Frieza, the intergalactic tyrant whose name sends shivers down the spines of even the strongest warriors, has met his end not once, but several times throughout the Dragon Ball saga. Each death, though seemingly final, served only as a prelude to his eventual resurrection and thirst for revenge. Understanding Frieza’s deaths requires a journey through the various arcs of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, highlighting the circumstances, the perpetrators, and the lasting impact on the Dragon Ball universe.
Frieza’s First Death: The Saga of Namek
The initial demise of Frieza is arguably his most iconic. It occurs during the climax of the Namek saga, a period marked by intense battles, desperate transformations, and the awakening of the Super Saiyan. To truly understand the significance of this event, we must revisit the events leading up to it.
The Tyrant’s Reign on Namek
Frieza arrived on Namek in pursuit of the Dragon Balls, seeking immortality to solidify his already unparalleled power. His brutal tactics and disregard for life were immediately evident as he mercilessly slaughtered the Namekian population in his quest. He faced resistance from Vegeta, Gohan, and Krillin, who had arrived on Namek with the same goal: to use the Dragon Balls to revive their fallen comrades.
As the story progresses, Vegeta continues to push his limits, achieving new levels of power after each near-death experience. Gohan and Krillin also demonstrate their growth, albeit to a lesser extent. However, none of them were a match for Frieza in his final form.
The Awakening of the Super Saiyan
The turning point in the battle against Frieza arrives with the death of Krillin. Witnessing this horrific act triggers a surge of rage within Goku, unlocking the legendary power of the Super Saiyan. The transformation is visually stunning, marked by golden hair, a fiery aura, and a dramatic increase in power.
This transformation is more than just a power boost; it’s a symbol of hope and resistance against Frieza’s tyranny. Goku, now a Super Saiyan, faces Frieza in a battle that shakes the very planet.
The Final Confrontation
The battle between Super Saiyan Goku and Frieza is a brutal and destructive affair. Frieza, despite his initial dominance, is gradually outmatched by Goku’s newfound power. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Frieza unleashes his full power, but even at 100%, he cannot overcome Goku’s Super Saiyan abilities.
As Frieza weakens, he resorts to increasingly desperate measures. He attempts to destroy the planet Namek, hoping to kill Goku in the resulting explosion. However, this plan backfires when Goku manages to deflect the attack.
Ultimately, it is Goku’s Super Spirit Bomb that delivers the final blow. The attack, fueled by the energy of the surrounding planets and living beings, obliterates Frieza, seemingly ending his reign of terror once and for all. This marks Frieza’s first official death in the Dragon Ball universe. However, as fans know, death is rarely permanent in the Dragon Ball world.
Frieza’s Second Death: Earthly Revenge and Trunks’ Arrival
Frieza’s defeat on Namek was not the end of his story. He survives the explosion, albeit in a heavily damaged state, and is rescued by his father, King Cold. Together, they travel to Earth seeking revenge against Goku.
Cyborg Frieza: A Mechanized Threat
King Cold rebuilds Frieza, enhancing his power with cybernetic enhancements. This new form, often referred to as “Mecha Frieza,” is visually striking, with metallic components replacing parts of his body. Frieza believes that this enhanced form will allow him to finally defeat Goku.
Frieza and King Cold arrive on Earth, anticipating Goku’s arrival. However, they are met not by Goku, but by a mysterious young Saiyan warrior.
The Arrival of Future Trunks
This warrior is none other than Future Trunks, the son of Vegeta and Bulma from an alternate timeline. Trunks possesses the ability to transform into a Super Saiyan, a skill he honed in his own timeline to combat the Androids.
Trunks quickly demonstrates his superior power, easily defeating Frieza and King Cold. He uses his sword to slice Frieza into pieces, obliterating him completely. Trunks then vaporizes King Cold with a single energy blast, preventing any chance of resurrection.
This marks Frieza’s second death, a swift and decisive end at the hands of a newcomer. It also serves as a powerful introduction to the Android saga and the dangers that await Goku and his friends. The arrival of Trunks signifies the introduction of time travel and alternate timelines into the Dragon Ball universe, significantly expanding the narrative possibilities.
