Hello, everyone.
I am writing this Blog Post with the intention of sharing information among the English-speaking Saint Seiya Fandom. This shall be a complete translation of the Hypermyth Guidebook, accompanied with Scans of every page (Already translated in Spanish), and commentary by myself whenever necessary.
I hope that this will make discussions among the fans of Saint Seiya easier, as the Hypermyth contains plenty of information that many fans only hear through word of mouth.
Without further ado, let's start it:
Introduction: Cosmo Special[]
A book dedicated to the Manga of Saint Seiya, containing data about it's story and it's characters. Despite being a publication dedicated to Saint Seiya, Masami Kurumada didn't abandon the opportunity to showcase a chapter of one it's new works at the time: Raimei no Zaji. Aside from that, there are pages that illustrate Kurumada's own career. The book was sold on July 27 of 1988, despite it's cover (Seen above) dates from August 10 of 1988.
As consequence of the time of it's publication, the book doesn't even cover all of the Poseidon Chapter's context, being, in a way, incomplete. However, it's value isn't diminished because of that, as the greatest highlight of the publication is the "Hypermth", an important milestone for the Saint Seiya lore.
One can find RAW Scans of the whole book here .
Finally, as it is natural of Japanese Manga, books and magazines, the Hypermyth is read from right to left. I'm saying this so no one gets confused looking at the pictures.
The Hypermyth[]
THE HISTORY OF THE GREAT HOLY WARS
Since Ancient Eras, innumerable Holy Wars have occurred, at last we shall know a part of them!!
The Graad Foundation had the obligation of preparing for the Holy War that approached, and so they investigated the relics and myths of the world. As a result, the myths and legends spread across the whole world can be identified as ramifications of what we can call "The Hypermyth". This is the Hypermyth...
(Note: It's interesting that The Hypermyth is framed as an in-universe document, written by humans. This could be used to excuse all of it's inconsistencies and vague details, as they could merely be inaccuracies.)
To tell the "Hypermyth", which narrates the Holy Wars, it is necessary to return to a distant period, prior to the Mythological Era. To return to the moment of the Universe's birth. From this moment forward, the "Hypermyth" begins.
THE ERA OF THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE
BIG BANG - THE BIRTH OF THE UNIVERSE
The Big Will (Or Great Will, or even Divine Will), liberated by the Big Bang, collided with with fragments of the Universe, forming the stars that shine in the skies and the vacuum of the space in which we live.
THE BIG BANG OF THE UNIVERSE'S CREATION IS FILLED WITH MYSTERIES
THE MYSTERIOUS PERIOD BEFORE THE BIG BANG
The Big Bang is the beginning of the Hypermyth. How was the world before it? And what would it's relation with the Hypermyth be? Something prior to the moment of the Big Bang is unknown to anyone in this contemporary world.
THE GREAT GOD OF TIME CHRONOS
In accordance to the Hypermyth, this Chronos / Cronos is somehow related with the Big Bang which became the trigger for the Universe's birth. Although there is a God in Greek Mythology, father of Zeus, also called Cronus / Cronos...
(Note: This is something that has led to much confusion among the Saint Seiya Fandom, with many believing that the Titan Cronus of Episode G caused the Big Bang. However, this is incorrect, as this is referring to the Primordial Chronos of Next Dimension. The reason for this confusion is that while both Gods are written differently in both English and in Greek, as Χρόνος and Κρόνος, in Japanese both are written identically, as クロノス)
THE ACTION OF THE DIVINE WILL ON THE UNIVERSE
The Divine Will developed itself within the spatial emptiness through the Big Bang, expanding as Arrows of Light, forming the Stars. But then, from where was this Divine Will born?
THE ERA OF THE CREATION OF THE EARTH
THE EMERGENCE OF LIFE
As the Hypermyth narrates, the Big Will created in a certain planet, of a certain Star, first Gaia, soon followed by Uranus and Pontos, and that's how life arose. The life that sprouted in that planet evolved it's form until resembling the image of the Gods, and that is how humanity would be born.
THE ERA OF THE GODS
WHAT IS THE BIG WILL?
