Difference between revisions of "Pharaoh Atem"

From Yugipedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(Reign as Pharaoh)
m ("Priest Seto" → "Seto")
 
(157 intermediate revisions by 67 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox/Yu-Gi-Oh!/Character
+
{{Merge|Yami Yugi|Same person|type=to|discussion=Talk:Pharaoh Atem#Merge}}
| image name          = Pharoah_Atem.jpg
+
{{Infobox character
| english name        = Atem
+
| headers            = true
| japanese name        = アテム
+
| image              = Pharaoh Atem.png
| romaji name          = Atemu
+
 
| alternate            =
+
| en_name            = Atem
 +
| other_names        =
 
* Nameless Pharaoh
 
* Nameless Pharaoh
 
* Yu-Gi-Oh
 
* Yu-Gi-Oh
* Yugi
+
* Other Yugi
| arabic name          = الفرعون أتـمّ
+
* Other Me (by Yugi)
| manga debut          = {{chapter|Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist|86|ref}}
+
| ja_name            = アテム
| anime debut         = {{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh!|52|ref}}
+
| romaji_name        = Atemu
| appears manga       =
+
| ar_name            = الفرعون أتـمّ
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World]]
+
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie Ani-Manga]]
+
| gender            = Male
| appears anime       =
+
 
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! (second series anime)|Yu-Gi-Oh! (second series)]]
+
| relatives         =  
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light]]
+
* [[Aknamkanon]] (father; deceased)
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]
+
* Queen of Egypt (mother)
| appears video games  =
+
* [[Aknadin]] (paternal uncle; deceased; sent to the [[Shadow Realm]] in the dub)
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories]]
+
* [[Seto]] (first cousin)
| appears books        =
+
* [[Yami Yugi]] (his own spirit)
* [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters: Pyramid of Light (novel)|Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters: Pyramid of Light]]
+
| royal_title        = Pharaoh of Egypt
| gender              = male
+
| reign              = circa. 1000 B.C. (original)<br />circa. 3000 B.C. (dub)
        | height              = 165-167 cm
+
| predecessor       = [[Aknamkanon]]
| relatives            =
+
| successor          = [[Seto]]
* [[Aknamkanon]] (father)
+
 
* [[Atem's mother|Mother]] (shown in the manga)
+
| anime_debut       =
* [[Aknadin]] (uncle)
+
| appears_in_anime          =
* [[Priest Seto]] (cousin)
+
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! (anime)|Yu-Gi-Oh!]]''
* [[Yami Yugi]] (his soul)
+
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light]]''
* [[Yugi Muto]] (future incarnate)
+
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]''
        | partner            =  
+
| appears_in_books  = ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters: Pyramid of Light (novel)|Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters: Pyramid of Light]]''
* [[Egyptian God]]s
+
 
* [[Dark Magician (character)|Dark Magician]]
+
| en_voice          = {{voice actors|en|Dan Green}}
| previous affiliation = Ancient Egypt
+
| ja_voice          = {{voice actors|ja|Shunsuke Kazama|Mariko Nagahama|e1=<ref name="YGODM cast">[http://www.hi-net.zaq.ne.jp/aki_rhythm/seiyuu/seiyuu-y.html hi-net.zaq.ne.jp] ''Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters'' cast</ref>|e2=(child)}}
| previous occupation  = Ruler of ancient Egypt
+
| de_voice          = {{voice actors|de|Sebastian Schulz}}
| japanese voice      = {{voice actors|ja|Shunsuke Kazama|Mariko Nagahama|e1=<ref name="YGODM cast">[http://www.hi-net.zaq.ne.jp/aki_rhythm/seiyuu/seiyuu-y.html hi-net.zaq.ne.jp] ''Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters'' cast</ref>|e2=<ref name="YGODM cast" />}}
+
| it_voice          = {{voice actors|it|Massimo Di Benedetto}}
| english voice        = {{voice actors|en|Dan Green}}
+
| es_voice          = {{voice actors|es|Irwin Daayán|e1=(Americas)|Pablo Sevilla|e2=(Spain)}}
        |german voice         = Sebastian Schulz
+
| ar_voice          = {{voice actors|ar|Abdo Hakim}}
        |italian voice        = Massimo Di Benedetto
+
| tl_voice            = Jefferson Utanes
        |spanish voice         = Irwin Daayán (LATAM)
+
|millennium_item = The Millennium Puzzle}}
}}
+
 
 +
'''Atem''' is an ancient Egyptian [[Pharaoh]] who had sealed his own spirit/soul within the mystical [[Millennium Puzzle|Millennium Pendant]]. His spirit then took on the identity of [[Yami Yugi]], which resided in the body of [[Yugi Muto]], after Yugi solved the [[Millennium Puzzle]]. It was stated once that Yugi is the modern day version of Atem.<ref>{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh!|222|ref}}</ref>. He is the centerpiece of the ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' series, and is the driving force behind most of the events that transpired during the series, with the exceptions of the [[Domino City Battles]], [[Virtual World (arc)|Virtual World]] and the [[Grand Championship (arc)|Grand Championship]] arcs.
  
'''Atem''' is an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh who sealed his soul within the [[Millennium Puzzle]]. His soul took on the identity of [[Yami Yugi]], which resided in the body of his future incarnation [[Yugi Muto]], after Yugi solved the [[Millennium Puzzle]]. He is the center piece of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series and is the reason for all the events that transpired during the series happening.
+
== Biography ==
  
==Manga and anime biography==
 
 
===Childhood===
 
===Childhood===
Atem was born around the millennium 1000 B.C. (3000 B.C. in the English anime) as son of king [[Aknamkanon]]. Atem became heir to the throne and the [[Millennium Puzzle]]. During his childhood he befriended [[Mana]] and was protected by [[Mahad]]. Atem was attacked by a snake, but Mahad took the hit. Atem then saved him by sucking the venom out.
+
[[File:KidPharaoh.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Young Atem]]
 +
Atem was born around 1000 B.C. (3000 B.C. in the English dub) as the only son of King [[Aknamkanon]]. Atem became heir to the Egyptian throne and the [[Millennium Puzzle|Millennium Pendant]]. During his childhood he befriended [[Mana]] and was protected by [[Mahad]]. In one incident, Atem was attacked by a snake, but Mahad took the hit for the young prince. Atem then saved him by sucking the venom out.  
  
[[File:KidPharaoh.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Young Atem.]]
+
[[File:Atem and his father.jpg|left|thumb|220x220px|Atem and his father]]
His father [[Aknamkanon]] took him on a trip to an ancient tomb which Atem did not want to go but it was not a choice. Atem accidentally slipped and almost fell off the edge. He asked for his father's help but he told Atem that he needed to be strong on his own and he was able to get back on the path. Once in the main tomb, his father made a deal with the monsters to spare his son from the repercussions of the horrible actions from the creation the [[Millennium Items]].
+
His father [[Aknamkanon]] forced him on a trip to an ancient tomb which Atem did not want to go. Atem accidentally slipped and almost fell off the edge. He asked for his father's help, but he told Atem that he needed to be strong on his own and he was able to get back on the path. Once in the main tomb, his father made a deal with the monsters to spare his son from the repercussions of the horrible actions from the creation of the [[Millennium Items]].
  
