Reevaluating Pisces Gold Saint Aphrodite: Beyond the Weakest Tier
Among the Gold Saints in the classic anime Saint Seiya, Pisces Aphrodite is often grouped with Cancer Deathmask and Taurus Aldebaran as the “lowest tier” of Gold Saints. However, this perception might not align with the original creator’s intent. Let’s explore how Aphrodite—a character with remarkably high initial stats and lore significance—ended up being underestimated by many fans.
The Mythological and Design Grandeur of Pisces
In Greek mythology, the Pisces constellation represents Aphrodite and Eros, who transformed into fish to escape the monster Typhon. As the only zodiac sign guarded by two deities—the goddess of love and the god of desire—Pisces holds a unique, elevated position among the twelve signs. Fittingly, the Gold Saint of Pisces is named Aphrodite, directly referencing the goddess of beauty and love.
Aphrodite’s official character stats total 18, placing him on par with Aries Mu, who is widely regarded as one of the strongest Gold Saints. Only Saga and Shaka scored higher, with 19 points each. Aphrodite’s breakdown is particularly impressive: Punch 3, Kick 3, Tools 5, Sense 5, and Throw 2. His perfect scores in Tools and Sense are a rarity—shared only by legendary figures like Shion and Dohko—highlighting his exceptional strategic intelligence and mastery of specialized weapons.
A Deadly and Versatile Fighter
Aphrodite’s attacks are as elegant as they are lethal. His three types of roses—black, red, and white—each serve a distinct purpose: physical assault, poison, and an unavoidable one-hit kill. His Bloody Rose is especially fearsome; once thrown, it never misses its target, and the victim dies only when the white rose turns fully red after absorbing their blood. This mechanic suggests the attack was designed for a divine purpose, perhaps even meant to slay gods.
Compared to other assassins among the Gold Saints, such as Scorpio Milo, Aphrodite’s abilities are arguably more refined and multi-layered. So why is he so frequently underrated?
Reassessing Aphrodite’s Battles and Misconceptions
1. The Unfair Portrayal in the Anime
In the manga, Aphrodite decisively defeats Daidalos, the Silver Saint of Cepheus. However, the anime adaptation altered this encounter, showing Milo struggling in battle while Aphrodite secured the win through a sneak attack. This change unfairly damaged his reputation, making him appear weaker and less honorable.
2. A Battle Against Fate
During the Twelve Gold Houses arc, Aphrodite’s Royal Demon Rose garden should have effortlessly defeated the Bronze Saints. But thanks to Seiya’s plot armor—and a seemingly magical mask—the attack was neutralized. In his direct fight with Shun, Aphrodite quickly realized his opponent was no ordinary Saint. He correctly identified Shun as the vessel for Hades and used his Bloody Rose as a last resort. The two nearly annihilated each other—a testament to Aphrodite’s tactical brilliance—though Athena’s intervention reversed the outcome.
3. The Acting Job in the Hades Chapter
Aphrodite’s loss to Mu in the Hades arc is often cited as proof of his weakness. However, this was part of a larger plan: Aphrodite and Deathmask intentionally lost to infiltrate the underworld and assassinate Hades. Hindered by the underworld’s barrier, they could not use their full power and were defeated by Radamanthys. This was strategic sacrifice, not a display of weakness.
Redemption in Soul of Gold
The sequel series Soul of Gold finally did justice to Aphrodite’s character. He effortlessly defeated the God Warrior Fafnir, communicated with plants, and cleverly manipulated the World Tree to save the other Gold Saints. His actions were pivotal to the final victory, reestablishing him as a intelligent, powerful, and indispensable member of the Gold Saints.
His Divine Gold Cloth in this series is also exquisitely designed, reflecting the beauty and depth of his character.
Conclusion: Time to Recognize His True Strength
Pisces Aphrodite is far from the weakest Gold Saint. With top-tier stats, divine-inspired techniques, and critical contributions behind the scenes, he deserves recognition as a sophisticated and powerful warrior. It’s time for fans and critics alike to reappraise his legacy—and perhaps, finally, grant him the respect he has always deserved.
