Krillin’s Deaths in Dragon Ball: Key Moments and Their Impact

Krillin’s Deaths in Dragon Ball: Key Moments and Their Impact

Krillin, one of the most beloved characters in the Dragon Ball series, is known for his loyalty, courage, and remarkable ability to face overwhelming odds. However, he is also remembered for the multiple times he has died throughout the series. Each of Krillin’s deaths serves as a pivotal moment, deeply impacting the storyline and his fellow Z Fighters.

How Many Times Did Krillin Die in the Canon Timeline?

In the canonical timeline, Krillin dies three times. Each of these deaths is significant, playing a crucial role in advancing the plot and evoking strong emotional responses from both the characters and the audience.

Krillin’s Canonical Deaths

1. Killed by Tambourine (Dragon Ball)

• When: During the King Piccolo Saga in the original Dragon Ball.
• How: Tambourine, one of King Piccolo’s henchmen, ambushes Krillin and kills him after the World Martial Arts Tournament.
• Where: At the tournament grounds, when Krillin goes to retrieve Goku’s Power Pole and a Dragon Ball.
• Impact:
  • This is Krillin’s first death and one of the earliest major losses in the series.
  • Goku, devastated by his best friend’s death, embarks on a journey of vengeance, leading to his confrontation with King Piccolo.
  • It marks a darker and more intense tone in Dragon Ball.

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

• When: During the climactic battle on Planet Namek.
• How: Frieza lifts Krillin into the air using telekinesis and detonates him with an energy blast.
• Where: On the battlefield as Frieza demonstrates his power and cruelty.
• Impact:
  • This is one of the most iconic moments in Dragon Ball Z.
  • Krillin’s death triggers Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan, a defining moment in the series.
  • It showcases Frieza’s ruthlessness and raises the emotional stakes of the battle.

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

• When: In Future Trunks’ alternate timeline.
• How: Krillin is killed during the androids’ rampage. This death is mentioned in Trunks’ backstory but occurs off-screen.
• Where: In Trunks’ dystopian future.
• Impact:
  • This death contributes to the tragic atmosphere of Future Trunks’ timeline, where most of the Z Fighters have been killed.
  • It highlights the destructive power of the androids and the importance of stopping their threat in the main timeline.

Non-Canonical Deaths

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

• When: During the Super 17 Saga in Dragon Ball GT.
• How: Krillin is killed by Android 17 in a tragic confrontation.
• Impact:
  • This death deeply affects Android 18, showcasing her emotional growth and loyalty to Krillin.
  • He is later revived using the Dragon Balls.

2. Movie and Filler Deaths

• In several Dragon Ball movies and specials, Krillin’s death is used as a plot device to motivate Goku or other characters.

How Is Krillin Revived?

Krillin’s canonical deaths are reversed through the use of the Dragon Balls, a recurring element in the series that allows for resurrection:

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

The Significance of Krillin’s Deaths

1. Emotional Weight

Krillin’s deaths are always deeply emotional moments in the series, highlighting the vulnerability and humanity of the Z Fighters.

2. Catalysts for Major Events

• Super Saiyan Transformation: His death at Frieza’s hands directly leads to Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation, one of the most iconic moments in anime history.
• Character Growth: Krillin’s sacrifices often inspire other characters to push their limits and grow stronger.

3. High Stakes and Sacrifice

Krillin’s willingness to face danger, even at the cost of his life, underscores the high stakes of the battles and the selflessness of the Z Fighters.

Fan Reactions to Krillin’s Deaths

1. A Mix of Humor and Respect

While Krillin’s multiple deaths have become a source of humor in memes like the “Krillin Owned Count” in Dragon Ball Z Abridged, fans also deeply respect his bravery.

2. Iconic Moments

Each of Krillin’s deaths is a memorable moment in the series, particularly his death on Namek, which remains one of the most significant and emotional scenes in Dragon Ball.

Conclusion

Krillin’s deaths in Dragon Ball are not just moments of loss—they are defining events that shape the characters and the series as a whole. Whether as a catalyst for Goku’s transformation or as a reminder of the stakes involved in their battles, Krillin’s sacrifices highlight his courage and dedication to protecting his friends and the Earth.

Despite his vulnerability, Krillin’s bravery and willingness to face overwhelming odds make him one of the most enduring and beloved characters in the Dragon Ball universe. His legacy as a hero lives on, both in his sacrifices and in his resurrections.

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鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。