THE MYTHS OF THE WORLD AND THE HYPERMYTH
The Gods that appear in the myths spread across the world are in the Hypermyth, and all of them are considered to be humans that manifested the Big Will. That way, all myths are derived from this Hypermyth, regardless if they come from Greek Mythology.
ZEUS, HADES AND POSEIDON
With many humans being born on Earth, came those who were capable of awakening the Big Will. If the manifestation of Cosmos happens through the Seventh Sense, then it can be said that the Big Will is the Super Sense that is far higher than all others.
So, in the beginning, emerged these three beings who manifested the Big Will. They were called Zeus, Hades and Poseidon, and were worshiped by the people as Gods and expanded their powers. Soon, Zeus came to rule the Skies and the Earth, Poseidon the Seas, and Hades the Underworld.
(Note: This is another element of much disagreement among the Saint Seiya Fandom. Not only is the idea of the Olympians being originally humans contradicted by the entire series, but the Hypermyth itself previously claimed that the father of Zeus is Cronus, so how can both concepts coexist? One popular interpretation is that while Gods are born from other deities, with Ichor as their blood, their divinity comes from their extraordinary control of Cosmos, that being the 9th Sense, or the Big Will. So, at birth, a God naturally lacks any understanding or control of his divine Cosmos, and is thus identical to a human. This fits with Athena incarnating on Earth as a baby every 250 years, and having to awaken her divine self.)
THE BIRTH OF ATHENA
In Greek Mythology, it is said that Athena was born from the head of Zeus which had been split, however, there is explicit description of it's birth in the Hypermyth. Although there is the theory that the true mission of Athena is also hidden in the moment of her birth...
ATHENA POSSESSES A SACRED CLOTH?
Will Saori one day wear a Cloth??
According to Greek Mythology, Athena possesses a shield and a spear, and it is said that she was born donning an armor and elm. If this description is correct, it can be believed that Athena truly donned a Sacred Cloth. Since her shield has already appeared, would the day of the appearance of Athena's Sacred Cloth be nearing?
(Note: Since the Hypermyth was written as the Poseidon Arc was still being published, the Cloth of Athena is treated as a mystery.)
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ZEUS
It is said that, on a certain day, Zeus entrusted the Earth to Athena, vanishing towards the skies above.
THE WHEREABOUTS OF ZEUS
Zeus, the Omnipotent (Or All-Powerful) God disappeared suddenly. Why did he vanish? Why did he leave the Earth to Athena? What is Zeus' true purpose? Zeus' existence is surrounded by mysteries in the Hypermyth. It is said that the true Hypermyth shall be revealed when the mysteries of Zeus are finally solved.
POSEIDON, THE PRIMARY GOD OF THE SEAS
Despite having constructed his realm in the depths of the sea, Poseidon always dreamed of being the ruler of the Earth's surface. In Greek Mythology, it was said that Poseidon had the ability of creating several life forms. As such, he decided to alter his situation, creating the Scales of the Marines.
POSEIDON, THE BEGINNING OF THE PREPARATIONS FOR EARTH'S INVASION
Poseidon, aware of Zeus' disappearance, began preparing to dethrone Athena as the primary deity of the Earth's surface. For this purpose, powerful warriors were gathered from across the seven seas, being called Marinas.
A BURNING BATTLE BETWEEN THE GODS... THIS IS A HOLY WAR!
POSEIDON INVADES THE EARTH (THE FIRST HOLY WAR)
Poseidon, the Primary God of the Seas, desiring to become the Primary God of Earth, begins his invasion of Earth, which is ruled by Athena. The warriors of Earth stood no chance before the oppressive military capacity of the Marinas. At this moment, they say that Hades observed, from the depths of the Underworld, the disastrous scenario on Earth.
MARINAS, SOLDIERS WITHOUT EQUAL
To a Marina it is destined an armor known as Scale, crafted with Oricalchum, preventing any weapon on the surface of the Earth of penetrating them. As there was no protection on the face of the Earth against the Marinas' attacks, the warriors of Earth were eliminated.
THE COMPLETION OF THE FORTIFIED PALACE OF ATLANTIS
Poseidon made his gigantic Fortified Palace above the Atlantic a frontline base for the invasion of Earth. With the conclusion of Atlantis, Poseidon increased his ferocity in conquering the world.
