Yamoshi: The Legendary Super Saiyan of Dragon Ball Lore

• The Dragon Ball series, crafted by Akira Toriyama, stands as an emblematic shōnen journey adored by enthusiasts across the globe.
• Among the most renowned figures in Dragon Ball lore lies Yamoshi, the inaugural Super Saiyan who waged war against malevolent Saiyans.
• Yamoshi's narrative serves as a pivotal component of Dragon Ball's mythology, surfacing in supplementary scenes and reveries, enriching the franchise's depth.

"The Dragon Ball series epitomizes quintessential shōnen manga and anime entertainment. Its stature as one of the most revered and commercially successful franchises in the realm of manga and anime is not a novelty, with its fanbase burgeoning incessantly. What endears Dragon Ball to its audience, spanning both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike, is its inherent rawness, particularly evident in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z (DBZ). This unadulterated essence of shōnen was made possible by the unwavering ambition of Akira Toriyama, solidifying his position as arguably one of the preeminent manga authors in the annals of the medium's history."

"Beyond its quintessential shōnen essence, the substance of Dragon Ball cements its status as one of the most beloved and triumphant franchises of all time. This is largely attributable to Toriyama's creation of a breathtaking world, replete with a nuanced power system revolving around Ki, alongside an ensemble cast of some of the most captivating and multifaceted characters ever conceived, leaving fans perpetually yearning for more. Certain characters within the franchise are merely hinted at, fuelling fans' eagerness to delve deeper into their narratives. One such enigmatic figure is the ancient Saiyan, Yamoshi. Let us embark on a journey through the legend of Yamoshi."

"The Fabled Super Saiyan"

"Yamoshi stands as an ancient scion of the Saiyan lineage, revered as the inaugural Saiyan to ascend to the rank of Super Saiyan, thus earning the moniker of the Legendary Super Saiyan. He was among the righteous Saiyans who thrived millennia ago, preceding the events chronicled in DBZ. His saga recounts his valiant rebellion alongside his comrades against malevolent Saiyan forces. When he found himself standing alone against the malevolent Saiyans, he underwent the transformation into a Super Saiyan. Despite his valor, he succumbed to defeat at the hands of his adversaries, depleted of his energy. Legend holds that his spirit endured, questing for a worthy successor to inherit the mantle of the Super Saiyan God."

"Yamoshi was first alluded to by Vegeta in the eighty-sixth chapter of DBZ. Vegeta posited that a Super Saiyan emerges once every millennium, possessing the power to surmount obstacles that even the most seasoned and formidable warriors cannot overcome. Initially regarding this legendary figure as a futile tradition or myth, Vegeta's skepticism waned upon witnessing Goku's rapid progression and growth in strength, notably showcased during his triumph over the Ginyu Force on Planet Namek. However, it was Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan amidst his clash with Frieza that unequivocally validated the tale of the Legendary Super Saiyan, endearing this legend to both the denizens of the Dragon Ball universe and its fervent fanbase."

"Yamoshi's Manifestation"

"The spectral visage of the ancient Legendary Super Saiyan, Yamoshi, materializes within Beerus' dream sequence in the cinematic opus, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. Additionally, Yamoshi makes a fleeting appearance in silhouette during Goku's confrontation with the formidable God of Destruction, Beerus. The resurgence of interest in the legend of the Legendary Super Saiyan Yamoshi within the Dragon Ball narrative can be attributed to the introduction of Beerus into the franchise."

"However, this was not the inaugural depiction of Yamoshi within the franchise. In a filler vignette featured in the episode titled 'Goku's New Power' within the DBZ anime adaptation, Yamoshi is depicted in his Great Ape form, distinguished by his yellowish-hued fur as opposed to the conventional brown fur. Frenziedly assailing those in his vicinity, the filler sequence culminates with his cataclysmic destruction of the planet he inhabited, showcasing his unparalleled might."

"Within the anime rendition, Vegeta's rendition of the Yamoshi legend portrays the latter in the Golden Great Ape form, with the English dub suggesting that Yamoshi exclusively achieved Super Saiyan status while in his Great Ape form. According to his legend, he possessed the ability of flight, Saiyan power, and the prowess to vanquish his adversaries with sheer brute force."

"Yamoshi's appellation adheres to the Saiyan nomenclature convention established by Toriyama. Ingeniously, Yamoshi's name is a play on 'Moyashi,' the Japanese term for bean sprouts. This choice seamlessly integrates with Saiyan naming customs, intertwining with the lore surrounding the Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God sagas. Yamoshi is depicted as the primordial seed from which these legendary tales germinate."

"The Dragon Ball manga is readily accessible for reading on Viz, while the Dragon Ball anime can be streamed via Crunchyroll."