Exploring Dragon Ball’s New Multiverse Lore: Is Zeno Truly the God of Destruction?

Zeno stands out as the most formidable deity within the expansive Dragon Ball universe. At first glance, his innocent appearance and childlike demeanor might mislead one into underestimating him. However, inciting his ire could prove catastrophic, as the Omni-King possesses the terrifying ability to erase entire universes from existence.

This raises intriguing questions regarding Zeno’s nature, particularly in light of recent revelations from Dragon Ball DAIMA. The confirmation that Rymus is the creator of all universes positions him as the original God of Creation. This brings forth the theory that Zeno could very well be his counterpart—perhaps a deity of destruction—illuminating the complexities of his behavior.

Revelations about Zeno’s Role

Rymus’s Role in the Universe

In episode #10 of Dragon Ball DAIMA, the narrative challenges long-held fan assumptions. Viewers previously believed Zeno to be the architect behind the Demon Realm, a theory rooted in his role as overseer of all life. However, this idea was shattered with the introduction of Rymus as the ultimate creator, suggesting that the Demon Realm predated the multiverse by a significant margin.

This narrative twist is pivotal, shedding light on the fact that Zeno was not involved in the existence of the Demon Realm, reinforcing Rymus’s supremacy as the sole God of Creation. Zeno’s omission from the origin story implies that he potentially did not exist at the time when the multiverse was conceived.

The Balance of Creation and Destruction

The Role of Destruction

The Dragon Ball series emphasizes that every creator deity has a counterpart in the form of Gods of Destruction. For instance, Shin, the Supreme Kai overseeing Universe 7, understands that its creations could one day face annihilation at the hands of Beerus. Similarly, Zeno is likely responsible for enforcing balance across the multiverse, ensuring the destruction of universes that no longer fulfill their purpose.

Despite his role as a guardian, Zeno has never displayed abilities associated with creation. Evidence from the series indicates that he primarily wields destructive powers. For instance, during the Future Trunks Saga, Zeno effortlessly annihilated everything fused with Zamasu. Similarly, during the intense Tournament of Power, it was Zeno who eliminated universes that lost, without themselves restoring any life; that task fell to Super Shenron.

The Consistency of Deity Roles Across Universes

Angelic Assistance Reinforcing the Theory

A pattern emerges when looking at the inter-universal dynamics presented in Dragon Ball Super. The God of Creation is invariably linked with an angelic figure who tempers their destructive impulses. Zeno has his angel—the Grand Priest—who serves to stabilize the Omni-King’s volatile nature, ensuring he does not obliterate existence on a whim. Meanwhile, Rymus assumes the role akin to that of a Supreme Kai, overseeing his creation from a distance.

Zeno as Rymus’ Successor

Indications of Rymus’ Death

Goku speaking with Old Kai in Dragon Ball Super

Unlike other fictional pantheons, in the Dragon Ball universe, the title of ‘god’ does not guarantee immortality. Characters throughout the series demonstrate that even gods can age and die. Given this reality, it’s plausible that Rymus was deceased by the time Zeno was introduced in Dragon Ball Super, positioning the Omni-King as a successor to the creative force Rymus once represented.

This notion would explain Zeno’s youthful appearance and childlike behavior, suggesting he might be a fledgling member of Rymus’s species or another race from the Demon Realm. His lack of creative abilities could stem from his ongoing adjustment to his acquired powers, with the Grand Priest acting as a mentor to guide him.

The enigmatic relationship between Zeno and Rymus continues to captivate fans of the Dragon Ball franchise. As the narrative evolves, further exploration into their origins may provide clarity on Zeno’s role. Until then, the possibility of uncovering deeper lore surrounding these extraordinary beings remains tantalizing.

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