One day, [[Priest Seto]] was appointed as guardian of the [[Millennium Rod]] by [[Aknamkanon]]. Atem was present for the ceremony. The Pharaoh anounced that Seto would serve him as his right hand. Secretly, Aknamkanon's brother, [[Aknadin]], showed resentment towards Atem as Seto was his son and Aknadin wanted him to be Pharoah, a goal he vowed to accomplish.
+
One day, [[Seto]] was appointed as guardian of the [[Millennium Rod]] by [[Aknamkanon]]. Atem was present for the ceremony. The Pharaoh anounced that Seto would serve him as his right hand. Secretly, Aknamkanon's brother, [[Aknadin]], showed resentment towards Atem as Seto was his son and Aknadin wanted him to be Pharaoh, a goal he vowed to accomplish. He and Seto became friends and rivals who competed with each other by testing their mystical skills and abilities.
  
 
===Reign as Pharaoh===
 
===Reign as Pharaoh===
[[File:ObeliskvsDiabound.JPG|thumb|left|200px|Atem summoning Obelisk to attack Bakura's Diabound (A vision seen by [[Yami Yugi]] during his duel with [[Dartz]])]]
+
[[File:ObeliskvsDiabound.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Atem summoning Obelisk to attack Bakura's Diabound (A vision seen by [[Yami Yugi]] during his duel with [[Dartz]])]]  
On the day he became Pharaoh, he was attacked by a common thief but was saved by [[Mahad]]. After this thief he was put through the Millennium trial and it was discovered that he was possessed and they let him go. Just minutes after that, his kingdom was attacked by [[Thief King Bakura]]. Bakura had raided the tomb of his father [[Aknamkanon]] and stolen his [[DiaDhank]] and his coffin. Atem put Bakura through the Millennium trial, but it failed. Atem anounced that Bakura's disrespect was appalling. Bakura easily defeated the [[The Sacred Guardians]] with his [[Diabound]] before Atem stepped in and challenged him with [[Obelisk the Tormentor]]. Diabound was severely injured and after almost being destroyed, Bakura fled.  
+
On the day he became Pharaoh, he was attacked by a common thief but was saved by [[Mahad]]. After this, the thief was put through the Millennium trial and it was discovered that he was possessed and they let him go. Just minutes after that, his kingdom was attacked by [[Bandit King Bakura]]. Bakura had raided the tomb of his father [[Aknamkanon]] and stolen his [[DiaDhank]] and his coffin. Atem put Bakura through the Millennium trial, but it failed. Atem announced that Bakura's disrespect was appalling. Bakura easily defeated [[The Sacred Guardians]] with his [[Diabound]] before Atem stepped in and challenged him with [[Obelisk the Tormentor]]. Diabound was severely injured and after almost being destroyed, Bakura fled.  
  
Atem was awoken by a nightmare of Mahad dying in battle at the hands of Bakura. he and Mana went to Mahad's monster tablet and realized that he was in a battle with Bakura. The two headed to the Spellcaster's training grounds where Atem's troopers were being attacked by Bakura's followers. Atem used a sword to knock over some of them and got Mana to send for back up before heading in to take out the rest of the thugs. During the fight, the back up arrived but were too late. Mahad's Millenium Ring was in Bakura's hands and he was merged with his [[Illusion Magician]]. The stone tablet then fell off the cliff and almost crushed Mana but Atem was able to save her.
+
Atem was awoken by a nightmare of Mahad dying in battle at the hands of Bakura. He and Mana went to Mahad's monster tablet and realized that he was in a battle with Bakura. The two headed to the spell-castors' training grounds where Atem's troopers were being attacked by [[Thief King Bakura's followers|Bakura's followers]]. Atem used a sword to knock over some of them and got Mana to send for back up before heading in to take out the rest of the thugs. During the fight, the back up arrived but were too late. Mahad's Millennium Ring was in Bakura's hands and he was merged with his [[Illusion Magician]]. The stone tablet then fell off the cliff and almost crushed Mana but Atem was able to save her.
  
Bakura later returned to the kingdom to possess [[Aknadin]]. After this, he and Atem fought each other once again. Atem fought with [[Slifer the Sky Dragon]] whilst riding on horseback. While they fought, he ran past [[Dartz]], a resident of [[Atlantis]] who was to become his enemy in 3000 years (5000 years in the English version). Atem was defeated and lost his [[Millennium Puzzle]] to Bakura.
+
Bakura later returned to the kingdom to possess [[Aknadin]]. After this, he and Atem fought each other once again. Atem fought with [[Slifer the Sky Dragon]] whilst riding on horseback. While they fought, he ran past [[Dartz]], a resident of [[Atlantis]] who was to become his enemy in 3000 years (5000 years in the English version). Atem was defeated and lost his [[Millennium Puzzle|Millennium Pendant]] to Bakura.
  
[[File:Atem_with_Slifer.JPG|thumb|right|Atem fighting Bakura with Slifer the Sky Dragon (A vison seen by Yami during his duel with Dartz)]]
+
[[File:Atem with Slifer.jpg|thumb|right|Atem fighting Bakura with Slifer the Sky Dragon (a vision seen by Yami during his duel with Dartz)]]
After Atem was found, he and the other guardians headed for [[Kul Elna]], the birth place of the [[Millennium Items]]. Atem and Bakura fought one last time. As Atem was about to defeat Bakura, [[Aknadin]] showed up with the [[Millennium Key]] that he stole from [[Shada]] and stole the other Millennium Items. After putting them in the Millennium Stone, [[Zorc Necrophades]] appeared and offered Aknadin anything he desired in exchange for his loyalty. Aknadin requested for [[Priest Seto]] to become the new king of Egypt, revealing that Seto was his son in the process. Zorc agreed and transformed Aknadin into Shadow Magus, who then attempted to destroy Atem, but [[Hassan]] appeared and protected him. Magus tried to convince Seto to join his side, but Atem convinced him not to. Magus took Seto and escaped into a worm hole that lead to the kingdom, Atem following in pursuit. However, in Kul Elna, Bakura sacrificed himself to summon [[Zorc Necrophades]]. Atem needed Priest Seto to become the new king in case Atem were to fall so he set off after him.  
+
After Atem was found, he and the other guardians headed for [[Kul Elna]], the birth place of the [[Millennium Items]]. Atem and Bakura fought one last time. As Atem was about to defeat Bakura, [[Aknadin]] showed up with the [[Millennium Key]] that he stole from [[Shada]] and stole the other Millennium Items. After putting them in the Millennium Stone, [[Zorc Necrophades]] appeared and offered Aknadin anything he desired in exchange for his loyalty. Aknadin requested for [[Seto]] to become the new king of Egypt, revealing that Seto was his son in the process. Zorc agreed and transformed Aknadin into Shadow Magus, who then attempted to destroy Atem, but [[Hassan]] appeared and protected him. Magus tried to convince Seto to join his side, but Atem convinced him not to. Magus took Seto and escaped into a worm hole that lead to the kingdom, Atem following in pursuit. However, in Kul Elna, Bakura sacrificed himself to summon [[Zorc Necrophades]]. Atem needed Seto to become the new king in case Atem were to fall so he set off after him.  
  
