Since his debut in the 1980s, Saint Seiya has captured millions of fans with his epic battles, mythological symbolism and memorable characters. Among the warriors who protect the goddess Athena, the Golden Knights occupy the highest post, being the guardians of the twelve houses of the zodiac. Their armor represent astrological signs and their powers exceed human boundaries, making them fundamental pieces in the history of the franchise. But who are these warriors? What is the origin of your personalities, legends and inspirations? In addition to battles, each golden knight has a purpose, trajectory and characteristics that make them unique. Many of them were inspired by historical figures, philosophical concepts and deities of Greek and eastern mythology. In addition, its connection with astrology and cosmos reinforces the depth of the universe created by Masami Kurumada. In this series of articles, we will explore in detail the story of the 12 Golden Knights, their origins, inspirations and meanings. Get ready to dive into the legacy of the most powerful warriors of the sanctuary! Like 'Demon Slayer - Mugen Train: The movie' changed the distribution of anime in Manhwa, Manhua, Manga, WebComic and Webtoon theaters: Understand Aries Mu Differences: The Mystic Guardian of Aries Mu Armor is the first Golden Knight presented In Saint Seiya, being one of the most enigmatic and respected warriors of the sanctuary. Master in the art of armor repair, he combines wisdom, serenity and an extremely powerful cosmos. Its importance in the plot goes beyond battles, as it is one of the few capable of restoring the sacred armor, ensuring that the knights continue their mission to protect Athena. Mu is inspired by the constellation of Aries, associated with energy, renewal and leadership. Its name refers to the legendary continent of Mu, a lost civilization that, according to some theories, had great mystical knowledge. In addition, its look and skills refer to the East spiritual masters, such as Tibetan monks. He was a disciple of Shion of Aries, former great master of the sanctuary, and inherited from him not only the gold armor, but also a vast knowledge about the cosmos and the art of restoration. After the death of his master, he took refuge in Jamiel, where he became the only one who can fix sacred armor. Unlike other golden knights that show brute strength or impulsiveness, Mu is calm and reflective. He rarely goes into unnecessary combat, preferring to analyze the situation before acting. Your peaceful posture, however, should not be confused with weakness. When fighting, he proves to be one of the most powerful Golden Knights, capable of defeating opponents with extreme ease. Mu understands that his mission goes beyond the physical protection of the sanctuary. He acts as a guide to bronze knights, teaching them about the true meaning of the cosmos and the importance of overcoming their own limits. Aldebaran de Taurus: The unshakable strength of the sanctuary among the 12 Golden Knights, Aldebaran de Taurus stands out for his physical stature, unquestionable loyalty and brute force. Guardian of the second house of the Zodiac, it symbolizes resistance and determination, being one of the most powerful warriors of the sanctuary. Despite his intimidating appearance, he hides a noble heart and just personality, characteristics that make him one of the most respected knights in the series. Aldebaran is named after the brightest star of the Taurus constellation, which in mythology symbolizes power and perseverance. Its gigantic size and combat skills reflect the essence of the sign, which represents strength, patience and reliability. Interestingly, Aldebaran is the only golden knight with a typically western name, unlike others, who have names of Greek, Latin or Japanese origin. This may indicate an inspiration on figures of European or Nordic warriors. Unlike other Golden Knights, little is known about your past or training, but your prominent position in the sanctuary suggests that it has always been one of the most powerful of your generation. Aldebaran is often underestimated due to his quiet posture and reluctance to fight without need. However, behind your patience is a relentless warrior. He believes that true strength is not only in physical power, but also in conviction and respect for opponents. His purpose as a guardian of the Taurus house goes beyond preventing invaders. He tests those who seek to cross the sanctuary, evaluating his determination before allowing them to advance. During the battle of the twelve houses, he recognizes the value of Seiya and his companions, demonstrating that his loyalty is not blind, but guided by the true sense of justice. Twin Saga: The knight between the light and the dark saga of twins is one of Saint Seiya's most complex and enigmatic characters. Considered one of the most powerful golden knights in history, he symbolizes dualism between good and evil, carrying within himself a constant struggle between justice and ambition. Its influence on the plot is immense, being the great antagonist of the sanctuary saga and one of the franchise's most striking warriors. The name “saga” may be related to the concept of Latin wisdom (Sagax), which makes sense, considering its intelligence and insight. Its sign, Gemini, is directly linked to duality and internal conflict, a