Olympos XII
The Olympos XII (オリンポス十二神 or alternatively オリンポス１２神 Orinposu Jūnishin, lit. "Twelve Gods of Olympus"), also known as Apostles of Iliad[1] (イリアスの使徒 Iriasu no Shito), are a group of twelve powerful God Man Digimon who manage the Digital World: Iliad, which exists on a different Server from the Digital World ruled by Yggdrasill,[2] run by a host computer known as Homeros[3], who recognizes their magnificent power.[4]
History[edit]
The term “Olympos XII Gods” (オリンポス十二神, Orinposu Jūnishin) was first mentioned in the Booster 16 ~The True Super-Fusion Warriors (THE MAJESTIC HYBRID WARRIOR)~, released in August 2002. There, the term is used both as one of Marsmon’s traits and in the flavor text.
Later, in the guide Digimon D-Scanner VERSION 2.0 Ultimate Guide Book, released in October 2002, Marsmon’s profile relates him with the Olympos XII. In the guide Digital World Research White Paper published in November 2002, the Olympos XII are mentioned as Protectors of the Network who maintain a neutral position and are at the same hierarchical level as the Royal Knights.
Later, in July 2005, Neptunemon and Mercurymon debuted in the Digimon Accel Nature Genome V-Pet, where they are confirmed as members of the group. Shortly after, Minervamon also appeared in the Digitalize Booster Pack 2, a themed card set based on this V-Pet.
In late March 2007, the video games duo Digimon Story: Sunburst & Moonlight was released, introducing Apollomon and Dianamon for the first time. According to Ryo Mito, at the time there were available spots among both the Olympos XII and the Royal Knights, but due to their aesthetics and background, it was decided that they would join the former.
Mervamon debuted in the June 2011 issue of the V-Jump magazine as the matured form of Minervamon, who would later on play a central role in the anime series Digimon Xros Wars: The Evil Death Generals and the Seven Kingdoms. Later that year, in November, Digimon Jintrix introduced Venusmon and Vulcanusmon, with Vulcanusmon filling the role of the previously unnamed gunsmith mentioned in the profiles for Digimon like Beelzebumon.
Titamon was created in 2013 by Watanabe Kenji, due to a request by Habu Kazumasa, as an Ultimate form for Orgemon for Digimon World Re:Digitize Decode that was originally planned to be the Bacchus representative of the Olympos XII. However, Kenji later on changed his mind because Orgemon didn't relate to the Wine God, resulting in the current version of Titamon.
Between April and May 2013, Ceresmon, Jupitermon, and Plutomon, a Digimon associated with the Olympus XII and Jupitermon's natural rival, were created as obtainable Digimon for the smartphone game Digimon Crusader. Digimon Crusader also marked the debut of Aegiomon and Aegiochusmon in the summer of 2013, who would introduce a new chapter in the game's story focused on the Olympus XII. In the September 2013 issue of the V-Jump, Ceresmon Medium showed up for the first time as an avatar used by Ceresmon to convey its will. Also in September of that same year, Bacchusmon was simultaneously added to the smartphone game Digimon Collectors.
In February 2014, Homeros was named for the first time in Digimon Crusader. It is explained that in the Digital World: Iliad, the concept of good and evil does not exist, only individual intention. In April 2014, the last member of the Olympos XII, Junomon, was finally featured in Digimon Collectors, along with her Hysteric Mode, and all the members of the Olympos XII gathered for the first time for the event. Additionally, the July 2014 issue of the V-Jump revealed Wrath Mode for Digimon Crusader.
Eventually, in 2017, Grace Novamon was designed for the Digital Monster Ver.20th V-Pet as the massive fusion of Apollomon and Dianamon, appearing only in the face of an unprecedented crisis in the Digital World: Iliad.
