Unveiling the Mystery: Tien's Third Eye in Dragon Ball

Tien Shinhan, one of the few characters in Dragon Ball to have defeated Goku in a World Tournament, is widely regarded as one of the series' most powerful warriors. Introduced as an antagonist in Chapter #113, he initially entered the World Martial Arts Tournament with the goal of killing Son Goku. However, he later becomes an ally to Goku and assists him in the battle with King Piccolo after realizing his mistake. Throughout the three canon shows (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super), Tien has been a significant supporting character and possesses the strength to rival Krillin as the strongest non-Saiyan on Earth.

One of his distinguishing features is that, even though he is considered to be an earthling, he has three eyes, making fans wonder what it does and why he has it.

Despite being an earthling, why does Tien have a third eye in Dragon Ball?

This image shows Tien as depicted in the anime (Image via Toei Animation).

According to the official guidebooks called Daizenshuu and editor Akira Toriyama, Tien is said to be a descendant of an ancient alien community that resided on Earth, known as the three-eyed people.

It is uncertain if this community continues to exist or if Tien is the sole remaining member of his race. Tien is believed to have been born on Earth and is thus identified as an Earthling rather than a human.

Tien's early training was under Master Shen, a highly ruthless and sadistic individual who had no qualms about killing anyone who stood in his way. Consequently, Tien was unable to harness the full potential of his third eye, which is considered to be usable only for noble purposes.

Tien's extraordinary powers, such as sprouting arms from his back and dividing into four individuals, appear to further affirm his extraterrestrial background. His third eye bestows upon him the capacity to accelerate movements and emit ki blasts.

Tiien's ability to control each of his eyes individually enhances his field of vision, proving to be a crucial skill in his battle against Goku, who utilized the Afterimage Strike. According to Toriyama, Tiien's third eye grants him the true power of sight, which may have a theological reference as Akira Toriyama's decision to create a character with three eyes could be a nod to Buddhist beliefs. In Buddhism, the third eye is considered the "eye of consciousness" and is believed to be developed after achieving enlightenment.

Concluding thoughts

Another instance of a three-eyed character appearing in Dragon Ball was when Goku entered the Other World and encountered a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Tien. Many fans speculate that she could be his mother.

Tien's inclusion in the Chosen 10 for the Tournament of Power has solidified his relevance in the Dragon Ball series. His Tri-Beam Attack's ability to slow Cell showcased his potential to battle against some of the strongest characters in the series.

In the Universe Survival Saga, Tien opened his own dojo and proved to be a disciplined teacher, eagerly anticipating the growth of his students. He displayed great courage by opposing Beerus, the God of Destruction, and the Frieza force, showcasing his strength as a warrior. Fans have enjoyed watching his relatable journey from a misguided youth to a respected man.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Dragon Ball, I find Tien Shinhan's character to be intriguing and enigmatic. His mysterious third eye sets him apart from other human characters and hints at his extraterrestrial origins. The revelation that he is a descendant of an ancient alien community known as the three-eyed people adds depth to his backstory and explains his unique abilities.

Tien's third eye is not just a physical characteristic but also a symbol of his potential and noble purpose. Despite his initial training under the ruthless Master Shen, Tien has grown into a powerful warrior with a strong sense of justice. His ability to control each of his eyes individually and emit ki blasts makes him a formidable opponent. The true power of sight granted by his third eye suggests a deeper spiritual significance, possibly referencing Buddhist beliefs about enlightenment and the "eye of consciousness."