Dragon Ball Daima Revitalizes Classic Anime Folklore with a Hidden Clever Scene

Dragon Ball has captivated fans worldwide for a multitude of reasons. One significant yet often overlooked aspect is the impact of Chinese and Japanese folklore on its storytelling. A prominent example is Son Goku, whose character draws inspiration from the 16th-century figure, Sun Wukong. This connection is well-known among fans, but it exemplifies a broader theme in Dragon Ball’s narrative approach.

Creator Akira Toriyama has a distinctive method of weaving folklore into the fabric of Dragon Ball, often reimagining these tales so that they evolve into unique creations rather than direct copies of their origins. This means that while Son Goku shares traits with Sun Wukong, he is not a literal representation of that storied figure. Instead, he embodies the essence of the folklore while establishing his own identity.

Recently, Toriyama made a notable shift with his latest work, Dragon Ball Daima. Here, he integrates a genuine Japanese folktale into the storyline, presenting it in a way that has never been done before in the franchise. This unexpected turn raises intriguing possibilities for how traditional narratives might influence character development and plot progression within Dragon Ball’s universe.

The Integration of a Classic Japanese Folk Tale in Dragon Ball Daima

The Tale of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre: A Folkloric Connection

A Majin nanny reads to a baby Dende in Dragon Ball Daima

In episode #5 of Daima, a Majin nanny caring for a kidnapped baby Dende recounts a story that prominently features a Red Ogre. This reference calls to mind the traditional Story of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre, even though the Blue Ogre is absent. In the original tale, the Blue Ogre sacrifices his bond with the Red Ogre to help him connect with fearful human children, marking a pivotal change in how folklore is utilized within the Dragon Ball narrative.

While Toriyama has previously referenced folktales—such as the Sun Wukong influence—this episode stands out when contrasted with scenes from the Dragon Ball Z adaptation, where Goku encounters two ogres named Mez and Goz at the Home of Infinite Losers. Though they share a color scheme, Mez and Goz diverge significantly from their folklore counterparts.

One could argue that Mez’s actions—helping Goku navigate back to Snake Way—echo the Red Ogre’s desire for friendship. However, Mez’s motivations stem from a lost race to Goku, making this comparison largely superficial.

Other Anime Cleverly Use the Same Folktale

The Red and Blue Ogre Appear Across Various Anime

Red and Blue Ogre play from My Love Story!!

Several anime series have effectively woven real-life folktales as allegorical elements to deepen character narratives. My Love Story!! serves as a prime example, where the protagonist, Takeo Gōda, perceives himself as the Red Ogre due to his struggles in romance. In contrast, his best friend Makoto Sunakawa embodies the Blue Ogre, leading to a poignant realization of the sacrifices Makoto makes for Takeo.

Similarly, Natsuki Subaru, from Re: Zero, references the tale of the Red and Blue Ogres. This connection resonates throughout the series as he interacts with the twin Oni sisters, Rem and Ram, who exhibit traits mirroring those of the ogres, hence reinforcing the story’s cultural impact in anime.

As of now, Dragon Ball Daima has made a singular reference to the Red and Blue Ogres, yet it holds potential for deeper narrative significance. Future episodes may leverage this folklore to explore and illuminate the dynamics between key characters. The current representation is unique within the franchise, and it remains to be seen how effectively it will resonate within the larger lore of Dragon Ball.

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