Nyoi-Bō: Difference between revisions
Jpranevich (talk | contribs) |
Jpranevich (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
==General Overview== | ==General Overview== | ||
Prior to the history recorded by the series, the ''Nyoi-Bō'' was kept in safekeeping by [[Karin]] at [[Karin's Tower]]. It was to be used to allow the worthy to travel from the top of the tower itself to [[God's Temple]] above.<ref>TODO: Chapter 162</ref> | Prior to the history recorded by the series, the ''Nyoi-Bō'' was kept in safekeeping by [[Karin]] at [[Karin's Tower]]. It was to be used to allow the worthy to travel from the top of the tower itself to [[God's Temple]] above.<ref>TODO: Chapter 162</ref> Around Age 450, Karin was pestered by his student, the [[Turtle Hermit]], and eventually permitted him to borrow the staff as there was no one in the world worthy to meet God.<ref>TODO: Chapter 162</ref> Some time later, the Turtle Hermit passed the staff down to his pupil, [[Grandpa Gohan|Son Gohan]], who in turn passed it down to his adopted grandson, Son Goku. | ||
Throughout the early part of the series, Goku uses the ''Nyoi-Bō'' as his primary weapon. Even prior to [[Dragon Ball Chapter 1|Chapter 1]], Goku has mastered extended and retracting the staff in combat situations, using it to defeat a flying dinosaur mid-flight. Although Goku did not have the staff with him the first time he climbed Karin's Tower (instead leading it below with [[Upa]]), Goku subsequently discovered the staff's intended use while recovering with Karin and [[Yajirobe]] after defeating [[Demon King Piccolo]]. He was able to use it to ascend to God's Temple, the first person to do so in hundreds of years, and receive training from [[God]].<ref>TODO: Chapter 162</ref> Goku retrieved the staff and carried it with him to the [[23rd Tenka'ichi Budōkai]],<ref>TODO: Find chapter</ref> but he had stopped using it as a weapon by the time of the arrival of [[Raditz]]. | Throughout the early part of the series, Goku uses the ''Nyoi-Bō'' as his primary weapon. Even prior to [[Dragon Ball Chapter 1|Chapter 1]], Goku has mastered extended and retracting the staff in combat situations, using it to defeat a flying dinosaur mid-flight. Although Goku did not have the staff with him the first time he climbed Karin's Tower (instead leading it below with [[Upa]]), Goku subsequently discovered the staff's intended use while recovering with Karin and [[Yajirobe]] after defeating [[Demon King Piccolo]]. He was able to use it to ascend to God's Temple, the first person to do so in hundreds of years, and receive training from [[God]].<ref>TODO: Chapter 162</ref> Goku retrieved the staff and carried it with him to the [[23rd Tenka'ichi Budōkai]],<ref>TODO: Find chapter</ref> but he had stopped using it as a weapon by the time of the arrival of [[Raditz]]. | ||
For the remainder of the series, the ''Nyoi-Bō'' was placed back between the Tower and Temple several times, always off screen. Often, but not always, it was removed during major threats. When [[Yamcha]], [[Tenshinhan]], and Goku's other friends trained with God to prepare for the arrival of [[Vegeta]] and [[Nappa]], it was in place,<ref>TODO: (Vol 15, Pg 32)</ref> however it was not in place during the battle itself.<ref>TODO: (Vol 15, pg 64</ref> It remained in place during the battles against the [[Artificial Human|Artificial Humans]].<ref>TODO: vol 24, pg 170</ref> Years later, it was still in place until just prior to the arrival of [[Babadi]],<ref>Vol 29, pg 85</ref> but was disconnected before the battle with [[Boo]] and remained so for the remainder of the manga story.<ref>vol 31, pg 224</ref> | |||
===Powers and Abilities=== | ===Powers and Abilities=== | ||
| Line 29: | Line 31: | ||
===Connecting to God's Temple=== | ===Connecting to God's Temple=== | ||
[[Image:Goku-installing-nyoibo-manga-ch163.png|thumb|200px|right|Son Goku attaches the ''Nyoi-Bō'' to the top of Karin's Tower]] | [[Image:Goku-installing-nyoibo-manga-ch163.png|thumb|200px|right|Son Goku attaches the ''Nyoi-Bō'' to the top of Karin's Tower]] | ||