Properties[edit]
The Olympos XII possess abilities rivaling those of the Royal Knights[5], so the knights have not felt the need to personally interfere in Iliad's affairs.[2] The members of Olympos XII protect their own domains while maintaining a position of neutrality regarding the incidents which arise in the Digital World,[5] but some Digimon with a similar goal, like Plutomon, are excluded from their number due to their cruelty in its pursuit.[6] The forces that defy the will of the Olympos XII and oppose them in battle are never-ending,[7] to the point that the hatred of the digimon they've defeated has been reborn as Titamon, who seeks to have their heads.[8] Plutomon and Titamon play a prominent role within the Titans, an army of Digimon that rival the Olympos XII.[3]
It seems that because of Yggdrasill's will, the Royal Knights will eventually cross Servers to the Digital World: Iliad Server and meet the Olympos XII. Whether the Royal Knights and the Olympos XII end up engaging in war or forming an alliance remains to be seen.[9]
In Digimon Story: Time Stranger, unlike the Royal Knights, many members of the Olympos XII walked amongst ordinary Digimon as leaders and caretakers of their respective territories. This is distinct from most instances of the Royal Knights, who are depicted as being aloof.
Members[edit]
| Olympos XII | |||||
| オリンポス十二神 Orinposu Jūnishin | |||||
| Name | Olympian God | Animal | Domain | Alternate Form | |
| Apollomon | Apollo | Lion | Sun | Grace Novamon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacchusmon | Bacchus (Dionysus) | Snake | Wine | Bacchusmon: Crapulence Mode | |
| Ceresmon | Ceres (Demeter) | Bird | Fertility | Ceresmon Medium | |
| Dianamon | Diana (Artemis) | Rabbit | Water and ice | Grace Novamon | |
| Junomon | Juno (Hera) | Peacock | Marriage and childbirth | Junomon: Hysteric Mode | |
| Jupitermon | Jupiter (Zeus) | Owl | Sky, thunder, and weather | Jupitermon: Wrath Mode | |
| Marsmon | Mars (Ares) | Panther | War | ||
| Mercurymon | Mercury (Hermes) | Wolf | Diplomacy and god traveler | ||
| Minervamon | Minerva (Athena) | Snake | Strategic Warfare | Mervamon | Minervamon (X-Antibody) |
| Neptunemon | Neptune (Poseidon) | Fish | Sea | ||
| Venusmon | Venus (Aphrodite) | Dove | Love | ||
| Vulcanusmon | Vulcanus (Hephaestus) | Octopus | Smithery | ||
Related[edit]
There are also three Digimon that are related to the Olympos XII.
| Name | Mythological Equivalent |
| Chronomon | Saturn (Cronus/Chronos) |
|---|---|
| Plutomon | Pluto (Hades) |
| Titamon | The Titans |
Appearances[edit]
Anime[edit]
Digimon Savers[edit]
Mercurymon is the first major "villain" of Savers. He first appeared when he opened the Digital Gate in his lair to go to the real world to find Falcomon. He was eventually weakened by one of Kurata Akihiro's Gizmon: XT and his Digitama permanently deleted.
Digimon Xros Wars[edit]
Though this group does not make an appearance in Digimon Xros Wars proper, a 2011 issue of the V-Jump states that Mervamon is a member of the Olympos XII.
Manga[edit]
Digimon Xros Wars[edit]
The Olympos XII is one of the rock bands invited to perform at the Shoutmon's coronation concert.
Video Games[edit]
Digimon Collectors[edit]
Several members of the Olympos XII appear as recurrent characters in some of the quests of the game.[10]
Digimon Crusader[edit]
In the Digital World: Iliad, the host computer known as Homeros wanted the Digimon to be guided by their wild instincts, free will, individual intent, even if that meant their self-destruction (a modified version of the Myth of Prometheus). The Digital World: Iliad eventually collapsed because the Olympos XII taught the Digimon there the concept of good and evil, against the will of Homeros. In retaliation, Homeros gave power to Plutomon over the Titans, an army that rivals the Olympian group, hence the Olympos XII were forced to flee to the Digital World of Yggdrasill, where they learned their lesson and became neutral. Plutomon, already in the Digital World of Yggdrasill, pretends to take revenge of Jupitermon (now amnesic and in his adult form of Aegiomon) for not having been accepted in origin like a member of the Olympos XII.
Unrelated to the main story, Vulcanusmon from the Olympos XII also appear as a recurrent character in one side-quest of the game.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth[edit]
After Aiba collects all of the Olympos XII medals, the Medal Man rewards them with a Giga HP Generator and Giga SP Generator.
