Episode 162 of the anime, a fourth-season chapter unfolding as the Dead Moon blots out the sun. Pegasus reveals himself as Helios and names the true threat of Queen Nehelenia, then the guardians march on the circus, where Chibi Moon's Golden Mirror is torn away and she is sealed inside a mirror.
Summary
Pegasus warns the guardians against rushing the Dead Moon and, pressed by a wary Super Sailor Moon, confesses he is Helios, high priest of Elysion and keeper of beautiful dreams. Chibi Moon admits she always sensed Pegasus could not unlock the Golden Crystal's full power himself, and he pleads with them to seek out whoever can before both Earth and Elysion are lost to Queen Nehelenia.
Key Events
As the eclipse falls, Helios explains that the Dead Moon Circus drew its people from those who abandoned their unfulfilled dreams, letting Nehelenia break free of her prison. The Golden Crystal set in his horn could save the world or ruin it in the wrong hands. He departs after acknowledging that Chibiusa's own dreams first awakened him, leaving Mamoru bedridden in agony under the care of the cats while the guardians advance.
The surviving Lemures part to open a path, and the Amazoness Quartet, powered up by Nehelenia, holds the early advantage until the Crystal Carillon lets Chibi Moon summon Pegasus to free her allies. Zirconia intercepts Sailor Moon's Moon Gorgeous Meditation, then uses Zircon like a golf ball to strike Chibi Moon and rip out her Dream Mirror, which proves to be the sought-after Golden Mirror. Pegasus dives into it and Chibi Moon reclaims it, but Zirconia seals her inside a mirror and declares victory, having captured the holder of both Pegasus and the Golden Crystal.
Notes
The manga differs in that Pegasus is already a prisoner of the circus and merely projects himself to seek the princess's aid, and although the curse keeps Mamoru bedridden for a while, he still endures it and fights beside the guardians against Nehelenia. The Golden Mirror makes its first appearance in this episode.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Pegasus reveal himself to be in 'The Source of Darkness: Dead Moon Circus'?
In this episode, Pegasus reveals himself to be Helios, the high priest of Elysion and keeper of beautiful dreams. He warns Sailor Moon and the guardians against rushing the Dead Moon Circus and explains that only they can save Earth and Elysion from Queen Nehelenia.
What is the Golden Mirror in this Sailor Moon episode?
The Golden Mirror is revealed to be Chibi Moon's own Dream Mirror, torn from her by Zirconia during the guardians' assault on the Dead Moon Circus. Pegasus dives inside it just before Chibi Moon reclaims her mirror and is sealed away.
What happens to Chibi Moon at the end of 'The Source of Darkness: Dead Moon Circus'?
Chibi Moon has her Dream Mirror, the sought-after Golden Mirror, torn out by Zirconia using the Lemures Zircon like a golf ball. Zirconia then seals Chibi Moon inside a mirror, declaring victory since she now holds both Pegasus and the Golden Crystal.
How did Queen Nehelenia break free in the Dead Moon Circus storyline?
According to Helios, the Dead Moon Circus drew its members from people who abandoned their unfulfilled dreams, and this let Queen Nehelenia break free of her prison. The eclipse falling over Tokyo marks the moment her power takes hold.
Does 'The Source of Darkness: Dead Moon Circus' follow the manga closely?
No, the manga tells this part of the story differently. There Pegasus is already a prisoner of the circus and only projects himself to seek the princess's aid, and although Mamoru is still cursed, he continues fighting alongside the guardians against Nehelenia instead of being left bedridden.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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:
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
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