A key function of the ''Nyoi-Bō'' is to make a path from the top of Karin's Tower to God's Temple, high above. This connection is spiritual as well as physical as the Temple is actually located in the [[Heavenly Realm]].<ref>TODO: Cite Daizenshuu 7 cosmos guide</ref> Son Goku and other worthy individuals could place one end of the ''Nyoi-Bō'' in a receptacle at the very top of the tower. By extending it from there, it connects to a matching receptacle on the underside of the Temple. Goku was able to use this method to ascend to the Temple to train with [[God]] and [[Mr. Popo]] after defeating [[Demon King Piccolo]].<ref>TODO: Cite chapter 162</ref> | A key function of the ''Nyoi-Bō'' is to make a path from the top of Karin's Tower to God's Temple, high above. This connection is spiritual as well as physical as the Temple is actually located in the [[Heavenly Realm]].<ref>TODO: Cite Daizenshuu 7 cosmos guide</ref> Son Goku and other worthy individuals could place one end of the ''Nyoi-Bō'' in a receptacle at the very top of the tower. By extending it from there, it connects to a matching receptacle on the underside of the Temple. Goku was able to use this method to ascend to the Temple to train with [[God]] and [[Mr. Popo]] after defeating [[Demon King Piccolo]].<ref>TODO: Cite chapter 162</ref> | ||
===Anime and Movies=== | ===Anime and Movies=== | ||
| Line 57: | Line 59: | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
TODO: | * According to the "Geographical Dictionary" in ''Daizenshuu 7'', the ''Nyoi-Bō'' tethers God's Temple in the Heavenly Realm to the Earth; when the ''Nyoi-Bō'' is not present, the Temple does not materialize above the Earth. This explanation may be incomplete as there are several incidents in the manga which appear to contradict this depiction. After being revived during the battle with Vegeta, Goku leaps off of God's Temple platform and down to Earth, despite the ''Nyoi-Bō'' not being connected.<ref>TODO: Vol 15, p 151- Goku jumping off the Temple</ref> Much later, [[Boo]] does the reverse and flies up to the Temple with the connection absent;<ref>Vol 32, pg 232</ref> when he subsequently destroys the platform all of the survivors remain in the Earth's atmosphere rather than be trapped in the Heavenly Realm.<ref>TODO: Check reference</ref> | ||
* When [[Piccolo]] fuses with God, the ''Nyoi-Bō'' disappears for one panel. This may be an art error.<ref>Vol 25, pg 14</ref> The ''Bō'' disappears again for one panel later in the arc as well.<ref>Vol 26,. pg 170</ref> | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
Revision as of 23:32, 29 January 2019
| Nyoi-Bō | |
|---|---|
| 如意棒 (Nyoi'bō) | |
|
Manga  Anime  | |
| English Name(s) |
"Nyoibo"[1] or "Nyoi-bô"[2] (Viz) Power Pole (Funimation) |
| Manga Debut | Dragon Ball Chapter 1 |
| Anime Debut | Dragon Ball Episode 1 |
| Appears in | Manga & Anime |
Nyoi-Bō is Son Goku's staff which serves as his primary weapon from the introduction of the series through the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budōkai. It had been handed down from master to student over many years, having previously been owned by Karin, the Turtle Hermit, and Grandpa Gohan before being gifted to Son Goku. The pole features the magical ability to extend to nearly any length on command. The primary purpose of the staff is to connect Earth at Karin's Tower with the Heavenly Realm and God's Temple, above. The design of the weapon and its use by Son Goku are derived from the original Chinese story Journey to the West which also inspired many other elements of the early Dragon Ball series.
General Overview
Prior to the history recorded by the series, the Nyoi-Bō was kept in safekeeping by Karin at Karin's Tower. It was to be used to allow the worthy to travel from the top of the tower itself to God's Temple above.[3] Around Age 450, Karin was pestered by his student, the Turtle Hermit, and eventually permitted him to borrow the staff as there was no one in the world worthy to meet God.[4] Some time later, the Turtle Hermit passed the staff down to his pupil, Son Gohan, who in turn passed it down to his adopted grandson, Son Goku.
