Frieza's Fear of the Legendary Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball: A Detailed Analysis

In the Dragon Ball series, Frieza is often portrayed as a supreme and ruthless warrior, but his fear of the Legendary Super Saiyan transformation offers a complex layer to his character. This transformation, which is widely feared and respected by many characters, especially Frieza, is a critical plot point in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Frieza's fear of the Legendary Super Saiyan and its implications in the Dragon Ball series.

The Transformation and Its Signs

The Super Saiyan transformation is a legendary ability that Saiyans can achieve under extreme circumstances. This power-up is often associated with extreme emotional states, such as immense rage or fear. Goku, the main protagonist, undergoes this transformation multiple times throughout the Dragon Ball Z saga, showing Frieza and the audience the true potential of the Saiyans. In Dragon Ball Z:attack on the Saiyan, Frieza's fear of Goku's transformation reaches its peak as he is unable to match Goku's power at the Super Saiyan stage.

Prophecies and the Threat of Rebellion

Frieza, being a master of survival and power, is well aware of the prophecy that predicts the Saiyans as the ones who will end his reign. This prophecy, along with the realization that Saiyans are becoming stronger and more formidable, instills in Frieza a sense of paranoia and fear. He perceives the Saiyans as a potential threat, not just to him but to his rule. Frieza's fear is not just about a single Saiyan but about the prospect of them rebelling and ending his reign. This is further emphasized in Dragon Ball Super when Beerus forces Frieza to obliterate the Saiyan race, heightening the stakes.

Strategic Mistakes and Power Disparity

Additionally, Frieza's fear of the Saiyans in their Super Saiyan form is also a result of a series of strategic mistakes. In Dragon Ball Z, Frieza encounters the Saiyans multiple times, from Raditz to his son Turles, and often underestimates them due to their low numbers. However, the zenkai boot and the Oozaru transformation of Goku add a significant threat. Even though Raditz destroys Frieza during the Namek Saga, the scope of the Saiyans' power increases with the introduction of Zenkai and Oozaru, making them a formidable force.

Frieza's Rationalization and Fear

As implied in the comments, Frieza's fear is not irrational. His fear stems from the realization that even at full power, he may not be able to match the Saiyans, especially when they reach the Super Saiyan stage. This fear is further compounded by the character's own vulnerabilities, such as the Kaioken technique used by Goku. In Dragon Ball Super, Frieza's defeat at the hands of Goku is a stark reminder of the Saiyans' strength and the potential for their power to surpass even the most powerful tyrants.

Retcons and Legends

Although there are retcons and changes in the timeline, such as the elimination of the Saiyan race by Beerus, these do not negate the initial fear felt by Frieza. The legend of the Saiyan race and their potential for transformation serves as a significant psychological tool in the hands of the heroic characters, particularly Goku. The psychological impact of being feared is a powerful weapon in itself and contributes to the dynamic between Frieza and the Saiyans.

Overall, Frieza's fear of the Legendary Super Saiyan is a multifaceted issue rooted in the characters' personalities, strategic vulnerabilities, and the overarching narrative of the Dragon Ball series. It serves as a powerful narrative device to highlight the balance of power and the endless quest for greatness in the Dragon Ball universe.