The Tragic Fate of Pisces Aphrodite and Reflections on the Sanctuary War
The Background of Pisces Aphrodite
The death of Pisces Aphrodite during the Sanctuary War remains a profoundly tragic moment. As a Gold Saint, he found himself in an impossible position—challenging the physical form of Hades himself while standing in opposition to the goddess Athena. This alignment placed him at a severe disadvantage from the start. Although Aphrodite attempted to maintain a facade of loyalty to the false pope Saga, hoping to allow Andromeda Shun passage through the twelve temples at a critical moment, this strategic deception ultimately couldn’t alter his predetermined fate.
Yet, we must remember that while Aphrodite lived, he carried the title of Gold Saint with dignity—a testament to his inherent strength and capability. To label him as the “weakest” among the Gold Saints does a disservice to his legacy and the complexity of his character.
The Causes and Sacrifices of the Sanctuary Civil War
The internal conflict within the Sanctuary necessitated certain narrative sacrifices to emphasize the triumph of justice over evil. With the false pope Saga established as the antagonist, the story required that those fighting for the wrong cause would face consequences for their actions.
The Conflict Between False Leadership and Justice
During the battle of the twelve temples, the Gold Saints who supported the evil forces had to pay the ultimate price for the story to progress meaningfully. Their sacrifices served to highlight the moral clarity of the protagonists’ journey.
Aphrodite’s Transgressions and Consequences
Unfortunately, Aphrodite’s actions went beyond mere alignment with the wrong side. He personally killed Daidalos, the master of Andromeda Shun, and systematically eliminated the entire Chain Sect that had established itself overseas. Though he showed some restraint by sparing Shun’s companion, Jenny of the Chameleon constellation, this mercy went unappreciated by the grieving Shun.
The depth of Shun’s loss—the murder of his mentor—created an irreparable rift that could only be resolved through combat. In a spectacular display of cosmic power, Shun’s “Nebula Storm” lifted the script-bound antagonist high into the air before crashing him down to earth. This decisive battle unfortunately cemented Aphrodite’s reputation as the least powerful among the twelve Gold Saints.
Aphrodite’s Role in the Twelve Temples Battle
Performance and Ultimate Fate
Aphrodite wasn’t the only Gold Saint to meet his end while deprived of his cloth during the conflict. Cancer Deathmask suffered a similar fate, though under different circumstances. Deathmask’s abandonment by his Gold Cloth due to his accumulated sins created the perfect opportunity for Dragon Shiryu to defeat him decisively.
Contrasting Outcomes Among Gold Saints
What distinguishes Aphrodite’s situation is that even while wearing his Gold Cloth, he watched passively as his opponent began removing his own protective armor. A more strategic fighter would have seized the moment when Shun was partially unarmored and before he could unleash his ultimate technique. This critical error in judgment cost Aphrodite dearly.
Lessons and Reflections
The fact that a Gold Saint could be defeated by a Bronze Saint without his protective cloth speaks volumes about the disadvantages Aphrodite faced during the twelve temples conflict. While questions about who truly was the “weakest” Gold Saint remain open to interpretation, Aphrodite’s performance in this crucial battle certainly contributed to this perception.
The story of Pisces Aphrodite serves as a powerful reminder that even those born under the compassionate and artistic sign of Pisces can find themselves caught in tragic circumstances beyond their control. His narrative explores how even the most spiritually connected individuals can make choices that lead to their downfall, and how redemption sometimes remains just out of reach despite one’s best intentions.
