Knights of the Zodiac differs from other shonen series in the nature of its fights. While they are spectacular, what really makes them memorable is their content rather than their style. Here are the ten fights from the original series (plus Hades) that are, for us, the most memorable.
#1 Seiya vs Ikki
During the Galaxian Wars, a tournament that changed the rules of anime, Ikki emerged as the series' primary antagonist. This led to a fierce battle against the Black Knights, then an emotional final confrontation against Ikki himself. Consumed by hatred, the Phoenix Knight confronts his former companions (and even his brothers in the manga). Indeed, even if Seiya is his last opponent, the Pegasus Knight does not fight alone: he is aided by the Dragon Shield, the Andromeda Chain, and the Swan Diamond Dust. Here, it is friendship that becomes the key to exorcising Ikki's traumas and allowing him to once again become Shun's protective big brother.
#2 Seiya vs Misty
The Silver Knights don't have a good reputation in the original series. However, their debut was remarkable. Misty presents himself as an arrogant character, sure of his superiority. It must be admitted that at first we can only agree with him since he defeats Seiya with disconcerting ease. Nevertheless, the Pegasus Knight shows incredible resilience by returning to the charge twice. Faced with an opponent he cannot touch, Seiya accomplishes the impossible by inventing, at the same time, two new techniques. A miracle for a Bronze Knight, and it will not be the last.
#3 Shiryu vs Algol
The other emblematic Silver Knight sent by the Sanctuary is Algol of Perseus. He faces Shiryu in a fight that highlights the meaning of the Dragon Knight's sacrifice. Indeed, to defeat his opponent, Shiryu doesn't hesitate to pierce his eyes to escape the terrifying power of Algol's shield. It's a heroic act that took the hero into another dimension. However, this legendary fight was somewhat marred by the presence of the Steel Knights, one of the worst additions of the animated adaptation.
#4 Seiya vs Aiolia
The Gold Knights are the most powerful warriors in the service of Athena. We can see this during the Sanctuary arc, and more specifically during the fight between Seiya and Aiolia. Controlled by Saga, the Lion Knight is nothing more than a raging beast. Without restraint, and with his extraordinary mastery of the sixth sense, he literally crushes Seiya. We wouldn't have given much for the hero's skin if Cassios hadn't intervened.
#5 Ikki vs Shaka
Is Shaka the most powerful Gold Saint? The debate remains open. What is certain, however, is that he gave our heroes, and especially Ikki, a lot of trouble. The Knight of the Virgin, with his unique powers, will push the Knight of the Phoenix to his limits. Once again, we see here a character ready to sacrifice everything to save his companions and open the eyes of the being "closest to the gods", even if it means losing his life.
#6 Hyoga vs Camus
"Student versus master" fights are often among the most memorable, and here we have perhaps the best representative in this category. Although they clash, there is really a lot of love between Hyoga and Camus. Even if in the anime their bond is not as strong, we still feel the emotions that run through the characters. It's simply beautiful.
#7 Seiya and Ikki vs Saga
As stated in the series: Saga suffered the most during this battle. However, he also made his opponents suffer a lot. Seiya and Ikki can attest to this, even though in the anime the villain lacks his ultimate technique. Resilience reaches its peak here with Seiya, deprived of his senses, advancing as best he can towards Athena's shield to save his goddess. It's inhuman... and yet, he did it.
#8 Shun and Ikki vs Mime
Even though Asgard is a filler arc, it has nothing to envy from the best Saint Seiya sagas, or even those of any other shonen series. If it's so memorable, it's because it's bittersweet. The adversaries our heroes face aren't, with the exception of Alberich, truly evil. Mime could also have been an exception, but he's a tortured character. As a result, he's the perfect opponent for Shun, and especially for Ikki. We are therefore witnessing an emotionally charged confrontation that ends tragically for the Divine Knight.
#9 Shaka vs Saga, Shura and Camus
It's a fight that fuels many fantasies, especially when it comes to establishing power rankings. In reality, it's mainly a meeting between a person who wishes to lose their life, and three others who struggle to grant this wish. The whole thing takes place in an exceptional choreography, undoubtedly one of the best in the entire series. It's a shame that the sequel doesn't have this level of quality.
#10 Rhadamanthe vs Aiolia, Mu, and Milo
Here's a confrontation that really hurt fans of the Golden Knights. During it, Aiolia, Mu, and Milo are defeated with worrying ease by Rhadamanthe. The reason for this is the Keikai, a force field that significantly reduces the power of the Knights of Athena. The most painful thing about all this is that it's also the last time we see the three characters fight. Seeing them in such a pitiful state is therefore heartbreaking.
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