How Many Times Did Krillin Die in Dragon Ball?

How Many Times Did Krillin Die in Dragon Ball?

Krillin, one of the most iconic and loyal characters in Dragon Ball, is known for his incredible bravery and unfortunate track record of dying in the series. Across the Dragon Ball canon and non-canon materials, Krillin has died multiple times, with each death serving as a pivotal moment that advances the storyline or emphasizes the high stakes faced by the Z Fighters.

How Many Times Did Krillin Die in Canon?

In the canonical timeline, Krillin dies three times. Each of these deaths occurs during key moments in the series, highlighting his courage and the dangers of the battles the Z Fighters face.

Krillin’s Canonical Deaths

1. Killed by Tambourine (Dragon Ball)

• When: During the King Piccolo Saga.
• How: Tambourine, a minion of King Piccolo, ambushes Krillin and kills him by striking him in the head.
• Significance:
  • This is Krillin’s first death and marks one of the earliest significant losses in the series.
  • Goku, devastated by the death of his best friend, embarks on a quest to avenge him, setting the tone for the darker and more intense King Piccolo Saga.

2. Killed by Frieza (Dragon Ball Z, Namek Saga)

• When: During the climactic battle on Planet Namek.
• How: Frieza uses telekinesis to lift Krillin into the air and then detonates him with an energy blast.
• Significance:
  • This is one of the most memorable and impactful deaths in Dragon Ball Z.
  • Krillin’s death triggers Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan for the first time, a defining moment in the series.
  • It underscores Frieza’s cruelty and raises the stakes of the battle.

3. Killed by Android 17 and 18 (Dragon Ball Z, Future Trunks’ Timeline)

• When: In the alternate future revealed by Future Trunks.
• How: Krillin is killed during the androids’ rampage. This death occurs off-screen but is confirmed in Trunks’ backstory.
• Significance:
  • This death adds to the tragic atmosphere of Future Trunks’ timeline, where most of the Z Fighters have been killed.
  • It highlights the devastation caused by the androids and the stakes of stopping their rise in the main timeline.

Non-Canonical Deaths

In addition to his three canonical deaths, Krillin also dies in non-canon material, including movies and filler episodes:

1. Killed by Super Android 17 (Dragon Ball GT)

• When: During the Super 17 Saga in Dragon Ball GT.
• How: Android 17 kills Krillin during a confrontation, leaving Android 18 devastated.
• Significance:
  • This death showcases Krillin’s bravery and willingness to protect his loved ones.
  • He is later revived using the Dragon Balls.

2. Deaths in Movies and Specials

• Krillin dies in several Dragon Ball movies, often as a plot device to motivate Goku or other Z Fighters.

Revivals: How Is Krillin Brought Back?

Each time Krillin dies in the main timeline, he is resurrected using the Dragon Balls:

1. Tambourine’s Attack: Revived with Earth’s Dragon Balls.
2. Frieza’s Explosion: Revived with Earth’s Dragon Balls after the destruction of Namek.
3. Future Trunks’ Timeline: Krillin remains dead in this alternate timeline as the Dragon Balls are no longer functional.

The Importance of Krillin’s Deaths

1. Emotional Impact

Krillin’s deaths are emotionally charged moments that resonate deeply with fans and characters alike. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends highlights his bravery and selflessness.

2. Catalysts for Major Events

• Super Saiyan Transformation: Krillin’s death at Frieza’s hands triggers Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation, one of the most iconic moments in Dragon Ball Z.
• Goku’s Growth: Krillin’s death in the King Piccolo Saga motivates Goku to become stronger and seek justice for his fallen friend.

3. Reminder of Human Vulnerability

As one of the few human Z Fighters, Krillin’s deaths underscore the dangers faced by the team and the immense power of their enemies.

Fan Reactions

1. Humor and Memes

Krillin’s multiple deaths have become a running joke among fans, leading to humorous memes like the “Krillin Owned Count” in Dragon Ball Z Abridged.

2. Respect for Krillin

Despite the jokes, fans respect Krillin for his courage and dedication to protecting the Earth, even when he is outmatched.

3. Iconic Moments

Each of Krillin’s deaths is a memorable event in the series, particularly his death on Namek, which remains one of the most iconic moments in anime history.

Conclusion

Krillin has died three times in the canonical timeline of Dragon Ball, with additional deaths in non-canon material. Despite his repeated losses, his willingness to face overwhelming odds and his role as a loyal friend and Z Fighter make him one of the most beloved characters in the series.

Each of Krillin’s deaths serves a greater purpose, whether it’s inspiring Goku to transform, motivating the Z Fighters, or reminding viewers of the high stakes in the Dragon Ball universe. His legacy as a brave and selfless warrior ensures that he remains an integral part of the series.

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