Goku and Tanjiro: A Pure Hearted Comparison

In the vast universe of anime, two of the most beloved and pure-hearted characters stand out: Goku from Dragon Ball and Tanjiro from Kimetsu no Yaiba. Both characters are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to justice and kindness, but their purity of heart comes from different backgrounds and strong moral codes, leading to some interesting contrasts and comparisons.

The Purity of Goku's Heart

Goku's pure heart is on full display throughout the Dragon Ball series. One of the most notable traits is his ability to ride the Nimbus Cloud, which only allows those with a completely pure heart to do so. His heart is pure to the extent that even a small negative thought could prevent him from riding the Nimbus Cloud. This purity of heart is further exemplified by his use of the Spirit Bomb, a powerful attack that requires a completely pure heart to use without causing any harm to others.

Despite facing numerous adversities and dark challenges, Goku's heart remains untainted. His constant evolution as a character leads to an increased understanding of the world and its complexities, but his core purity remains unaltered. For example, when the devil uses the Demonic Sword technique on him, it has no effect because his heart is completely free of evil.

The Philosophical Aspect of Tanjiro's Heart

Tanjiro Nakago from Kimetsu no Yaiba also boasts a pure heart, but his journey is marked by a different perspective. Tanjiro's purity of heart is evident in his unwavering commitment to saving others, even his demon sister, Nezuko. He never resorts to cruelty or unnecessary violence, as he believes in the preservation of life and compassion. Unlike Goku, who might be more ignorant or naive, Tanjiro's purity is deeply rooted in his ability to see the good in everyone and everything, even in the darkest of circumstances.

A poignant moment for Tanjiro is when he hears a story about a Kizuki (a deprived soul), which leads him to cry. This scene showcases his emotional depth and his deep-seated belief in the value of life and the human spirit. Tangiri is not merely a soulless hero, but a character with complex emotions and a compassionate heart.

Debates and Personal Perspectives

There are those who argue that Goku might be more pure-hearted due to his status as a Super Saiyan, representing a form of enlightenment. However, Tanjiro's journey is arguably more profound. Despite the sadness and pain he has experienced—such as the massacre of his family and the transformation of his sister into a demon—Tanjiro's heart remains pure. His compassion and sacrifice in protecting others, especially in the most difficult of situations, solidify his place as a true representation of pure-heartedness. Furthermore, his refusal to engage in unnecessary cruelty, even when faced with overwhelming odds, is another indicator of his purity.

It's important to note that purity of heart does not necessarily equate to ignorance. Tanjiro's character is more nuanced, embodying a deep understanding of the world and its complexities while still maintaining his core values. This makes him a more mature and relatable representation of a pure-hearted character, unlike the somewhat naive Goku, who might occasionally make morally questionable decisions but ultimately retains his pure heart.

Conclusion

Both Goku and Tanjiro are extraordinary characters in their own right, but their pure-heartedness is experienced and portrayed in different ways. While Goku's purity is unshakable and steadfast, Tanjiro's is a more profound and thoughtful reflection of compassion and sacrifice. Whether one considers Goku or Tanjiro as the more pure-hearted character, both serve as inspiring examples of unwavering dedication, compassion, and sacrifice. The choice ultimately depends on one's individual perspective and interpretation of their characters and the lessons they embody.