworld.
Angels/Celestial Warriors
- Icarus/Toma (The only human among the angels. Gives up his humanity to serve Artemis in order to be powerful like a god. Turns out to be the long lost brother of Marin. In the end of the Heaven Saga, he sacrifices himself to protect Athena. Attacks with electric charges. His finishing move is "Highest Altitude")
- Based on Icarus, Son of Daedalus; flew too near sun with wax-attached wings, fell into sea and drowned.
- Odysseus (Absorbs energy attacks, can redirect or combine with his own power to make an reverse attack. Defeated by Hyōga and Shiryū)
- Odysseus (Ulysses): King of Ithaca; husband of Penelope; wandered ten years after fall of Troy before arriving home.
- Theseus (Uses wings to attack. Defeated by Ikki and Shun)
- Named after Theseus, Son of Aegeus; slew Minotaur; married and deserted Ariadne; later married Phaedra.
Other notable protagonists
- Saori Kido (城戸沙織 Kido Saori) a.k.a. Athena / Princess Sienna: The leader of Bronze, Silver and Gold Saints, reincarnation of the Goddess of War and Wisdom Athena.
- Tatsumi: Saori's bodyguard and right-hand man. Was in charge of training the orphans who went on to become Bronze Saints, and as such most of them are resentful towards him (now that they are stronger than he could possibly be, he's rather scared of them).
- Mitsumasa Kido / Lord Nobu : Grandfather of Saori. Also the kids father. He gathered them in his house in order to do the "Galaxy War".
- Miho: Seiya's friend. Works at an orphanage.
- Ancient Master (Dohko): Shiryū's master. He is also the Libra Saint.
- Shunrei: Lives in Rozan (China) with Dohko and cares deeply for Shiryū.
Notable antagonists
- Saga: Gold Knight of Gemini, plagued by a multiple personality disorder that led his evil half to kill and impersonate the previous Pope of the Sanctuary. Not all bad although he led the campaign against Athena as a spectre, his true intention was to protect Athena.
- Hilda: Odin's representative on Earth and ruler of Asgard, she is possessed by the Nibelung Ring (controlled by Poseidon in the anime) and sets her sights on world domination in the name of Odin.
- Julian Solo (Poseidon): International sea trade magnate, God of the Seas.
- Kanon: Saga's twin brother who induced him to evil. Was trapped in a water prision by Saga, kept alive by Athena's cosmo. Then he has stumbled upon the seal of Poseidon releasing him free. He manipulated Julian Solo (Poseidon) to do his bidding and become one of Poseidon's generals to take over and wipe out the Earth. In the Hades Chapter he redeems himself with the help of Athena's grace and love. Becomes the new Gemini saint. Sacrifices himself in a battle with Radamanthys.
- Hades: God of the Underworld.
- Pandora: Hades's sister, who commands the first wave of Spectres to attack the Sanctuary in the name of her brother.
- Radamanthys: One of the "judges"/ Generals to Hades. Most featured villain in the Hades Chapter. Very powerful, proud and arrogant warrior. His move is called the Greatest Caution.
- Apollo: Athena's older Brother, Apollo. Seen in the Heaven Saga. Apollo is the god of light, prophecy, music, and healing not to be mistaken with Helios (god of the sun). One of the most powerful gods, he's said to have powers far beyond Athena's and Artemis'.
- Artemis: older sister to Athena and younger to Apollo. Was the main villain in the Heaven Saga. She plans to destroy humans because they defy the gods. Artemis is goddess of the Moon.
- Note: In Greek mythology, Artemis is older than Apollo.
Cloth
In Saint Seiya, most characters are warriors who wear different types of cloth (armour). The different cloths are fashioned by smiths working for the competing Gods, to be used by their own warriors to defend themselves or attempt to conquer the domain of other gods (more frequently, a god will attempt to seize the human world, which is assigned to Athena). Of note is the fact that none of the actual makers of cloth is ever depicted, although it is explained that Mū (and by inference, Shion and Kiki) are descendents of the tribe who forged Athena's Saints' cloth.
