Throughout his time asYu - Gi - Oh!Duel Monster ’s primary character , Pharaoh Atem became celebrated across the world for being well-nigh unvanquishable . While Yugi ’s ascendant did lose a fistful of duels , most of his losses hap due to international factor . His opponents would always endeavor to cheat or falsify their style into victory , make most of his defeat feel unearned for the adversary .

Still , there isone villain who lawfully defeated the Pharaoh , and by doing so , allow the swayer to become better as a duellist and human : Rafael . Dartz ’s second in program line was far more than just a sympathetic villain to progress the secret plan , he was a complex graphic symbol whose contribution to the series were pivotal forthe final fate of the protagonist during the series ' end .

Rafael Was a Necessary Obstacle for Atem’s Growth

The Pharaoh Was Too Concerned With Victory and Righteousness

In installment # 156 to # 158 of theYu - gilbert - Oh ! Duel Monstersanime series , Yugi and Atem are challenge to a duel by Rafael , one of the best dueler in the original seriesand a member of the notorious Doma organization . He was a loyal follower of Dartz , believing that the ancient Atlantean King would be able to purge all iniquity from humanity and make a better macrocosm without suffering . Unlike his comrades , Rafael was a duelist of pure heart , who frankly believed that he was doing the right thing .

Despite this , the Pharaoh see him as another fell baddie trying to take over the world , push him to hold triumph by any means necessary . After oppose for the satellite ’s survival several time , as the Pharaoh of Egypt had already fight against some of the franchise ’s most powerful villains by that dot , he was understandably anxious about losing . For Atem , winning the game and give up Doma from come alive the Leviathan were noble goals that justified his unthinking dueler style . As such , when he was allowed to use the Seal of Orichalcos , he did so without hesitation .

Yu - Gi - Oh ! ’s English dub made a great deal of change to the original script , and one of them give rooter a whole pretended idea about Yugi ’s fellowship life .

Yugioh 3D Bonds Beyond Time Visual featuring Yugi and two other Yu-Gi-Oh! anime protagonists preparing to duel.

Even with the advantage of this powerful Field Spell , Atem turn a loss , as Rafael had already foreshadow that he would apply the seal to judge and defeat him . As a pillage , the antagonist was ready to claim the Pharaoh ’s soul for his lord , untilthe spirit of Yugi took his place and sacrificed himself to keep Atem secure . This is by far one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the anime , but it was also one of the most lively for the Pharaoh ’s maturation . misplace to Rafael opened the room access for the swayer to accept his flaws .

Losing Helped the Pharaoh Confront His Demons

Atem Needed To Address His Bias and Anxieties

While his battle against Dartz ’s lackey wasnot the only duel Yugi turn a loss , his frustration against Rafael was a necessary tragedy that forever change the Pharaoh ’s life , it was alsoa necessary gradation in his journey to regain eternal public security . His duel against Dartz ’s henchman foreground how much Atem ’s priorities had change since the offset of the serial publication . After campaign for his lifetime and the circumstances of the world on several occasions , the Egyptian ruler forgot about being tolerant and opened - minded , two of the most important lessons Yugi had taught him .

His defeat at the handwriting of Rafael made him recognize that even he had dark sentiment and impulses . If he had not allowed his anger to take over during the affaire d’honneur , his opposer would never have been capable to defeat him , as the scoundrel ’s scheme rely on the Pharaoh abusing the power of the Seal of Orichalcos . After this engagement , Atem once again began noticing that the Earth was not as mordant and blanched as he used to see it , go as far as to save Rafael after their second affaire d’honneur .

Yu - Gi - Oh ! ’s Zanzibar copal has a prolonged history spanning over 20 years , and here ’s a partitioning of the unspoiled way of life to watch out every anime in chronological club .

Images shows a glowing Mastered UI goku glaring towards a charging Broly from Dragon ball super in the background.

Atem was also forced to face the realness that even the purest of souls could be corrupted by mightiness . Despite not require to , the Pharaoh did activate the Seal of Orichalcos , one of the most overpowered cardsthat would take his opponent ’s soul if he was victorious . The protagonist did not represent as the noble grinder he was hypothesise to be during this battle . It was thanks to his defeat at the hands of Rafael that Atem began work into once again becoming the kind and just ruler he used to be while alive .

The Pharaoh Learned That Actions Speak Louder Than Anything

​​​​​​​He Finally Faced the Fear of Not Knowing His Past

One of the main closed book about Atem throughout theYu - Gb - Oh ! Duel Monstersfranchise is his past as the ruler of Egypt . Almost nothing was known about the nameless Pharaoh who salvage the world from darkness . As such , even though the humankind knew him as a just and kind Billie Jean Moffitt King , Atem himself had no idea if he was indeed the admirable individual historians talked about . His loss against Rafael caused him to face these uncertainty read/write head - on . Atem realized that , even if he was once a good person , he was no longer the Pharaoh of caption .

This reflection do him peachy painful sensation shortly after losing Yugi , as he began to see himself as a heartless villain . Nevertheless , by swear on his friends , accepting his inner dark , and interpret that his actions mattered more than his past , the Pharaoh come forth a more fulfilled and determined gentleman’s gentleman . The fight against his inner demons is , in great part , what helped him sense inclined to confront his past in season 5 , as he was now subject of admit himself , fault include .

Rafael Is One of Yu-Gi-Oh!’s Best Villains

​​​​​​​The Stoic Duelist Is Complex and Relatable

Rafael is , without a dubiousness , one of the most interesting villains theYu - Gb - Oh!franchise has to offer . He was the proof that even the good of human can be influenced by pain and loss , pushing them to keep abreast a dark itinerary . Rafael truly believe that he had a tariff to assist the existence by ridding it of suffering . He was far more than just a seasonal baddie , put in only to vote out the hero and cause topsy-turvyness . He was a lively part of Atem ’s ontogenesis , and it would have been great to see more of him after the end of time of year 4 .

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TheYu - Gi - Oh!anime franchise still has many interesting details for fans to discover and learn from . The duel between Atem and Rafael is a perfect example , as it teaches looker the complexness of morals and duty . It is by far one of the Pharaoh and the show ’s most of import moments .

Atem drawing a card during one of his duels. Behind him, Rafael and his Orichalcos version can be seen.

Custom Image by Rodrigo Sandoval Lahut.

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Atem crying with a pained expression on his face. Behind him, a destroyed city can be seen.

Custom Image by Rodrigo Sandoval Lahut.

Atem watching Yugi sacrifice himself after losing the duel against Rafael.

Rafael speaking with Atem during their duel.

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