recurring theme in its trajectory. Mythologically, Gemini is associated with Beaver and Pollux, brothers with opposite natures - one immortal and one mortal. This duality is reflected in saga, which alternates between a benevolent side and an evil side, symbolizing the eternal battle between light and darkness within itself. Saga is one of the few characters in Saint Seiya to possess a “second personality,” which turns him from a righteous and honorable knight into a cruel and manipulative villain. When he dominates the evil side, he becomes extremely dangerous, capable of architecting complex plans to achieve his goals. Despite its dark phase, the good part of the saga never completely disappears. His internal conflict is evident at various times, especially when he struggles to redeem himself, making him a tragic and fascinating character. Cancer Death Mask: The merciless execution of the cancer death mask is one of Saint Seiya's most feared and controversial golden knights. Unlike most of his companions, who follow a code of honor and justice, he believes in the supremacy of strength and does not hesitate to commit atrocities to maintain his position. His connection with the world of the dead and his cruelty make him one of the most striking antagonists in the sanctuary saga. The name “Death Mask” (Deathmask, in the original) already indicates its connection with death and the underworld. His armor represents the constellation of cancer, associated with protection and instinct, but in his case this symbolism is distorted in a brutal view of power. In Greek mythology, cancer is linked to the crab that Hera sent to face Hercules. This even small crab, did not hesitate to challenge a powerful hero. This aspect can be seen in a mask of death, which trusts its strength without questioning the consequences of its actions. Unlike other golden knights, who follow moral principles, death mask acts as a mercenary. For him, justice is determined by those in power, and his only concern is to maintain his prestigious position. He kills without hesitation and despises the weak, accumulating the faces of his victims on the walls of the Cancer House as macabre trophies. Its purpose in the sanctuary is less about protection and more about maintaining its influence. His arrogance makes him underestimate opponents, which eventually leads to his fall. Aiolia de Leão: The warrior of justice and lightning Aiolia de Leão is one of Saint Seiya's most noble and fearless golden knights. His personality is marked by the headquarters of justice, the impatience with corruption and an overwhelming force. Unlike other knights who follow a more contemplative stance, Aiolia prefers the action, trusting her fists to prove her value. His story is deeply linked to the honor of his family, especially that of his brother, Sagittarius, unfairly accused of betrayal. The name Aiolia originates in Greek mythology, related to Éolo, God of the winds. His armor represents the constellation of lion, symbol of power, courage and leadership. The lion, in astrology and mythology, is often associated with fearless kings and warriors. This reflects directly on Aiolia, which assumes a leadership stance and stands out for its indomitable spirit. Unlike other more calculating golden knights, Aiolia acts on instinct. His greatest motivation is to clean the name of his brother Aiolos, who was falsely accused of betrayal of the sanctuary. At first, he believes in the official version of the facts, but throughout history discovers the truth and swears Loyalty to Athena. With a strong sense of justice, he does not tolerate abuses of power. Its impulsiveness, however, can be both its highest quality and its greatest weakness, as it often leads to acting before completely analyzing a situation. Virgin Shaka: God's closest man shaka of Virgin is one of Saint Seiya's most powerful and enigmatic golden knights. Endowed with an incomparable cosmos and an almost divine serenity, it represents spirituality and balance between strength and wisdom. His absolute control over the cosmos puts him on a level above most warriors of the sanctuary, being considered the closest man to God. His presence imposes respect, and his philosophy of combat challenges not only physically enemies, but also their minds and souls. Shaka is inspired by the Buddha Shakyamuni, founder of Buddhism. His meditative posture and his attacks based on spiritual enlightenment reflect this influence. The constellation of virgin, associated with purity and perfection, complements his calm personality and his search for absolute knowledge. Its connection with Hinduism is also evident, as it often mentions concepts such as Karma, Samsara (Cycle of Renairos) and Nirvana. Its name can be a reference to the term "Shakya", which was the Buddha's origin clan. Unlike most golden knights, Shaka rarely expresses emotions and maintains a serene stance even in the face of the most extreme situations. He believes that true strength comes from self -knowledge and dominance of the cosmos, considering violence one last resort. Its purpose in the sanctuary goes beyond the physical defense of Athena. He seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and fate, which makes him a deeply introspective character. However, when he sees threatened justice, he does not hesitate to use all his power