Centurion
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Centurions, ironically known in Japan as Icarus (イカロス Ikarosu), are rank-and-file soldiers of Palutena and Angel Land. During Medusa's takeover in Kid Icarus, they were turned to stone, some where they fell, others were placed as decorations or even barriers. It's unknown whether all Centurions are male (just very likely), or of what age, but it's probable that Palutena's soldiers run the gamut of age categories.
Appearances
Kid Icarus
They were referred to as "Centurians" in this title. Pit can free these soldiers using a Mallet, where they'll join with him to defeat the enemies of Palutena. Here, they're abundantly found petrified in Fortresses. Bopping one with a Mallet sends it flying away, and it'll join Pit during the fight against that Fortress' Sacred Guardian. Centurions stay in a flying formation of three at a time and fire at the same time as Pit, but they fall after receiving a single hit. They'll move with Pit, but rather slowly; Pit will have to be little faster than normal to make sure his allies don't get hit. A Centurion's damage is equal to Pit's at the highest strength level, and their range is far superior as if they all possessed Sacred Bows, but they can only have one arrow in the air at a time. Freed Centurions depart after Pit defeats the guardian of the Fortress they were found in; they don't "carry over" to the next Fortress.
Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters
Centurions do not assist Pit with boss battles this time around, instead there are numerous statues of them found in virtually every stage here, not just Fortresses. Centurion statues contain items, most notably Palutena's Keys and Goblets. In Fortresses, they may hold Pencils, Maps, and Torches.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
During Chapter 18: The Ring of Chaos, Chapter 20: Palutena's Temple and Chapter 24: The Three Trials, full-game sprites are revealed where you have to fight the three different Centurion types as enemies: the Centurion, the Centurion Knight and the Centurion Strongarm. Centurions also return in this game as items called Centurion Assists, that can be used by Pit, performing the same offensive function as in earlier games. Compared to their previous appearances, the bows they carry are much larger than before, although their physical appearance is generally the same as in previous adventures. However, the noticeably buff Centurion Strongarm has been shown running a shop at the Arm's Altar. They were originally mistaken as the Fighters. The Centurions will also appear in the Kid Icarus Anime fighting alongside Palutena and Pit. Centurion Orbitars also make an appearance here, being exclusive Orbitars made after the soldiers themselves.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Pit's Final Smash summons Palutena, who in turn floods the area with many Centurions, each of which packs a mighty punch as they smash into other fighters. Unlike their first appearance, they do not attack with their bows. The Centurions can be defeated if they come in contact with an opponent or item or if the opponent attacks them.
Trivia
- Centurion's Japanese name is derived from Icarus, the son of Daedalus, a youth who attempted to escape from Crete with wings of wax and feathers but flew so high that his wings melted from the heat of the sun, and he plunged to his death in the sea.
- A centurion was a Roman military officer who led a "century" of infantry into battle, which usually contained from 80-100 soldiers.
- Interestingly, in-game sprites of the Centurions in their petrified state in the original NES game always depict them with a spear and shield, but they are always shown carrying bows after being released with a Mallet.