Was Aries Shion, Beyond His Lofty Pope Title, Also an Exceptional Craftsman?
In the world of Saint Seiya, the brilliance of the story is matched only by the dazzling techniques and uniquely crafted Cloths worn by the warriors. These Cloths, defenders of the goddess Athena, are far more than armor—they are partners in battle, enhancing the wearer’s strength and mitigating damage from enemy attacks. A high-quality Cloth can decisively turn the tide of war.
Handed down since the age of myths and forged from rare materials, these Cloths possess consciousness and a life of their own. Yet, despite their power, they are not indestructible. What makes them even more extraordinary is how few individuals can repair them once damaged. It’s said that only descendants of the Jamir tribe hold this ability—a trait historically linked to the Aries Gold Saints. Shion, an Aries Saint who later ascended to the role of Pope after the Holy War against Hades, carried this legacy. But did he continue his craft as a mender of Cloths even after becoming Pope? Let’s explore.
The Aftermath of the Holy War
Following the devastating battle with Hades, only two Gold Saints remained: the youngest of them, Shion and Dohko. The Sanctuary lay in ruins, and the toll of war was immense—not only in lives lost, but in Cloths shattered. As the new Pope, Shion faced the monumental task of rebuilding the Twelve Temples, restoring the Cloths, and training a new generation of Saints. The latter two were deeply interconnected: without Cloths, there could be no Saints, as these armors choose their bearers. Training warriors who couldn’t resonate with a Cloth would be futile. So, despite his high office, Shion had no choice but to return to the forge. With over eighty Cloths needing repair, the work was immense and unrelenting.
Would a Pope Still Mend Cloths?
After restoring the Cloths post-war, would warriors still approach the Pope for repairs? Unlikely. The core philosophy of Saint training emphasizes that one should not overly rely on a Cloth’s protection. Instead, Saints must cultivate their Cosmo, identify an opponent’s weaknesses, and triumph through skill and evasion. A Saint who carelessly damaged their Cloth in battle would be unworthy of the title—let alone deserving of personal attention from the Pope himself.
Moreover, in the years following the Holy War, no major conflicts arose. Most rebellious gods had been subdued, leaving only minor threats. During this peaceful interval, Cloths saw little serious combat damage. Minor scratches or cracks could self-repair over time simply by being stored in their boxes—a testament to their living nature.
Shion’s Legacy: A Craftsman and a Leader
Shion’s life was one of monumental achievement, worthy of legend. Restoring lifeless Cloths demanded not only vast Cosmo energy but also the blood sacrifice of a Gold Saint. In the wake of the Holy War, many Cloths required such revival. It’s believed that Pope Shion exhausted himself, offering his own blood to reawaken these armors. This sacrifice, though heroic, left him weakened—diminishing his vitality and cosmic power. Some speculate that this contributed to his eventual defeat at the hands of Saga. An ironic and tragic end for a leader who gave so much of himself to restore the very symbols of protection.
A Final Reflection: Gold Cloth vs Surplice
Are the Surplices of Hades’ forces inferior to Gold Cloths? Consider this: Gold Cloths are ancient artifacts, forged from divine materials, tempered by the light of the sun, and evolved through countless holy wars and blood sacrifices. Surplices, though crafted from gems of the underworld and comparably durable, offer a different kind of power—pre-bestowed skills and strength tailored to the wearer, without the need for training. One is earned; the other is given.