Frieza’s Resurrection and Revenge: Dragon Ball Super
Despite his definitive deaths, Frieza’s story was far from over. In Dragon Ball Super, he is resurrected by his loyal followers using the Dragon Balls, setting the stage for a new chapter in his rivalry with Goku.
Resurrection ‘F’: A Golden Opportunity
Frieza’s resurrection is orchestrated by Sorbet and Tagoma, two surviving members of his army. They gather the Dragon Balls and wish for Frieza to be brought back to life. However, the wish is not perfect; Frieza is resurrected in pieces, forcing Sorbet to use his technology to restore him to his full form.
Determined to exact his revenge on Goku, Frieza undergoes intense training, unlocking a new transformation: Golden Frieza. This form grants him immense power, surpassing even Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (Super Saiyan Blue) Goku.
Golden Frieza vs. Super Saiyan Blue Goku
The resurrected Frieza travels to Earth, eager to confront Goku. The battle between Golden Frieza and Super Saiyan Blue Goku is a clash of titans, pushing both warriors to their limits. Frieza initially gains the upper hand, showcasing the raw power of his Golden form.
However, Frieza’s stamina proves to be a weakness. Due to his lack of experience with the Golden form, he quickly tires, allowing Goku to turn the tide of the battle.
Whis’s Intervention and Frieza’s Final Stand (For Now)
As Goku gains the upper hand, Frieza resorts to a desperate tactic. He destroys the Earth, hoping to kill Goku in the resulting explosion. However, Whis, the attendant of Beerus, uses his ability to manipulate time, reversing the events and giving Goku a second chance.
Goku uses this opportunity to unleash a Kamehameha Wave, obliterating Frieza once again. This marks Frieza’s third death.
Frieza’s Redemption (Sort Of) in the Tournament of Power
Surprisingly, Frieza is resurrected yet again to participate in the Tournament of Power, an inter-universal competition where the losing universes face erasure. His inclusion is a strategic move by Goku, who needs a powerful warrior to fill the roster.
An Unlikely Ally
Frieza’s participation in the Tournament of Power is fraught with tension. He remains a villain at heart, constantly plotting and scheming. However, he also proves to be a valuable asset to Team Universe 7, demonstrating his intelligence, cunning, and raw power.
He forms an uneasy alliance with Goku, putting aside their differences for the sake of survival. This alliance, though temporary, is a testament to the extraordinary circumstances of the tournament.
Sacrifice and Second Chances
During the final moments of the Tournament of Power, Frieza, along with Goku and Android 17, work together to defeat Jiren, the strongest warrior from Universe 11. In a selfless act, Android 17 sacrifices himself to protect Goku and Frieza from Jiren’s final attack.
Ultimately, it is Android 17 who is wished back by the Super Dragon Balls for his outstanding performance and invaluable contributions. As a reward for his assistance in winning the Tournament of Power, Frieza is fully resurrected by Whis. This time, however, he remains alive and active in the Dragon Ball universe.
Frieza’s Recent Adventures and Future Potential
Since his resurrection by Whis, Frieza has remained a prominent figure in the Dragon Ball universe. He has continued to train and hone his abilities, seeking to surpass even Goku and Vegeta.
Black Frieza: The Ultimate Evolution
In the Granolah the Survivor Saga, Frieza reveals a new transformation, “Black Frieza,” which he achieved through training in a Hyperbolic Time Chamber for ten years. This form grants him overwhelming power, easily surpassing both Goku and Vegeta in their Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego forms, respectively.
Black Frieza effortlessly defeats Gas, who was previously the strongest warrior in the universe, showcasing the immense power he has attained. This new form solidifies Frieza as a major threat once again, leaving fans wondering what his ultimate goals are and how Goku and Vegeta will overcome this new challenge.
The Enigma of Frieza
Frieza’s future in the Dragon Ball universe remains uncertain. Will he continue his quest for galactic domination? Will he eventually find a way to coexist with Goku and Vegeta? Or will he ultimately meet his demise once and for all?
One thing is certain: Frieza is a complex and compelling character who has left an indelible mark on the Dragon Ball saga. His numerous deaths and resurrections have added depth and intrigue to the story, making him one of the most iconic villains in anime history.
