Through the arcs of the manga and anime Dragon Ball , we discover characters ... . Among them, the Saiyans , a race of warriors from Planet Vegeta. With their superhuman strength and legendary transformations, they are fearsomely powerful in combat. Played by Goku and Vegeta, the two protagonists of Akira Toriyama's series, their mission is simple: defend the Earth.
To do this, they can count on their devastating techniques like the Kamehameha , the Oozaru or their ultimate form... the Super Saiyan . Faced with threats like Freezer, Cell or Broly, they constantly push their limits. Find out who the Saiyans really are and how this species changed the course of history in Dragon Ball.
The Origins of the Saiyans
Hailing from the planet Sadala in Universe 6, the Saiyans are a race of aliens descended from the Oozaru, powerful giant apes . Their history dates back millions of years, when a civil war divided them into pure Saiyans and evil Saiyans .
The latter, led by Cumber, used dark magic to try to seize power. Defeated, they took refuge in Universe 7 and colonized the planet Vegeta, enslaving the peaceful Tsufruians.
Saiyan Domination on Planet Vegeta
The Saiyans quickly established themselves as the dominant force on Planet Vegeta, subjugating the Tsufruians. They notably adopted their advanced technology, such as scouters , spaceships , and battle armor . Their society was organized around a warrior culture, valuing strength, courage, and loyalty. Saiyans were ranked by power levels, from elites to lower classes.
They also preserved their ancestral connection with their Oozaru form that could activate during full moons. Their reputation as ruthless mercenaries spread throughout the galaxy, conquering planets on behalf of other races. Basically, the Saiyans were a bloodthirsty warrior race, but with a strict code of honor !
Destruction of Planet Vegeta
Frieza, the galactic tyrant, eventually came to take the threat posed by the Saiyans seriously. He feared the emergence of the Super Saiyans , warriors of unparalleled power that he distrusted. To crush this threat, Frieza orchestrated the destruction of Planet Vegeta. Only a few Saiyans survived, such as Prince Vegeta, Raditz, Nappa, and Goku.
Other Saiyans also escaped the tragedy, such as Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan , his father Paragus, and Vegeta's younger brother Tarble. They had to find refuge on other planets, living in exile far from their destroyed homeworld. These few survivors, though scattered, would eventually rebel against their former master, Frieza, in a quest for revenge and freedom.
The characteristics of the Saiyans
With their impressive strength and fearsome combat techniques, the Saiyans crush everything in their path. But what makes them truly unique is their ability to transform into a more powerful form .
When a Saiyan transforms, his appearance changes drastically. His hair stands on end and turns golden, his eyes turn piercing green, and his physical abilities increase considerably. Let's find out together!
Beings of rare power
Strength, speed, agility, endurance, resistance... Saiyans are impressive beings with strength far surpassing that of ordinary humans. They can lift enormous weights, move at the speed of light, fly, take devastating blows and regenerate quickly.
Their mastery of martial arts is phenomenal. They master fearsome techniques like the Kamehameha , the Galick Gun , the Final Flash and the Big Bang Attack. And thanks to their control of ki (life energy), they can launch energy projectiles, create protective shields or form energy swords.
Their keen senses, such as sight, hearing and smell, allow them to detect the presence and power of their opponents with great precision. Enough to scare their opponents!
Transformation into Oozaru
During their evolution, the Saiyans have developed certain physical traits that bring them closer to monkeys . They notably have a tail, which makes them even stronger and improves their balance. But be careful, this advantage is also their Achilles heel. If they lose it, they also lose their consciousness.
On full moon nights, their tail allows them to transform into Oozaru , the famous giant monkey we mentioned just before. Even if this metamorphosis increases their power tenfold, it makes them uncontrollable... Unless they have learned to control their ki !
Only those who have achieved this mastery can keep their mind intact in their Oozaru form. Mastering this form represents a great challenge for the Saiyans, but those who succeed gain access to formidable power .
Saiyan Transformations
Driven by their insatiable quest for power, Saiyans are constantly seeking to surpass themselves... Even after a difficult fight! This is called "zenkai". Thanks to this, they can achieve different transformations that are increasingly powerful. The best known is that of the Super Saiyan , recognizable by his blond hair and golden aura. But there are several levels beyond that:
Super Saiyan 2
- Longer, spikier hair than the classic Super Saiyan.