Digimon World -next 0rder- International Edition[edit]
Minervamon is found in the Logic Volcano, and asks Takuto/Shiki to deliver a gift to her fellow Olympos member, Dianamon, who is in the Frost Cathedral. After accepting the gift, Dianamon decides to send a letter in return to Minervamon, sending the tamer to deliver it. Minervamon then once again sends the tamer back to Dianamon with another gift, and Dianamon sends the tamer back to Minervamon with a gift as well. Upon opening Dianamon's gift, Minervamon is covered in water, and becomes enraged - assuming Dianamon was pranking her. Minervamon runs to the Frost Cathedral, arriving before the tamer, and during the duo's argument, Minervamon learns that Dianamon had carved her a sculpture made of ice - which melted due to the heat of the Logic Volcano, as well as the fact that Dianamon didn't like the gifts Minervamon had been sending. When the tamer tries to calm the two of them down, they attack the tamer in an attempt to murder them so they couldn't tell others of their argument. After their defeat, they come to their senses and join the City, joining the Colosseum where Minervamon works during the day and gives rewards if the tamer's Digimon have 100 discipline and 0 mood, whilst Dianamon works during the night and if the tamer's Digimon have 0 discipline and 100 mood.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory[edit]
After Amasawa Keisuke collects all of the Olympos XII medals, the Medal Man rewards him with a Giga HP Generator and Giga SP Generator.
Digimon Masters[edit]
Mercurymon of the Olympos XII appears.
Digimon New Century[edit]
At some point after the great war where Yggdrasill and most of the Royal Knights disappeared, Homeros sent Marsmon, Ceresmon, Dianamon and Venusmon, from the Olympos XII, to the Digital World of Yggdrasill.
Originally sent to investigate whether the other world would be able to prevent its own collapse, the group was to contact the Royal Knights and confront them if necessary.
Goddramon, one of the Four Great Dragons, intervenes and takes advantage of the quartet's lack of prior knowledge of the Royal Knights and attempts to trick them with the help of Megidramon, who took the form of Chaos Dukemon to pose as the Dukemon Royal Knight. After the hoax is discovered, the other members of the Four Great Dragons emerge and begin a debate with the Olympos, who after discovering the absence of Yggdrasill and his knights, worry that with the absence of God the Digital World could collapse.
After the battle between Goddramon and Marsmon (where Goddramon evolved into Goddramon (X-Antibody) after releasing all his sacred power), Dianamon and the others decide to return to Iliad, where she herself will inform Homeros about the situation, although she cannot guarantee that he will not send the other members of Olympos XII. Goddramon X then asks Homeros to be informed that if he wants to dominate his world, they will be enemies next time.
Some time later... Qinglongmon is informed by Andiramon about a portal, although the Four Great Dragons debate whether it is an invasion from Iliad or not, they cannot even figure out if it was actually a portal or just a Time Rift, since Zhuqiaomon plunged everything into flames, as it was in its territory.
After some more time, Mihiramon informs Qinglongmon that a new portal has appeared. Although Megidramon wishes to fight the invaders, since Goddramon (X-Antibody) took the spotlight earlier, he is scolded by the other members about being too much for just four Digimon, with Qinglongmon revealing that the other Four Holy Beasts will also join the battle. At this moment, Makuramon appears, and despite Megidramon's complaints about him not speaking clearly, the Deva reveals that Baihumon has already come into direct confrontation with the invaders.
Arriving at the location, the group sees Baihumon facing Jupitermon and Junomon, who states that this world will eventually be taken over by Homeros. Entrusting the fight to the tiger, Qinglongmon is informed by Andiramon and Majiramon that Zhuqiaomon and Xuanwumon have found Dianamon and Ceresmon, and that there are also two more Digimon with them, in addition, a powerful aquatic Digimon has appeared in the sea, and Ancient Mermaimon is gathering an army to face him.
After Qinglongmon follows Sinduramon to investigate a Digimon that is poisoning everyone, Goddramon X decides to go in search of Marsmon, and Holydramon goes to Baihumon's aid, leaving Megidramon to find the remaining invaders, and warning him to be careful with Venusmon.
Following the path indicated by an Armadimon and a Phascomon, Megidramon finds Venusmon accompanied by Vulcanusmon, although Megidramon is ready to fight, the confrontation ends up becoming just a debate due to Venusmon's kind nature, which reveals that Jupitermon has already defeated two of the allies of the dragon and that the seas already belong to Neptunemon. Vulcanusmon, worried about Venusmon, eventually steps in front of an attack that Megidramon launches after becoming tired of the two and leaving to investigate the truth, while Venusmon heals his partner's wounds.
