Papillon
CharacterPapillon is the sixth Monster conjured by Kunzite in the original Sailor Moon anime, formed by warping the woman Katarina into a butterfly-like creature. Kunzite crafts her as bait to draw out Sailor V during the episode revisiting Minako's tragic first romance.
Appearance
Papillon looks like a woman fused with a butterfly. Compound insect eyes sit atop her head between a pair of antennae, and wings sprout from the sides of her skull rather than her back. Around her neck hangs the very necklace that Katarina wears in human form.
History
Kunzite's goal is to bring her close to Minako, which he arranges by transforming Katarina into the creature. Papillon witnesses both Sailor Venus and Sailor Moon change into their Guardian identities and trails them aboard a ship.
When Sailor Moon at last purifies her with Moon Healing Escalation, the cure takes hold only grudgingly. Notably, she is the single human-born Monster that Usagi ever wished to destroy outright rather than restore.
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Abilities
She can revert to Katarina's human likeness, the way Kunzite's other creations mimic their originals. Flight comes naturally to her, and she can morph an arm into a curved scythe. Her signature trick is conjuring clouds of small glowing butterflies that either pin and torment a victim or wall her off as a living shield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Papillon mean?
Papillon is the French word for butterfly, fitting the character's design as a woman fused with a butterfly.
Who created Papillon in Sailor Moon?
Kunzite creates Papillon by transforming a woman named Katarina into a butterfly-like Monster, using her as bait to draw out Sailor V.
What are Papillon's abilities?
Papillon can fly, revert to Katarina's human form, and morph an arm into a curved scythe. Her signature trick is conjuring clouds of small glowing butterflies to pin down a victim or shield herself.
How is Papillon defeated?
Sailor Moon purifies Papillon with Moon Healing Escalation, though the cure only takes hold grudgingly.
Why is Papillon unusual among Kunzite's monsters?
Papillon is the only human-born Monster that Sailor Moon ever wishes to destroy outright rather than restore.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Papillon? The Sailor Moon Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Sailor Moon anime series, manga, and official materials. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi, published by Kodansha, and animated by Toei Animation. All rights to Sailor Moon and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byNaoko Takeuchi
- Published byKodansha
- Animated byToei Animation
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Toei Animation and Kodansha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Kodansha and Naoko Takeuchi.
Official resources:
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