Can Goku Regrow His Tail? A Deep Dive into Saiyan Biology and Dragon Ball Lore
No, Goku cannot regrow his tail. While Saiyans possess the ability to regrow their tails under certain conditions, such as extreme danger, Goku’s tail was permanently removed by Kami at the end of the original Dragon Ball series. This removal wasn’t just a simple severing; it’s implied that Kami used some form of mystical power to ensure it wouldn’t grow back. The story implies that the moon was restored, and Goku could no longer transform into a great ape.
Understanding Saiyan Tails: A Primer
Saiyan tails are far more than just a vestigial appendage; they’re intrinsically linked to their power and heritage. The tail is the key to the Oozaru transformation, turning Saiyans into giant, rampaging apes under the influence of a full moon. This transformation grants them a massive power boost, but also removes their rational thought, making them incredibly dangerous. It’s this power, and the inherent risk associated with it, that made the removal of Goku’s tail a necessary step in his development as a hero.
Goku’s case is unique because his tail was removed by a divine being with presumably magical powers. The article mentions that Gohan and Goku each grew tails back twice. However, Vegeta’s tail was permanently removed by being inside a medical machine. So, if a Saiyan’s tail is removed without medical intervention, or divine intervention, then the tail would regrow during extreme danger.
Why Vegeta’s Tail Never Grew Back
The information provided suggests that Vegeta’s tail never grew back because of the medical machine. It healed and sealed all wounds. Since a missing tail is a wound, it was sealed up permanently. Had Vegeta not used the medical machine, his tail would have presumably grown back, although he likely would have died from his injuries. This highlights a crucial difference: a naturally severed tail might regrow under the right circumstances (extreme danger), but a magically or medically removed tail is gone for good.
Factors Affecting Tail Regrowth
Several factors appear to influence whether a Saiyan can regrow their tail:
- The method of removal: As mentioned, magical removal seems to be permanent. Medical sealing may also render regrowth impossible.
- Saiyan power level: There’s a prevailing theory (though not explicitly stated in canon) that as Saiyans reach higher power levels, their tails become redundant and their bodies naturally prevent regrowth. The article mentions that once a Saiyan reaches the power of Goku and Vegeta, the tail just gets in the way.
- Genetics: Half-Saiyans are less likely to inherit a tail, and even if they do, the ability to control the Oozaru transformation may be diminished. According to the article, Saiyan tails are a recessive trait.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saiyan Tails
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the intricacies of Saiyan tails and their impact on the Dragon Ball universe.
1. Is a Saiyan weaker without a tail?
The article says that the truth is there is nothing in canon that supports the idea that a Saiyan is or isn’t stronger with a tail. They can achieve Golden Great Ape form, as seen with GT Goku and Cumber. However, it does offer some benefits. Having a tail gives more options on how to attack, defend, and dodge. It was shown that a Saiyan can keep their tails wrapped to not be exposed.
2. Can Goku fly with his tail?
Goku could fly with his tail, acting as a biological rotor.
3. Why was Gohan born with a tail but not Goten?
The short answer is: genetics. Saiyan tails are a recessive trait. This explains why Gohan had a tail, while Goten, Bulla, and Pan do not.
4. Who cut off Goku’s tail permanently?
Kami permanently removed Goku’s tail to restore the moon. Puar cut it for the first time, and his grandfather tore it off once.
5. Did Vegeta cut off Gohan’s tail?
No, Vegeta did not cut off Gohan’s tail. As the article states, Vegeta is crushed by Gohan as he reverts to his normal state.
6. Did Krillin cut off Vegeta’s tail?
No, Yajirobe cut off Vegeta’s tail during the Saiyan Saga with his Katana.
7. If Goku kept his tail, would he have beaten Vegeta easier?
Maybe. If Goku kept his tail, he would have transformed into a great ape at the same time as Vegeta when they fought, and the result could have been different.
8. Why can’t Goku grow his tail anymore?
As mentioned earlier, Kami’s magical removal is the primary reason. It is also possible that at Goku’s level of power, his body no longer needs it.
9. How did Goku get SSJ5?
The article says that Goku Jr is the first Saiyan to obtain Super Saiyan 5, acquired during training with his grandfather.
10. Who is the weakest Saiyan?
According to the article, Bulla, the daughter of Vegeta and Bulma, is the weakest.
11. Why are half-Saiyans so powerful?
Saiyan genes have an extraordinarily good compatibility with Earthling blood. Because of this, when the two races are mixed together children with formidable power are born.
12. Is Super Saiyan 3 useless?
Although flashy, Super Saiyan 3 is considered by some Dragon Ball fans to be Goku’s most useless Saiyan form because no one has ever won a battle in this state.
13. What happens if a Saiyan cuts their hair?
Vegeta states that a pure saiyan’s hair does not change from the day they are born. With this tells me is that if a Saiyan does lose any hair, it will simply grow back to its original length and shape.
14. Who is the strongest Saiyan?
This is a debate among fans, but Goku is generally considered the strongest Saiyan, followed by Vegeta and then Broly.
15. Who is harder between Goku and Vegeta?
The article indicates that Vegeta is the hardest Saiyan and Goku is ranked 4th.
The Tail’s Legacy
While Goku may never regrow his tail, it remains an important symbol of his Saiyan heritage and a reminder of his early adventures. It also highlights a crucial theme in Dragon Ball: the overcoming of inherent weaknesses and the pursuit of ever-greater power through discipline and training, not just relying on brute strength. The transformation that comes from within is more powerful.
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