Dragon Ball's Intriguing Afterlife

Article Key Points

The afterlife in Dragon Ball, known as the Other World, is a separate realm that can be reached through death or by being brought in by someone already inside.

In the realm of the afterlife, Ogres, with King Yemma as their leader, hold dominion over the souls and determine their destiny. The higher divine beings, such as King Kai, dwell in distinct planets within this realm.

Within the afterlife, souls have the possibility of undergoing reincarnation, being condemned to hell, or dwelling in heaven. Heaven bears resemblances to Earth, while hell is depicted more as a displeasing penitentiary rather than a site of torment.

Explore the intriguing afterlife in Dragon Ball, a place often overlooked by viewers despite its captivating nature. Discover the underwater lair of the Red Ribbon Army, the breathtaking planet Namek, Kami's Lookout, and the splendid residence of the Supreme Ruler of the Multiverse along Goku's remarkable journey.

The Geography of the Afterlife

The afterlife in Dragon Ball, also known as the Other World, Underworld, or Netherworld, exists as a separate realm from reality. It can only be accessed upon the death of a living being or if someone from the inside brings you in. Regardless of species or planet, every living being in the universe shares the same afterlife, albeit with slight variations between different universes. This article will focus on Universe Seven's afterlife, as it has been prominently featured in the series.

The native inhabitants of the afterlife are ogres, who oversee various unpleasant areas of hell and ensure that every soul is accounted for. The ruler of the afterlife is King Yemma, the king of the Ogres. As the judge, he determines the fate of the souls that pass through the afterlife's gate.

Other than Ogres, this realm is also home to the higher deities of Universe Seven, such as King Kai or Grand Kai. They rarely involve themselves in the day-to-day operations of the afterlife due to their own duties and responsibilities. In contrast to the ogres who reside in either residential areas or governmental offices, the higher deities live on their own planet. Despite being relatively small in size, these planets possess distinct climates and gravitational forces, setting them apart from the rest of the afterlife.

Heaven, Hell, and the Serpent Road

Upon death, individuals confront three potential outcomes in the afterlife. They may enter the perpetual process of reincarnation, endure direct damnation to hell, or enjoy an everlasting sojourn in the realm of heaven. King Yemma reserves reincarnation for the deserving souls, swiftly sending them back into the cycle of life. The egregious transgressors, on the other hand, face the ghastly fate of being cast into the depths of Hell. Lastly, those who have accomplished extraordinary feats worthy of heroism in their earthly existence are rewarded with an eternal abode in Heaven.

Before we delve into the concept of heaven and hell, there is an important landmark that deserves mentioning. Suspended amidst the boundless expanse of clouds, nestled between heaven and hell, lies a meandering road that stretches beyond the limits of the horizon. This road, known as the Serpent Road, possesses a sinuous design akin to that of a serpent. Its purpose is to serve as a connecting pathway between King Yemma's Palace and King Kai's Planet. In terms of length, it spans an astonishing one million kilometers, equivalent to approximately 625,000 miles. Even someone as formidable as Goku requires a staggering 177 days to traverse this extraordinary journey, at least until he mastered the art of Instant Transmission. At present, he possesses the ability to effortlessly teleport to King Kai's Planet whenever he pleases.

Now, let us explore the realms of Heaven and Hell in the Dragon Ball universe. Heaven, a colossal planet positioned thousands of miles above the Serpent Road, bears a striking resemblance to Earth. Its picturesque landscapes are adorned with breathtaking scenery, encompassing lush greenery, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers that gracefully carve their way through the land. Here, the souls that reside may freely utilize their original bodies to interact with their surroundings. On the other hand, Hell, despite its classification as a dwelling intended for the torment of wicked entities, seldom witnesses acts of torture or violence. Although certain regions within Hell possess an eerie ambiance, such as a vast lake of blood, scorching hills, and freezing canyons, its essence more closely aligns with an arduous and uncomfortable imprisonment rather than a site of outright torture.

Life in the Afterlife

Given that Goku is frequently sent to heaven upon his death, we gain extensive insights into the heavenly realm, as opposed to Hell, which is only mentioned or depicted sparingly throughout the series. Thus, this section aims to shed light on the lives of those residing in heaven. It is worth noting that the souls in heaven inhabit their original bodies, which retain their appearance from the moment of demise. The sole distinction is the presence of a radiant halo hovering above their heads.

In this celestial abode, all individuals coexist harmoniously and enjoy complete freedom to engage in any desired activities. As they are deceased, there is no necessity for sustenance or rest. Nevertheless, they retain the ability to sleep or eat should they choose to. Additionally, their heavenly bodies necessitate less energy, enabling Goku to sustain his Super Saiyan 3 transformation for a prolonged duration within this realm.

Goku, being an active individual, finds heaven to be rather dull. In contrast, Earth always offers various activities to keep him occupied every day. As a result, he views heaven solely as a training ground, eagerly anticipating his revival by the Dragon Ball. However, apart from that aspect, life in the afterlife is quite enjoyable. Stream Dragon Ball now on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I find the afterlife in Dragon Ball to be a fascinating concept. The idea of a separate realm where souls go after death is intriguing, and I appreciate the way the series explores the different possibilities of what happens after we die.

The afterlife in Dragon Ball is a complex and fascinating place, full of wonder and mystery. It's a place where anything is possible, and where the rules of the living world don't apply. I can't wait to see what new and exciting things the afterlife has in store for us in future Dragon Ball stories.