Character

Caenis

カイニス

Lancer's True Name is Caenis, the name of Caeneus (カイネウス, Kaineusu) before she wished to become a man. Although she currently has the physique of a woman with a more masculine face, different characters refer to her with both types of gender pronouns. A warrior and tyrant found within Greek mythology. As a member of the Argonauts, Caenis went on many an adventure with her comrades. Though once a woman, Caenis later became a man…. it has been said. In the past she was beyond a doubt a true woman, renowned for her beauty, and praised as one of the most beautiful maidens in Thessaly. At one point after turning down numerous courters, she received the love of the sea god Poseidon (Neptune) and robbed of her chastity. Satisfied, the sea god told her, "I will grant all of your wishes" to which Caenis replied, "Please make me no longer a woman so that I will never have to go through an experience like this ever again" and Caenis became an invincible man, the legend says. It cannot be said for sure that she actually became a man due to some tales left behind. After her death, she is said to have become a bird with golden wings and disappeared into the skies, but there is also a tale that the corpse of a woman was left behind. Either way, the subsequent Caenis/Caeneus became a mighty warrior and showed the world how she ruled the lands as a powerful tyrant.