to eliminate his enemies. Dohko de Libra: The Guardian of Justice and the Immortal Master Dohko de Libra is one of Saint Seiya's wisest and most experienced golden knights. Survivor of the last holy war against Hades, he is one of the few warriors who know the secrets of the sanctuary and the struggle against the gods. Master of Dragon Shiryu, his figure represents the patience, discipline and balance between strength and strategy. Although it spends much of the story as an old master isolated in the five peaks of Rozan, his true form as Golden Knight is one of the most powerful in the sanctuary, being the only one authorized to carry sacred weapons. Dohko carries the name of the tiger Dōkō, a figure of Chinese culture that represents resistance and longevity. His constellation, pound, symbolizes balance and justice, reflecting his posture as a judge between war and peace. In addition, his connection with China and his millennial wisdom make him a reference to the East martial arts masters, such as Taoist sages and Shaolin monks. Dohko is one of the most patient and serene knights, but also has a playful and wise side. As a master of Shiryu, guides his disciple with teachings about the cosmos and the true meaning of force. Its main purpose is to wait for the return of Hades, fulfilling a mission given by Athena after the last Holy War. To this end, he received the Misopetha-Menos technique, who slowed his aging, allowing him to live for more than two centuries while appearing to be a fragile elder. When the battle against Hades begins, he reveals his true form and returns as one of the most feared warriors of the sanctuary. Scorpio Milo: The Deadly Justice Needle Milo de Scorpio is one of Saint Seiya's most loyal and fiery golden knights. Guardian of the eighth zodiac house, it combines speed and accuracy in combat, attacking its enemies with fatal and relentless blows. His sense of justice and strong temperament make him a respected warrior within the sanctuary, being one of the first to recognize the true loyalty of the bronze knights. The name Milo may originate from the Greek Milos, which means "apple", a fruit associated with desire and mystery, characteristics common to Scorpians. Its constellation, scorpion, represents revenge, intensity and lethality, reflecting the character's personality and its characteristic scam, scarlet needle. In Greek mythology, Scorpio is the creature sent by the gods to defeat Orion, symbolizing the accuracy and fatality that Milo demonstrates in combat. Milo is proud, confident and owner of his own sense of justice. Although he follows the sanctuary orders, he has discernment to question what he considers wrong. During the battle of the twelve houses, when facing Swan Hyoga, he realizes the courage of the young man and decides to spare him, instead of exterminating him as he would make a warrior without compassion. Its purpose is to protect Athena and ensure that justice prevails in the sanctuary. He does not fight for glory or power, but for the conviction that the truth must always be revealed. Sagittarius Aiolos: The hero who challenged Sagittarius's fate is one of Saint Seiya's most legendary golden knights. More than a powerful warrior, he is the maximum symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, being responsible for saving Athena when he was still a baby. Even after his death, his spirit and armor continue to influence the knights who fight for justice, especially Seiya, the protagonist of the series. Guardian of the ninth house of the zodiac, Aiolos represents the nobility, courage and determination of those who believe in true justice, regardless of the consequences. The name Aiolos comes from God Éolo, ruler of the winds in Greek mythology, which can represent his free nature and adventurous spirit. His constellation, Sagittarius, symbolizes warriors and hunters who follow a greater purpose, throwing their arrows towards destination. In mythology, Sagittarius is associated with Centauro Chiron, known for his wisdom and his role as a mentor of heroes. This connection is reflected in the influence that Aiolos has on other characters, even after his death. Aiolos is the maximum example of an ideal gold knight. Fair, brave and loyal, he puts Athena's protection above his own life. His mission was to succeed the great master and lead the knights of the sanctuary, but was betrayed by the system that should protect him. Even when he was falsely accused of betrayal, Aiolos did not try to justify himself or seek revenge. Its sole purpose was to ensure that Athena would survive, because she believed that the truth would always prevail. Shura de Capricorn: The Knight of the Sacred Sword Shura de Capricorn is the Golden Knight who personifies loyalty and discipline. Recognized for his beef combat mastery, he is considered the most skilled swordsman in the sanctuary, thanks to his excalibur technique, a blow capable of cutting anything. His belief in justice leads him to make mistakes, but also to find redemption throughout the series. Guardian of the tenth house of the zodiac, Shura represents determination and duty, values that define not only its sign, Capricorn, but also its trajectory within history. His name, Shura, comes from the term Buddhist Ashura, which refers to warrior spirits constantly involved in battles, a direct reflection of