Saint Seiya: Are Pisces and Cancer the ‘Weakest’ Gold Saints?
When we reminisce about the anime characters that accompanied our childhood, it’s impossible not to mention the Gold Saints from Saint Seiya. They are not just warriors guarding the twelve zodiac constellations but also symbols of courage, wisdom, and strength. However, among the twelve Gold Saints, is there truly a “weakest” one?
First, it’s essential to understand that each Gold Saint possesses unique abilities and traits that can shine in different battle scenarios. Therefore, judging their strength shouldn’t be based solely on a single fight’s outcome or performance.
The Legacy of Pisces and Cancer
In The Lost Canvas, Pisces Albafica showcased astonishing power. Facing the invasion of the Specters, he was the first to step forward, not even waiting within his Pisces Temple to use the terrain to his advantage. Leading the charge was Minos, one of the Three Judges of the Underworld, yet Albafica didn’t retreat. Even with severe injuries and bleeding profusely, he remained resilient, ultimately sacrificing his life to eliminate all invading enemies.
Meanwhile, Cancer Manigoldo was nothing short of legendary—a true man who dared to confront a god. His battle against Thanatos exemplified fearless spirit. Facing an almost unbeatable foe, he didn’t back down and, alongside his master, sealed Thanatos. How can such bravery be simply labeled as “weak”?
Why the Misconception?
The perception of Pisces Aphrodite and Cancer Deathmask as weak might stem from their predecessors’ dazzling performances. Additionally, the previous Pisces and Cancer Saints didn’t take on disciples before their sacrifices, meaning the full legacy of these constellations wasn’t entirely preserved. Only the Gold Cloths remained, passed down through generations. It’s likely that Aphrodite and Deathmask were taught by Shion, the previous Aries Gold Saint, who may not have had the same depth of knowledge in Pisces and Cancer techniques. This is evident in Deathmask using Manigoldo’s basic attacks as ultimate moves.
Reevaluating Their Strengths
In reality, Pisces Aphrodite’s track record is quite impressive; he managed to trade blows with Hades’ human vessel, resulting in a mutual defeat. As for Deathmask, if he hadn’t recklessly ventured to the Underworld to confront Shun, leading to his Gold Cloth being revoked by the Pope, he might have proven his worth alongside the other Saints.
In Saint Seiya: Soul of Gold, Aphrodite gained the upper hand against Fafnir and successfully obtained intel about Yggdrasil. Though cornered by the sudden appearance of Andreas and swallowed by the World Tree, his innate resistance to plant toxins saved him and other Gold Saints from being fully absorbed, placing them in a state of suspended animation.
Witnessing his beloved woman tied up and Aphrodite consumed, Deathmask’s fighting spirit was ignited, leading the Cancer Gold Cloth to acknowledge him once more. He battled Andreas, activated his God Cloth, and repelled him. Does this still make the “Marine Duo” seem weak?
Conclusion: Beyond Simple Labels
In Saint Seiya, there are no absolute rankings of strength among the Gold Saints. Their prowess and performances are influenced by numerous factors, including zodiac traits, individual skills, battle environments, and fighting spirit. Therefore, hastily labeling any Gold Saint as the “weakest” is not only unfair but also overlooks the rich tapestry of their stories and sacrifices.
