The Eternal Conflict: Aquarius Masters and Their Clash of Ideals in ‘The Lost Canvas’
The Frozen Legacy of Aquarius Gold Saints
In The Lost Canvas, the Aquarius Gold Saints stand as profound symbols of philosophical conflict. Two generations – the immortal veteran Crest (often humorously called “Old Toothpaste” by fans) and his prodigious disciple Deuteros – engage in a battle that transcends mere martial arts. Their confrontation represents the ultimate clash between cynicism and faith, frozen in the legendary Absolute Zero technique.
Crest: The Weary Immortal’s Radical Vision
Having survived two Holy Wars spanning 500 years, Crest developed a nihilistic worldview. Witnessing endless cycles of divine warfare between Hades, Poseidon, and Ares, he concluded that humanity remains playthings of the gods. His radical solution? Partnering with the siren Garnet, who possessed life-absorbing gems, to create an eternal peace through controlled immortality – essentially making mortals into new gods.
This mirrors but contrasts sharply with his contemporary Izo (the previous Libra Pope), who sought peace through tyrannical rule after witnessing Mongol atrocities. While both grew disillusioned, Crest’s rebellion targeted divine systems rather than humanity itself.
Deuteros: The Ice-Cold Scholar’s Fiery Faith
As the “Athena’s Wisest Saint”, Deuteros embodied intellectual rigor and spiritual conviction. During their fateful duel at Bluegrad, he achieved Absolute Zero not just as a technique, but as philosophical clarity. His rebuttal to Crest’s existential question became the saga’s moral compass: “True peace requires collective belief, not eternal rulers.”
This conviction led to his ultimate sacrifice – freezing Atlantis to seal Poseidon’s power, proving ideals require action. The poignant moment when Crest and Garnet accept Deuteros’ answer before peacefully disappearing remains one of manga’s most profound mentor-student resolutions.
Beyond Battle: The Aquarius Paradox
What makes this conflict uniquely Aquarian? The signs’ trademark traits manifest paradoxically:
- Innovation vs Tradition: Crest’s radical solution contrasts Deuteros’ faith in existing systems
- Humanitarianism Through Ice: Their freezing techniques serve opposing visions of salvation
- Intellectual Rebellion: Both reject simplistic answers, yet arrive at diametric conclusions
Unlike typical shonen rivalries about strength, this philosophical duel through The Lost Canvas elevates the Aquarius archetype into a meditation on mortality, governance, and human agency. Readers continue debating whether Crest’s pragmatism or Deuteros’ idealism better serves humanity – a testament to the narrative’s depth.
For those exploring the Saint Seiya universe, this character-driven storyline offers unparalleled emotional and intellectual resonance, especially for free-thinking Aquarius personalities who see themselves in both master and apprentice.
