The figure known as the Master within the world of Saint Seiya refers to the individual holding the supreme position in the Sanctuary, the Grand Pope, as well as to the venerable Gold Saint Libra Dohko, who is frequently called the Old Master. The Grand Pope serves as the direct human representative of the goddess Athena, entrusted with governing the Sanctuary and commanding all eighty-eight Saints. This role is typically filled by a Gold Saint of exceptional virtue and power, chosen to act as Athena's steward during her periodic absences from the mortal plane. The legitimate Grand Pope at the start of the main storyline is Shion of Aries, a survivor of the previous Holy War against Hades and a figure of immense wisdom and authority. His rule is cut short when Gemini Saga, driven by his malevolent persona, murders Shion in secret and usurps the throne, concealing his face behind the Pope's mask. Impersonating the true Master, Saga manipulates the Sanctuary for years, issuing corrupt orders and attempting to assassinate the infant Athena. The deception is only uncovered when the Bronze Saints, led by Pegasus Seiya, storm the twelve temples and confront the false Pope. The usurper is eventually defeated and takes his own life after his good nature reasserts itself. Following this revelation, the duty of Grand Master passes to Libra Dohko, who had already served as a mentor and guardian at the Five Old Peaks of Rozan in China. Dohko is one of the oldest living Saints, having fought in the previous Holy War two hundred and forty-three years earlier. He is known as the Old Master, a title that reflects both his age and his role as the teacher of Dragon Shiryu. His personality is marked by patience, deep strategic insight, and a calm, observant demeanor. He refrains from direct intervention in Sanctuary affairs after assuming the role of Grand Master, preferring to guide from afar by maintaining his post at Rozan. The primary motivation for anyone who holds the title of Master is the protection and guidance of Athena's army and the fulfillment of her mission to safeguard humanity. For the true Pope, this means unwavering loyalty to the goddess and the preservation of Sanctuary's traditions. For the Old Master, his motivations include the cultivation of the next generation of Saints, as seen in his rigorous training of Shiryu, and the preparation for inevitable conflicts with other gods. The Master's role in the story is multifaceted: he is the ultimate authority figure within the Sanctuary, the source of final judgments, the keeper of ancient knowledge, and a pivotal plot point whose identity and legitimacy drive the central conflict of the Sanctuary arc. Key relationships define the Master's position. The Pope is the direct subordinate of Athena and the superior of all Gold, Silver, and Bronze Saints, including those who serve as temple guardians. The relationship between the usurper Saga and the Gold Saints is marked by deception and division, as some serve him loyally out of ignorance while others harbor suspicions. The Old Master's most significant bond is with his pupil, Shiryu, whom he trains with demanding discipline and genuine care. He also shares a deep, centuries-old connection with his fellow survivors of the previous Holy War, such as Shion, and holds the respect of the other Gold Saints. The development of the Master is seen in the transition from the benevolent but murdered Shion to the corrupt rule of Saga, and finally to the wise and distant leadership of Dohko. This progression illustrates the Sanctuary's journey through betrayal and redemption. Notably, the legitimate Master Shion reappears briefly after his death, cooperating with Athena and the Saints to guide them through the Hades conflict, demonstrating that his dedication to his duty transcends mortality. In terms of notable abilities, the Grand Pope, particularly Shion, commands the full range of Cosmo available to a Gold Saint, including teleportation, defensive barriers, and devastating attacks. Shion is known for his mastery of telekinesis and his ability to perform the Stardust Revolution, a powerful technique that scatters his opponent on a molecular level. Libra Dohko, as a Gold Saint, possesses immense physical strength and Cosmo, and his Rozan techniques, such as Rozan Rising Dragon, are among the most powerful in the series. As the Keeper of the Libra Cloth, he is also the custodian of the six weapons attached to it, which he can deploy in battle. The usurper Saga, while wearing the mask of the Pope, demonstrates the full power of the Gemini Saint, including the Galaxian Explosion and the ability to create illusory dimensions. In summary, the Master of Saint Seiya is not a single character but a title and a legacy. It encompasses both the wise yet betrayed Aries Shion, the treacherous usurper Gemini Saga, and the ancient mentor Libra Dohko. Each iteration of the Master plays a critical role in the narrative, shaping the course of the Holy War through leadership, deception, or distant guidance, and the position remains central to the hierarchy and mythology of the Sanctuary.