[[File:AtemuvsSeto.JPG|thumb|left|Seto possessed by Aknadin in his battle with Atem. (This was a vision seen by Kaiba and Yami during their duel in Battle City)]]
+
[[File:YGO 132 Atem Vs. Seto.png|thumb|left|Seto possessed by Aknadin in his battle with Atem. (This was a vision seen by Kaiba and Yami during their duel in Battle City)]]
By the time Atem got there, Magus had possessed Seto after the latter refused to serve him. Magus had also killed [[Kisara]] and taken her spirit monster, the [[Blue-Eyes White Dragon]]. Seto/Aknadin tormented Atem as to how powerless he was to stop the dark one. Atem demanded to know why Seto chose Zorc's side over Atem's, but Seto claimed that he and his followers had no allegiance to Zorc or Atem. Atem and Seto fought, Atem using Dark Magician ([[Mahad]]) and Seto using Blue-Eyes White Dragon, with Seto emerging as the victor. However, Kisara stopped Blue-Eyes from killing Atem and destroyed Aknadin. Seto was free from Aknadin's control, and Atem thanked Kisara for this. This fight would be the main source of [[Yami Yugi]] and [[Seto Kaiba]]'s rivalry.
+
By the time Atem got there, Magus had possessed Seto after the latter refused to serve him. Magus had also killed [[Kisara]] and taken her spirit monster, the [[Blue-Eyes White Dragon]]. Seto/Aknadin tormented Atem as to how powerless he was to stop the dark one. Atem and Seto fought, Atem using Dark Magician ([[Mahad]]) and Seto using Blue-Eyes White Dragon, with Seto emerging as the victor. However, Kisara stopped Blue-Eyes from killing Atem and destroyed Aknadin. Seto was free from Aknadin's control, and Atem thanked Kisara for this. This fight would be the main source of [[Yami Yugi]] and [[Seto Kaiba]]'s rivalry.
  
However, after their duel, Zorc was set for the kingdom. Zorc arrived and a massive battle begun. However Zorc was able to overcome Atem's forces. It then became clear that without the Millennium Items, they did not stand a chance. Isis and Mana set off to retrive them. Mana returned but Isis and Shimon had perished at Zorc's hands. Atem them brought out all 3 Egyptian Gods to fight Zorc. Though the gods were able to overpower him, it did not last. Without the combined form of the gods [[The Creator of Light]], Zorc could never be destroyed. Zorc then destroyed all three gods and turned them into stone before proceeding to lay waste to the rest of the kingdom.
+
However, after their duel, Zorc was set for the kingdom. Zorc arrived and a massive battle began. However Zorc was able to overcome Atem's forces. It then became clear that without the Millennium Items, they did not stand a chance. Isis and Mana set off to retrieve them. Mana returned but Isis and Shimon had perished at Zorc's hands. Atem then brought out all three Egyptian Gods to fight Zorc. Though the gods were able to overpower him, it did not last. Without the combined form of the gods [[The Creator of Light]], Zorc could never be destroyed. Zorc then destroyed all three gods and turned them into stone before proceeding to lay waste to the rest of the kingdom.
  
===Sealed in the puzzle===
+
===Sealed within the Millennium Puzzle===
Not wanting Zorc's rampage to continue into other parts of the world, Atem defeated Zorc by using a spell which included his name and sealed Zorc in the [[Millennium Ring]]. He gave leadership of Egypt to [[Priest Seto]], then sealed his soul within the Millennium Puzzle, erasing his own memories to keep the spell from ever being used to resurrect Zorc. The puzzle was then destroyed, scattered into dozen's of pieces.
+
Not wanting Zorc's rampage to continue into other parts of the world, Atem defeated Zorc by using an extremely powerful magic spell which had included his secret true name and sealed both him and Zorc within the chambers of the mystical Millennium Puzzle, erasing his own memories to keep the spell from ever being used to return Zorc to life ever again. The Puzzle was then destroyed by [[Seto Kaiba]], whom he had abdicated the throne to, scattered into dozens of pieces.
  
[[File:1136352272 PharoahAtemu.jpg|thumb|right|Pharaoh Atem in flashbacks during Battle City.]]
+
[[File:Pharaoh Atem - Battle City flashback.jpg|thumb|right|Pharaoh Atem in flashbacks during Battle City]]
Atem's puzzle was placed in a box and placed in his [[Tomb of the Nameless Pharaoh|tomb]]. A number of traps and monsters were placed within to protect the artifact and traces of his name were destroyed. This action would cause history to refer to him as the "Nameless Pharaoh". Priest Seto built the [[Tablet of Lost Memories]], a famous stone tablet depicting them battling one another with their favorite monsters, Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Kisara) and [[Dark Magician]] (Mahad), as a symbol of their Friendship.
+
Atem's puzzle was placed in a box and placed in his [[Tomb of the Nameless Pharaoh|tomb]]. A number of traps and monsters were placed within to protect the artifact and traces of his name were destroyed. This action would cause history to refer to him as the "Nameless Pharaoh". Seto built the [[Tablet of Lost Memories]], a famous stone tablet depicting them battling one another with their favorite monsters, Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Kisara) and [[Dark Magician]] (Mahad), as a symbol of their friendship.
  
 
===Tomb Keepers===
 
===Tomb Keepers===
A prophecy predicted that the Pharaoh would return shortly after the Pharaoh's demise, the Ishtar family devoted their lives to protecting the Pharaoh's tomb until that time. The same would happen for all the descendants of the Ishtar family for the next 3000 years (5000 in the English version), something [[Marik Ishtar]] would resent and vow vengeance when the pharaoh did return.
+
An ancient prophecy had predicted that the Pharaoh would return shortly after his own demise in the modern-day era, the Ishtar family devoted their lives to protecting the Pharaoh's tomb until that time. The same would happen for all the descendants of the Ishtar family for the next three thousand years (five thousand in the 4kids version), something [[Marik Ishtar]] would resent and swear vengeance on the pharaoh when his spirit did indeed return.
  
A guardian of the pharaoh's court named [[Shadi]] who was also guardian of the Millennium Items would spend the next 5000 years as a spirit to protect the Pharoah's tomb and pass on the Millennium Items to only those worthy.
+
A guardian of the pharaoh's court named [[Shadi]] who was also guardian of the Millennium Items would spend the next five thousand years as a disembodied spirit/ghost to protect the Pharaoh's tomb and pass on one of the seven Millennium Items to only those worthy of their great magical power.
  
===In between the 3000 years gap===  
+
===3,000/5,000-year gap===  
Over the course of the next 3000 years (5000 in the English anime) many would attempt to steal the Millennium Puzzle but would fall victim to the traps. Execpt for one person who was driven mad and would wonder his village saying "The shadow game, beware".
+
Over the course of the next three thousand years (5000 in the English anime) many would attempt to steal the Millennium Puzzle but would fall victim to the traps, except for one person who was driven mad and would wander his village saying "The shadow game. Beware".
  