his combative nature. Its constellation, Capricorn, symbolizes ambition, resistance and commitment to mission, qualities that define it as a knight. In King Arthur's legend, Excalibur was the sacred sword granted by an entity superior to the monarch to rule with justice. This concept is reflected in Shura's coup, which he considers a divine gift and proof that he was chosen to fight for the good. Shura is an extremely dedicated warrior to the sanctuary. However, his blind loyalty makes him commit one of the most questionable acts in the series: he believes that killing Sagittarius was necessary to preserve order. By fully trusting the great master, he does not realize that he was being manipulated and only discovers the truth too late. Despite his mistake, Shura has a strong sense of honor. When he faces Dragon Shiryu at the Battle of the Twelve Homes, he recognizes the determination of the young warrior and, at the last moment, decides to grant him the power of Excalibur as a gesture of redemption before he died. Aquarius Camus: The Master of Ice and Camus of Aquarius is the Golden Knight who dominates the ice and the lower temperatures in the universe. Owner of a cold and calculating personality, it represents the rationality and absolute control of the cosmos. Guardian of the eleventh house of the Zodiac, Camus believes that true strength comes from the balance between emotion and discipline, being one of the most demanding masters of the series. In addition to his position as a Golden Knight, Camus is the Crystal Master (in the anime) and Swan Hyoga, playing a key role in his disciple's journey. The name Camus may be a reference to the French philosopher Albert Camus, known for exploring topics such as destiny and rationality, concepts that reflect the mentality of the Aquarius Knight. Its constellation, aquarium, represents the bearer of water, a symbol of wisdom and renewal, but who, in the case of Camus, manifests itself as the ability to control ice and frozen water. In Greek mythology, Aquarius is associated with Ganimedes, a young deadly brought to heaven by Zeus to serve as the cope of the gods. This parallel can represent Camus's connection with a superior purpose, guiding his disciples to a path of lighting. Camus is an extremely disciplined warrior and believes that emotional coldness is essential to achieving true potential. He values logic above feelings and trains his disciples to learn to fight without depending on emotions. His greatest teaching for Hyoga is that to achieve true strength, he must abandon any attachment to the past. Camus shows feelings despite his apparent coldness. He really cares about Hyoga, but believes that only a hard lesson can make him evolve. His confrontation with the disciple at Aquarius's house is one of Saint Seiya's most exciting duels, where, even in mortal combat, he continues to teach until the last moment. Aphrodite of Pisces: The deadly beauty of the Aphrodite Sanctuary of Pisces is the last of the Golden Knights that keep the twelve houses of the Zodiac. His name and appearance refer to the Greek goddess of love and beauty, but behind her serene and elegant face is a lethal warrior. He believes that true justice is in victory, regardless of the methods used to reach it. Guardian of the thirteenth house of the Zodiac, Aphrodite uses a unique style of combat based on poisoned roses, combining lethality and sophistication. The name Aphrodite comes from the Greek goddess of love and beauty, associated with seduction and aesthetics. Its constellation, fish, symbolizes duality, sensitivity and mystery, reflecting the knight's ambiguous personality. In Greek mythology, Pisces is linked to Aphrodite and Eros (gods of love), who have become fish to escape the Titan Tiphoon. This connection reinforces Aphrodite's symbolism as someone who hides his true essence under a calm and attractive appearance. Aphrodite is one of the most enigmatic golden knights. Unlike warriors who follow an idealized justice, he believes the court belongs to the winners. He believes that preserving the order of the sanctuary requires any sacrifice, even if it needs to ally with a corrupt leader. This view puts it in contrast to other golden knights that fight for nobler values. However, its conviction does not mean absence of loyalty. He follows his beliefs to the end, remaining faithful to his role as guardian of the last house of the Zodiac. The 12 Golden Knights: Eternal legends of the Sanctuary The Golden Knights of Saint Seiya represent the elite of the warriors that protect Athena and the balance of the universe. Each carries not only immense power, but also a unique set of values, beliefs and dilemmas that make them more than simple combatants. Throughout the series, these twelve warriors stand out for their strength, their stories and their sacrifices. Some follow justice blindly, others question their own way, while some redeem themselves with past errors. Whether through epic battles, ties of mentor and disciple or moral dilemmas, they shape the fate of the sanctuary and inspire generations of fans. In Saint Seiya, the Golden Knights are not just warriors - they are living myths whose stories transcend time. Its brightness never goes out, as, as the philosophy of the series says, "as long as there is justice in the hearts, the cosmos will continue to burn."
