When thinking about Saiyans, Dragon Ball fans will likely remember them for their innate superhuman strength and memorable transformations. Nonetheless, another major trait shared by most members of this race, from the weakest to the strongest, is the deep pride they feel for being born on Planet Vegeta. Goku’s rival, named after their lost home, is the biggest exponent of this idea, as he constantly reminds audiences about it.
Although Vegeta is by far one of the most prideful Saiyans in the series, Kakarot is also often motivated by a sense of superiority. When faced with an opponent who disrespects or hurts his friends, Goku is not afraid to demonstrate why the Saiyan race was so feared throughout the universe. The hero hides it well, but he is just as prideful as Vegeta in many respects.
Kakarot Is a True Saiyan Warrior
Goku’s Connection to the Saiyans Is Not as Weak as Fans Believe
The Saiyan race, famous across the galaxy for being fierce and brave warriors, was introduced during the first episode of the Dragon Ball Z anime. After years of following Goku and learning about his seemingly superhuman abilities, it was revealed that he had always been a member of an alien species destined to conquer planets. The protagonist was sent to Earth with the mission of killing its best fighters and preparing it for Frieza’s forces to take over. The only reason he did not do this was that his grandpa Gohan raised him to be a kind and humble boy.
Even though Kakarot was never informed about his bloodline, he nonetheless exhibited traits that could be associated with his Saiyan pride.
Goku grew up without learning about his Saiyan heritage, distancing himself from the strange and ruthless rules his race followed. He was also not acquainted with the concept of Saiyan pride until much later in his life. First introduced by Vegeta, this concept is the embodiment of the honor that the members of this race felt by being born as part of the empire. Saiyans believed that their warrior nature and ease of becoming stronger made them inherently superior to their foes. It also served as a reminder for them to never give up, as doing so would be a disgrace to their race.
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Even though Kakarot was never informed about his bloodline, he nonetheless exhibited traits that could be associated with his Saiyan pride. The biggest of them all is his desire to humiliate and humble opponents who have acted dishonorably during combat. Kakarot can be one of the nicest opponents a person can ever come across, even the despicable and strong Dragon Ball villains. Still, as soon as any of them disrespect or hurt Goku or his friends, he becomes an unforgiving force, ready to prove that his enemies are not above him.
Goku’s Saiyan Pride Shines in His Most Epic Battles
The Hero Does Not Hold Back Against Arrogant Villains
During most of the best battles seen in the Dragon Ball franchise, Goku has proven himself as an honorable warrior who is willing to give even the most ruthless villains a chance. Whether this means sharing his energy to provide them with an opportunity to survive or outright forgiving them, Kakarot is not afraid to allow his noble nature to shine during battle. Nevertheless, his Saiyan pride can also lead him to act in ways that can only be described as ruthless. One of the best examples of this behavior can be seen in Goku’s battle against Nappa.
Vegeta’s partner, blinded by his strength and overconfidence, enjoyed toying with the protagonist before their battle. Nappa mocked Goku for arriving too late to save his friends and went as far as to threaten Gohan’s life. This resulted in Kakarot not holding anything back during their battle, proving that he was superior to his opponent in every aspect. Goku avoided all of Nappa’s attacks, stepped on his head, and gave no indications of seeing his opponent as a threat. By the end of the battle, the hero had defeated the villain without breaking a sweat.
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Another perfect example of Goku’s Saiyan pride manifesting itself occurred during the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc, one of the best Super arcs. After absorbing the powers of another convict, known as 73, Moro gained a power that greatly surpassed that of the divine Saiyans. He used this strength to humiliate his opponents, defeating them swiftly and stabbing Goku in the chest. Near the end of the battle, the villain attempted to defeat Kakarot similarly, only to break his hand against Goku’s torso. The hero did not try to avoid the attack, wanting to brutally humble his opponent.
Goku’s Pride Is the Cause of Most of His Errors
The Hero Might Not Admit It, but His Ego Can Be Quite Destructive
While Goku has undoubtedly become one of the most popular and beloved anime characters in history, this does not mean that the hero is without faults. One of his biggest issues, and one that has caused his friends and family many problems, is that he often allows his ego to take over his reasoning in battle. Fans have seen several examples of this phenomenon as Dragon Ball’s story has progressed. His decision to gift Cell a Senzu Bean after their intense battle is infamous for almost causing Earth to be destroyed.
Goku knew that Gohan would be able to defeat Gero’s creation thanks to his immense potential, but helping the villain recover was not necessary for the plan to work. Kakarot did so to prove to Cell that he was never the most powerful warrior the heroes had fought. While less directly, showing Frieza kindness during the ending of their confrontation on Planet Namek helped the villain survive and learn the location of Planet Earth. If not for this mistake, the emperor would never have awakened his most powerful form, Black Frieza.
Goku’s Saiyan Lineage Makes Him Interesting
Dragon Ball’s Protagonist Is Not the Typical Naïve Hero
Although Goku’s unconscious Saiyan pride has been the origin of many of his troubling behaviors, it is this trait that helps the character remain interesting. Unlike many other strong Shōnen heroes, Kakarot has never tried to be depicted as the perfect and kind warrior whose only weakness is being too noble. Kakarot makes mistakes, allows his ego to control him, and works hard to correct his errors, like any other human would.
Strangely, it is his Saiyan pride that makes him more relatable and charming, as he is never depicted as the perfect hero whom audiences can never hope to imitate. Dragon Ball‘s protagonist is one of the most iconic anime heroes in history, and his worst decisions have helped him maintain this status for many decades. His Saiyan pride will never be as prevalent in his life as Vegeta’s, who sees this trait as an obligation, but there is no denying that it can manifest itself when fans least expect it.
Dragon Ball Super
7/10
- Release Date
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2015 – 2018
- Network
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Fuji TV
- Directors
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Ryota Nakamura, Masanori Sato, Kenichi Takeshita, Takao Iwai, Hideki Hiroshima, Masato Mitsuka, Kazuya Karasawa, Ayumu Ono, Takahiro Imamura, Tatsuya Nagamine, Kôjiro Kawasaki, Kouji Ogawa
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Masakazu Morita
Whis (voice)
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Masako Nozawa
Son Goku/Goku Black/Son Gohan/Son Goten (voices)