 
===Discovery===
 
===Discovery===
3,000 years later (5,000 in the English anime), the Millennium Puzzle was found by [[Solomon Muto]]. According to Solomon, his companion tried to kill him to take the Pharaoh's treasure for himself, but Solomon was saved by what appeared to be the spirit of Atem.<ref>[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 001]]</ref>
+
3,000 years later (5,000 in the English dub), the Millennium Puzzle was found by [[Solomon Muto]]. According to Solomon, his companion tried to kill him to take the Pharaoh's treasure for himself, but Solomon was saved by what appeared to be the spirit of Atem.
  
 
===Yami Yugi===
 
===Yami Yugi===
:''Main article: [[Yami Yugi]]''
+
{{Main|Yami Yugi}}
 +
Solomon's grandson [[Yugi Muto]] solved the Millennium Puzzle, causing Atem, now a disembodied, amnesiac spirit, to reside in Yugi's body. He aided Yugi many times over the course of his adventures, in a form known as "Yami Yugi". Yugi attempted to return the favor by finding the secret of Atem's past.
 +
 
 +
===Memory World===
 +
[[File:AtemFullView.jpg|thumb|left|Full view of Atem in the Shadow RPG]] After Yami Yugi completed all his tasks, he presented the [[Egyptian Gods|Egyptian God Cards]] to the ancient tablet at the museum. After doing so, Yami Yugi was brought to a table, where he played a [[Shadow RPG]] with [[Yami Bakura]]. Pharaoh Atem was being possessed by Yami Yugi, while simultaneously being one of Yami Yugi's characters and had all of Yami's memories.
  
Solomon's grandson [[Yugi Muto]] solved the Millennium Puzzle, causing Atem, now a disembodied, amnesiac spirit, to reside in Yugi's body.<ref>[[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Duel 001]]</ref> He aided Yugi many times over the course of his adventures, in a form known as "Yami Yugi". Yugi attempted to return the favor by finding the secret of Atem's past.
+
[[File:PharaohAtem.jpg|thumb|Yami Yugi as Atem in the Shadow RPG]]
  
===Shadow RPG===
+
Atem wakes up on the balcony of the Palace, where Shimon Muran tells him the people are eager to meet their New Pharaoh. Although still stripped of his memories prior to sealing himself in the Millennium Pendant, Atem greets his subjects. [[Shimon Muran]] takes Atem to the Throne room, and invites him to sit down on this throne, calling it "The big gold chair right in front of you". Atem sits and upon seeing Shimon's face for the first time (as he was wearing a veil/mask prior to Atem sitting down), mistakenly calls him Grandpa because of his resemblance to Yugi's [[Solomon Muto|grandfather]].  
[[File:AtemFullView.jpg|thumb|left| Full View of Atem in the Shadow RPG]] After Yami Yugi completed all his tasks, he presented the [[Egyptian Gods|Egyptian God Cards]] to the ancient tablet at the museum.<ref>[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 004]]</ref> After doing so, Yami Yugi was brought to a table, where he played a [[Shadow RPG]] with [[Yami Bakura]].<ref name="mw duel 42">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 042]]</ref> Pharaoh Atem was one of Yami Yugi's characters and had all of Yami's memories.[[File:PharaohAtem.jpg|thumb|Yami Yugi as Atem in the Shadow RPG]]
 
Atem wakes up on the balcony of the Palace, where Shimon Muran tells him the people are eager to meet their New Pharaoh. Although still stripped of his memories prior to sealing himself in the Millennium Puzzle, Atem greets his subjects.<ref name="mw duel 5">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 005]]</ref> [[Shimon Muran]] takes Atem to the Throne room, and invites him to sit down on this throne, calling it "The big gold chair right in front of you". Atem sits and upon seeing Shimon's face, (he was wearing a veil/mask prior to Atem sitting down), mistakenly calls him Grandpa because of his resemblance to Yugi's [[Solomon Muto|grandfather]]. Atem learns that there are [[The Sacred Guardians|six chosen priests]] in this world, who guard the [[Millennium Items]].<ref name="mw duel 5"/>
 
  
[[File:AtemWatching.jpg|thumb|left| Atem watching at the people around him]]He is quick to learn the Ancient Egyptian style of dueling. He witnesses the priests extract the ba from a criminal and seal it in a tablet.<ref name="mw duel 5"/> [[Thief King Bakura]] then arrives, after plundering the tomb of Atem's father, Pharaoh [[Aknamkanon]] and dragging the treasures and his corpse to the palace. Seto and Bakura Summon Monster Kas, which battle. Bakura's [[Diabound]] defeats Seto's dragon. He mocks Atem by trampling on his father's corpse. As the priests Summon more monsters to fight Diabound, Atem walks over and takes his father's body from Bakura. The priests desperately use their monsters to protect Atem as he does so. Atem steps in to avenge his father and summons [[Obelisk the Tormentor (original)|Obelisk the Tormentor]]. Obelisk battles Diabound. Bakura realizes he can't win, so he and Diabound flee.
+
Atem learns that there are [[The Sacred Guardians|six chosen priests]] in this world, who guard the [[Millennium Items]].
  
Atem spots Bakura leaving the palace, after he had snuck in to possess [[Aknadin]] with [[Zorc Necrophades|Zorc]]. Atem chases after Bakura on horseback and battles Diabound, now powered by the Millennium Ring.<ref name ="mw duel 21">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 021]]</ref> Atem summons [[Slifer the Sky Dragon]]<ref name ="mw duel 21"/>, but Bakura is able to take advantage of Slifer protecting the civilians.<ref name ="mw duel 23">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 023]]</ref> Diabound manages to defeat Slifer and Atem runs out of ''Ba''.<ref name ="mw duel 25">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 025]]</ref> Atem's friends from the modern world, Yugi, [[Téa Gardner|Téa]], [[Joey Wheeler|Joey]] and [[Tristan Taylor|Tristan]] come to his assistance. Yugi combines his ''Ba'' with Atem's and together they summon the third [[Egyptian Gods|Egyptian God]], [[The Winged Dragon of Ra (original)|The Winged Dragon of Ra]].<ref name ="mw duel 25"/> Ra transforms into [[The Winged Dragon of Ra (Phoenix Mode)|God Phoenix Mode]] and manages to defeat Diabound<ref name ="mw duel 26">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium World - Duel 026]]</ref>, but Zorc, in control of Aknadin, reverses time, bringing back Diabound and pulling Atem's friends away from him. Without Yugi's ''Ba'', Ra leaves. Diabound shatters the ground below Atem, leaving him hanging off an edge. Here Bakura takes the [[Millennium Puzzle]] and leaves him to fall to his death.
+
[[File:AtemWatching.jpg|thumb|left| Atem watching at the people around him]]He is quick to learn the Ancient Egyptian style of dueling. He witnesses the priests extract the ba from a criminal and seal it in a tablet. [[Bandit King Bakura]] then arrives, after plundering the tomb of Atem's father, Pharaoh [[Aknamkanon]] and dragging the treasures and his corpse to the palace. Seto and Bakura Summon Monster Kas, which battle. Bakura's [[Diabound]] defeats Seto's dragon. He mocks Atem by trampling on his father's corpse. As the priests Summon more monsters to fight Diabound, Atem walks over and takes his father's body from Bakura. The priests desperately use their monsters to protect Atem as he does so. Atem steps in to avenge his father and summons [[Obelisk the Tormentor (original)|Obelisk the Tormentor]]. Obelisk battles Diabound. Bakura realizes he can't win, so he and Diabound flee.
 +
 
