Why does Goku have a tail?

Goku’s tail is one of the most iconic features of his character, especially in the early parts of Dragon Ball. But why does he have a tail, and what does it signify in the context of the Dragon Ball universe?

The Origin of Goku’s Tail

Goku’s tail is a significant part of his heritage. Goku is not a regular human but actually a Saiyan, a warrior race from the planet Vegeta. The Saiyan race is known for their physical strength, ability to transform into powerful beings (like the Super Saiyan), and their unique biology, which includes a tail.

1. Saiyan Traits:

   • The tail is a biological characteristic of the Saiyan race. It is a physical feature that all pure-blooded Saiyans are born with. The tail is not just an aesthetic feature—it has important functional significance for the Saiyan people, especially in the early stages of their lives.

2. Transformation and Power:

   • For Saiyans, the tail plays a crucial role in their ability to transform into an Oozaru (Great Ape). This transformation occurs when the Saiyan looks at the full moon, triggering a massive increase in their size and strength. The tail is the key to this transformation, as it helps channel the Saiyan’s primal power and allows them to grow into the giant ape form.
   • The Oozaru form is extremely powerful, though it is difficult to control, and the transformation is often linked to a loss of control. This primal power is one of the key reasons why Saiyans, including Goku, are such formidable warriors.

Goku’s Tail in Dragon Ball

1. Goku’s Early Life:

   • Goku was born on the planet Vegeta as a Saiyan, but after being sent to Earth as a child, he lost his memory and grew up unaware of his Saiyan heritage. When Goku first appears in Dragon Ball, he still has his tail. His tail initially symbolizes his Saiyan nature, but as he grows and learns more about his powers, it becomes less of a central focus.
   • Early in the series, Goku’s tail is essential for his transformation into the Oozaru during the full moon. This form is destructive and uncontrollable, as seen when Goku loses control and causes damage to the surrounding area.

2. The Tail’s Significance to Goku’s Character:

   • The tail also helps demonstrate Goku’s otherworldly nature. Though raised on Earth, Goku is very different from the humans around him, and his tail is a physical manifestation of that difference.
   • Additionally, the tail also highlights Goku’s innocence and naivety early on. He is unaware of his true nature and doesn't realize the full implications of being a Saiyan, which makes his journey of self-discovery throughout the series more impactful.

3. Goku’s Tail and the Plot:

   • Over time, Goku’s tail is removed several times in the series. The first time is when it is cut off by Piccolo during the battle with Vegeta. In this moment, Goku loses his ability to transform into an Oozaru, which is a major change for his character.
   • The removal of his tail symbolizes Goku’s transition from a childlike figure into a more refined and controlled warrior, as he no longer relies on his tail or primal transformations to win battles.

4. Symbolism and Influence from Journey to the West:

   • Goku's tail is a direct reference to the character Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Sun Wukong, like Goku, has a tail and is known for his mischievous personality and incredible strength. Goku's tail, therefore, has symbolic meaning, tying his character to mythological roots and making his transformation as a "monkey king" a key part of his identity.

Why Goku No Longer Has a Tail

Though Goku's tail was a major part of his early character, it was eventually removed for practical and narrative reasons:

• Loss of Oozaru Transformation: As Goku grows and develops, he no longer needs the Oozaru form to fight. His strength as a Super Saiyan and other transformations make the Oozaru form less relevant.
• Character Development: Goku's tail is also removed as a part of his character growth. It represents his transition from his primal roots as a Saiyan to a more controlled and disciplined fighter. As he learns more about his powers and how to control them, his tail becomes less significant.
• Narrative Streamlining: In later parts of the series, the tail is simply no longer needed for the story. Goku’s battles and transformations evolve, making the Oozaru form and the tail somewhat obsolete. Plus, the tail’s removal allows the series to focus on other aspects of Goku’s powers.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Goku’s Tail

Goku’s tail serves as a reminder of his Saiyan heritage and his connection to the Dragon Ball universe’s deep lore. It represents his primal nature, as well as his growth from a naive child to one of the most powerful fighters in the universe. While the tail is no longer part of Goku’s appearance after a certain point in the series, it remains a significant aspect of his character’s history and his journey toward self-discovery and greater strength.

In the end, Goku’s tail is more than just a physical feature; it’s a symbol of his past, his heritage, and his unrelenting growth as a warrior.