Throughout the early part of the series, Goku uses the Nyoi-Bō as his primary weapon. Even prior to Chapter 1, Goku has mastered extended and retracting the staff in combat situations, using it to defeat a flying dinosaur mid-flight. Although Goku did not have the staff with him the first time he climbed Karin's Tower (instead leading it below with Upa), Goku subsequently discovered the staff's intended use while recovering with Karin and Yajirobe after defeating Demon King Piccolo. He was able to use it to ascend to God's Temple, the first person to do so in hundreds of years, and receive training from God.[5] Goku retrieved the staff and carried it with him to the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budōkai,[6] but he had stopped using it as a weapon by the time of the arrival of Raditz.
For the remainder of the series, the Nyoi-Bō was placed back between the Tower and Temple several times, always off screen. Often, but not always, it was removed during major threats. When Yamcha, Tenshinhan, and Goku's other friends trained with God to prepare for the arrival of Vegeta and Nappa, it was in place,[7] however it was not in place during the battle itself.[8] It remained in place during the battles against the Artificial Humans.[9] Years later, it was still in place until just prior to the arrival of Babadi,[10] but was disconnected before the battle with Boo and remained so for the remainder of the manga story.[11]
Powers and Abilities
TODO:
- Describe stretching ability. (Stretching to the moon was a gag? What other limits are displayed in the series.)
- Can respond without Goku touching it (verify if anime-only)
- Cannot be broken. (Breaks Taopaipai's sword, for example)
Connecting to God's Temple
A key function of the Nyoi-Bō is to make a path from the top of Karin's Tower to God's Temple, high above. This connection is spiritual as well as physical as the Temple is actually located in the Heavenly Realm.[12] Son Goku and other worthy individuals could place one end of the Nyoi-Bō in a receptacle at the very top of the tower. By extending it from there, it connects to a matching receptacle on the underside of the Temple. Goku was able to use this method to ascend to the Temple to train with God and Mr. Popo after defeating Demon King Piccolo.[13]
Anime and Movies
- In the second Dragon Ball Z film, written by Takao Koyama, Son Gohan appears to have inherited the staff from his father. He uses it in combat against Dr. Uiro.
- In the Garlic Jr. Saga, an anime-only Dragon Ball Z arc written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa, Karin is depicted as having possession of the Nyoi-Bō once again. He and Yajirobe nearly lose the staff to Maron as a wager in a card game.
- At the end of Dragon Ball GT, a spectral Son Goku attends a Tenka'ichi Budōkai with the Nyoi-Bō a hundred years after the events of the series.
- In Dragon Ball Super Episode 86, written by Toshio Yoshitaka, Dende is able to retract the Nyoi-Bō into God's Temple and fly the entire platform to another location on Earth.
Name
Nyoi-Bō is the Japanese reading of 如意棒, Rúyì Bàng, a shortened form of 如意金箍棒 (Rúyì Jīngū Bàng), Son Wukong's staff from the Chinese novel Journey to the West. Depending on the translation, it is variously rendered as "As-One-Wishes Rod" or "Compliant Rod".
Production
Connection to Journey to the West
Like many elements of early Dragon Ball, the Nyoi-Bō took its inspiration from Journey to the West, a classical Chinese folk novel. In that novel, the Monkey King Son Wukong (孫悟空), seeks a weapon to match his skill from the Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Guang (敖廣). When he arrives, he finds that none of the Dragon King's weapons are strong enough to match his strength. After searching through all the weapons in the treasury, all that remains is a giant barrel-sized iron pillar. Son Wukong lifts the pillar and commands to be smaller. It becomes the staff that he wields throughout the story and in popular depictions of the character. Removing the pillar also causes the world's oceans to shake, creating the tides.