 +
Atem spots Bakura leaving the palace, after he had snuck in to possess [[Aknadin]] with [[Zorc Necrophades|Zorc]]. Atem chases after Bakura on horseback and battles Diabound, now powered by the Millennium Ring. Atem summons [[Slifer the Sky Dragon]], but Bakura is able to take advantage of Slifer protecting the civilians. Diabound manages to defeat Slifer and Atem runs out of ''Ba''. Atem's friends from the modern world, Yugi, [[Téa Gardner|Téa]], [[Joey Wheeler|Joey]] and [[Tristan Taylor|Tristan]] come to his assistance. Yugi combines his ''Ba'' with Atem's and together they summon the third [[Egyptian Gods|Egyptian God]], [[The Winged Dragon of Ra (original)|The Winged Dragon of Ra]]. Ra transforms into [[The Winged Dragon of Ra (Phoenix Mode)|God Phoenix Mode]] and manages to defeat Diabound, but Zorc, in control of Aknadin, reverses time, bringing back Diabound and pulling Atem's friends away from him. Without Yugi's ''Ba'', Ra leaves. Diabound shatters the ground below Atem, leaving him hanging off an edge. Here Bakura takes the [[Millennium Puzzle|Millennium Pendant]] and leaves him to fall to his death.
  
 
Atem is left injured in an underground cavern, believed to be dead for a while. He is guided out by [[Hassan]] and spotted by [[Isis]]' ''Ka'', [[Spiria]].
 
Atem is left injured in an underground cavern, believed to be dead for a while. He is guided out by [[Hassan]] and spotted by [[Isis]]' ''Ka'', [[Spiria]].
Line 104: Line 110:
 
Atem orders the Priests and soldiers to go with him to [[Kul Elna]] to face Bakura, rather than let him prepare another attack on their city, with innocent lives at stake.
 
Atem orders the Priests and soldiers to go with him to [[Kul Elna]] to face Bakura, rather than let him prepare another attack on their city, with innocent lives at stake.
  
At Kul Elna, Bakura tells Atem how the [[Millennium Items]] were created, by sacrificing the lives of the villagers of Kul Elna. He tried attacking Atem with the ghosts of the villagers seeking revenge, but Mahad, now fused with his [[Illusion Magician]] ''Ka'', returned from the dead as [[Dark Magician]]. The Dark Magician fends off the ghosts and battles Diabound. He assures Atem that his father had not known about how the Items were created. With the help of the priests and [[Mana]], Atem and Mahad defeat Diabound,<ref name="mw duel 41">[[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Millennium World - Duel 041]]</ref> but relinquish the [[Millennium Key]]<ref>[[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Millennium World - Duel 038]]</ref> and [[Millennium Scales|Scales]] in the process<ref>[[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Millennium World - Duel 040]]</ref>. Yami Bakura then freezes time in the RPG, allowing Aknadin, corrupted by Zorc, to gather the remaining Items off the other priests.<ref name="mw duel 41"/>
+
At Kul Elna, Bakura tells Atem how the [[Millennium Items]] were created, by sacrificing the lives of the villagers of Kul Elna. He tried attacking Atem with the ghosts of the villagers seeking revenge, but Mahad, now fused with his [[Illusion Magician]] ''Ka'', returned from the dead as [[Dark Magician]]. The Dark Magician fends off the ghosts and battles Diabound. He assures Atem that his father had not known about how the Items were created. With the help of the priests and [[Mana]], Atem and Mahad defeat Diabound, but relinquish the [[Millennium Key]] and [[Millennium Scales|Scales]] in the process. Yami Bakura then freezes time in the RPG, allowing Aknadin, corrupted by Zorc, to gather the remaining Items off the other priests.
  
Using the Items Aknadin performed the ritual to Summon Zorc Necrophades, while Atem watched helplessly<ref name="mw duel 42"/>. Zorc attacked Atem and his companions, while they were still frozen, but Hassan arrived just in time to defend them from the attack.<ref>[[Yu-Gi-Oh! - Millennium World - Duel 044]]</ref>
+
Using the Items Aknadin performed the ritual to Summon Zorc Necrophades, while Atem watched helplessly. Zorc attacked Atem and his companions, while they were still frozen, but Hassan arrived just in time to defend them from the attack.
  
After Yugi defeats a manifestation of Bakura, Yami learns his own name (with the help of Joey, Tea and Yugi, who had gone to search for him), enabling Atem, in the game, to summon [[The Creator God of Light, Horakhty (character)|The Creator God of Light, Horakhty]], to defeat Zorc before Bakura can summon him to the present.
+
After Yugi defeats a manifestation of Bakura, Yami learns his own name (with the help of Joey, Tea and Yugi, who had gone to search for him), enabling Atem, in the game, to summon [[The Creator God of Light, Horakhty (character)|The Creator God of Light, Horakhty]], to defeat and destroy Zorc before Bakura can summon him to the present once and for all.
  
===The Ceremonial Battle===
+
===Battle Ritual===
After [[the Ceremonial Battle]], Yami crosses to the afterlife and becomes Atem once again, free to join his friends in the next world.
+
After the [[Battle Ritual]], Atem's spirit finally crosses over and is finally free to be with his good and closest friends and family in the spirit world where his spirit now rules as Pharaoh once again.
  
 
===Yu-Gi-Oh! GX===
 
===Yu-Gi-Oh! GX===
In the English dub, [[Mr. Stein]] mentions during his history class that Atem ruled over the Ancient Egypt in the time of building of the Pyramids, 5,000 years ago, and that he saved mankind at that time.<ref>{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! GX|113|ref}}</ref>
+
In the English dub, [[Mr. Stein]] mentions during his history class that Atem ruled over the Ancient Egypt in the time of building of the Pyramids, five milennia ago, and that he saved humankind at that time.<ref>{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! GX|113|ref}}</ref>
  
==Forbidden Memories biography==
+
==Other appearances==
===Getting sealed in the Puzzle===
+
<gallery>
[[File:ThePrince.jpg|thumb|right|The Prince]]
+
Yu-Gi-Oh manga portal.png | [[Pharaoh Atem (manga)]]
In [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories]], Atem serves as the main protagonist, appearing as the prince of the Amenhotep Dynasty in Ancient Egypt. His name is chosen by the player. With the exception of one scene in the game, he is a silent protagonist. Atem often sneaks out of the palace to spend time at the Dueling Grounds, with the villagers particularly [[Teana]] and [[Jono]], who are unaware of his royalty.
+
ThePrince.jpg            | [[Prince (FMR)|Prince (''Forbidden Memories'')]]
 
+
</gallery>
After returning to the palace one night, he finds the mage [[Heishin]], now in possession of the [[Millennium Rod]], has attacked the palace and demands the [[Millennium Puzzle]]. Atem's attendant, [[Simon Muran]], gives Atem the Puzzle and tells him to run. He cannot escape and is confronted by Heishin. Heishin demands the Puzzle. Atem duels him in an attempt to escape. After losing, Simon convinces Atem to shatter the Puzzle.
 
