Saint Seiya: Gold Saint Aphrodite and the Pisces Constellation
Welcome to our exploration of the final zodiac constellation in the Gold Saints series—the enigmatic Pisces. Today, we delve into the captivating world of Aphrodite, one of the most debated characters in the Saint Seiya universe. Alongside Deathmask, Aphrodite’s capabilities have sparked endless discussions among fans. Let’s analyze his strengths, origins, and the mythological roots that make Pisces such a fascinating sign.
The Mythological Origins of Pisces
In Greek mythology, the constellation Pisces traces back to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite (known as Venus in Roman mythology). According to legend, she was married to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmanship. However, Hephaestus was so devoted to his craft that he neglected his wife, leading to their eventual separation.
Aphrodite later found love with Ares, the god of war, and together they had a son named Eros—the mischievous cupid known for his bow and arrows. During a festive gathering by a river, a monstrous nine-headed dragon descended upon the gods, causing chaos and panic. In the midst of the turmoil, Aphrodite and Eros were separated. To protect her son, Aphrodite tied a ribbon around both their ankles and transformed them into fish, swimming to safety in the river.
Touched by this maternal act, Zeus immortalized them by placing their fish forms among the stars, thus creating the Pisces constellation. This story highlights the themes of sacrifice, love, and adaptability—traits deeply embedded in the Pisces archetype.
Gold Saint Aphrodite: The Pisces Warrior
Aphrodite, the Gold Saint of Pisces, hails from Sweden and was chosen as a Saint from birth. He underwent rigorous training in Greenland before mastering his seventh sense and earning the Pisces Gold Cloth. Despite his masculine identity, Aphrodite is renowned for his ethereal beauty, characterized by flowing blue hair and his signature weapon: the three-colored roses.
His connection to nature is profound; he can communicate with plants and harness their power, making him a unique warrior among the Gold Saints. Interestingly, the creator of Saint Seiya, Masami Kurumada, drew inspiration from his first love—a Pisces woman—to craft Aphrodite’s character. This personal touch adds depth to Aphrodite’s role as a warrior whose beauty rivals the cosmos itself.
Analyzing Aphrodite’s Strength
Aphrodite’s abilities are often underestimated due to his solitary nature. To become the Pisces Saint, he made significant personal sacrifices, including immersing himself in toxic environments to build immunity and harness the power of poison. His three roses—each with distinct properties—are central to his combat style:
- Royal Demon Rose (Red): Infused with lethal poison, it corrodes and destroys anything it touches.
- Piranha Rose (Black): A purely physical attack with immense destructive force.
- Bloody Rose (White): A rose that drains an opponent’s blood once it strikes their heart.
Key Battles and Insights
1. Assisting Milo: Aphrodite’s first notable appearance involved aiding Milo in defeating the Silver Saint Albion. His intervention with the Royal Demon Rose was crucial, suggesting his superiority in strategic poison-based attacks.
2. Battle Against Shun: In the Twelve Houses arc, Aphrodite faced Shun, who possessed the seventh sense. Despite Shun’s eventual tie with Aphrodite, it was only through Athena’s indirect aid that Shun survived. Aphrodite shattered Shun’s Cloth and pushed him to despair, showcasing his formidable power.
3. Confronting Mu in the Hades Chapter: Aphrodite’s use of the Piranha Rose against Mu’s Crystal Wall was ineffective due to the wall’s reflective properties. However, had he employed the poisonous Royal Demon Rose, the outcome might have differed significantly. This aligns with the narrative that the deceased Gold Saints were merely acting to deceive the Underworld Army, implying Aphrodite held back his true potential.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Pisces
Aphrodite’s character embodies the duality of Pisces—beauty intertwined with deadly precision. His sacrifices, mastery over nature, and strategic brilliance make him a compelling and powerful Gold Saint. Whether through mythology or the Saint Seiya saga, Pisces continues to captivate with its blend of elegance and resilience.
What are your thoughts on Aphrodite’s strength? Share your opinions below, and stay tuned for more deep dives into the world of astrology and storytelling!
