Piccolo’s journey is marked by sacrifice and rebirth, and his second coming holds significant weight in the Dragon Ball Z narrative. He is resurrected in episode 126 of Dragon Ball Z, titled “Androids Forever?”.
The Aftermath of Cell and the Eternal Dragon
The Android Saga’s climactic battle against Cell resulted in devastating losses, including Goku’s self-sacrifice to save Earth. This event plunged the Z Fighters into mourning and left the world vulnerable. However, the Dragon Balls offered a glimmer of hope. The primary goal of the heroes post-Cell’s defeat was to restore those lost in the battle, specifically Goku. Yet, there was also a compelling reason to bring back Piccolo.
Piccolo’s sacrifice against Nappa in the Saiyan Saga cemented his importance as a comrade and protector. However, his link to Kami, the Earth’s guardian, meant his death had dire consequences: the Dragon Balls ceased to exist. Now, with Dende taking Kami’s place, the Dragon Balls were active again, and Piccolo’s resurrection became a viable option, restoring a vital guardian figure and powerful warrior to the Z Fighters’ ranks.
The Episode: “Androids Forever?” Deconstructed
Episode 126 showcases the aftermath of Cell’s defeat and the Z Fighters’ preparations to summon Shenron. The episode is filled with a palpable sense of relief and sorrow, intertwined. We see Gohan grappling with the loss of his father while also bearing the responsibility of the Earth’s future. Dende, still adjusting to his role as Kami, performs the summoning ritual.
The actual resurrection of Piccolo is a relatively brief but pivotal moment. It emphasizes the Dragon Balls’ power and their role in shaping the world’s destiny. It’s a moment of renewed hope, signaling a fresh start after a period of intense suffering and loss. His resurrection significantly strengthens the Z Fighters’ ability to defend against future threats.
FAQs About Piccolo’s Resurrection and its Implications
H3 What specific wish was used to revive Piccolo?
The wish wasn’t specifically phrased as “Revive Piccolo.” Instead, the Z Fighters wished to restore to life everyone who had been killed by Cell. This included Krillin, Goku, and, crucially, Piccolo. It was a blanket wish focused on reversing Cell’s destructive acts.
H3 Why was Piccolo’s resurrection important even with Goku gone?
Even without Goku, the threat of future enemies remained. Piccolo’s power and strategic mind were invaluable assets to the Z Fighters. His resurrection ensured a powerful defender was present to protect Earth, and his experience in training Gohan was crucial for the young Saiyan’s development.
H3 Did Piccolo become stronger after being resurrected?
While the resurrection itself didn’t inherently make Piccolo stronger, his subsequent training undoubtedly contributed to his growth. The experience of being dead and witnessing Cell’s power likely motivated him to further refine his skills.
H3 How did Dende’s presence affect the Dragon Balls and Piccolo’s revival?
Dende’s ascension to the role of Kami was essential. With Kami gone, the Dragon Balls vanished. Dende’s presence reinstated them, making Piccolo’s revival, and the revival of everyone else killed by Cell, possible.
H3 Would Piccolo have wanted to be revived, knowing Goku wasn’t?
Piccolo is a complex character. While he deeply respected Goku and their shared rivalry, he also understood his duty to protect Earth. He likely would have appreciated the effort to restore him, recognizing the importance of having a strong defense against future threats, even without Goku.
H3 What were the limitations of the Dragon Balls at that point?
At this point in the Dragon Ball Z timeline, the Dragon Balls could only revive individuals who hadn’t died of natural causes. Furthermore, they could only revive someone once. Goku, having already been revived once, could not be brought back by the Dragon Balls.
H3 How did Piccolo’s relationship with Gohan change after his resurrection?
Piccolo’s bond with Gohan only deepened after his resurrection. Gohan was heavily impacted by both the loss of his father and Piccolo’s death. Piccolo’s return provided Gohan with a much-needed mentor and a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect him and the planet.
H3 Did Piccolo’s Namekian heritage play a role in his resurrection?
While his Namekian heritage didn’t directly impact the process of his resurrection (which was purely reliant on the Dragon Balls), it was fundamental to his ability to be revived. Being of Namekian origin meant he was linked to the Guardian of Earth, and therefore his death impacted the very existence of the Dragon Balls.
H3 How did the other Z Fighters react to Piccolo’s return?
The Z Fighters were overjoyed at Piccolo’s return. They recognized his strength and strategic mind as vital assets. His revival brought a sense of closure and restored a crucial member to their team after the devastating loss of Goku and the many sacrifices during the Cell Games.
H3 Was Piccolo the only one the Z Fighters were concerned about reviving?
While Piccolo’s return was crucial, the Z Fighters were primarily focused on reviving Goku. Sadly, they learned that Goku couldn’t be brought back because he had already been revived once. Their attention then shifted to ensuring everyone else who had died because of Cell was resurrected.
H3 What impact did Piccolo’s resurrection have on the future Dragon Ball Z storylines?
Piccolo’s resurrection played a significant role in subsequent arcs. His continued training and dedication to protecting Earth made him a key figure in battles against Majin Buu and other powerful foes. His influence on Gohan also continued to shape the young Saiyan’s destiny.
H3 Did Piccolo change his training methods after being revived?
While it’s not explicitly stated that Piccolo changed his training methods after being revived, it’s likely that the experience of witnessing Cell’s power motivated him to become even more rigorous in his training. He continued to push himself and Gohan to new limits, understanding the ever-present threat of powerful enemies.