Krillin, arguably the most loyal friend and courageous human on Earth in the Dragon Ball universe, has faced death multiple times. The most iconic and arguably impactful instance occurs in Episode 85 of Dragon Ball Z, titled “Gathering of Warriors,” during the Frieza Saga on Planet Namek. This death served as the catalyst for Goku’s legendary Super Saiyan transformation.
The Impact of Krillin’s Death on Goku
Krillin’s death at the hands of Frieza is a pivotal moment not just for the plot, but for Goku’s character arc. Frieza callously telekinetically explodes Krillin, leaving Goku devastated and overwhelmed with rage. This overwhelming emotion pushes Goku beyond his limits, unlocking the dormant potential within him and allowing him to transform into the legendary Super Saiyan. Before this point, Goku had faced numerous powerful foes, but never had he witnessed such a brutal and personal attack on someone he considered a brother. Krillin’s death was the spark that ignited Goku’s true power. It cemented Frieza as Goku’s greatest enemy, at least up to that point.
Exploring the Specifics of Episode 85
While Krillin’s death is the main event, Episode 85 is more than just that single moment. It’s a culmination of escalating tension and strategic maneuvering. The episode features the continuation of the battle between Goku, Krillin, Gohan, and Vegeta against Frieza. As Frieza unveils his successive transformations, the Z Fighters find themselves increasingly outmatched. Vegeta’s brief power boost offers a glimmer of hope, but ultimately proves insufficient.
The episode showcases Krillin’s unwavering bravery. Even knowing he is outclassed, he continues to fight alongside his friends, attempting to distract and weaken Frieza. This bravery highlights Krillin’s character – he is not the strongest, but he is always willing to put his life on the line for others. His actions, though ultimately unsuccessful in defeating Frieza at this stage, play a vital role in allowing Goku to witness the full extent of Frieza’s cruelty, setting the stage for the Super Saiyan transformation.
The Aftermath and Resurrection
Krillin’s death is not permanent, of course. Dragon Ball’s central mechanic allows for resurrection. After Frieza’s defeat, the Dragon Balls of Namek are used to resurrect all those killed by Frieza and his forces. Krillin is among those revived, returning to Earth with the other Z Fighters. The experience, however, leaves a lasting impact. He understands the gravity of the threats they face and becomes even more determined to train and protect his friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Krillin’s Deaths
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Krillin’s various deaths throughout the Dragon Ball series, offering more insights into these significant events.
H3 How many times does Krillin die in the Dragon Ball series?
Krillin dies a total of three times in the main Dragon Ball storyline. The first is during the Tien Shinhan Saga in Dragon Ball when he is killed by Tambourine, one of King Piccolo’s minions. The second, and most infamous, is in Episode 85 of Dragon Ball Z, killed by Frieza. His third death occurs during the Majin Buu Saga when Super Buu turns him into chocolate and eats him.
H3 Why is Krillin’s death by Frieza so significant?
Krillin’s death at the hands of Frieza is significant because it triggers Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation. It is the first time Goku experiences such intense rage and grief, unlocking the dormant power within him. This transformation marks a turning point in the Dragon Ball series, establishing the Super Saiyan as a crucial element of the narrative.
H3 Was Krillin’s death by Tambourine less impactful than his death by Frieza?
While both deaths are tragic, Krillin’s death by Tambourine has less long-term impact on the overall narrative. It motivates Goku to seek revenge and become stronger, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the power dynamics in the same way that the Super Saiyan transformation does. The death by Tambourine is more personal and less integral to the wider Dragon Ball mythos.
H3 How did Krillin get revived after being killed by Frieza?
Krillin was revived using the Dragon Balls of Namek. After Frieza was defeated, the Namekian Dragon Balls were used to grant wishes, one of which was to revive all those who had been killed by Frieza and his forces. Krillin was among those brought back to life.
H3 What was Krillin doing before he died in Episode 85?
Before his death, Krillin was fighting alongside Goku and Gohan against Frieza. He was using his various techniques, such as the Destructo Disc and solar flare, to try and weaken Frieza, though his efforts were ultimately futile against Frieza’s overwhelming power. He primarily served as a distraction and support for Goku.
H3 Did Krillin’s death affect Gohan’s power?
While Krillin’s death is more directly tied to Goku’s transformation, it did indirectly affect Gohan’s power. Witnessing the brutal death of his friend and mentor instilled in Gohan a deeper understanding of the stakes and the importance of protecting those he cared about. This emotional turmoil contributed to his own power boosts later in the series.
H3 Was Vegeta present when Krillin died on Namek?
Yes, Vegeta was present on Namek when Krillin died. He witnessed Frieza’s cruelty firsthand, which fueled his own ambition to become a Super Saiyan and surpass Goku. While Vegeta initially feigned indifference towards Krillin, witnessing his death contributed to Vegeta’s eventual shift towards becoming a more heroic character.
H3 What role did Krillin play in the fight against Frieza after being revived?
After being revived, Krillin’s role shifted from direct combat to support. He primarily provided assistance and encouragement to Goku and Gohan. He also played a key role in distracting Frieza and creating openings for the Saiyans to attack. While he was no match for Frieza’s power, his strategic thinking and unwavering support were valuable assets.
H3 Did Krillin ever become stronger than he was on Namek?
Yes, Krillin continued to train and improve his power after the Frieza Saga. While he never reached the levels of the Saiyans, he became significantly stronger. He even tapped into his latent potential under the guidance of Guru, and was able to hold his own against opponents much stronger than Frieza’s early forms.
H3 How did Krillin’s deaths impact his relationship with Android 18?
Krillin’s experiences with death and resurrection likely reinforced his appreciation for life and his desire to protect those he loved. This, in turn, strengthened his bond with Android 18. His unwavering dedication and compassion likely played a significant role in her own character development and eventual acceptance of her humanity. The experiences shaped both of them.
H3 Is Krillin considered weak compared to other Z Fighters?
Compared to the Saiyans, Krillin is often considered weaker. However, he is arguably the strongest human on Earth and has consistently proven his bravery and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds. He compensates for his lack of Saiyan power with his strategic thinking, versatile techniques, and unwavering determination. Calling him “weak” is a disservice to his contributions.
H3 What is Krillin’s most iconic attack?
Krillin’s most iconic attack is undoubtedly the Destructo Disc (Kienzan). This energy disc is incredibly sharp and capable of cutting through almost anything. While not always successful, it is a signature move that has been used against numerous powerful opponents throughout the series. It’s a testament to Krillin’s inventiveness and ability to adapt his fighting style.