Dragon Ball fans have been debating a certain question for many years – was Goku’s tail permanently lost? Some argue that it was, while others believe that it could have grown back. The topic has been discussed extensively online, with fans sharing their own theories and opinions. In this blog post, we will delve into this question and explore the evidence that may support either side of the argument. Whether you are a die-hard Dragon Ball fan or simply curious about the topic, read on to discover the truth about Goku’s tail.
Goku, the beloved protagonist of the Dragon Ball franchise, is known for his incredible strength, fighting skills, and ability to transform into a Super Saiyan. But there’s one particular feature that sets him apart from other characters – his tail. Like all Saiyans, Goku has a monkey-like tail that allows him to transform into a great ape on the full moon. But why does Goku have a tail in the first place? The answer lies in the origins of the Saiyan race. According to the Dragon Ball lore, Saiyans were originally a group of primitive beings who lived on the planet Sadala. These creatures had tails just like Goku’s, and they were known for their incredible strength and fighting skills. As time went on, the Saiyans evolved and became more advanced, eventually discovering the ability to harness and control their ki energy.
But even as they evolved, the Saiyans retained their tails. It is believed that the tail was originally an adaptation that allowed the Saiyans to move easily through the dense jungles of Sadala. Over time, the tail became a symbol of the Saiyan race, and it was revered as a source of power and strength.
However, the tail also had a weakness. If it was grabbed or squeezed, the Saiyan would experience excruciating pain. This weakness was exploited by their enemies, and it was one of the reasons the Saiyans eventually developed the habit of wrapping their tails around their waists like a belt.
But why did Goku keep his tail even after he became a powerful warrior? The answer lies in his unique upbringing. Goku was sent to Earth as a baby to conquer the planet, but he suffered a head injury that caused him to forget his mission. He was found and raised by a kind-hearted man named Grandpa Gohan, who taught him martial arts and instilled in him a strong sense of justice and compassion.
Because Goku grew up without the influence of Saiyan culture, he never learned to fear or hide his tail. Instead, he learned to embrace it as a part of him. He discovered that his tail could be used to his advantage in battle, and he even learned to control his transformation into a great ape.
How Come Goku’s Tail Was Removed?
Although Goku’s tail proved to be advantageous, it also had drawbacks. If someone got a hold of it, it could sap his energy and render him defenseless. Although he eventually overcame this vulnerability, it remained a significant disadvantage.
If Goku were to gaze upon a complete moon, his tail would transform him into a Great Ape, causing him to go on an unmanageable rampage. Unfortunately, one of these rampages led to the death of his Grandpa Gohan. Therefore, Goku’s tail posed a threat to both himself and his surroundings.
There were two options to bring Goku back to his normal form from the Great Ape state, which was either to remove his tail or destroy the moon. Master Roshi had once been obliged to choose the second option. However, if Goku’s tail was removed, it would grow back after a certain period of time.
Goku eventually found a permanent solution to his tail while training under Kami. The Guardian of Earth agreed to use the Dragon Balls to restore the moon if he was allowed to remove Goku’s tail. The procedure was never shown, but Kami made sure the appendage would never grow back.
Throughout the series, the Saiyans’ capacity to regenerate their tails has been unclear. It is commonly believed that they can regrow during their childhood, but this capability is lost as they grow older. Goku and Vegeta’s experiences support this idea, especially since advanced extraterrestrial physicians made unsuccessful attempts to restore Vegeta’s tail.
In Dragon Ball GT, it is suggested that Saiyans can regrow their tails in adulthood, based on the fact that Goku regrew his through special training and was able to merge his Great Ape and Super Saiyan forms to achieve Super Saiyan 4. However, this occurrence is debatable due to several factors. Firstly, Goku was regressed to a child at the time of regrowing his tail. Secondly, the canonicity of Dragon Ball GT is questionable and has been largely disregarded.
Goku and the other Saiyans are some of the strongest and most iconic characters in the Dragon Ball series. One of their most notable traits is their ability to transform into giant apes with incredibly destructive power, thanks to their tails. However, as the series progressed, the Saiyans lost their tails and gained new, more powerful transformations like Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct. But what if the Saiyans wanted their tails back? Could they somehow regain them and once again access the power of the Great Ape? The answer is yes, they could, but it wouldn’t be easy.
First of all, it’s important to understand why the Saiyans lost their tails in the first place. In the early days of the series, when the Saiyans were first introduced, their tails were a weakness that could be exploited in battle. If someone grabbed their tail, they would be paralyzed with pain, leaving them vulnerable to attack. As a result, many Saiyans chose to have their tails removed, making them stronger and more resilient.
Later on in the series, the reason for the tail’s removal changed. It was revealed that when a Saiyan with a tail looked at a full moon, they would transform into a giant ape called a Great Ape. While this form was incredibly powerful, it was also uncontrollable and often led to destruction and chaos. So, in order to prevent any accidental transformations, most of the Saiyans had their tails removed.
But what if a Saiyan wanted their tail back? Well, there is a way to do it, but it’s not easy. The most obvious solution would be to use the Dragon Balls and wish for their tails to be restored. However, there is a catch. The Dragon Balls can only bring someone back to life or grant a wish that is within the realm of the creator’s power. It’s unclear whether or not restoring a Saiyan’s tail falls under this category, but it’s certainly worth a try.
Assuming the Dragon Balls can grant this wish, the Saiyan would have to be careful not to look at a full moon once their tail is restored. Otherwise, they would transform into a Great Ape and lose control of their actions. This is why it’s unlikely that any of the living Saiyans would want their tails back, as it would be more of a liability than an asset.
However, there is one situation where a restored tail could come in handy. In the non-canon Dragon Ball GT series, Goku and Vegeta are able to access a new transformation called Super Saiyan 4. This form is only possible when a Saiyan is in their Great Ape form and then transforms back into their human form, with their tail intact. If Super Saiyan 4 were ever to become canon, then restoring a Saiyan’s tail would be necessary to access this transformation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Goku’s tail was a significant part of his character in Dragon Ball, it was ultimately lost permanently after being cut off multiple times. Though there were attempts to regrow it with the use of the Dragon Balls, these were ultimately unsuccessful. As the series progressed and Goku’s power grew, he no longer needed his tail to transform into a Great Ape, making its absence inconsequential to his abilities as a warrior. Despite its absence, however, Goku’s tail remains an iconic aspect of his early character design and serves as a reminder of his Saiyan heritage.