Saint Seiya - Characters & Cast

Initially, his sole motivation is to find his sister, Seika. This later expands to a fierce loyalty to his friends and a deep, unwavering devotion to protecting Saori Kido (Athena), whom he comes to care for deeply. His motivation becomes the embodiment of a Saint's duty: to fight for love and justice on Earth.

Seiya begins as a hot-headed and reluctant teenager, motivated primarily by the personal quest to find his long-lost sister. His initial participation is transactional. As he fights alongside his friends and understands Saori's true identity as Athena, his motivation evolves. He transforms from a self-interested fighter into a selfless and unwavering leader, embodying the spirit of never giving up and becoming the ultimate protector of the goddess and the world, even at the cost of his own life.

Shiryu is driven by a profound sense of loyalty, honor, and duty to his master, his friends, and Athena. He views his role as a Saint with the utmost seriousness and is always prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure his comrades' victory and uphold justice.

Shiryu starts as a calm, confident, and highly skilled warrior, perhaps the most mature of the group. His journey is one of learning the true meaning of sacrifice and strength. He frequently endures immense physical hardship, including sacrificing his sight, which teaches him to rely on his other senses and his Cosmo. His arc demonstrates that true power lies not in invulnerability (symbolized by his shield) but in the willingness to sacrifice everything for a greater cause.

Initially fueled by hatred for the world and the people who sent him to his personal hell, Ikki's core motivation transforms into the fierce protection of his brother, Shun. While he claims to walk his own path, his actions are consistently driven by a deep-seated love for his brother and, eventually, a grudging respect and loyalty to his fellow Bronze Saints.

Ikki is introduced as the series' first major antagonist, consumed by hatred after his brutal training on Death Queen Island. His initial arc is one of redemption, moving from a vengeful villain to a reluctant but powerful ally. He maintains his lone-wolf persona but repeatedly appears at critical moments to save his younger brother Shun and the other Saints. His journey is about overcoming immense trauma and channeling his rage into a protective force, demonstrating that even the most broken soul can find redemption through love and loyalty.

Shun's primary motivation is to protect innocent life and his friends without causing unnecessary harm. He is driven by love and compassion, and only fights when there is no other choice to prevent a greater tragedy. His bond with his brother, Ikki, is a central part of his motivation.

Shun begins the series as a pacifist who despises fighting, a stark contrast to his peers. His character arc is about reconciling his gentle nature with his immense power and duty as a Saint. Throughout the series, he is forced into situations where he must fight to protect those he loves, proving that true strength is not about aggression but about the will to protect. He learns to accept his power, demonstrating that compassion and strength are not mutually exclusive.

After awakening as Athena, her motivation is absolute: to protect the Earth and its inhabitants from the selfish ambitions of other gods. She is driven by love for humanity and a deep sense of duty and affection for her Saints, whom she guides and supports with her divine Cosmo.

Saori's arc is one of the most dramatic, starting as a spoiled, arrogant heiress who treats the orphans poorly. Upon discovering she is the reincarnation of Athena, she undergoes a profound transformation. She matures into a compassionate, wise, and courageous leader who is willing to sacrifice herself for the world and her Saints. Her journey is about embracing her divine destiny and learning to bear the immense weight of her responsibility, evolving from a figure who needs protection into a source of divine inspiration and power for her warriors.