Mythology
and Background Information
A lot of the character names in Sailor Moon have been taken from Greek and Roman mythology. In addition, the Scouts' powers are closely related to their home planets as they are represented in mythology.
Sailor Moon
Serena's Japanese name, Tsukino Usagi, means "Rabbit of the Moon." Her English name, however, means " ." In Greek Mythology, the Moon Goddess is often known as Selene, which is very similar to Serena. The international symbol for the Moon is a crescent moon, which is also Sailor Moon's Symbol.
Sailor Mercury
In Japanese, Ami's name means "Friend of Water." However, the planet Mercury is very dry and hot because it is so close to the sun! The Greek god Hermes (also known as Mercury in Roman Mythology) was the messenger of the gods, and he wore winged shoes to allow him to travel faster. In addition, Hermes carried a staff known as the caduceus, which has serpents twined around it. The caduceus is the symbol of doctors, which is appropriate since Ami plans to become a pediatrician! The symbol for Sailor Mercury, which is also the international symbol for the planet, represents the caduceus.
Sailor Mars
In Greek Mythology, Ares (Mars in Roman) was the god of War. The planet was named after this god because it appears red in the sky, due to the high concentration of iron in the soil, and the ancient Romans thought it looked like the color of blood. While Sailor Mars may not be quite that militant, she is a rather bossy, take-charge kind of person, just like the Greek god. The symbol for the planet (and for Sailor Mars) is Ares' shield and spear. Rei's turbulent personality and strong attacks are also reflected in the meaning of her Japanese name -- "Fire Spirit!" The planet Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, which mean "fear" and "hate." In mythology, Phobos and Deimos were always found on the battlefied; in Sailor Moon, they are the names of Rei's crows!
Sailor Jupiter
The Roman god Jupiter (also known as Zeus in Greek Mythology) was the leader of the gods. Jupiter's weapon was the lightning bolt, which he often used to punish those who disobeyed him. Although Sailor Jupiter is not the leader of the Sailor Scouts, she is always willing to use her Thunder to punish the bad guys! The symbol for the planet Jupiter, and Sailor Jupiter as well, is a representation of the lightning bolt, which looks a little like a fancy number four. Lita's Japanese name, Kino Makoto, means " ."
Sailor Venus
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