After overhearing a conversation between a Calamaramon and Neptunemon, Megidramon realizes that all of Olympos XII is here, so Iliad is unprotected, the dragon then decides to invade Iliad to destroy Homeros alone. Before leaving, Megidramon asks Holydramon to destroy the portal if he doesn't return.
After Megidramon crosses the portal, Jupitermon receives a message from his god about the invasion, sending Apollomon and Dianamon to take care of the situation. Although the pair return to Iliad in time, they are unable to face him, as Dianamon is still injured by Zhuqiaomon's flames, and Apollomon's flames are useless against the dragon.
At this moment they both hear Homeros' voice, calling them "My Knights", the god grants them the power to evolve even further, leading to the appearance of Grace Novamon, which Megidramon responds by releasing all his power, evolving into Megidramon (X-Antibody) and going crazy in the process. The other Olympos return and together they create an opening for Grace Novamon to attack.
While in the Digital World of Yggdrasill, the remaining members of the Four Great Dragons prepare to destroy the portal. Despite Holydramon's objections to them believing in Megidramon, Goddramon X begins to say that after this they will have to choose a new member for the group. At this moment Megidramon's voice can be heard questioning why a new member, with the dragon returning in its original form.
Holydramon asks what the result of the battle was, however, Megidramon doesn't remember anything after releasing his power, but believes that since he is there, he must have won. At that moment Qinglongmon and Goddramon X notice an seal from another world on Megidramon's body, which Qinglongmon says could be the answer they were looking for.
Ignoring Megidramon's questions, Qinglongmon says that they must go now, as the Digital World needs them to begin its reconstruction after the war.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger[edit]
The Olympos XII were not formed yet during most of the story -- some of its members appeared to be merely regular Digimon living in places like Central Town 8 years during the past, while others have already attained Mega forms and are defending certain areas of Iliad. 8 years following Titamon's death in the real world, all of them met tragic fates courtesy of Chronomon's machinations, causing the destruction of the Digital World in the hands of the Titans, allowing a distraught Aegiomon to go completely unchecked in his rampage to find his human partner, Misono Inori. Eventually, Aegiomon went completely insane and collided with the Giant Slayer as Jupitermon: Wrath Mode, destroying the entire world with the outburst in an apocalyptic event dubbed the Shinjuku Inferno. This has repeated several times and mandated Homeostasis to take action. In response, it created Yuki Dan/Yuki Kanan from one of Aegiomon's shadows to put him in check and save the Digimon from ruin.
- Neptunemon drank a bottle of poisoned wine given to him by Aegiomon (who was being tricked by Ranamon taking orders from Plutomon) and perished. Venusmon, realizing that the "Titan Leader" was Neptunemon, fell into despair and died as well.
- Bacchusmon was put to sleep by Witchmon alongside the entire Gear Village following a successful attempt in repelling the Titans. The Sirenmon that would become Ceresmon was killed as well. When he woke up, everything he held dear was killed, and he became despondent and he committed suicide by poison.
- During the Titan invasion of Central Town, Big Bearmon protected Little Bearmon from the attacking Titans by letting himself to be captured and modified. They eventually respectively evolved into a Callismon and a Grappu Leomon, the latter being the Digimon that would eventually become Marsmon. The party was held off by Inori's childhood friend Hiroko before they could calm Grappu Leomon down, causing his death in the hands of a berserk Callismon and preventing Marsmon from emerging.
- Mercurymon was shot in the foot by a poison dart during a successful invasion against Central Town. This heavily weakened him and pushed him towards the human world under the Shinjuku Government Building. He was eventually killed off moments before the Shinjuku Inferno when he sacrificed himself to protect his comrades.
- Vulcanusmon was captured by D-SAT while venturing inside the human world and was experimented on, while his knowledge was extracted for the creation of the Giant Slayer. Eventually, his Digicore was extracted by D-SAT to build the Giant Slayer, killing him.
