The Tragic Hero of Saint Seiya: Aquarius Camus

The Tragic Hero of Saint Seiya: Aquarius Camus

Every teacher has a unique way of educating their students. Beyond imparting skills, it’s crucial to teach them how to perceive the world, conduct themselves, find their place in life, and adopt the right attitude toward living. Aquarius Camus, known as the “Magician of Ice and Water,” was the mentor of Cygnus Hyoga and the Mariner Kraken Isaac. A powerful Gold Saint with a cold exterior, Camus harbored a surprisingly warm heart.

Though the series never explicitly shows his state after losing Isaac, it’s evident that he channeled all his hopes into his surviving disciple, Hyoga. He not only taught him techniques but also the essence of elevating one’s Cosmos. During the Sanctuary arc, it’s unclear whether Camus knew the truth about the Pope. Yet, as the guardian of the Aquarius Temple, he resolutely answered the call and took on the duty of protecting the Pope.

The Fateful Duel: Camus vs. Hyoga

When Hyoga was cast into another dimension by Gemini Saga, Camus intervened, pulling him to the Libra Temple. Faced with a disciple who shared his unwavering resolve, Camus made a heart-wrenching decision. He sank Hyoga’s mother’s ship deeper into the ocean, eliminating his emotional weakness, and tearfully sealed him in a coffin of ice. His intention was clear—to spare Hyoga from the brutal, life-or-death battles, hoping he would awaken a century later when the ice melted.

But destiny had other plans. Hyoga’s comrades, bound by the same determination, rescued him. This led to a tragic clash at the Aquarius Temple—a duel between mentor and disciple, a battle of ideals between two unwavering men. In the end, Camus guided Hyoga to master the Aurora Execution and achieve Absolute Zero, only to perish shortly after.

Redemption in the Underworld

In the Hades arc, Camus was resurrected, branded a traitor alongside Gemini Saga and Capricorn Shura as they stormed the Twelve Temples. Together, they unleashed the Athena Exclamation, defeating Virgo Shaka. With only 24 hours before his second demise, Camus reunited with Hyoga, who had uncovered the truth. As his body faded into golden dust, Camus found peace. Later, at the Wailing Wall, he and the other Gold Saints made their final stand, burning their Cosmos one last time to breach the barrier.

Camus was more than a teacher—he was a warrior of unyielding spirit. His final, glorious explosion marked the end of a man who bore disgrace yet never wavered in his convictions.