Aries Mu: Peak Second-Tier Gold Saint Power and Evidence of His Chinese Origins

Among the legendary Gold Saints of Athena, while figures like Dohko, Aiolos, Saga, and Shaka stand at the pinnacle of power, Aries Mu undoubtedly claims the top spot in the second tier. Beyond his combat prowess, however, lies a long-standing debate: is Mu actually Chinese? Let’s examine the evidence.

The Profile of Aries Mu

Mu, the Golden Saint of Aries, possesses a unique and versatile skill set. His signature techniques include:

• Crystal Wall
• Crystal Net
• Starlight Extinction
• Stardust Revolution

His specialties extend beyond offensive capabilities to include extraordinary telekinetic powers and the rare ability to repair damaged Cloths – a crucial supportive role that sets him apart from his peers.

Power Ranking and Attributes

Official statistics place Mu’s comprehensive attributes at 18, positioning him just below the absolute elite: Dohko (24), Aiolos (22), Saga (19), and Shaka (19). His master, the former Pope Shion, achieved a perfect score of 25, showcasing the incredible potential of their lineage.

Mu’s specific attributes break down as: Fist 3, Kick 2, Tools 3, Will 5, and Throw 5. This distribution highlights his strategic approach to combat, emphasizing mental fortitude and precision over brute strength.

Historical Context and Character Development

Born in 1966, Mu was only seven years old when the tragic events surrounding Shion’s death unfolded. The subsequent turmoil in the Sanctuary led the young Mu to retreat to the highlands of Jamir, where he honed his skills in isolation. Despite his defiance of Sanctuary’s authority, his formidable abilities and the respected reputation of the Jamir clan protected him from retaliation.

Mu’s patience and wisdom became evident during the Sanctuary arc, where he emerged not only as the crucial repairer of the Bronze Saints’ cloths but also as their mentor in understanding the Seventh Sense. This earned him the respectful title “Mr. Mu” among the young heroes.

Character Excellence and Combat Prowess

Mu embodies an extraordinary combination of noble elegance, intellectual depth, and compassionate strength. While perhaps not the absolute strongest in raw power, his popularity remains consistently high due to his well-rounded excellence and gentlemanly demeanor.

His combat abilities demonstrate remarkable versatility:

• Crystal Wall: An invisible barrier capable of deflecting even spatial attacks
• Crystal Net: An effective restraining technique that immobilizes opponents
• Starlight Extinction: A sophisticated blend of spatial manipulation and physical force
• Stardust Revolution: A technique of devastating destructive capability

During the Hades Chapter, Mu’s performance was particularly noteworthy. His battle against the Spectral Butterfly Myu demonstrated strategic brilliance, while his confrontation with other Gold Saints revealed both his power and tactical awareness. His ultimate sacrifice at the Wailing Wall alongside his fellow Gold Saints cemented his legacy as a true hero.

The Chinese Connection: Examining the Evidence

The question of Mu’s nationality has sparked considerable discussion, with compelling evidence pointing toward Chinese origins rather than Indian or Nepalese heritage.

Official materials clearly state that Mu hails from the Tibet region, which is internationally recognized as part of China. The Jamir highlands where his clan resides are widely believed to correspond to the Pamir Mountains, a region that spans multiple countries but whose representation in the series specifically places Mu’s location within Chinese territory.

Further supporting this connection is the distinctive “Marumayu” eyebrow style associated with the Jamir clan. While sometimes mistaken for a Japanese aristocratic feature, this eyebrow style actually originates from Chinese “Dai Mei” () cosmetics popular during the Tang Dynasty. This traditional makeup involved shaving natural eyebrows and painting new, higher-positioned eyebrows with black pigment – essentially giving Mu a Tang Dynasty aesthetic.

This cultural detail connects to broader East Asian beauty traditions while firmly rooting Mu’s appearance in Chinese historical practices rather than Japanese or Indian influences.

Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact

Mu represents the ideal combination of intelligence, power, and character that makes him not only one of the most respected Gold Saints but also, evidence suggests, a character with authentic Chinese origins. His sophisticated combat style, strategic mind, and noble demeanor continue to make him a fan favorite and a compelling example of how cultural elements can enrich character development in global mythology.

Whether discussing his combat capabilities, repair skills, or cultural background, Aries Mu remains one of the most fascinating and multi-dimensional characters in the Saint Seiya universe – a true testament to the enduring appeal of well-developed mythological figures.