- Electric aura around the body.
- Obtained by Gohan during his rage against Cell.
Super Saiyan 3
- Even longer hair, reaching down to the lower back.
- Absence of eyebrows.
- Requires a huge energy reserve. Goku achieves it after years of training.
Super Saiyan God
- Bright red hair and aura.
- Obtained through a ritual involving 6 pure-hearted Saiyans.
- Unlocked by Goku to fight Beerus.
Super Saiyan Blue
- Resulted from the combination of Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God.
- Blue hair and electric blue aura.
- Goku and Vegeta's most powerful form for a time.
Each level requires specific conditions, such as an intense emotional trigger or a special ritual. Saiyans can also combine their Super Saiyan form with that of the Oozaru to create devastating hybrid transformations . Among them:
Super Saiyan 4
- Long black hair, simian appearance.
- Obtained by controlling the Oozaru's energy.
- Ultimate form of the GT series, used by Goku and Vegeta.
Super Saiyan Rose
- Pink hair and aura, gray pupils.
- Evil divine equivalent of Super Saiyan Blue.
- Used by Goku Black, the evil alternate future Goku.
In short, the more a Saiyan fights, the more likely he is to unlock new, super-powerful forms. A never-ending quest for power!
The Main Saiyans
Goku: The most powerful Saiyan
Goku, the main character of Dragon Ball, is much more than just a hero. He is a pure Saiyan, sent to Earth as a baby to conquer the planet. However, an accident left him with amnesia and Son Gohan , a good and just old man, took charge of his education.
From his childhood, Goku showed extraordinary fighting potential. His rigorous training under the tutelage of Master Kame Sennin and Mr. Popo transformed him into an exceptional fighter. His signature techniques, such as the Kamehameha and Genkidama , have become legendary.
Despite his power, Goku has remained humble and kind. He has forged strong friendships with Krillin , Bulma , Vegeta , and many others. His sense of justice and determination to protect Earth have led him to face feared opponents, such as Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.
When Goku discovered his Saiyan origins, he reached unprecedented levels of power. He became the first Super Saiyan of his era, unlocking ever more powerful transformations. He is easily in the top 5 most powerful warriors in the universe... And not fifth!
Vegeta: The Prince of the Saiyans
Introduced as an antagonist in the manga, Vegeta was sent to Earth to conquer the world. But it didn't go as planned... Defeated by Goku, he finally decided to stay on the planet. Over the course of the episodes, he gradually becomes a valuable ally of Goku and the defenders of Earth.
Their rivalry is one of the main threads of the series. Vegeta is obsessed with the idea of surpassing Goku , driven by his pride and thirst for power. Their confrontation is a source of tension but allows both warriors to progress.
His attachment to his family, especially his wife Bulma and his son Trunks , softens his character. Although still proud and arrogant, he evolves from a cruel antagonist to a respected hero, a favorite of the series' fans.
Broly: The Saiyan Unleashed
Sent to a hostile planet at a young age, Broly grew up in suffering and solitude. This abandonment forged his resentment towards the Saiyans, in particular towards Prince Vegeta whose screams traumatized him. Endowed with colossal strength from birth, Broly is feared by his own people. When he loses control, his rage is unleashed, transforming him into a real machine of destruction .
Faced with such brute force, even Goku and Vegeta together struggle to stop him. Broly represents a major threat , capable of destroying entire planets when unleashed. Only a titanic confrontation will put an end to his destructive fury.
Gohan: The Future Crack
Gohan is the eldest son of Goku . Although half-Earth, he possesses exceptional fighting potential inherited from his Saiyan father.
From a young age, Gohan shows unsuspected strength when he gets angry. Under Piccolo's tutelage, he learns to channel this power. When he faces Cell, he exceeds the limits of an ordinary Super Saiyan and transforms into a Super Saiyan 2. He logically inflicts a heavy defeat on his opponent.
Despite this resounding triumph, Gohan struggles to fully assume his role as protector of the Earth . Oscillating between his studies and combat, he experiences ups and downs. But his connection to his Saiyan roots allows him to regain his power during crucial moments.