THE FORTIFIED PALACE OF ATLANTIS
The marine fortress which Poseidon created was gigantic, and due to it's extraordinary grandness it was known as The Continental Palace. It was said that the defensive power of it's impenetrable walls would "Make the effort of thousands of soldiers be in vain". It's existence has been told to the world through the myth of the Lost Continent of Atlantis.
(Note: Atlantis is not to be mistaken with Poseidon's Submarine Sanctuary, seem in the Poseidon Chapter. Atlantis as a place has only shown up in Lost Canvas.)
WHAT IS A HOLY WAR?
After the invasion of Earth by Poseidon, every dispute arising from the manifestation of the Gods' Will came to be called a Holy War. The Saints from all parts of the world concentrated themselves on the Sanctuary, under orders from the Pope, to await Athena, who descends to the Earth whenever evil has spread in this world, creating a Holy War. A Holy War seems to occur, on average, every 250 years.
It is said that Shaka is the Gold Saint that would have knowledge on the succession of Holy Wars.
AT LAST ARISE THE SAINTS, THE WARRIORS OF JUSTICE AND PEACE!
THE BIRTH OF THE SAINTS, THE SACRED WARRIORS!
The most famous warriors of Earth were slaughtered by the violent attacks of Poseidon. With the passing of the years, none but the young remained in the battlefield. As Athena detested weapons, these youths fought using their own bodies as weapons. Athena, moved by the youth who were hurt, bestowed upon them armors known as Cloths. The youths who wore them in combat came to be known as Saints.
WHAT ARE THE SACRED CLOTHS?
The Sacred Cloths that the Saints use were created according to the instructions of Athena. It is said that they were made by Master Alchemists on the Continent of Mu, with Orichalchum and Gammanium as their raw material. If small damage is inflicted upon them, they can self-regenerate by applying Stardust Sand. The Cloth Box, where the Cloth is stored, acts as preserver for the life of the Cloth. Each Cloth possesses one special for it, and it seems that they received the power of providing the function of self-restoration
THE CONSTELLATIONS ARE THE DESIGNS OF THE CLOTHS?
One can say that the 88 Constellations that shine in the night sky are like the drafts of the Cloths, laid out according to Athena's design. This could be related to the fact that without the same Constellation as the Cloth, it is impossible to equip it.
THE DEFEAT OF POSEIDON
Due to the rise of the Sacred Warriors, Athena overcame her numerical inferiority, ending Poseidon's ambitions. It is said that she attempted to persuade him to return to the seas, however, Poseidon refused Athena's offer, locking himself in Atlantis alongside his Marinas, provoking a great Earthquake, which brought forth the Great Flood. Enraged, Athena sended 8 Saints for Atlantis. At the end of the violent battle, Atlantis was destroyed, being submersed by the 8 Saints into the depths of the sea.
THE SAINTS ARE THE ROOT OF THE BLUE WARRIOS?
Poseidon, who was defeated by Athena, had his soul sealed in the lands of the North Pole. To watch over Poseidon's soul, a few Saints went towards the North Pole. It is said that, with they residing there, a nation was erected. Apparently, these Saints became the Warriors of Ice, the Blue Warriors
THE CREATION OF THE SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary Was Established!
Seven generations after the first Holy War, a temple in honor of Athena was built in the proximity of the current city of Athens. Soon, the 12 Zodiac Houses were constructed, alongside other constructions having the Temple of Athena (Atheneum, or Athenaeum) at center. One day, when the region of the Atheneu was completed, it began being called "The Sanctuary"
THE ERA OF CHAOS
THE BATTLE AGAINST THE GIGAS (GIGANTOMACHIA)
A certain time after the end of the Holy War, Athena and the Saints were forced to face the clan of the Giants, the Gigas, who threatened the Sanctuary. About them there are no details, as their existence is shrouded by a veil of mystery. Their strength in combat, however, far surpassed that of the Saints of Athena.
Still speaking of the Gigas, Hades, the Underworld Emperor, brought them from a world prior to the Big Bang. It is said that this was the work of Zeus, the Omnipotent God. The war against the Gigas cannot be considered a Holy War, so instead it is called Gigantomachia (Which in Greek means "War against Giants")
(Note: The Light Novel Saint Seiya: Gigantomachia touches on this past Holy War in greater depth.)