- Eventually, Lunamon and Coronamon respectively evolved into a Dianamon and an Apollomon, and they distanced from each other courtesy of Apollomon's beliefs that Dianamon was betraying her own kind and providing Digimon to the humans. Their animosity was further exacerbated by Pumpmon, who was secretly working with Chronomon to destroy the letters Apollomon sent to Dianamon.
- While not a member of the Olympos XII, the leader of the Titans, Plutomon was revealed to be possessed by Chronomon. After his troops destroyed the Digital World and compromised all of its guardians, Chronomon moved onto possessing Junomon by exploiting her jealousy and possessive attachment towards Aegiomon. Junomon manipulated Dianamon into sending Digimon to the human world to be experimented. Furthermore, Minervamon was imprisoned by Junomon after she caught wind of her trying to give Dianamon assistance once the latter realized Junomon was manipulating her.
- On at least one timeline, Aegiomon managed to evolve into Jupitermon: Wrath Mode during his cross-timeline rampage, eventually causing the Shinjuku Inferno by colliding with the Giant Slayer, destroying the world and sealing the time loop.
Eventually, the Agent, Inori and Aegiomon managed to use the latter's powers over time to save five of the Digimon, and the Agent alone rescued the remaining six (Inori vanished to another timeline and Aegiomon began his rampage across time). Upon realizing the truth of his origins as an entity created by Homeostasis to assist Aegiomon in his mission, he and the remaining Aegiomon shadows merge with Aegiomon to become Jupitermon, the leader of the Olympos XII and the Sirenmon who once served Bacchusmon evolved into Ceresmon. The Olympos XII was successfully formed as a new guardian group of the Digital World, and with Apollomon and Dianamon fusing into Grace Novamon and enclosing Jupitermon and the Giant Slayer in a secluded space, he was able to destroy the robot without the battle affecting the rest of the world. However, Jupitermon split back into the Agent and Aegiomon due to the injuries after the fight. The two were able to rescue Inori as well, and the newly formed Olympos XII, with support from both humans and nearly all of the Digimon they meet, were transported into the Akashic Records for the final showdown against Chronomon. Despite a difficult fight, the protagonist, Plutomon and the Olympos XII was able to defeat Chronomon and deliver his wish by killing him, and he expresses delight in being freed from the system. Aegiomon replaced Chronomon as a part of Iliad's system afterwards and reverted everything back to what it once was, sent the Agent back as a human, and closed the Digital Gates forever from the human world.
After the credits, Aegiomon (as Jupitermon) vowed to spread the Olympos XII's name far and wide.
All of the Olympos XII have the "Olympos XII", "Human" and "God" genes. Grace Novamon only has the "Space" gene, however.
V-Pets[edit]
Digimon Twin[edit]
Digimon Accel Nature Genome[edit]
Digivice Ver.15th[edit]
Digital Monster Ver.20th[edit]
TCG[edit]
Digital Monster Card Game[edit]
The Olympos XII are formally introduced as a group in Digitalize Booster Pack 2.
Digimon Xros Wars Super Digica Taisen[edit]
Mervamon from the Olympos XII is a boss Digimon in the arcade version of the game.
Digimon Card Game[edit]
"Olympos XII" is a trait given to cards of the Digimon that form part of this group. In EX-05 Animal Colosseum it is stated that Koh's Apollomon and Sayo's Dianamon are members of the Olympos XII.
| EX5-014 (Parallel art) Apollomon |
EX5-025 (Parallel art) Dianamon |
EX5-073 (Parallel art) Grace Novamon |
Certain cards feature the "Iliad" trait, in addition to the Olympos XII trait.[11][12] These Iliad and Olympos XII traits interact with "TS" (Time Stranger abbreviated) trait cards. BT-24 Time Stranger introduces a number of the Olympos XII with the Iliad and TS traits, including that of Jupitermon.[13].
Trivia[edit]
- The group is modeled after the Roman analogue of the Twelve Olympians, the "Dii Consentes".
- Apollomon is also related to the Big Death-Stars by proxy of being one of the Death Generals in the continuity of Digimon Xros Wars.
- Digimon Collectors ran an Olympos XII popularity poll after Junomon's debut, with Jupitermon sweeping first place. Venusmon and Junomon followed at second and third.
- According to chief producer Hara Ryōsuke, Digimon Story: Time Stranger has no direct connection with Digimon Crusader, although some of the lore and worldview from Crusader was followed-up in the game.