The Mystery and Truth Behind Gemini Saint Saga Becoming Pope
The Enigmatic Rise of Gemini Saint Saga as Pope
In the captivating world of Saint Seiya, the story of Gemini Gold Saint Saga’s ascension to Pope remains one of the most intriguing and complex narratives. This tale of power, deception, and dual nature perfectly mirrors the Gemini archetype’s inherent duality—the constant battle between light and darkness that defines this zodiac sign.
The Background of Saga’s Rise to Power
The truth about Gemini Gold Saint Saga becoming Pope in Saint Seiya presents a fascinating web of mystery and deception. The elder Pope Shion had identified both Saga and Sagittarius Gold Saint Aiolos as potential successors to the papal throne. However, under the influence of his evil personality—a manifestation of the Gemini’s dual nature—Saga committed the unthinkable: he murdered Pope Shion and attempted to kill the infant Athena. Fortunately, Aiolos intervened at the crucial moment, saving the goddess and setting in motion a chain of events that would shape the future of the Sanctuary.
Pope Shion’s Fateful Choice
Pope Shion’s decision to name both Saga and Aiolos as candidates for the next pope demonstrated his wisdom in seeking balance—a quality often associated with experienced leaders. However, this choice ultimately led to tragedy when Saga’s darker side emerged, resulting in Shion’s murder and the corruption of the Sanctuary’s leadership.
Saga’s Dark Deeds
Under the guise of papal authority, Saga pursued his sinister agenda, ordering the pursuit and elimination of the wounded Aiolos. This betrayal showcases how the Gemini’s potential for greatness can be twisted into something destructive when balance is lost—a cautionary tale about the importance of mastering both sides of one’s nature.
Differing Versions Across Adaptations
The mystery surrounding the Pope’s death varies significantly across different versions of Saint Seiya, creating additional layers of complexity to this already intricate story.
TV Series vs. Original Manga Differences
In the original TV series, the Gemini Gold Saint Saga killed the Sanctuary Pope, who was initially named Alexander. However, in later developments, the pope became Shion, with the official explanation being that Shion, weakened by age, had passed the papal duties to his brother Alexander before his death. This concept was fully explored in The Lost Canvas, which introduced the character of Ares, adding depth to the Gemini saga and expanding on the theme of inherited responsibility.
Saga’s Power Display
In Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō, Gemini Gold Saint Saga’s formidable power is displayed in its full magnitude. His decisive victory over Pope Shion presents a different perspective from the original manga’s account of the papal assassination, highlighting the varying interpretations of Gemini’s capabilities across different narratives.
Character Relationships in Side Stories
Masami Kurumada’s side stories provide additional context to the dramatic rescue of Athena by Sagittarius Gold Saint Aiolos, enriching our understanding of the complex relationships within the Gold Saints.
Aiolos and Capricorn Shura
Interestingly, the Gold Saints gathered by the false Pope Saga were mere children—young boys who had undergone rigorous training together. Capricorn Gold Saint Shura, who appears in side stories with some knowledge of events, feigns ignorance in the TV series. This discrepancy becomes even more puzzling when considering that most Gold Saints in the TV adaptation seem unfamiliar with each other, despite their shared history.
The Gemini Legacy: Duality and Destiny
The saga of Saga’s usurpation represents more than just a power struggle—it embodies the eternal Gemini conflict between opposing forces. Like the twins that symbolize this zodiac sign, Saga embodied both incredible potential for good and terrifying capacity for destruction. His story serves as a powerful metaphor for the choices we all face between our higher and lower natures.
Ultimately, the complex factors behind the Sanctuary coup and the differences between original and animated versions create a rich tapestry of interpretation. Yet through all variations, Saga’s temporary victory stands as a testament to the Gemini’s formidable power—and the crucial importance of using that power wisely.
