Was Goku Really Evil When He Was a Baby?

When one delves into the Dragon Ball universe, particularly during Goku's early years, a question frequently arises: Was Goku truly evil when he was a baby? Contrary to popular belief, Goku, as a Saiyan, did not inherently possess a malicious heart. Instead, his innocence and kindness stem from a specific turn of events in his youth. This article explores the idea that Goku was not evil as an infant and delves into the reasons behind his unique personality.

Context of the Early Saiyan Life

The Dragon Ball series portrays Goku as being sent to Earth to survive. If he had not hit his head as a baby, the outcome might have been drastically different. His Saiyan heritage, characterized by an instinctive love for combat, could have led him to turn into an ape and wreak havoc, or he might have matured into a saiyan like Bardock or Gine with a more hardened, warrior-like personality.

The Nature of Saiyan Babies

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that all Saiyan babies share certain characteristics. These traits include a natural inclination towards combat and a potentially dangerous aspect. For example, Goku's mother, Gine, was a kind Saiyan, but her nature did not prevent her from fulfilling her role as a warrior. Similarly, Goku's father, Bardock, exhibited a kind demeanor but was involved in conflicts and conquests under Freeza.

Forging Goku's Innocent Personality

The turning point in Goku's life was undoubtedly the moment he hit his head. This incident is pivotal in shaping his character and distinguishing him from other Saiyan children. Without it, Goku's path might have led him to follow in the footsteps of his hardened father and grandfather, battle-freeza, and desire to conquer the Earth or destroy it, much like Freeza himself.

The Role of Master Roshi

Master Roshi, Goku's mentor in the Dragon Ball Z series, played a significant part in this scenario. When taught a story where Goku had fallen and hit his head, it revealed how different his journey might have been. If he had not encountered this event, Goku's desire to rule the Earth, akin to Freeza's ambitions, would have been a very real possibility.

The Unique Saiyan Species

Interestingly, the questioned behavior in Saiyan babies is a result of their unique nature as the saiyan species. Most Saiyan children, like Vegeta, Broly, and Bardock, are known for their hardened hearts and aggressive tendencies. This is because Saiyan physiology and upbringing tend to foster a warrior mentality from a young age. However, the event that altered Goku's path was a rare exception, making him stand out as a more peaceful and loving character.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while one cannot definitively say that Goku was evil, the circumstances of his early life, particularly the fact that he hit his head as a baby, were key in forging his unique, innocent personality. If not for that critical moment, Goku's destiny could have been vastly different, leading him down a path of destruction and conquest. This further emphasizes the importance of specific life events in shaping characters and the impact they can have on long-term narratives.