Did the Gold Saints Go Easy on the Bronze Saints? Aries Claims It Was Assistance!

The classic anime Saint Seiya holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those who grew up during the 80s and 90s. Among its most iconic story arcs is the Twelve Gold Temples saga, where five Bronze Saints—Seiya, Shiryū, Hyōga, Shun, and Ikki—must overcome unimaginable challenges to reach the Pope and save Athena.

One of the most debated topics among fans is whether the Gold Saints truly fought at full strength or if they intentionally held back. Let’s dive into the motivations and actions of these celestial guardians, starting with the first guardian of the temples: Aries Mu.

Aries Mu: The Wise Mentor

Mu, the Aries Gold Saint, didn’t just “let” the Bronze Saints pass—he actively helped them. Rather than simply defeating them, he taught them how to awaken their Seventh Sense, a crucial ability needed to stand a chance against the Gold Saints. He even repaired and upgraded their damaged Cloths. If that’s “going easy,” then it was the most educational and supportive form of leniency imaginable. Aries, known for their wisdom and peaceful nature, saw potential in the young warriors and chose guidance over outright opposition.

Taurus Aldebaran: A Test of Strength

Taurus Aldebaran, a powerhouse known for his raw strength, made a bet with Seiya: if Seiya could strike his horn, he would let them pass. Seiya succeeded, and true to his word, Aldebaran honored the outcome. This wasn’t weakness or mercy—it was a display of confidence and honor, core traits of the Taurus spirit.

Other Key Confrontations

Not every Gold Saint had the luxury of choice. Gemini Saga, under the influence of the corrupted Pope, fought from a distance through illusions, which were useless against the blind Shiryū. Meanwhile, Cancer Deathmask and Pisces Aphrodite were genuinely defeated—no excuses, no holding back.

Leo Aiolia, manipulated into a rage, fought ferociously until he broke free from mental control and allowed the Bronze Saints to proceed. Virgo Shaka, arguably the strongest of the Gold Saints, gave no quarter—it took Ikki’s near-suicidal resolve to temporarily neutralize him.

Then there were those who saw something worth nurturing. Capricorn Shura, moments from defeating Shiryū, recognized the young Saint’s determination and sacrifice. In a moment of compassion, he saved Shiryū’s life and passed on his techniques. Similarly, Aquarius Camus pushed his pupil Hyōga to surpass him, not through leniency, but through rigorous mentorship.

Conclusion: Assistance, Not Weakness

So, did the Gold Saints go easy on the Bronze Saints? In many cases, it was less about “holding back” and more about testing, guiding, and sometimes even investing in the next generation. The Aries Gold Saint set the tone—what seemed like mercy was actually mentorship. Each Gold Saint acted according to their values: some with honor, some with pride, and some with a hidden hope that these young warriors could achieve what they themselves could not.

In the world of Saint Seiya, strength isn’t just about power—it’s about purpose. And sometimes, the greatest strength is knowing when to step aside and let destiny unfold.