 
 
===Present times===
 
After shattering the puzzle, Simon seals Atem and his spirit inside it. He remains there, asleep for a Millennia, until [[Yugi Muto]] enters a competition hosted by [[Seto Kaiba]]. [[Shadi]], holder of the [[Millennium Key]] and [[Millennium Scale]] appears and says that he came because of Yugi's [[Millennium Items|Millennium Item]]. He uses the Key to open Yugi's mind, where he can meet Atem. Atem gives Yugi [[Millennium Item Card|six cards]]. Although he doesn't speak, Yugi understands what he wants of him. Yugi defeats all the present day holders of the [[Millennium Items]] in the tournament, each time sealing their Item in one of the cards. Using the six cards, Yugi is able to send Atem home.
 
 
 
===Battling the Mages===
 
When Atem arrives home the Mages have taken over the dynasty. He heads to the King's Valley in search of the Forbidden Ruins. Here he meets [[Sadin]], who recognizes him as Prince, but does not know the location of the Forbidden Ruins. So Atem returns to the Pharaoh's Palace, which is now in ruins. After confronting and defeating a [[Mage Soldier]] here Atem finds a map to the Forbidden Ruins. Atem returns to the King's Valley, where the Sadin now escorts him to the ruins. Here he finds a map to the locations of the Millennium Items. [[Priest Seto|Seto]] meets him at the ruins. He informs Atem of the map that shows the location of where Heishin has hidden the Items and that he plans to betray Heishin.
 
 
 
After defeating the first of [[The Mages#High Mages|the High Mages]], Atem meets Jono, who tells him that the Mages have kidnapped Teana. Jono leads him to the Dark Shrine, after passing through the [[Labyrinth Mage]](s), the boys find her held hostage by Seto and Heishin. Heishin orders Seto to defeat Atem and keep the Millennium Puzzle as his prize. After Atem defeats Seto, Seto applauds his skill, gloating that the High Mages don't stand a chance. Teana is released and she, Atem, and Jono leave. Atem is confused by why Seto was pleased. He thinks Seto must have a different agenda.
 
 
 
===Ritual at the Dark Shrine===
 
The Prince proceeds to defeat [[The Mages#High Mages|the High Mages]] and acquire all Millennium Items bar the [[Millennium Rod|Rod]], which is held by Seto. After doing so he is met by Seto, who tells him to go to the Dark Shrine, now unguarded. Here he can defeat Heishin. Atem heads to the Dark Shrine, where Seto leads him to Heishin. The prince proceeds and defeats the Guardians [[Sebek]] and [[Neku]] before finding and defeating Heishin.
 
 
 
After Heishin's defeat, Seto takes Atem to the Forbidden Ruins, where he confronts him and explains that he used him to gather all the Items. He tells Atem about the power of the Items, that they can be used to summon a great power. As Seto is about to claim the power, Heishin appears with a knife to Seto's neck and demands the Items. Atem hands them over and Heishin uses them to Summon [[DarkNite]]. DarkNite refuses to obey Heishin and turns him into a card, which he burns. Atem uses the Millennium Item Cards to hold back DarkNite and force him to a duel to send him back where he came from. After Atem wins, DarkNite turns into Nitemare and demands a final Duel. The Prince plays on and defeats Nitemare.
 
 
 
Afterwards, Atem rules on as King.
 
  
 
==Deck/Monster Spirits==
 
==Deck/Monster Spirits==
In the anime and manga, Atem has Summoned the following [[Egyptian Spirit Monster|monster spirits]].
+
Atem has Summoned the following [[Egyptian Spirit Monster|monster spirits]].
  
* [[The Winged Dragon of Ra (original)|The Winged Dragon of Ra]]
+
* [[The Winged Dragon of Ra (character)|The Winged Dragon of Ra]]
* [[Obelisk the Tormentor (original)|Obelisk the Tormentor]]
+
* [[Obelisk the Tormentor (character)|Obelisk the Tormentor]]
* [[Slifer the Sky Dragon]]
+
* [[Slifer the Sky Dragon (character)|Slifer the Sky Dragon]]
* [[The Creator God of Light, Horakhty]]
+
* [[The Creator God of Light, Horakhty|The Creator of Light]]
* [[Kuriboh]]
+
* [[Kuriboh (character)|Kuriboh]]
* [[Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress 1|Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress <sup>#</sup>1]]
+
* [[Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress 1|Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress #1]]
* [[Dark Magician]]
+
* [[Big Shield Guardna]]
 +
* [[Dark Magician (character)|Dark Magician]]
 +
* [[Dark Magician Girl]]
 +
* [[Magician of Black Chaos]]
 +
* [[Curse of Dragon]]
 +
* [[Black Luster Soldier]]
  
It is also a likely case that [[Black Luster Soldier]] or something similar served as Atem's natural [[Ka]], as he donned its armor to face [[Zorc Necrophades]] in a fashion similar to [[Mahad]] donning the [[Illusion Magician]]'s visage. Posing as Black Luster Soldier, he fused himself with Kaiba's [[Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]] in order to create [[Dragon Master Knight]].
+
It is also a likely case that [[Black Luster Soldier]] or something similar served as Atem's natural [[Ka]], as he donned its armor to face [[Zorc Necrophades]] in a fashion similar to [[Mahad]] donning the [[Illusion Magician]]'s visage. Posing as Black Luster Soldier, he fused himself with Kaiba's [[Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]] in order to create [[Dragon Master Knight]], strengthening its attack strength greatly.
  
In Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories, to the player, the Prince's Deck originally consists of a near random assortment of 40 cards, which mainly consist of weak low [[Level]] monsters and a small number or [[Spell Cards|Magic]] and [[Trap Cards]]. The player can improve it using cards they acquire throughout the game. The manual implies that he uses "[[Dark Magician]]" and many images show him holding "[[Magician of Black Chaos]]".
+
==Notes==
 +
<references group=Notes />
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
+
<references />
  
{{Characters/manga}}
 
 
{{Characters/ssa}}
 
{{Characters/ssa}}
{{Characters/FMR}}
 
  
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atem, Pharaoh}}
 
 
[[Category:Yu-Gi-Oh! characters]]
 
[[Category:Yu-Gi-Oh! characters]]

Latest revision as of 13:06, 17 February 2024

Pharaoh Atem
Pharaoh Atem
Names
English
  • Atem
Other
  • Nameless Pharaoh
  • Yu-Gi-Oh
  • Other Yugi
  • Other Me (by Yugi)
Japanese
Japaneseアテム
RōmajiAtemu
Other languages
Arabic
  • الفرعون أتـمّ
Personal
Gender
  • Male
Relatives
Pharaoh of Egypt
Reigncirca. 1000 B.C. (original)
circa. 3000 B.C. (dub)
Millennium ItemThe Millennium Puzzle
PredecessorAknamkanon
SuccessorSeto
Appearances
Appears in
Anime
Books
Voice actors
English
Japanese
Other languages
Arabic
  • Abdo Hakim
German
  • Sebastian Schulz
Italian
  • Massimo Di Benedetto
Spanish
  • Irwin Daayán (Americas)
  • Pablo Sevilla (Spain)
TagalogJefferson Utanes
Atem, Pharaoh

Atem is an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh who had sealed his own spirit/soul within the mystical Millennium Pendant. His spirit then took on the identity of Yami Yugi, which resided in the body of Yugi Muto, after Yugi solved the Millennium Puzzle. It was stated once that Yugi is the modern day version of Atem.[2]. He is the centerpiece of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, and is the driving force behind most of the events that transpired during the series, with the exceptions of the Domino City Battles, Virtual World and the Grand Championship arcs.

Biography[edit]

Childhood[edit]

Young Atem

Atem was born around 1000 B.C. (3000 B.C. in the English dub) as the only son of King Aknamkanon. Atem became heir to the Egyptian throne and the Millennium Pendant. During his childhood he befriended Mana and was protected by Mahad. In one incident, Atem was attacked by a snake, but Mahad took the hit for the young prince. Atem then saved him by sucking the venom out.

Atem and his father

His father Aknamkanon forced him on a trip to an ancient tomb which Atem did not want to go. Atem accidentally slipped and almost fell off the edge. He asked for his father's help, but he told Atem that he needed to be strong on his own and he was able to get back on the path. Once in the main tomb, his father made a deal with the monsters to spare his son from the repercussions of the horrible actions from the creation of the Millennium Items.

One day, Seto was appointed as guardian of the Millennium Rod by Aknamkanon. Atem was present for the ceremony. The Pharaoh anounced that Seto would serve him as his right hand. Secretly, Aknamkanon's brother, Aknadin, showed resentment towards Atem as Seto was his son and Aknadin wanted him to be Pharaoh, a goal he vowed to accomplish. He and Seto became friends and rivals who competed with each other by testing their mystical skills and abilities.

Reign as Pharaoh[edit]

Atem summoning Obelisk to attack Bakura's Diabound (A vision seen by Yami Yugi during his duel with Dartz)

On the day he became Pharaoh, he was attacked by a common thief but was saved by Mahad. After this, the thief was put through the Millennium trial and it was discovered that he was possessed and they let him go. Just minutes after that, his kingdom was attacked by Bandit King Bakura. Bakura had raided the tomb of his father Aknamkanon and stolen his DiaDhank and his coffin. Atem put Bakura through the Millennium trial, but it failed. Atem announced that Bakura's disrespect was appalling. Bakura easily defeated The Sacred Guardians with his Diabound before Atem stepped in and challenged him with Obelisk the Tormentor. Diabound was severely injured and after almost being destroyed, Bakura fled.

Atem was awoken by a nightmare of Mahad dying in battle at the hands of Bakura. He and Mana went to Mahad's monster tablet and realized that he was in a battle with Bakura. The two headed to the spell-castors' training grounds where Atem's troopers were being attacked by Bakura's followers. Atem used a sword to knock over some of them and got Mana to send for back up before heading in to take out the rest of the thugs. During the fight, the back up arrived but were too late. Mahad's Millennium Ring was in Bakura's hands and he was merged with his Illusion Magician. The stone tablet then fell off the cliff and almost crushed Mana but Atem was able to save her.

Bakura later returned to the kingdom to possess Aknadin. After this, he and Atem fought each other once again. Atem fought with Slifer the Sky Dragon whilst riding on horseback. While they fought, he ran past Dartz, a resident of Atlantis who was to become his enemy in 3000 years (5000 years in the English version). Atem was defeated and lost his Millennium Pendant to Bakura.

Atem fighting Bakura with Slifer the Sky Dragon (a vision seen by Yami during his duel with Dartz)

After Atem was found, he and the other guardians headed for Kul Elna, the birth place of the Millennium Items. Atem and Bakura fought one last time. As Atem was about to defeat Bakura, Aknadin showed up with the Millennium Key that he stole from Shada and stole the other Millennium Items. After putting them in the Millennium Stone, Zorc Necrophades appeared and offered Aknadin anything he desired in exchange for his loyalty. Aknadin requested for Seto to become the new king of Egypt, revealing that Seto was his son in the process. Zorc agreed and transformed Aknadin into Shadow Magus, who then attempted to destroy Atem, but Hassan appeared and protected him. Magus tried to convince Seto to join his side, but Atem convinced him not to. Magus took Seto and escaped into a worm hole that lead to the kingdom, Atem following in pursuit. However, in Kul Elna, Bakura sacrificed himself to summon Zorc Necrophades. Atem needed Seto to become the new king in case Atem were to fall so he set off after him.

Seto possessed by Aknadin in his battle with Atem. (This was a vision seen by Kaiba and Yami during their duel in Battle City)

By the time Atem got there, Magus had possessed Seto after the latter refused to serve him. Magus had also killed Kisara and taken her spirit monster, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Seto/Aknadin tormented Atem as to how powerless he was to stop the dark one. Atem and Seto fought, Atem using Dark Magician (Mahad) and Seto using Blue-Eyes White Dragon, with Seto emerging as the victor. However, Kisara stopped Blue-Eyes from killing Atem and destroyed Aknadin. Seto was free from Aknadin's control, and Atem thanked Kisara for this. This fight would be the main source of Yami Yugi and Seto Kaiba's rivalry.

However, after their duel, Zorc was set for the kingdom. Zorc arrived and a massive battle began. However Zorc was able to overcome Atem's forces. It then became clear that without the Millennium Items, they did not stand a chance. Isis and Mana set off to retrieve them. Mana returned but Isis and Shimon had perished at Zorc's hands. Atem then brought out all three Egyptian Gods to fight Zorc. Though the gods were able to overpower him, it did not last. Without the combined form of the gods The Creator of Light, Zorc could never be destroyed. Zorc then destroyed all three gods and turned them into stone before proceeding to lay waste to the rest of the kingdom.

Sealed within the Millennium Puzzle[edit]

Not wanting Zorc's rampage to continue into other parts of the world, Atem defeated Zorc by using an extremely powerful magic spell which had included his secret true name and sealed both him and Zorc within the chambers of the mystical Millennium Puzzle, erasing his own memories to keep the spell from ever being used to return Zorc to life ever again. The Puzzle was then destroyed by Seto Kaiba, whom he had abdicated the throne to, scattered into dozens of pieces.

