Who does Vegeta fear?

Vegeta, the proud Saiyan Prince, is known for his incredible strength, fierce determination, and unyielding pride. Throughout the Dragon Ball series, we see Vegeta battle some of the universe’s most powerful foes, from fierce androids to gods of destruction. However, despite his immense power and status, there are a few individuals who manage to invoke a sense of fear or intimidation in Vegeta. Let's take a closer look at who these characters are and why they are able to make Vegeta feel fear.

1. Frieza – The One Who Shattered His Pride

Frieza, the tyrannical galactic emperor, is without a doubt one of the few characters who has managed to instill genuine fear in Vegeta. This fear is deeply rooted in Vegeta’s past, particularly the traumatic experiences he endured at the hands of Frieza during his time as a soldier in the Frieza Force.

• The Origin of Fear: Frieza destroyed the Saiyan homeworld, Planet Vegeta, and enslaved its people. Vegeta himself was forced to fight for Frieza's army and was subjected to years of torment and degradation. Frieza’s ruthless nature and complete disregard for the lives of others left a deep psychological scar on Vegeta.

• Frieza's Power and Control: Even though Vegeta becomes immensely powerful over time, Frieza remains a figure of dread due to his sheer power and ability to push Vegeta to his breaking point. Vegeta's fear of Frieza is not just physical but psychological, as Frieza has the power to destroy everything Vegeta holds dear. Frieza also knows how to exploit Vegeta’s insecurities and pride, which further contributes to his fear.

• Vegeta's Redemption: Despite the fear Frieza instilled in him, Vegeta eventually confronts and defeats Frieza in a climactic battle during the Frieza Saga of Dragon Ball Z. However, even after this victory, the fear and hatred Vegeta feels toward Frieza never truly fade, and he remains vigilant in his resolve to protect his family from threats like Frieza.

2. Beerus – The God of Destruction

Another character who instills fear in Vegeta is Beerus, the God of Destruction. Beerus is one of the most powerful beings in the Dragon Ball universe, and his overwhelming strength is a constant reminder of how small even the mightiest warriors can be in comparison to a god.

• Vegeta’s Submission: While Vegeta is not typically one to bow to anyone, he demonstrates a notable level of fear and submission when facing Beerus. Beerus has the power to destroy entire planets with a single thought, and his casual, destructive nature forces Vegeta to be incredibly cautious in his presence.

• The Battle of Pride: In the Battle of Gods saga, Vegeta is seen trying to maintain his composure while interacting with Beerus. The fear Vegeta feels is not only because of Beerus's strength but also because Beerus could obliterate everything Vegeta holds dear in an instant. Unlike Frieza, Beerus’s behavior is erratic and unpredictable, which leaves Vegeta uncertain of when or if Beerus will strike.

3. Whis – The Angelic Mentor

Whis, Beerus’s attendant and mentor, is another individual who, while not intentionally threatening, has a calming and intimidating presence that can make even Vegeta uneasy.

• Whis’s Superior Power: Although Whis is generally calm and friendly, his abilities far surpass those of Vegeta and almost anyone else in the universe. Whis is able to effortlessly keep up with Beerus and even surpass Goku and Vegeta in speed and power. Vegeta, who prides himself on his fighting abilities, is aware of Whis’s immense strength and can’t help but feel outclassed in his presence.

• Whis’s Teaching Methods: Whis also serves as a mentor to Vegeta, which can sometimes place him in uncomfortable situations. Whis’s ability to effortlessly deal with Vegeta’s pride and his casual demonstrations of power act as reminders of just how much further Vegeta needs to go in terms of mastering his own strength.

4. Goku – The Rival Who Surpasses Him

While Vegeta and Goku share a fierce rivalry, there are moments when Goku’s power and achievements push Vegeta into a state of fear—not out of malice, but because Goku’s growth continuously challenges Vegeta's pride and ambition.

• Goku’s Limitless Potential: As Vegeta and Goku train and fight side by side, Vegeta starts to realize that Goku’s potential has no limit. While Vegeta is immensely proud of his accomplishments, he can’t ignore the fact that Goku seems to always find a way to surpass him, whether through new transformations like Super Saiyan Blue or Ultra Instinct. This constant sense of competition, paired with Goku’s ability to adapt and grow at an astonishing rate, sometimes fills Vegeta with a sense of unease.

• Vegeta’s Fear of Losing His Status: At the core of this rivalry is Vegeta’s fear of being overshadowed by Goku. While he would never admit it, there are moments when Vegeta fears that his status as the strongest Saiyan warrior could be permanently eclipsed by Goku, fueling his relentless drive to surpass him.

5. Majin Buu (Fat Buu) – A Fear of the Unknown

When Vegeta faces Majin Buu during the Buu Saga, he initially fears the creature's unpredictability and ability to regenerate. Majin Buu is a force of destruction with no apparent weaknesses, and this uncertainty makes even Vegeta nervous.

• Vegeta's Transformation: In an attempt to gain the upper hand, Vegeta allows himself to be possessed by Majin Buu’s influence, turning him into a ruthless, battle-hungry fighter. However, even during this transformation, Vegeta shows fear of Buu’s abilities, realizing that no matter how strong he becomes, Buu’s destructive potential is limitless and unpredictable.

Conclusion: The Rare Moments of Fear for Vegeta

While Vegeta’s pride and strength make him one of the fiercest warriors in the Dragon Ball universe, there are moments when even he experiences fear. Frieza, Beerus, Whis, Goku, and Majin Buu are all figures who evoke a sense of fear in Vegeta, either because of their overwhelming power, their unpredictability, or their influence over his life. These instances of fear showcase a deeper side of Vegeta’s character, one that is not just focused on his pride and strength but also on his understanding of his own limitations and the challenges he must face in order to protect his loved ones.

In a universe filled with gods, titans, and powerful adversaries, Vegeta’s fears help humanize him, showing that even the mightiest warrior can be shaken by forces beyond his control.