Athéna

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. In the Saint Seiya universe, she periodically reincarnates on Earth to protect humanity from other gods — most notably Hades and Poseidon — who seek to dominate or destroy it.

Her current reincarnation is Saori Kido, heiress of the Kido family, a wealthy Japanese clan that has long protected the Sanctuary. Saori is initially unaware of her true divine nature — her awakening is gradual, unfolding across the course of the adventures.

Saori grew up under the guardianship of her grandfather Mitsumasa Kido, who was also responsible for sending hundreds of orphans to train in order to obtain Bronze Cloths — among them Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, and Ikki.

Initially perceived as arrogant and capricious by Seiya, Saori gradually reveals her true character: a courageous young woman, willing to sacrifice her life for her Saints and for the humanity she protects. Her wounding by Saga's golden arrow sets off the entire race against time at the Sanctuary.

The Power of Athena

Although she rarely fights directly, Athena possesses a divine power that can protect her Saints and neutralize certain dark forces. Her divine blood can repair damaged Cloths, and her mere presence galvanizes the Cosmos of her warriors.

Athena reincarnates every 243 years to protect humanity during the Holy Wars. Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas (a spin-off by Teshirogi) explores the life of a previous Athena, the one from the Holy War of 1743, and her Pegasus Knight Tenma. Next Dimension, Kurumada's official sequel, sends Seiya back to that same era.