Pharaoh Atem in flashbacks during Battle City

Atem's puzzle was placed in a box and placed in his tomb. A number of traps and monsters were placed within to protect the artifact and traces of his name were destroyed. This action would cause history to refer to him as the "Nameless Pharaoh". Seto built the Tablet of Lost Memories, a famous stone tablet depicting them battling one another with their favorite monsters, Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Kisara) and Dark Magician (Mahad), as a symbol of their friendship.

Tomb Keepers[edit]

An ancient prophecy had predicted that the Pharaoh would return shortly after his own demise in the modern-day era, the Ishtar family devoted their lives to protecting the Pharaoh's tomb until that time. The same would happen for all the descendants of the Ishtar family for the next three thousand years (five thousand in the 4kids version), something Marik Ishtar would resent and swear vengeance on the pharaoh when his spirit did indeed return.

A guardian of the pharaoh's court named Shadi who was also guardian of the Millennium Items would spend the next five thousand years as a disembodied spirit/ghost to protect the Pharaoh's tomb and pass on one of the seven Millennium Items to only those worthy of their great magical power.

3,000/5,000-year gap[edit]

Over the course of the next three thousand years (5000 in the English anime) many would attempt to steal the Millennium Puzzle but would fall victim to the traps, except for one person who was driven mad and would wander his village saying "The shadow game. Beware".

Discovery[edit]

3,000 years later (5,000 in the English dub), the Millennium Puzzle was found by Solomon Muto. According to Solomon, his companion tried to kill him to take the Pharaoh's treasure for himself, but Solomon was saved by what appeared to be the spirit of Atem.

Yami Yugi[edit]

Solomon's grandson Yugi Muto solved the Millennium Puzzle, causing Atem, now a disembodied, amnesiac spirit, to reside in Yugi's body. He aided Yugi many times over the course of his adventures, in a form known as "Yami Yugi". Yugi attempted to return the favor by finding the secret of Atem's past.

Memory World[edit]

Full view of Atem in the Shadow RPG

After Yami Yugi completed all his tasks, he presented the Egyptian God Cards to the ancient tablet at the museum. After doing so, Yami Yugi was brought to a table, where he played a Shadow RPG with Yami Bakura. Pharaoh Atem was being possessed by Yami Yugi, while simultaneously being one of Yami Yugi's characters and had all of Yami's memories.

Yami Yugi as Atem in the Shadow RPG

Atem wakes up on the balcony of the Palace, where Shimon Muran tells him the people are eager to meet their New Pharaoh. Although still stripped of his memories prior to sealing himself in the Millennium Pendant, Atem greets his subjects. Shimon Muran takes Atem to the Throne room, and invites him to sit down on this throne, calling it "The big gold chair right in front of you". Atem sits and upon seeing Shimon's face for the first time (as he was wearing a veil/mask prior to Atem sitting down), mistakenly calls him Grandpa because of his resemblance to Yugi's grandfather.

Atem learns that there are six chosen priests in this world, who guard the Millennium Items.

Atem watching at the people around him

He is quick to learn the Ancient Egyptian style of dueling. He witnesses the priests extract the ba from a criminal and seal it in a tablet. Bandit King Bakura then arrives, after plundering the tomb of Atem's father, Pharaoh Aknamkanon and dragging the treasures and his corpse to the palace. Seto and Bakura Summon Monster Kas, which battle. Bakura's Diabound defeats Seto's dragon. He mocks Atem by trampling on his father's corpse. As the priests Summon more monsters to fight Diabound, Atem walks over and takes his father's body from Bakura. The priests desperately use their monsters to protect Atem as he does so. Atem steps in to avenge his father and summons Obelisk the Tormentor. Obelisk battles Diabound. Bakura realizes he can't win, so he and Diabound flee.

Atem spots Bakura leaving the palace, after he had snuck in to possess Aknadin with Zorc. Atem chases after Bakura on horseback and battles Diabound, now powered by the Millennium Ring. Atem summons Slifer the Sky Dragon, but Bakura is able to take advantage of Slifer protecting the civilians. Diabound manages to defeat Slifer and Atem runs out of Ba. Atem's friends from the modern world, Yugi, Téa, Joey and Tristan come to his assistance. Yugi combines his Ba with Atem's and together they summon the third Egyptian God, The Winged Dragon of Ra. Ra transforms into God Phoenix Mode and manages to defeat Diabound, but Zorc, in control of Aknadin, reverses time, bringing back Diabound and pulling Atem's friends away from him. Without Yugi's Ba, Ra leaves. Diabound shatters the ground below Atem, leaving him hanging off an edge. Here Bakura takes the Millennium Pendant and leaves him to fall to his death.

Atem is left injured in an underground cavern, believed to be dead for a while. He is guided out by Hassan and spotted by Isis' Ka, Spiria.

Atem orders the Priests and soldiers to go with him to Kul Elna to face Bakura, rather than let him prepare another attack on their city, with innocent lives at stake.

At Kul Elna, Bakura tells Atem how the Millennium Items were created, by sacrificing the lives of the villagers of Kul Elna. He tried attacking Atem with the ghosts of the villagers seeking revenge, but Mahad, now fused with his Illusion Magician Ka, returned from the dead as Dark Magician. The Dark Magician fends off the ghosts and battles Diabound. He assures Atem that his father had not known about how the Items were created. With the help of the priests and Mana, Atem and Mahad defeat Diabound, but relinquish the Millennium Key and Scales in the process. Yami Bakura then freezes time in the RPG, allowing Aknadin, corrupted by Zorc, to gather the remaining Items off the other priests.

Using the Items Aknadin performed the ritual to Summon Zorc Necrophades, while Atem watched helplessly. Zorc attacked Atem and his companions, while they were still frozen, but Hassan arrived just in time to defend them from the attack.

After Yugi defeats a manifestation of Bakura, Yami learns his own name (with the help of Joey, Tea and Yugi, who had gone to search for him), enabling Atem, in the game, to summon The Creator God of Light, Horakhty, to defeat and destroy Zorc before Bakura can summon him to the present once and for all.

Battle Ritual[edit]

After the Battle Ritual, Atem's spirit finally crosses over and is finally free to be with his good and closest friends and family in the spirit world where his spirit now rules as Pharaoh once again.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX[edit]

In the English dub, Mr. Stein mentions during his history class that Atem ruled over the Ancient Egypt in the time of building of the Pyramids, five milennia ago, and that he saved humankind at that time.[3]

Other appearances[edit]

Deck/Monster Spirits[edit]

Atem has Summoned the following monster spirits.

It is also a likely case that Black Luster Soldier or something similar served as Atem's natural Ka, as he donned its armor to face Zorc Necrophades in a fashion similar to Mahad donning the Illusion Magician's visage. Posing as Black Luster Soldier, he fused himself with Kaiba's Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon in order to create Dragon Master Knight, strengthening its attack strength greatly.

Notes[edit]


References[edit]

  1. hi-net.zaq.ne.jp Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters cast
  2. Yu-Gi-Oh! episode 222222: "The Final Duel - Part 2"
  3. Yu-Gi-Oh! GX episode 113113: "Win Mr. Stein's Duel, Part 1"