In the Dragon Ball universe, Bardock is one of the most debated characters — the father of Goku and a symbol of unbreakable Saiyan spirit. From being a loyal soldier under Frieza to leading a final rebellion against the destruction of Planet Vegeta, Bardock’s legacy raises the question: was he a true hero or just another product of a brutal system? Let’s explore his role in Saiyan history and the lasting impact he had on Goku.
Who Is Bardock?
Bardock first appeared in the TV special Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990), and was later brought into official canon in Dragon Ball Super during the Granolah arc. A low-class Saiyan warrior, Bardock served under Frieza alongside his squad (Tora, Fasha, Shugesh, and Borgos). Though not of royal blood like Vegeta, Bardock stood out due to his combat prowess and unshakable willpower.
Bardock’s Role in Saiyan History
A Soldier of Frieza – A Villain of the Past
At first, Bardock was just another cog in Frieza’s war machine:
- Carried Out Genocide: He and his team conquered and destroyed planets to be sold by Frieza, like Planet Kanassa — where Bardock was cursed with the ability to see the future.
- Blind Loyalty: Although aware that Saiyans were just pawns, Bardock never resisted until he learned of Frieza’s plan to wipe out the Saiyan race.
At this stage, Bardock wasn’t much different from a villain — a ruthless warrior enforcing Frieza’s will across the galaxy.
The Saiyans’ Last Hero
Bardock’s perspective changed after witnessing the death of his team and visions of Planet Vegeta’s destruction:
- A Lone Rebellion: In his final moments, Bardock charged headfirst into Frieza’s army, attempting to stop the supernova that would destroy Planet Vegeta. Though he failed, his resistance made him a symbol of defiance.
- Hope for the Future: He sent one last message to his son, Kakarot (Goku), hoping he would survive and avenge the Saiyans.
In Dragon Ball Super, Bardock was revealed to have defeated Gas and saved both Granolah and Monaito, showing that he was more than just a warrior — he had a rare compassion among Saiyans.
Hero or Villain?
The Heroic Side
- Unbreakable Spirit: Bardock stood against Frieza knowing it would cost him his life, embodying true Saiyan courage.
- Acts of Compassion: Saving Granolah and sacrificing himself for the future of his race paint Bardock as a tragic hero.
The Villainous Past
- Brutal History: Bardock was part of the genocide machine, much like Frieza himself, in earlier parts of his life.
- Too Little, Too Late: His rebellion came only when destruction was inevitable, and he was powerless to stop it.
Bardock is not a clean-cut hero or a pure villain — he is a morally complex Saiyan torn between warrior instinct and a yearning for something greater.
Bardock’s Impact on Goku
A Spiritual Legacy
Though Goku never knew his father, Bardock’s legacy lives on:
- Fighting Spirit: Bardock’s defiance echoes in Goku’s battles against Frieza, Jiren, and even Black Frieza.
- Compassion: Bardock’s act of saving Granolah may have planted the seed of empathy that sets Goku apart from typical Saiyans like Vegeta.
Genetic Potential
In the Granolah arc, Bardock defeated Gas with an unknown surge of power (possibly a precursor to Super Saiyan). This suggests that Goku’s potential — from Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct — may partially stem from Bardock’s warrior genes.
A New Chapter?
Now that Goku has learned about Bardock from Monaito, he may explore his Saiyan roots further — or confront enemies tied to his father’s past, like the Heeters or Frieza himself.
Bardock in Saiyan and Dragon Ball History
- Symbol of Resistance: Bardock remains the only Saiyan known to have stood against Frieza before the planet’s destruction.
- Narrative Bridge: His role in saving Granolah connects Saiyan history to present-day Dragon Ball Super, expanding Goku’s legacy.
Conclusion
Bardock is neither a pure hero nor a villain — he is a Saiyan who carries both shadow and light. From being a servant of Frieza’s empire to sacrificing himself for the future, Bardock leaves behind a legacy of spirit and strength. His influence lives on through Goku, who surpasses every limit Bardock once dreamed of. Will Bardock’s story be explored further, or will he remain a legend of the past? Stay tuned to Dragon Ball Super to find out.
