Saint Seiya: Why Did Ikki Wear the Leo Gold Cloth Instead of Other Gold Cloths?
In the iconic anime Saint Seiya, the five Bronze Saints—Seiya, Ikki, Shiryu, Hyoga, and Shun—are not only the main protagonists but also the key warriors who ultimately defeat Hades in the Hades Chapter. Although they start as seemingly ordinary Bronze Saints, they eventually awaken their divine God Cloths. However, before achieving this transformation, they temporarily wielded the power of the Gold Cloths to confront formidable enemies. Among them, Ikki notably wore the Leo Gold Cloth, a choice that has intrigued fans, especially since he shared no direct mentorship or deep connection with its original wearer, Aiolia.
This decision becomes even more puzzling when compared to his companions. Shiryu, trained by Dohko, logically inherited the Libra Cloth. Hyoga, a disciple of Camus, naturally wore the Aquarius Cloth. Seiya, who earned the approval of Saga early on, was fittingly suited for the Sagittarius Cloth. Even Shun, whose gentle yet resilient nature mirrored Shaka’s, found harmony with the Virgo Cloth. But why did Ikki, the Phoenix, end up with the Leo Gold Cloth belonging to Aiolia, with whom he had no apparent ties?
Eliminating the Alternatives
By process of elimination, the Leo Gold Cloth emerges as the most suitable choice for Ikki. Let’s examine why other Gold Cloths were incompatible:
- Aries: Mu, the Aries Gold Saint, specialized in telekinesis and had his own apprentice, Kiki. Ikki’s combat style, centered on raw power and rebirth, clashed with this subtle, psychic approach.
- Taurus: Known for brute strength and towering physique, the Taurus Cloth aligned more with characters like Aldebaran or even the aggressive Jabu, not Ikki’s agile and relentless nature.
- Gemini: The Gemini Cloth, associated with Saga’s dual personality and mental instability, was ill-suited for Ikki, whose resolve and sanity remained unshaken despite his traumatic past.
- Cancer: Deathmask’s evil and cynical demeanor contrasted sharply with Ikki’s fierce but principled character, making the Cancer Cloth a poor match.
- Other Gold Cloths: Scorpio’s precision, Capricorn’s righteousness, and Pisces’ elegance all diverged from Ikki’s straightforward, explosive fighting style.
Thus, Leo stood out as the only logical option once the other Cloths were accounted for or reserved for his comrades.
Shared Traits: The Lion and the Phoenix
Despite lacking a personal bond, Ikki and Aiolia shared core attributes that made the Leo Cloth a natural fit. Ikki, though representing the Phoenix, embodied the courage, ferocity, and leadership synonymous with Leo. Throughout the series, he consistently charged into battle against overwhelming odds, embodying a lion-like fearlessness.
This was especially evident during the invasion of the Underworld. When Gemini Kanon struggled against the Three Specters, Ikki arrived undaunted, swiftly defeating Aiacos and ready to take on the remaining two alone. His unwavering bravery and dominant presence mirrored the Leo spirit—proud, unyielding, and fiercely protective.
The Essence of Leo
Aiolia himself epitomized the Leo archetype: a physical powerhouse, loyal, and quick to action. After Hades’ revival, Aiolia defended the Twelve Temples with relentless vigor, effortlessly obliterating numerous Specters. Even when weakened by the Underworld’s barrier, he stood firm against Radamanthys. Later, resurrected in Elysium, he continued his rampage against Hades’ forces. Though underutilized by creator Masami Kurumada until the poignant sacrifice at the Wall of Lament, Aiolia’s legacy as a warrior of immense strength and valor remained undeniable.
Ikki’s compatibility with the Leo Gold Cloth thus transcended mere circumstance. It was a reflection of his inner character—unyielding, passionate, and regal in battle. As the five Saints breached the Wall of Lament and ascended to challenge the gods, Ikki, clad in the Leo Gold Cloth (and later his God Cloth), proved himself an unstoppable force, second only to Seiya in sheer tenacity.
In the end, the pairing was no accident. It celebrated the convergence of two mighty warriors—one born under the sign of the Lion, the other reborn from the ashes of the Phoenix—united by indomitable will and the fire of battle.