The staff of Journey to the West differs from its later adaptation in Dragon Ball in many ways. The original is heavy, weighing 13,500 jin (斤), approximately 17,550 pounds. Son Wukong was one of only a few being strong enough to lift and wield it. In addition to growing and shrinking in length, the staff could also adjust its width. When originally discovered, it was the width of a barrel. Son Wukong was able to command it down to be small enough to wield as a staff. Unlike Son Goku who kept the Nyoi-Bō on his back, Son Wukong frequently shrunk it down to needle-size and hid it behind his ear. The original also had the power to duplicate itself as commanded. Finally, the original featured golden hoops or loops on the ends while the Dragon Ball version appears to be completely straight.[15]
Dragon Ball prototypes and drafts
While developing the Dragon Ball manga, Toriyama drew a pair of prototype stories followed by drafts of early sequences in Dragon Ball. The first of these prototypes, Dragon Boy, released in two chapters in August and October 1983, featured a Chinese setting and other elements which would be later adopted in Dragon Ball. The Son Goku analogue in that story, Tangtong, was depicted as wielding Chinese weapons on the two cover pages: a guandao ("reclining moon blade") and a pair of crescent moon knives, respectively.[16] Tangtong was not depicted wielding a weapon in the story itself.
Between the prototype publications in 1983 and Dragon Ball's first publication in November 1984, Toriyama developed drafts of the Dragon Ball stories with his editor Kazuhiko Torishima. The early drafts elaborated on the original Dragon Boy concept, incorporating elements from Journey to the West.[17] One early draft depicted Son Goku as a more direct analogue of Son Wukong including a monkey-like appearance and a Nyoi-Bō with golden bands on the end. This is the first time that the Nyoi-Bō appeared in any of the pre-Dragon Ball material. A subsequent draft eliminated the monkey-like traits of the character, but the Nyoi-Bō was retained. This version of the staff more closely resembles the one from the final work, without the golden bands on the ends.[18] The Nyoi-Bō was retained into the final version of the manga and appeared in Dragon Ball Chapter 1.
Notes
- According to the "Geographical Dictionary" in Daizenshuu 7, the Nyoi-Bō tethers God's Temple in the Heavenly Realm to the Earth; when the Nyoi-Bō is not present, the Temple does not materialize above the Earth. This explanation may be incomplete as there are several incidents in the manga which appear to contradict this depiction. After being revived during the battle with Vegeta, Goku leaps off of God's Temple platform and down to Earth, despite the Nyoi-Bō not being connected.[19] Much later, Boo does the reverse and flies up to the Temple with the connection absent;[20] when he subsequently destroys the platform all of the survivors remain in the Earth's atmosphere rather than be trapped in the Heavenly Realm.[21]
- When Piccolo fuses with God, the Nyoi-Bō disappears for one panel. This may be an art error.[22] The Bō disappears again for one panel later in the arc as well.[23]
External Links
TBD
References
- ↑ TODO: Chapter 1
- ↑ TODO: Chapter 91
- ↑ TODO: Chapter 162
- ↑ TODO: Chapter 162
- ↑ TODO: Chapter 162
- ↑ TODO: Find chapter
- ↑ TODO: (Vol 15, Pg 32)
- ↑ TODO: (Vol 15, pg 64
- ↑ TODO: vol 24, pg 170
- ↑ Vol 29, pg 85
- ↑ vol 31, pg 224
- ↑ TODO: Cite Daizenshuu 7 cosmos guide
- ↑ TODO: Cite chapter 162
- ↑ Toriyama, Akira. Dragon Ball Chapter 207: "Son Gohan Grieves". Dragon Ball Full Color: Saiyan Arc Volume 1. Japan: Shueisha, 04 February 2013. ISBN 978-4-08-870707-5.
- ↑ TODO: Citations from Journey to the West
- ↑ TODO: Cite cover pages from Fresh Jump
- ↑ TODO: Kazuhiko Torishima, “…On Shaping The Success Of ‘Dragon Ball’…” (Forbes)
- ↑ TODO: Cite whatever guide book had the drafts in it...
- ↑ TODO: Vol 15, p 151- Goku jumping off the Temple
- ↑ Vol 32, pg 232
- ↑ TODO: Check reference
- ↑ Vol 25, pg 14
- ↑ Vol 26,. pg 170