Every Time Krillin Died in Dragon Ball: A Chronological Look at His Sacrifices and Revivals
- Every Time Krillin Died in Dragon Ball: A Chronological Look at His Sacrifices and Revivals
- Introduction to Krillin’s Deaths in Dragon Ball
- 1. Krillin’s First Death – Tambourine (Original Dragon Ball)
- 2. Krillin’s Second Death – Frieza (Namek Saga, Dragon Ball Z)
- 3. Krillin’s Third Death – Super Buu (Majin Buu Saga, Dragon Ball Z)
- 4. Krillin’s Death in Alternate Futures
- 5. Non-Canon and Filler Deaths
- Themes Behind Krillin’s Deaths
- Fan Reactions to Krillin’s Deaths
- Conclusion
Every Time Krillin Died in Dragon Ball: A Chronological Look at His Sacrifices and Revivals
Introduction to Krillin’s Deaths in Dragon Ball
Krillin, one of the most beloved characters in Dragon Ball, is known for his bravery, loyalty, and occasional bad luck. A recurring theme in his story is his untimely deaths, often serving as emotional turning points in the series. Despite this, Krillin’s resilience and significance to the plot ensure he is always brought back to life, reminding fans of his importance to the Z Fighters and his close friendship with Goku.
1. Krillin’s First Death – Tambourine (Original Dragon Ball)
- Episode: Dragon Ball Episode 102, “Enter King Piccolo”
- Cause of Death: Killed by Tambourine, one of King Piccolo’s minions.
- Details: After the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai, Krillin is sent to retrieve Goku’s belongings. Tambourine ambushes him, killing him instantly to steal the tournament roster. This death deeply affects Goku, motivating him to seek revenge and confront King Piccolo.
- Revival: Krillin is revived using the Dragon Balls after Goku defeats King Piccolo.
2. Krillin’s Second Death – Frieza (Namek Saga, Dragon Ball Z)
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 95, “Transformed at Last”
- Cause of Death: Killed by Frieza’s explosive psychic attack.
- Details: On Namek, Krillin plays a pivotal role in the battle against Frieza. However, after his friend Vegeta is killed, Frieza lifts Krillin into the air and detonates him with a psychic explosion. This traumatic moment pushes Goku to transform into a Super Saiyan for the first time.
- Revival: Krillin is revived with the Namekian Dragon Balls after Frieza’s defeat.
3. Krillin’s Third Death – Super Buu (Majin Buu Saga, Dragon Ball Z)
- Episode: Dragon Ball Z Episode 266, “Ready to Fuse?”
- Cause of Death: Turned into chocolate and eaten by Super Buu.
- Details: During Super Buu’s attack on Kami’s Lookout, Krillin valiantly tries to protect the others, including his wife Android 18 and daughter Marron. However, Super Buu turns him into chocolate and consumes him along with most of the Z Fighters.
- Revival: Krillin is revived with the Dragon Balls after Goku and Vegeta defeat Kid Buu.
4. Krillin’s Death in Alternate Futures
Krillin also dies in alternate timelines and futures, particularly in Future Trunks’ timeline:
- Cause of Death: Killed by the Androids.
- Details: In Future Trunks’ timeline, Krillin is among the many Z Fighters who are killed by Androids 17 and 18. His death is part of the grim reality that motivates Trunks to travel back in time to warn the past.
5. Non-Canon and Filler Deaths
A. Dragon Ball GT (Non-Canon)
- Cause of Death: Killed by Android 17.
- Details: In Dragon Ball GT, Krillin is killed by a brainwashed Android 17. This moment serves as an emotional callback to their relationship and highlights Krillin’s humanity.
- Revival: Revived after the events of Dragon Ball GT.
B. Filler Scenes in Dragon Ball Z
- During certain filler episodes, Krillin is shown dying or being severely injured, but these moments are not part of the main canon.
Themes Behind Krillin’s Deaths
- Emotional Turning Points:
- Each of Krillin’s deaths serves as a major emotional moment, often triggering significant events in the series. For example, his death at the hands of Frieza catalyzes Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan.
- Symbol of Sacrifice:
- Krillin’s willingness to put himself in danger highlights his loyalty and selflessness. His deaths emphasize the high stakes of battles and the consequences of fighting powerful enemies.
- Role in Plot Development:
- Krillin’s deaths are often used to advance the story, whether it’s motivating Goku, showcasing a villain’s power, or raising the stakes for the Z Fighters.
Fan Reactions to Krillin’s Deaths
Fans have a mixed but affectionate relationship with Krillin’s recurring deaths:
- Humorous Side: The frequency of Krillin’s deaths has led to the popular joke, “Krillin owned count,” from the parody series Dragon Ball Z Abridged.
- Emotional Impact: Despite the humor, Krillin’s deaths are always impactful, reminding fans of his humanity and the dangers faced by the Z Fighters.
- Respect for Resilience: Krillin’s ability to return and continue fighting despite his losses endears him to fans as a true underdog.
Conclusion
Krillin’s repeated deaths in Dragon Ball are more than just moments of tragedy—they are integral to the series’ emotional and narrative depth. Each death serves as a catalyst for growth, either for Krillin himself or for his friends, especially Goku. Despite his vulnerability, Krillin’s courage, loyalty, and determination make him a cornerstone of the Z Fighters, proving that even in death, he plays a vital role in shaping the story.