The Five Bronze Saints Wear Different Gold Cloths: Shiryu Dons Two – Capricorn and Libra
In the epic universe of Saint Seiya, the divine armor known as the Gold Cloths represents the pinnacle of power and elegance, worn only by the twelve most formidable warriors under Athena’s command. While the series primarily follows the journey of the five Bronze Saints—Seiya, Shiryu, Shun, Ikki, and Hyoga—their occasional ascension to wearing these legendary Gold Cloths has captivated fans worldwide. Notably, Shiryu achieves an extraordinary feat by mastering not one, but two Gold Cloths: Capricorn and Libra, showcasing his unparalleled dedication and strength.
Seiya: The Pegasus in Sagittarius Armor
As the protagonist, Seiya embodies resilience and an unyielding spirit. He was the first among the Bronze Saints to wear a Gold Cloth, specifically the Sagittarius Gold Cloth. This armor originally belonged to Aiolos, the Sagittarius Gold Saint who sacrificed his life to protect the infant Athena. Seiya’s unwavering courage and similar sacrificial nature resonated with Aiolos’s will, allowing him to temporarily wear this powerful cloth. His connection grew so profound that in Saint Seiya Ω, Seiya officially becomes the Sagittarius Gold Saint, honoring Aiolos’s legacy.
Shun: The Gentle Nebula in Virgo’s Grace
Shun, often perceived as the most compassionate of the group, proves his worth by wearing the Virgo Gold Cloth. In Saint Seiya ND, it is revealed that Shun has the potential to become the Virgo Gold Saint, succeeding the revered Shaka. Through self-discipline and mastering Shaka’s techniques, Shun demonstrates that he can fully harness the cloth’s capabilities. Adorned in Virgo’s gold, he radiates a serene yet formidable presence, blending his innate kindness with immense cosmic power.
Shiryu: The Dragon’s Dual Legacy
Shiryu’s journey is marked by profound growth and dual inheritances. He first earns the right to wear the Libra Gold Cloth, mentored by his master, Dohko, the Libra Gold Saint. This cloth is unique, containing twelve powerful weapons, including swords, spears, and shields, symbolizing balance and justice. After his junior, Genbu, falls in battle, Shiryu officially inherits this cloth, becoming the Libra Gold Saint.
Additionally, Shiryu temporarily wears the Capricorn Gold Cloth after earning the respect of its former wearer, Shura. During their intense battle, Shura recognizes Shiryu’s noble spirit and self-sacrifice, leading him to entrust his cloth to Shiryu even at the cost of his own life. This act allows Shiryu to wield the devastating Excalibur technique, further solidifying his status as a warrior of exceptional caliber.
Hyoga: The Cygnus in Aquarius’s Ice
Hyoga, the Cygnus Bronze Saint, shares a deep bond with his master, Camus, the Aquarius Gold Saint. This connection enables him to wear the Aquarius Gold Cloth, which complements his ice-based abilities perfectly. Like Shiryu, Hyoga’s inheritance is both emotional and tactical, as he masters Camus’s techniques, such as the Diamond Dust and Aurora Execution. Clad in Aquarius’s armor, Hyoga becomes a true embodiment of icy elegance and destructive power.
Ikki: The Phoenix in Leo’s Roar
Ikki, the strongest and most independent of the Bronze Saints, forges an unexpected link with the Leo Gold Cloth. Despite having no prior connection to its wearer, Aiolia, Ikki’s indomitable will and fiery spirit resonate with the cloth’s essence. This synergy allows him to temporarily wear the Leo Gold Cloth, showcasing his adaptability and raw power. Ikki’s embodiment of the lion’s courage and the phoenix’s rebirth makes this pairing uniquely symbolic.
The ability of the five Bronze Saints to wear these revered Gold Cloths not only highlights their growth as warriors but also underscores the themes of legacy, mentorship, and cosmic destiny in Saint Seiya. Their journeys remind us that true strength lies not just in power, but in the heart and will to protect what matters most.
