Aries’ Mission and Symbolism: The Growth Path of Mu
The Sacred Mission and Growth Journey of Aries Gold Saint Mu
“Guarding the Aries Temple and repelling enemies is my sacred mission. Even at the cost of my life, I will never let enemies easily pass through the defense of the Aries Temple!”
— Mu, Aries Gold Saint
Sacred Mission and Unwavering Resolve
In the confrontation with the Bronze Saints, Mu demonstrated his unshakable determination and fearless spirit of sacrifice. He swore to protect the Aries Temple at all costs, keeping enemies at bay while defending the honor and mission of the Gold Saints. This unwavering commitment reflects the core Aries traits of courage, leadership, and protective instincts that define those born under this fiery sign.
Seclusion and Awakening
Mu, a prodigiously talented youth, ascended to the position of Aries Gold Saint at a remarkably young age under the direct guidance of the Pope, former Aries Saint Shion. However, at just seven years old, his world changed dramatically when the Pope was assassinated and replaced by an imposter who corrupted the Sanctuary for thirteen long years.
Possessing the keen intuition characteristic of Aries individuals, Mu detected the disturbance in the Sanctuary’s energy. He made the courageous decision to leave alone and live in seclusion in the Pamir Plateau. His self-imposed exile lasted until a determined young Bronze Saint named Shiryu arrived, seeking to revive his friend’s Cloth at the cost of his own life.
This encounter stirred Mu’s buried memories of the Sanctuary. Realizing the extent of the corruption after thirteen years of silence, he emerged from his seclusion to guide the five Bronze Saints, offering both wisdom and practical assistance—a testament to the Aries nature of stepping forward when leadership is needed most.
Redemption and Power Unleashed
Through the relentless efforts of Shiryu and the other Bronze Saints, they eventually triumphed over the twelve Gold Saints, exposed the false Pope, and successfully saved the dying Goddess Athena. During this crisis, Mu revealed his formidable power and righteous anger, demonstrating his signature techniques: Crystal Wall and Starlight Extinction—abilities that mirror the protective and transformative nature of the Aries.
Timeless Protection and Symbolism
Gentleness and Righteous Fury
Known respectfully as “Mr. Mu” in some translations, the Aries Gold Saint embodies a unique combination of gentleness and immense power. He maintains an elegant, kind-hearted demeanor and famously abstains from killing—a distinguishing trait among the Gold Saints. However, in the Chapter of the Hades Sanctuary, when former friends appeared as traitors threatening to take Athena’s head, the typically gentle Mu unleashed his righteous fury, demonstrating that Aries individuals, while generally peaceful, will fiercely protect what they value.
Cultural Roots and Symbolic Connections
Mu’s birthplace in Tibet and his training grounds in the Pamir Plateau deeply reflect his destiny as an Aries Saint. In mythology, Aries is associated with rams, and Masami Kurumada specifically chose the Pamir argali (a wild sheep subspecies) to symbolize this constellation. This connection explains why both the previous Aries Saint Shion and Mu himself were born and trained in Tibet.
The design of the Aries Cloth itself features massive, curved ram horns that vividly recreate the image of the argali, possibly specifically the Pamir argali. This symbolic representation connects the Aries Saint to strength, protection, and mountainous terrain—all qualities associated with both the constellation and those born under its sign.
Deeper Symbolic Meaning
Exploring further, we find that Mu’s Tibetan origins and Pamir training grounds were historically regions where Buddhist and Indian cultures flourished together. The two vermilion marks between his eyebrows—a distinct Indian cultural—hold profound meaning. In ancient Indian philosophy, the space between the eyebrows is considered the source of consciousness, symbolizing super wisdom and insight.
The red color of vermilion represents not only power but also love and compassion. Mu’s character traits—humility, benevolence, calm composure, and deep insight—are intimately connected to this symbolism. His ability to sense the Sanctuary’s disturbance thirteen years earlier and choose seclusion in the highlands demonstrates the unique intuitive gifts and destiny of an Aries Saint.
The Aries Mythology of Transportation and Salvation
According to ancient Greek mythology, the prototype of Aries was a winged white ram. In Boeotia, the new queen Ino persecuted the children of the previous queen—Helle and Phrixus—and brought them to the execution ground. At the critical moment, the gods sent this ram to save the endangered beings.
The ram flew to the execution ground and, using a sandstorm as cover, prevented people from opening their eyes. It skillfully carried Phrixus and Helle into the air, flying over land and vast sea, eventually “transporting” the children safely to a foreign land. After completing its mission, the ram ascended into the night sky, its image becoming the constellation Aries.
In Greek mythology, Aries is endowed with multiple meanings, one of which is saving endangered beings. Another significant symbol is its “transportation” function—safely moving people or objects from one place to another. This symbolism finds vivid expression in Aries Saint Mu’s abilities.
Mu excels at using his psychokinetic powers to transport Bronze Saints away from danger at critical moments, ensuring their safety and combat effectiveness. When Shiryu was defeated in battle at Five Old Peaks, Mr. Mu appeared in time to pull him back from the brink of death. When the Bronze Saints arrived at the Aries Temple badly injured, Mu meticulously repaired their Cloths, ensuring they could continue fighting unimpeded by their injuries.
Additionally, Mu’s powerful psychokinesis enables him to move objects and people—he repeatedly uses his Starlight Extinction technique to “transport” people or objects to distant locations. He instantaneously transported Seiya from the entrance of the Aries Temple to the Sanctuary arena, and similarly transported Aphrodite and Deathmask to Hades’ castle. These narrative elements demonstrate Masami Kurumada’s careful plot construction and deep exploration of cultural—all while highlighting the unique protective and transformative qualities of the Aries archetype.
The Aries Legacy: Leadership Through Protection
Mu’s journey represents more than just a character arc—it embodies the essential qualities of the Aries spirit. Those born under Aries often find themselves in protective roles, using their natural leadership abilities to guide others while maintaining the courage to stand against corruption and injustice. The Aries individual, much like Mu, combines strategic thinking with immediate action, often serving as the first line of defense while possessing the wisdom to know when to retreat and when to advance.
The story of Mu reminds us that true strength lies not merely in power, but in the wisdom to use that power appropriately. Aries individuals often possess this balance—the fiery energy to initiate action combined with the discernment to direct that energy toward righteous causes. Whether in mythology, astrology, or storytelling, the Aries archetype continues to represent the pioneering spirit that protects, guides, and transforms—a legacy that continues to inspire those who recognize these qualities within themselves.
