Why Were Bardock and Nappa Considered Low-Class Soldiers in Dragon Ball?

In the world of Dragon Ball, the Saiyan warriors are highly ranked based on their power levels and elite combat skills. Let's delve into why Bardock and Nappa, despite their significant contributions, were often considered low-class soldiers within the larger Saiyan military hierarchy.

Bardock: The Less Exceptional Saiyan Warrior

Bardock is Goku's father and a notable Saiyan warrior. He is frequently portrayed as a low-class soldier, indicating that he was not part of the elite ranks of Saiyan warriors.

Background

Bardock is a Saiyan warrior whose character is deeply rooted in the notion of being a low-class soldier. While his power level is around 10,000 at his peak, it is still notably lower than that of elite warriors such as Vegeta or the royal family.

Power Level

Although Bardock is significantly stronger than many low-class Saiyans, he lacks the exceptional abilities and power levels of his elite peers. His peak power level of around 10,000, while impressive, is still considered below the elite tier of Saiyans.

Role

Bardock's character is more focused on his role as a warrior and his experiences, particularly in battles and critical moments within the Dragon Ball series. His low-ranking status is often reflected in his treatments and portrayal within the series, paint a picture of a warrior who is more brawn than brains.

Nappa: An Elite Warrior with Low-Class Reputation

Nappa is a high-level Saiyan warrior who serves as a partner to Vegeta. While he is technically an elite fighter, he is often considered a low-class soldier due to his overall abilities and portrayal in the series.

Background

Nappa is an elite Saiyan warrior, but his low-class status is often reinforced by his lower power level and brutish nature compared to other elite fighters. His low power level when he is introduced is around 4,000, which is considerably lower than other elite fighters like Vegeta, who has a power level of over 18,000 at that time.

Personality and Actions

Nappa's brutish and reckless behavior often sets him apart from the more strategic and intelligent elite fighters. This portrayal further cements his status as a low-class soldier within the series. His unwavering loyalty and no-nonsense attitude often place him at odds with the more cunning and strategic members of the Saiyan hierarchy.

Conclusion

Both Bardock and Nappa are often labeled as low-class soldiers due to their power levels, roles within the Saiyan military hierarchy, and their contrasting abilities and personalities when compared to elite Saiyan warriors. Their lower starting power levels and brute force approach contrast sharply with the refined and strategic combat styles of elite Saiyans such as Vegeta and the royal family.

Additionally, the way their characters are developed and perceived within the series often reflects a disdain for those deemed less potent or strategic in battle. In the grand scheme of Dragon Ball, the emphasis on power levels and skill among Saiyans is crucial for understanding why these characters are often seen as lower in rank, even when they make significant contributions to the plot.

In essence, the lower starting power levels of Bardock and Nappa highlight the disposable nature of their status, indicated by the fact that fewer resources are allocated to them and their lives are more easily sacrificed in the pursuit of victory.

Therefore, it is clear that Bardock and Nappa's low-class soldier status is not just a reflection of their power levels but also a narrative choice that underscores the themes of power and survival in the Dragon Ball universe.