The surviving Gold Saints must defend the 12 Houses against their former comrades.
(2002–2003) is widely considered the peak of the Saint Seiya franchise, revitalizing the series after a decade-long hiatus with cinematic production values. This 13-episode OVA serves as the opening act of the final Holy War against Hades, God of the Underworld. Plot: A Civil War
The story begins 243 years after the previous Holy War. The seal on Hades' 108 Specters breaks. Hades resurrects deceased Gold Saints. These include former Pope Shion and the traitorous Saga of Gemini. He grants them 12 hours to bring him Athena’s head in exchange for eternal life. Watch Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter – Sanctuar...
Selective CGI enhanced the temples and cosmic attacks. Some fans find these elements have aged.
The arc is famous for the clash between Shaka of Virgo and the "traitor" trio (Saga, Shura, and Camus). This culminates in the forbidden "Athena Exclamation". The surviving Gold Saints must defend the 12
Shigeyasu Yamauchi directed this arc. Shingo Araki and Michi Himeno designed it. The Sanctuary arc is praised for its "polished and beautiful" animation compared to later chapters.
Seiji Yokoyama composed an epic orchestral score. Yumi Matsuzawa's haunting opening theme, "Chikyūgi" (Earth) , became a series classic. Plot: A Civil War The story begins 243
The resurrected Saints never truly betrayed Athena. They were using the time Hades gave them to deliver the Athena Cloth, the only weapon capable of defeating him. Production and Artistic Legacy