Future Trunks: Hope of the Saiyans
In his timeline, Future Trunks is humanity's last hope against the deadly cyborgs C-17 and C-18 . Raised by his mother Bulma and trained by Gohan, he bears the burden of saving this apocalyptic world. Despite his young age, Future Trunks displays extraordinary courage and determination. He constantly pushes his limits to defeat the cyborgs.
By traveling to the past, Trunks forms strong bonds with the Z Warriors , especially with his father Vegeta whom he never knew. This encounter marks a decisive turning point in his quest.
Goten: The Carefree Heir
Raised by his mother Chichi in a peaceful environment, Goten grew up far from fighting. His innocence and joy of life contrast with the heavy warrior heritage of the Saiyans. Despite his young age, Goten instinctively masters the transformation into a Super Saiyan. His blood bond with Goku gives him extraordinary fighting potential !
With his best friend Trunks, Goten forms an iconic duo. Their close friendship and complicity make them a dynamic duo, ready to take on any challenge. Goten represents the future of Saiyan warriors on Earth.
Nappa, Bardock, Raditz, Cabba: The other Saiyans
The other Saiyans, although less present than the main protagonists, play an important role in the Dragon Ball universe.
Nappa , Vegeta's right-hand man , is a brutal and merciless colossus. His arrogance and brute strength make him a formidable opponent, but his lack of subtlety often lets him down.
Bardock , Goku's father , is a respected warrior whose foresight of danger allowed his son to survive. We all remember his heroic sacrifice against Frieza.
Raditz , Goku's older brother , is the first Saiyan to land on Earth. Despite his cruelty, he remains linked to his younger brother by blood.
Finally, Cabba is a Saiyan from Universe 6 , proud and determined. His respect for traditions contrasts with Vegeta's arrogance, but they share the same thirst for surpassing oneself. Cabba represents a precious link with the Saiyans of another universe.
Saiyans in the Dragon Ball universe
The mythical actions of the Saiyans
The Saiyans are the real driving forces of the plot in Dragon Ball. Their presence triggers major events that shape the fate of the universe. Here are some key moments across the arcs:
- Raditz's arrival on Earth : The moment when we discover Goku's extraterrestrial origins.
- Legendary Battle on Namek : The epic clash against Frieza, led by Vegeta and Goku is an unforgettable moment for Dragon Ball fans. It is the moment when Goku finally transforms into a Super Saiyan, changing the course of history forever.
- Time Travel : The sudden arrival of Trunks from the future, warning of imminent dangers, leads to fierce battles. Notably against the cyborgs and Cell, which shows the potential and talent of the new generations of Saiyans.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice : During the fight against Majin Buu, Vegeta heroically sacrifices himself, proving that his past as an evil Saiyan is well behind him. The dazzling evolution of his son, Gohan also demonstrates the extent of Saiyan powers, now essential to save the universe.
- Divine Battles : The confrontations against Beerus and the battles for the survival of the universe push the Saiyans to their limits. This is where we see their real progression and their ability to constantly push their limits.
The Link Between Saiyans and Other Species
Beyond their heroic exploits, the Saiyans' influence extends to many species. This will give rise to hybridizations that enrich the Dragon Ball universe:
- The Namek people , witnessing the Saiyans' impact on their world, develop a special bond with them. Their ancestral knowledge of the Dragon Balls forever binds them to this warrior race.
- The Earthlings , protected and trained by the Saiyans, push their limits and forge bonds of love and friendship.
- Saiyan-Earthling hybrids , such as Gohan and Trunks, represent the future of the Saiyan race. They blend the best of both worlds, paving the way for a bright future.
- The Saiyans of Universe 6 , led by Cabba, offer a glimpse of what this species might have been like without a violent past.
What future for the Saiyans?
Beyond their central role in the plot of Dragon Ball, the Saiyans raise some questions about their future. While most of the legendary warriors have perished, what will become of this warrior race? Will we see new Saiyans emerge with tenfold abilities?
Will their quest for power and self-improvement remain or will they fall back into their old ways? Tell us what you think in the comments!