THE WAR AGAINST THE GIANTS!
According to Greek Mythology, Gaia, Goddess of the Earth, secretly conceived the Giants in a cavern in the north of Greece. The Gigantomchia was their war of challenging the Gods, and it is considered that the Olympians Gods, including Zeus, were compelled to partake in this unprecedentedly harsh battle. Until, according to Greek Mythology, only one Giant remained in the end, Enceladus, who was slayed by Athena. One could say that this point is very interesting.
(Note: Do not mistake the Gigantomachia fought by Athena and her Saints with the one fought by all the Olympian Gods. The later was the first Gigantomachia, chronologically speaking, and culminated with Zeus' battle against Typhon.)
THE SUBMERSION OF THE CONTINENT OF MU
In the time of the Gigantomachia, the Continent of Mu, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Sacred Cloths, sank to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. With the submersion of the Continent of Mu, Cloths that were being crafted, as well as the lives of numerous master alchemists, were lost. The truth about the fall of the Continent of Mu is still uncertain.
MU IS FROM THE CONTINENT OF MU?
Due to the submersion of the Continent of Mu, the techniques of the crafting and restoration of Sacred Cloths were lost. Currently, only the Gold Saint Aries Mu, who lives in Jamir, is capable of restoring the Cloths. Because of this, there is a theory that Mu may be a descendant of the people of the Continent of Mu.
(Note: While both this question and its following paragraph may sound incredibly stupid, it's important to note that the Mu standing for the Saint and the Mu standing for the Continent are written differently in japanese, with the former being ムウ and the later being ムー)
THE WAR OF ARES
The battle against Ares, the God of War, is considered the most brutal among the various Holy Wars that existed. It is said that Ares is the cruelest of the Gods. Ares awakens the seed of conflict in various locations around the world, inciting humanity to war. Ares' army is divided into Four Battalions: "Flame" "Red Fire" "Fear" and "Disaster". They were called Berserkers, as they fought always at their limits, slaughtering and destroying all in their surroundings.
WHAT IS HADES' PURPOSE FOR INITIATING THE HOLY WAR?
HADES AND ARES
According to Greek Mythology, Hades was one of the few who comprehended the cruelty of Ares. Furthermore, many of the dead slayed in the wars created by Ares became residents of the Underworld ruled by Hades. Aside from that, Hades seemed to have initiated the fight between Ares and Athena
THE CRISIS OF THE SAINTS
It is said that the battle between the Four Battalions of Berserkers and the Saints of Athena continued without a pause. It is written that, in those times, 58 Saints fought in the battle. This is the same total number of Saints of the current times (By the way, to this day it is believed that there were never 88 Saints standing together at the same time in any moment of history, there were always Cloths missing their bearers.). The efforts of the Saints of Bronze, Silver, and even of the renowned Gold Saints were useless, and to make matters worst they were numerically inferior in battle. The Saints of Athena were murdered one after another by the brutality of the Berserkers.
THE MYSTERIOUS SAINTS
Although it is widely known that there are a total of 88 Saints, it isn't very well understood who is each of them. It is said that 12 of those have as patron Constellations the 12 Zodiac Signs. The Silver Saints are their double, 24, and the Bronze Saints would be composed by 48. However, when adding all of them, one reaches a total of 84 people. And what of the 4 remaining Saints?
(Note: Episode G lists the number of Bronze Saints at 52, and the Saint Seiya Franchise is 30 Years Old and there has still be no talk of these 4 Mystery Saints. I honestly doubt that'll ever be a thing.)
THE DEFEAT OF ARES
Athena permitted the Libra Saint of using his weapons against the Battalions of Ares. the Sacred Warriors who received the Libra Weapons defeated the Berserkers in the blinking of an eye. With the annihilation of his battalions, it is said that Ares took refugee in the Underworld.
THE LIBRA CLOTH USED AS A WEAPON
The Sacred Cloth of Libra cam be dismembered into 12 weapons of 6 different types. Their usage, however, is not allowed to the Saints, who have only their own bodies as weapons. Only when Athena and the Libra Saint both consider their wielding to be correct, the Saints may begin to use them.