Despite the fact that each type of cloth has different characteristics, these are usually ignored in the main story, and each receive a different name. However, the main attributes of all cloth are highly similar: they are stronger than normal cloth made of regular metals, and, if the wearer has awakened their cosmos, it serves to amplify it several times over. Below, the main cloth types and their particularities:
Athena's Cloths
Characteristics: Athena's Cloths were fashioned by a lost tribe of smiths, and was actually the second group of cloths created (as far as it is presently known). They were created to protect Athena's Saints in her first confrontation with Poseidon. Each of Athena's Cloths represents a constellation. Also, Athena represents justice and righteousness, and as such, if the person wearing Cloths in her name acts in a severely undignified manner, their Cloth will abandon them.
- Bronze Cloths: Granted to the Bronze Saints, the lowest order of Athena's Saints. They are of various colours, and are the weakest of all Cloths. They freeze at minus 150ºC.
- Silver Cloths: Granted to the Silver Saints, the middle order of Athena's Saints. They are usually very conservatively coloured, appearing in tones of gray for the most part. Many Silver Cloths have similar designs when worn by the Saints. They freeze at minus 200ºC.
- Gold Cloths: Granted to the Gold Saints, the highest order of Athena's Saints, said to be the most powerful group of warriors of all the different factions among gods. They represent the 12 Zodiac constellations. Distinctive features include the fact that they protect most of the body (unlike many Silver and most Bronze Cloths), and that they are practically indestructible. They freeze at the absolute zero (−273.15 °C).
Odin's Robes
Odin's Robes represent the seven (or eight, to be more precise) stars of the Ursa Major constellation. They were created to protect Odin's legendary God Warriors. Each Robe also represents a mythological creature or object originating from Norse Mythology (such as the serpent of Midgard Jormungandr and Sleipnir, Odin's Horse). They are said to protect against the extreme cold of Asgard, but possess no other distinguishing characteristics.
Poseidon's Scales
Poseidon is the first God known to have created armour to protect his Marine Generals. The Scales are made of Orichalcum, a rare metal which is said to have existed in the meteorite which sunk the lost city of Atlantis, which is now where Poseidon's Underwater Temple is located. The Scales are similar to the Gold Cloths, with a larger predominance of the colour Orange, but are otherwise just as protective and imposing, if weaker. The Scales represent seven (or eight, if one is to include the non-Marina General scale) mythological creatures, and it is said that the myths relating to those creatures actually originated from the Scales (within the Saint Seiya universe).
Hades' Surplices
Endlessly referred to by fans as "Sapuris", due to the Japanese pronunciation of the term, these are the protective armours created by Hades, God of the Underworld, to protect his warriors, the 108 Spectres. The common characteristic of the surplices is their highly ornate yet terrifying design, which is rather fitting considering who they were created for. The Surplices represent nightmarish creatures for the most part, or beings related to the Hades (such as the boatman, Acheron). Besides these Surplices, nine more were created. One for Hypnos and Thanatos each (who are demi-gods, not Spectres), one for Hades himself, and one each for the six revived Gold Saints: Shura of Capricorn, Camus of Aquarius, Saga of Gemini, Aphrodite of Pisces, Death Mask of Cancer and Shion of Aries (the latter six are Surplice-like remakes of each Saint's original Cloth).
Must be noted that although the deceased Gold Saints join Hades, their loyalty stays true to Athena. They only accepted Hades' offer so that they can return from death and retrieve Athena's cloth, by using her own blood.
Divine Cloths
Zeus had given armours to 12 olympian gods. These are believed to be the most powerful of the armors. Not much is known about them except that Athena, Poseidon and Hades wear such cloths. They can be only created by the blood of gods. In the the Hades Chapter, Athena revives her own cloth through her blood. Her blood was also used to upgrade the five Bronze Saint's armours, giving them divine armor characteristics. Combined with a maximized level of cosmo, their armour changed into Divine Cloths in the Hades battle.
External links
- Knights of the Zodiac official website
- Shonen Jump's official website in the United States
- CavZodiaco.com.br - Website of the Brazilian fan community, with information and downloads (in Portuguese)
- Santo Perseo - Fansite with information and other material (in Spanish)
- Saint Seiya Temple - Fans site with varied info, fanfics, fanart, aon othermaterial (in Spanish)
- Death Mask Temple - Italian fan site with downloads and info. Also in english.