The Five Legendary Aries Gold Saints: Where Does Shion Rank?

Throughout the epic saga of Saint Seiya, the constellation of Aries has been represented by five remarkable Gold Saints. Each warrior brought unique strengths, tragic flaws, and unforgettable moments to the mythos. Let’s explore these legendary guardians and examine where the mighty Shion stands among them.

The Traitor: Gategold

Gategold stands as the darkest stain on Aries’ legacy—the first known Gold Saint of Aries who became a notorious traitor to Sanctuary. As disciple of the old Pope Iattia, who conspired with the Gemini of the Underworld, Gategold openly betrayed his vows. His ultimate technique, Force Soar, manifested as a powerful spectral ram that surpassed even the later famous Stardust Revolution in raw power. Unfortunately, this technique was lost to history after his defeat by the Altar Hakurei, who used the Sacrificial Privilege to strip Gategold of his cosmos, ending his rebellion.

The Time Traveler: Afnil

Emerging from the Lost Canvas sidestory, Afnil represents one of the most tragic figures in Aries history. technically arriving from the 20th century, he replaced Gategold during his time period and became Hakurei’s close friend. Having survived the most brutal Holy War where Athena was beheaded, Afnil made a desperate pact with the God of Time to travel 500 years into the past to alter this horrific future. His combat skills were extraordinary, often fighting alone behind enemy lines with fury reserved for Hades himself. He ultimately fell in battle at Mu Continent, where both he and the Aries Cloth were sealed away.

The Pope: Shion

Shion appears across multiple eras, beginning as a young member of the Jamir tribe under Hakurei’s guidance. Despite his early enthusiasm for the Aries cloth, Hakurei initially opposed his succession—not due to lack of faith, but because the Aries Gold Cloth carries the heaviest inheritance burden of all twelve gold saints. The successor must bear the memories of their predecessor, and Afnil’s traumatic experience witnessing Athena’s decapitation was almost too devastating for any saint to endure. With the help of Sage, Shion eventually overcame this spiritual trial.

Initially appearing in Lost Canvas as one of the youngest and least experienced Gold Saints alongside Dohko, Shion would eventually reach his peak as Pope. His most impressive feat includes single-handedly defeating the Celestial Star Manigoldo, showcasing his status as a truly complete warrior.

The Psychic Master: Mu

Hailing from the Jamir lineage like his master Shion, Mu possessed the strongest telekinetic abilities among all Gold Saints. He perfectly inherited Shion’s techniques while adding his own refined mastery. During the Twelve Houses arc, he deliberately allowed the Bronze Saints to pass, and in the Hades chapter, he simultaneously held off five Gold Saints while decisively defeating the Pisces and Cancer duo. Despite his incredible power, Mu maintained a humble demeanor, often remembered for his role as the saints’ armorer.

The Prodigy: Kiki

Many remember Kiki as the young apprentice who carried Mu’s repair box, but in Omega he emerges as a formidable Aries Gold Saint in his own right. His most notable achievement includes instantly defeating a Second-Class Pallasite with a single technique, establishing himself as one of the most powerful Gold Saints of his generation.

Conclusion: Where Does Shion Rank?

Each Aries Gold Saint brought unique qualities to their role—from Gategold’s raw power and tragic betrayal to Afnil’s time-bending heroism, Mu’s refined mastery, and Kiki’s prodigious talent. Shion’s journey from inexperienced youth to Pope and his victory over a Celestial Star demonstrates remarkable growth and power. While each saint has compelling claims to greatness, Shion’s combination of spiritual strength, leadership, and combat prowess arguably places him at the pinnacle of Aries legacy. His story embodies the Aries spirit of pioneering leadership and relentless determination against impossible odds.

Where would you rank these legendary warriors? The answer may reveal what you value most in a true Gold Saint.