Despite researching the Holy Wars of the past, it's considered that the war against the Berserkers is the only confirmed example of the wielding of the Sacred Libra Cloth's weapons.
(Note: Nowadays, with so many Saint Seiya Spin-Offs, Sequels and Prequels showcasing the usage of the Libra Weapons in several battles, this last comment should be ignored.)
THE ERA OF MEN
THE DISCOVERY OF DEATH QUEEN ISLAND
One day, within an island south of the Equator, a Saint discovered a large quantity of Sacred Cloth Urns, the "Pandora's Boxes", never seem before. The island where these Pandora's Boxes laid dormant could only be part of the Lost Continent of Mu, and thus she was named Death Queen Island.
WHAT IS THE TRUE MISSION OF THE BLACK SAINTS?
ABOUT THE BLACK CLOTHS
It is said that inside the Urns, or Pandora's Boxes, found on Death Queen Island, were kept dark Sacred Cloths. It weren't, however, the Sacred Warriors of Athena who began donning them. Only those who had been striped of the right of holding the title of Saint, or who only acquired superficial powers and were thus incapable of becoming Sacred Warriors, gathered on Death Queen Island. It is said that it was they who donned these Black Cloths.
THE SEALING OF DEATH QUEEN ISLAND
Worrying over the Black Saints using their Sacred Warriors' fists for their own purposes, Athena sealed of Death Queen Island. The real existence of the Black Saints was only confirmed when said seal was broken by Ikki.
THE WHY OF GUILTY'S MASK
The mask which covers the Saint has an immense power which seals of Death Queen Island. The man who wears said mask shall keep on fighting against the Black Saints who attempt to break said seal.
THE PREVIOUS HOLY WAR
The most recent Holy War occurred 243 Years ago. Although it is said that in those days 79 Saints fought in the battlefield, the greatest number of all time, at it's end only a handful remained. The current Gold Saint of Libra, Dohko of the Fie Ancient Peaks, is one of the only survivors.
As the majority of Saints lost their lives in the intense battles, this Holy War was considered to be a omen for the Holy Wars to come. When will the next Holy War happen?
WHAT SAINT WAS THE OLD POPE?
The Pope killed by Saga was a Gold Saint who fought at the previous Holy War by Dohko's side. However, the position which the Master occupied as a Sacred Saint has yet to be revealed.
It seems that here is kept the key for understanding the mysteries of the previous Holy War!?
(Note: This is another detail which shows the age of the publication, nowadays it is common knowledge that Aries Shion was the Pope.)
THE CURRENT ERA
WHAT DOES DOHKO WATCH?
With the noble sacrifice of so many Sacred Warriors, the evil that spread itself across the Earth was vanquished in the Holy War, and Athena put an end to it by sealing the malignant spirits. Dohko was a Saint who survived the previous Holy War, receiving the task of watching the spirits that had been confined. If we consider that a person as powerful as Dohko must remain watching the evil spirits, then we can say that they must have been incredibly powerful.
THE MAN WHO DONNED PHOENIX FOR THE FIRST TIME
He who dons the Sacred Cloth of the Phoenix Constellation, that which is called the most powerful among the Bronze Cloths, needs to hold within himself a Cosmos capable of supporting the Cloth's power. Because of that, while it was until now considered that a Saint capable of claiming this Cloth would never appear, he has at last emerged. This man is, without a doubt, Ikki.
A GOLD SAINT SHOULD DEFEND JUSTICE
Even when knowing that the Holy Pope was corrupt and that Saori Kido, Athena, had intentions of purifying the Sanctuary, some Gold Saints dared remain by the Pope's side.
The Saints, the Sacred Warriors, are warriors of justice who protect Athena. By standing in an elevated post, the Gold Saints could incline themselves to think that "Power is justice", but to say that would be something extremely abnormal. Could it be that someone infected their hearts with the seed of evil?
THE PURIFICATION OF THE SANCTUARY
Alongside the 5 Bronze Saints, Saori Kido, Athena, invades the Sanctuary to vanquish the evil that has consumed it, thereby purifying it.