In Dragon Ball Episode 12, the moment fans have been waiting for arrives: Shenron, the Eternal Dragon, is summoned for the very first time. Emperor Pilaf stands triumphant, ready to wish for world domination. Goku and his friends arrive too late to stop the ritual… or so it seems.
But just before Pilaf can make his wish, someone speaks up—someone small, scared, and surprisingly clever. The wish is granted, but not by the villain. What follows is chaos, comedy, and a spiritual message about how humility can undo pride in a single breath.
🐉 Shenron Rises – Power Within Reach
Pilaf gathers the Dragon Balls in his courtyard and speaks the words that summon Shenron. The sky darkens. Thunder shakes the earth. The dragon’s massive, glowing form stretches into the clouds, filling the air with divine presence.
Pilaf prepares to wish for total control of the world. The moment feels inevitable.
But then… a voice cuts in.
🙊 Oolong’s Wish – The Power of Disruption
Just as Pilaf begins to speak, Oolong leaps forward and shouts a ridiculous wish: “Give me a pair of the world’s most comfortable underwear!”
Shenron blinks.
Then obliges.
Then vanishes.
The Dragon Balls scatter, inert for another year. Pilaf’s face twists in rage. Goku’s group erupts in laughter—and relief. What seemed like the end becomes a ridiculous new beginning.
✝️ Faith in Dragon Ball Episode 12 – Why Pride Falls Before Power
Pilaf stood before the divine, ready to misuse it. But his arrogance blinded him. He delayed for theatrics. He underestimated others. And in doing so, he lost everything.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6
“Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” – Proverbs 18:12
This episode teaches that divine power cannot be manipulated. Shenron answers—but only once. You don’t get a second chance to speak with a god.
👁️ Symbolism in Dragon Ball Episode 12 – The Power of Foolishness
The first wish ever made to Shenron isn’t for power or wealth. It’s for underwear. And it works.
Why?
Because the request was made boldly, quickly, and honestly. It wasn’t filtered through pride or evil. That’s a strange but profound picture of childlike faith—sometimes the foolish humble the wise.
“Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have established strength…” – Psalm 8:2
📚 Episode 12 Breakdown
- Title: A Wish to the Eternal Dragon
- Air Date: May 14, 1986
- Notable Events:
- Shenron is summoned for the first time
- Oolong disrupts Pilaf’s wish
- The Dragon Balls scatter
- Key Theme: Divine power is not for selfish gain
- Funny Moment: Pilaf’s shocked silence after losing to underwear
🔗 External Resources
📖 Related Reading from Paranoid Prophet
- Jesus in Revelation – The True King Appears
- Proverbs 18:12 – Humility Before Honor
- Was Jesus a Liar?
- Transformation in DBZ
❓ Dragon Ball Episode 12 FAQ – Shenron’s First Wish Explained
🔹 What happens in Dragon Ball Episode 12?
In this episode, Pilaf successfully gathers the seven Dragon Balls and summons Shenron, the Eternal Dragon. Just as he prepares to make his wish for world domination, Oolong unexpectedly interrupts. He shouts out a silly wish—asking for a pair of the world’s most comfortable underwear. Shenron grants Oolong’s wish, then vanishes, scattering the Dragon Balls for a year.
🔹 Who makes the very first wish in Dragon Ball?
The first-ever wish made to Shenron in Dragon Ball is not by Goku, Pilaf, or any powerful warrior—it’s by Oolong, a shape-shifting pig. His quick thinking prevents Pilaf from taking over the world, proving that even minor characters can have major impact.
🔹 Why do the Dragon Balls scatter after a wish is made?
Once Shenron fulfills a wish, the Dragon Balls turn to stone and shoot across the globe. They remain inert for one year before they can be used again. This built-in delay prevents rapid or repeated abuse of the dragon’s power.
🔹 Why did Shenron grant Oolong’s wish over Pilaf’s?
Shenron grants the first clear wish he hears. Because Pilaf stalled while dramatically presenting his wish, Oolong had just enough time to shout his own request. Shenron recognized Oolong’s as valid and acted immediately.
🔹 What is the deeper meaning or lesson in Episode 12?
The episode illustrates how pride leads to downfall. Pilaf’s desire for control was foiled by his own arrogance. Meanwhile, Oolong’s spontaneous action—however ridiculous—ends up saving the world. It’s a reminder that divine power can’t be manipulated, and that humility and quick thinking often win the day.
🔹 Is this the first time Shenron appears in the series?
Yes. This is the first full appearance of Shenron, making it a landmark moment in Dragon Ball history. His debut establishes the rules of wishing, the stakes of the story, and the spiritual tone that echoes throughout the franchise.
🔹 Why is Dragon Ball Episode 12 a turning point?
This episode ends the Pilaf Saga and shifts the story from simple adventure to high-stakes mysticism. It shows that Goku’s journey is about more than collecting magical orbs—it’s about the character of those who seek them.
