Why are all the former Gods of Earth evil?

[deadguy366]

And why do all of their spirits live in the bottom section of Kami's lookout?

[TheDevilsCorpse]

I don't think they are? It's been a long time since I watched the Garlic Junior Arc, but weren't they only mad that Kami was trespassing in a place he had no right to be in? At least not until he died anyway...

As for why the ghosts are there in the first place: Kami's temple is technically in a separate dimension from the Earth (possibly the afterlife?), and only materializes in the mortal realm when connected with Karin's Tower via Goku's Nyoibo. That section of the temple where the ghosts of old gods hang out is the Shinsenkai, or the "Realm of Gods and Sages". It seems to be where the spirits of the previous gods of the Earth go instead of heaven, perhaps granting them the honor of remaining themselves instead of reincarnated and stuff like typical souls in the afterlife...at least in anime filler. None of the Shinsenkai content is in the manga.

[Herms]

It's been a long time since I watched the Garlic Junior Arc, but weren't they only mad that Kami was trespassing in a place he had no right to be in? At least not until he died anyway...

That's right. They were also a little mad that he wasn't a native Earthling.

[deadguy366]

I dunno, the fact that they didn't give a shit earth was about to be doomed and they just wanted to kill Kami made them seem pretty evil to me. I would've thought, being former Kami's and all, that they would be a little more understanding.

[penguintruth]

I'd be angry too if I was dragged into the Garlic Junior filler arc.

[TTC817]

Because they are anime only filler characters and not canon.

[VegettoEX]

I'd be angry too if I was dragged into the Garlic Junior filler arc.

This doesn't add anything to the discussion.

Because they are anime only filler characters and not canon.

Please note that you are responding to a thread in the "In-Universe" section, and while your observations are accurate, they do not help with regard to an in-universe explanation.

[Cipher]

Been a while since I've watched the arc, but don't they eventually allow him to pass after he calls them out for ignoring the needs of the Earth?

If so, they're basically over-proprietary bureaucrats, or are indifferent to problems requiring them to help Earth through direct action. Neither of which is unusual for Dragon Ball's deities.

[Gokuden]

I think it's the old saying ''Too much power leads to corruption'', and they had it pretty much easy for their time. I mean, I'm surprised Kami didn't die of a heart attack.
All that power, and nothing to do... Makes for a tedious reign.

[DerekPadula]

I believe it's because of the Shinto belief system. Even though Kami are supernatural, they are not immortal or invincible. They can die like anyone else and are subject to the same principles. In this case it's the Shinto idea that the dead are seen as dangerous and still crave life.

This goes in hand with Shinto concepts of purity, avoidance of blood and death. Thus the only way Kami-sama can survive is to be completely pure and courageous, reaffirming his oath to fulfill his role as Kami and maintain the living world.

A surprising amount of the filler content is cultural.

[deadguy366]

Thanks Derek, makes a lot more sense to me now!

[Legendary Saiya-Jin]

But is that suggesting they died because they weren't pure to begin with? Or was that just answering a question regarding their mortality?

[DerekPadula]

A being cannot become Kami in Dragon Ball if they aren't completely pure. There's not enough information to know why those dead Kami are in there, but I'd guess that they weren't evil. Just 'dead,' and therefore 'bad.'

On a related note you might find interesting, in the real world a person will not be able to have a Kami listen to them at a shrine if they are not pure of heart to begin with. When you seek attendance at a Shinto shrine you need a pure kokoro (心, heart / mind) for the Kami to arrive at the shrine and give you blessings. Your intent is everything. This is called makoto no kokoro (真の心), which means “heart of truth,” “sincere heart,” or “a genuine spirit.”

This is the reason that Kami-sama decides to see Goku right away after he fights against Popo for a while as a young boy. Normally it would have taken years for Goku to become strong enough to defeat Popo and pass his tests, but Kami-sama sees Goku's makoto no kokoro and says “I’ve taken a liking to you. I will see you now.” Goku's heart of truth impresses the Kami and the deity decides to grant him his attendance.

[Legendary Saiya-Jin]

Thanks for the re-iteration and interesting insight.

I honestly love these cultural/ religious insights into DB.