Frieza’s journey is a constant reminder that even the most formidable opponents can be defeated, only to rise again stronger than before. His relentless pursuit of power and revenge, coupled with his cunning and ruthlessness, makes him a truly unforgettable antagonist. As the Dragon Ball saga continues to evolve, it is safe to assume that Frieza will continue to play a significant role, whether as a villain, an uneasy ally, or something in between. The story of Frieza is a testament to the enduring appeal of Dragon Ball, a series that continues to captivate audiences with its epic battles, memorable characters, and ever-expanding universe.
How many times has Frieza died in the Dragon Ball series?
Frieza has died a total of three times in the main Dragon Ball continuity. His initial death occurred at the hands of Future Trunks on Earth, followed by a permanent demise in Hell, preventing resurrection. He was later revived and ultimately destroyed for good by Goku in Dragon Ball Super.
Each death represents a significant shift in power dynamics and storyline. The first marked Trunks’ arrival and power, the second secured Frieza’s ultimate defeat, and the third finally ended the cycle of his revivals, solidifying Goku’s place as the universe’s strongest warrior.
What were the circumstances surrounding Frieza’s first death?
After surviving his battle with Goku on Namek, albeit severely injured, Frieza sought revenge on Earth. He arrived with his father, King Cold, intending to obliterate the planet and its inhabitants, demonstrating his arrogance and unyielding desire for vengeance.
However, Future Trunks, hailing from an alternate timeline, intervened. Trunks effortlessly transformed into a Super Saiyan and quickly dispatched Frieza, using his sword to slice him into pieces and subsequently obliterate him with a Ki blast, delivering a swift and decisive end to the tyrant.
Why couldn’t Frieza be revived after his initial death?
Following his defeat by Future Trunks, Frieza was sent to Hell. While characters are often revived using the Dragon Balls, this process is not absolute. Those whose souls have been completely destroyed or have become irrevocably wicked are deemed ineligible for resurrection.
Frieza’s actions throughout his reign of terror were so heinous that his soul was considered too evil to be restored. This meant that despite the Dragon Balls’ power, Frieza remained trapped in Hell, unable to return to the living world through conventional means.
How was Frieza brought back to life in Dragon Ball Super?
Frieza was revived in Dragon Ball Super through the machinations of his surviving subordinates. They collected the Dragon Balls on Earth and wished for his resurrection, seeking to restore their leader and rebuild their empire, driven by their continued loyalty to Frieza.
The wish specifically requested that Frieza be revived fully, even though he had been torn to pieces previously. This revival set the stage for Frieza’s training and transformation into Golden Frieza, leading to his rematch with Goku and Vegeta.
What was the cause of Frieza’s final death in Dragon Ball Super?
Frieza, in his Golden Frieza form, clashed with Goku, who had achieved Super Saiyan Blue. While Frieza initially held the upper hand, his stamina quickly depleted due to his lack of mastery over the transformation, giving Goku an opportunity to retaliate.
After a grueling battle, Goku launched a powerful Kamehameha wave at Frieza, finally destroying him completely. This time, Frieza’s soul was erased, ensuring that he could not be revived again, marking the definitive end of his reign of terror.
Was Frieza’s death in the Tournament of Power considered a true death?
While Frieza was seemingly eliminated during the Tournament of Power after fighting alongside Goku against Jiren, this was not a true death. He was critically injured and nearly died, but he was ultimately saved by Goku, who shared some of his energy.
Because Frieza was not completely destroyed, he remained in existence. This allowed him to be later revived properly using Whis’ time reversal ability, ensuring he could be rewarded for his assistance in the Tournament and eventually leading to his final destruction.
What were the consequences of Frieza’s ultimate demise?
The most immediate consequence of Frieza’s final death was the permanent end to his threat. His soul was erased, preventing any further revivals and eliminating the possibility of him wreaking havoc across the universe again, providing a sense of security.
Furthermore, Frieza’s demise paved the way for new antagonists and story arcs within the Dragon Ball universe. With Frieza gone, other powerful beings and organizations could emerge, presenting new challenges for Goku and his allies to overcome, ensuring the series’ continued evolution.