Why does Broly hate Goku?

The intense rivalry between Broly and Goku is one of the most intriguing dynamics in the Dragon Ball universe, particularly in the films. Broly’s hatred for Goku spans across several iterations, from his original appearance in Dragon Ball Z to the more recent movie Dragon Ball Super: Broly. But why does Broly harbor such animosity toward Goku? The answer lies in both their pasts, the events of their respective lives, and a series of misunderstandings.

The Original Broly (Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan)

In the original Dragon Ball Z movie, Broly was born on Planet Vegeta, and he was the son of Paragus, a former Saiyan elite. Broly’s hatred for Goku, however, begins even before they were born. The two Saiyans were born at the same time, and when they were infants, Goku and Broly were placed in adjacent cribs.

According to Broly's backstory, he cried constantly as a baby because of the presence of Goku, who was born in the same room and was seemingly peaceful. This constant crying from the infant Broly enraged Goku, as he was a baby at the time, which created a deep-seated resentment in Broly’s psyche.

As Broly grew up, he was far more powerful than most Saiyan children, and his overwhelming power made him a potential threat to the empire. King Vegeta, fearing Broly’s strength, ordered his death. However, Broly’s father, Paragus, managed to save him, and they both went into hiding. Broly’s trauma from his infancy and his inability to forgive Goku for "ruining" his early life contributed to his intense hatred.

In the Dragon Ball Z movie, Broly’s power is further amplified by his emotional instability, and Goku’s mere presence is enough to send him into an uncontrollable rage. Broly’s primary motivation throughout the film is to destroy Goku, and by extension, anyone who stands in his way.

Broly in Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, the story behind Broly’s hatred is somewhat different, offering a more tragic and complex backstory. In this version, Broly is not born with the same vendetta toward Goku. Instead, Broly's hatred is a result of being raised in exile and the manipulation of his father, Paragus.

Broly and Goku’s rivalry is born from Broly's traumatic upbringing. In this version of events, Broly’s father, Paragus, exiled his son to a desolate planet due to his potential power and the fear of the Saiyan race. Broly was left to fend for himself, and this isolation led to deep feelings of abandonment, anger, and resentment toward anyone who reminded him of his past.

When Broly encounters Goku for the first time in the Dragon Ball Super movie, it’s not Goku’s presence that enrages him immediately; it’s the fact that Goku is tied to his painful past and the memories of the Saiyan race. Broly is manipulated by his father, who encourages him to take out his frustrations on Goku and Vegeta. Eventually, Broly’s emotions spiral out of control, and his rage toward Goku intensifies.

However, by the end of the movie, Broly’s hatred begins to fade, and he even forms an unlikely bond with Goku and Vegeta, suggesting that his animosity might have been more about his upbringing and the way he was raised, rather than a deep-rooted grudge against Goku personally.

Key Reasons Behind Broly’s Hatred for Goku:

1. Shared Birth and Trauma
   The initial hatred stems from Broly’s traumatic experience as an infant. His constant crying as a baby created an irrational anger toward Goku, who he perceived as the source of his early suffering. This trauma becomes a cornerstone of Broly’s eventual hatred.

2. Overwhelming Power
   Broly is a force of nature, a Saiyan whose power far exceeds that of his peers. This overwhelming strength, combined with the resentment of being abandoned and manipulated by his father, leads to Broly seeking revenge against Goku, the one who symbolized the end of his peaceful life.

3. Manipulation by Paragus
   In both versions of the story, Broly’s father, Paragus, plays a significant role in shaping Broly’s views. Paragus manipulates Broly, encouraging his hatred for Goku and fueling his anger, making it easy for Broly to lash out against the Saiyan who represents the kingdom that cast him aside.

4. Saiyan Legacy
   Broly’s deep-seated resentment is not only directed at Goku but also at the entire Saiyan race and what it represents—power, control, and destruction. Goku, as one of the last remaining Saiyans, is a symbol of that legacy, which Broly has spent his life running from and ultimately despising.

5. Emotional Instability
   Broly’s emotional instability plays a huge role in his hatred for Goku. His inability to control his emotions, which results from years of isolation, makes him more susceptible to anger, especially toward Goku, who embodies all the things he despises.

The Complex Relationship

While Broly begins as an enemy in both iterations of the story, his ultimate fate is not one of absolute destruction. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, the film shows that Broly is a tragic character who was manipulated and shaped by his circumstances. Goku, despite the initial animosity, comes to see Broly as a person rather than just an enemy, and there is a sense of camaraderie at the end of the film.

While Broly’s hatred toward Goku remains a significant part of his character arc, it’s clear that Goku’s actions in the movie create an opportunity for change. Their rivalry transitions from hatred to a kind of mutual respect, and Broly’s transformation from a mindless destroyer to someone who can live outside the influence of his father marks a significant turning point in his character.

Conclusion

Broly’s hatred for Goku is rooted in a mix of trauma, manipulation, and the legacy of the Saiyan race. His feelings evolve over time, particularly in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, where his emotional journey and growth lead him away from the destructive path of hatred. The rivalry between these two powerful characters is complicated and ultimately showcases the impact of upbringing, isolation, and identity on shaping one’s destiny.