What does the 7th Dragon Ball mean?
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In the Dragon Ball universe, the seven Dragon Balls play a crucial role in the lore, allowing the characters to summon powerful dragons that grant wishes. The 7th Dragon Ball is the final one needed to summon the mighty dragon, Shenron, or, in the case of the Super Dragon Balls, Super Shenron.
But what makes the 7th Dragon Ball so significant? Let's explore its role and meaning in the context of the series.
The Dragon Balls in General
The Dragon Balls are magical orbs scattered across the world (or in the case of the Super Dragon Balls, the entire multiverse). They come in different forms, depending on the version in use, but all share a key trait: they are used to summon a dragon that grants wishes.
In the main series, the seven Dragon Balls are:
- Four-Star Dragon Ball (Goku’s cherished ball)
- One-Star Dragon Ball
- Two-Star Dragon Ball
- Three-Star Dragon Ball
- Five-Star Dragon Ball
- Six-Star Dragon Ball
- Seven-Star Dragon Ball (The final one)
Each ball is marked with a star representing its number, and they are spread across different locations. They must be gathered by the protagonist or other characters, and when all seven are brought together, they can summon the Eternal Dragon, Shenron (or Super Shenron for the Super Dragon Balls).
The Significance of the 7th Dragon Ball
The 7th Dragon Ball is crucial for completing the set required to summon Shenron. Without it, the wish cannot be granted. It essentially represents the final piece needed to activate the summoning ritual.
1. Symbolic Meaning
The 7th Dragon Ball holds a symbolic meaning in the Dragon Ball series. In many cultures, the number seven is often seen as lucky or special. In Dragon Ball, the collection of all seven Dragon Balls mirrors the quest for ultimate power, knowledge, and the culmination of a great adventure.
- Seven also signifies completeness. Without the 7th ball, the set would be incomplete, making it impossible to call upon the Eternal Dragon. Therefore, the 7th Dragon Ball symbolizes the final step in achieving one’s goal of obtaining the wish.
2. The Final Goal
Throughout the series, the quest for the 7th Dragon Ball is often a key plot point. Whether it’s Goku gathering the Dragon Balls in the original series or the various characters in Dragon Ball Super, the 7th Dragon Ball is typically the last one needed to complete the set.
In the original Dragon Ball series, this was especially true for Goku and his friends, as they were constantly on the hunt for the 7th Dragon Ball. The quest for all seven Dragon Balls often leads to unexpected adventures, fights, and challenges, making the 7th ball an important milestone in the heroes' journey.
3. Summoning Shenron
When all seven Dragon Balls are gathered together, they are placed in a circle, and a chant is uttered to summon Shenron. The 7th Dragon Ball is the final piece that triggers this event. Without it, Shenron cannot appear to grant a wish.
In Dragon Ball Z, Goku and his friends summon Shenron multiple times, using the Dragon Balls to wish for various things, such as bringing people back to life or undoing destruction caused by villains like Frieza. In every instance, the 7th Dragon Ball marks the climax of their efforts, completing the set and activating Shenron.
4. The Super Dragon Balls
The 7th Dragon Ball also plays a role in Dragon Ball Super with the Super Dragon Balls, which are even more powerful than the regular Dragon Balls. The Super Dragon Balls are gigantic and are scattered across the 12 universes. To summon Super Shenron, the 7 Super Dragon Balls need to be collected, with each ball corresponding to a different universe.
Here too, the 7th Super Dragon Ball holds the same importance—it is the last piece needed to summon Super Shenron, who can grant wishes that affect the entire multiverse. This makes the 7th Super Dragon Ball even more crucial, as it represents not only the completion of the set but also the unlocking of the ability to change reality on a far grander scale than ever before.
Conclusion: The Importance of the 7th Dragon Ball
The 7th Dragon Ball in the Dragon Ball series holds significant weight, as it represents the completion of the set and the key to unlocking the Dragon's power. Whether it’s the regular Dragon Balls or the Super Dragon Balls, the 7th ball is always the final piece needed to summon Shenron or Super Shenron and make wishes come true.
On a symbolic level, the 7th Dragon Ball often represents the culmination of a character’s journey, the final step in their quest. It’s a reminder that, in the Dragon Ball universe, achieving one’s goals often requires patience, persistence, and the completion of a journey—of which the 7th Dragon Ball is a defining marker.
In essence, the 7th Dragon Ball means completion, power, and the fulfillment of wishes—making it a cornerstone of the Dragon Ball mythos.