How Old Is Goku In Vinland Saga? He Is Not In It.
It's a common query that pops up in the vast world of anime fandom: "How old is Goku in Vinland Saga?" The straightforward answer, delivered with absolute certainty, is that Goku is not in Vinland Saga. These two beloved anime series hail from completely different universes, with distinct genres, settings, and character rosters.
Perhaps you’re thinking about a fan-fiction crossover, or perhaps the sheer popularity of both series sparked a momentary confusion. Whatever the reason, we're here to clear the air, explore the unique appeal of both Dragon Ball and Vinland Saga, and, for those truly interested, delve into the actual, canon ages of Goku throughout his epic journey.
The Simple Truth: Goku Is Not in Vinland Saga
Let's address the elephant in the room immediately. Goku, the iconic Saiyan warrior from Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball series, does not exist within the historical, gritty world of Makoto Yukimura's Vinland Saga. There's no secret cameo, no alternate timeline, and no Easter egg that places him among the Vikings. Understanding the fundamental differences between these two masterpieces is key to appreciating them fully, and we’ve prepared a deep dive on for those curious about the logistical impossibility.
Two Worlds Apart: Dragon Ball's Sci-Fi Fantasy vs. Vinland Saga's Historical Epic
The core reason Goku isn't in Vinland Saga lies in their foundational premises. They operate on entirely separate narrative planes, each with its own set of rules, themes, and character development philosophies.
Understanding Vinland Saga: A Journey of Vengeance and Peace
Vinland Saga is an epic historical drama rooted in the real-world sagas of the Vikings. It meticulously portrays the brutal realities of 11th-century Scandinavia and England, following the young Icelander Thorfinn as he seeks vengeance against the man who killed his father. The series is celebrated for its historical accuracy, complex characters, and profound exploration of war, peace, and what it truly means to be a warrior.
There are no energy blasts, no super strength beyond human limits, and certainly no aliens. Instead, you'll find intricate political maneuverings, grueling battles, philosophical introspection, and the harsh, beautiful landscape of a bygone era. To truly appreciate the rich tapestry of this series, we recommend you and discover the that grounds its compelling narrative.
The Universe of Dragon Ball: Power Levels and Galactic Threats
On the other hand, Dragon Ball is a shonen manga and anime series that blends martial arts with science fiction and fantasy elements. It follows the adventures of Goku, an alien from the Saiyan race, as he trains to become the strongest warrior in the universe, battling increasingly powerful foes from across the cosmos. This world is filled with magic, advanced technology, gods, demons, and planet-shattering power levels—a stark contrast to Vinland Saga's grounded realism.
Goku's True Journey: A Lifelong Evolution in Dragon Ball
Since the question "How old is Goku?" often accompanies the "in Vinland Saga" part, it’s clear many are genuinely interested in the Saiyan's age progression. Goku’s lifespan, particularly his physical and chronological age, can be a bit complex due to various time skips, training in hyper-dimensional spaces, and even periods of death. Let's break down his age throughout the Dragon Ball saga.
From Child Prodigy to Martial Arts Master: Goku's Early Years
Goku’s journey begins as a curious, naive child. Initially, he was 12 years old when he first met Bulma at the start of Dragon Ball, though he mistakenly claimed to be 14 due to his limited understanding of math. He remained 12 for the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, growing to 13 during the Red Ribbon Army saga. After three years of rigorous training, Goku was 16 when he faced King Piccolo in the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament. Another three years of training with Kami led him to be 19 when he fought Piccolo Jr. in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, marking the end of the original Dragon Ball series. For a more detailed breakdown of his formative years, explore the .
The Saiyan Saga and Beyond: Goku's Peak in Dragon Ball Z
A five-year time skip between Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z means Goku was 24 years old at the beginning of the Saiyan Saga, when his brother Raditz arrived. After his initial death and a year of training in the afterlife, he was chronologically 25 during the Frieza saga. Following the Namek saga, two years passed before Future Trunks' arrival, making Goku 27. When the Androids appeared three years later, he was 30. Goku then spent a year in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, aging his physical body by one year, making him physically 31 by the end of the Cell Saga. Seven years passed with Goku remaining dead, meaning his chronological age was 38 when he was revived at the end of the Buu Saga, though his physical body hadn't aged during his time in the afterlife. Discover the intricate details of to follow his incredible growth.
Godhood and Galactic Conflicts: Goku's Age in Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super picks up four years after the defeat of Majin Buu, which places Goku at a chronological age of 42 during the Battle of Gods saga. A year later, during the Resurrection 'F' saga, he was 43. Before the Tournament of Destroyers, Goku and Vegeta trained for three years in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, adding three years to their physical age. This means Goku's physical age became approximately 46 years old, a point he maintained through the epic Future Trunks saga. Want to know more about his divine training and age progression in this era? Check out how .
A New Twist: Goku's Youthful Return in Dragon Ball Daima
The newest installment, Dragon Ball Daima, is set one year after the Buu Saga. This would chronologically make Goku 39 years old. However, due to a wish made with the Dragon Balls, Goku (along with Vegeta and other characters) is transformed back into a child, giving him the physical appearance and approximate age of a seven-year-old. This unique turn of events offers a fresh perspective on the character. You can find in our dedicated guide.
A Comprehensive Look at Goku's Lifespan
Goku's age is a testament to the long-running nature of the Dragon Ball franchise, showing his evolution from a curious child to a seasoned warrior and, at times, a grandfather. It’s a complex timeline marked by intense training, battles, and even death. For a full, unbroken sequence of his age through every major arc, our offers the definitive guide.
The Hypothetical Battle: Goku vs. Thorfinn?
While we've established that Goku doesn't belong in Vinland Saga, it's natural for fans to ponder what would happen if characters from such disparate worlds were to meet. A fight between Goku and Thorfinn would be incredibly one-sided, given their fundamental power differences. Thorfinn is a peak human warrior, incredibly skilled with knives and hand-to-hand combat, driven by his Viking spirit. Goku, on the other hand, is a Saiyan capable of flight, energy blasts, planetary destruction, and transformations that multiply his power exponentially.
While the thought experiment is fun, the reality is that their universes are too different to allow for any meaningful comparison of strength or combat prowess. If you're still curious about how such a hypothetical clash might pan out, our article on dives into the specifics.
Beyond the Confusion: Exploring Both Universes
We hope this clarifies any confusion regarding Goku's presence (or lack thereof) in Vinland Saga, and provides a comprehensive look at his age in his own universe. Both Dragon Ball and Vinland Saga are phenomenal series that offer vastly different, yet equally engaging, experiences. We encourage you to enjoy them both for their unique merits and the distinct worlds they've meticulously crafted. Happy watching (and reading)!