What are the 12 universes? A Deep Dive into the Multiverse of Dragon Ball Super

What are the 12 universes? A Deep Dive into the Multiverse of Dragon Ball Super

For fans of the hit anime and manga series Dragon Ball Super, the concept of a "multiverse" has become a central and exciting element. But what exactly are these 12 universes, and how do they fit into the grand cosmic narrative? This article will break down this complex concept for the average American reader, providing detailed answers to your burning questions.

The Cosmic Structure of Dragon Ball Super

In the world of Dragon Ball Super, the universe as we commonly understand it – a single, vast expanse of stars, planets, and galaxies – is just one of many. The entire existence is structured as a multiverse, encompassing not one, but multiple distinct universes, each with its own set of laws, inhabitants, and even deities.

Initially, it was believed that there were 88 universes in total. However, a catastrophic event involving the destruction of several universes by the Demon God Fu led to their absorption and the subsequent renumbering and reduction to just 12 active universes. These 12 universes are not arbitrarily assigned numbers; their numbering is actually tied to a specific metric: their Mortal Level.

Understanding Mortal Level

The Mortal Level of a universe is a measure of the overall strength, intelligence, and societal development of its mortal inhabitants. This isn't just about raw power; it's a comprehensive assessment that takes into account various factors. A higher Mortal Level indicates a more advanced and powerful civilization, while a lower level suggests a less developed or less powerful one.

The universes are ranked from 1 to 12 based on this Mortal Level. However, there's a peculiar numbering system at play. The universes are paired, and the sum of the numbers in each pair equals 13. For example, Universe 1 is paired with Universe 12, Universe 2 with Universe 11, and so on, up to Universe 6 paired with Universe 7. This pairing is significant, as it often dictates how these universes interact or are overseen.

The Overseeing Deities: Gods of Destruction and Angels

Each of the 12 universes is overseen by a powerful pair of deities: a God of Destruction and their corresponding Angel.

• Gods of Destruction: These beings are responsible for maintaining the balance of their respective universes by destroying planets and civilizations that have grown too powerful or are deemed a threat to the cosmic order. While their role sounds grim, it's essential for the natural cycle of creation and destruction.
• Angels: Angels serve as the attendants and mentors to the Gods of Destruction. They are far more powerful than their destructive counterparts and are responsible for training them. Angels are neutral beings, never directly interfering in the affairs of mortals or Gods of Destruction, except to fulfill their duties.

These divine beings reside in the Omni-King's Palace, the central hub of the multiverse, overseen by the supreme deity, Zeno, the King of Everything.

The 12 Universes in Detail

While all 12 universes are part of the same multiverse, the spotlight in Dragon Ball Super primarily shines on a select few. However, understanding the general characteristics and some notable figures associated with each can provide a clearer picture:

1. Universe 1: Home to Arak, the God of Destruction, and Awamo, the Angel. This universe boasts a high Mortal Level and is generally considered one of the more peaceful and advanced universes.
2. Universe 2: Its God of Destruction is Helles, with Sour as the Angel. This universe is known for its focus on beauty and love, with its inhabitants often expressing themselves through dramatic and theatrical displays.
3. Universe 3: Mosco, the God of Destruction, and Campari, the Angel, preside over this universe. Universe 3 is characterized by its advanced technology and its inhabitants' pursuit of scientific and mechanical prowess.
4. Universe 4: Quitela is the God of Destruction, with Cognizant being the Angel. This universe is depicted as somewhat untrustworthy, with its God of Destruction often resorting to underhanded tactics.
5. Universe 5: Arug is the God of Destruction, and his Angel is the unnamed Cukatail. This universe is known for its artistic and intellectual pursuits.
6. Universe 6: Champa, the God of Destruction, and his Angel Vados oversee this universe. Universe 6 is known for its warriors and its cuisine, and it shares many similarities with Universe 7, including the presence of Saiyans.
7. Universe 7: This is the universe most familiar to Dragon Ball fans. Its God of Destruction is Beerus, and his Angel is Whis. It is home to iconic characters like Goku, Vegeta, and their allies, and its Mortal Level is considered moderate.
8. Universe 8: Liqueur is the God of Destruction, with Hyssop as the Angel. This universe is known for its abundant resources and its inhabitants' focus on growth and development.
9. Universe 9: Sidra is the God of Destruction, and Mojito is the Angel. This universe is characterized by its aggressive nature and its inhabitants' tendency towards conflict.
10. Universe 10: Rumsshi, the God of Destruction, and Kusu, the Angel, govern this universe. It is known for its focus on order and its inhabitants' reverence for their deities.
11. Universe 11: Belmod is the God of Destruction, with Marcarita as the Angel. This universe is home to the Pride Troopers, a group of heroes dedicated to justice and peace, and it boasts a high Mortal Level.
12. Universe 12: Geene, the God of Destruction, and Marcarita (different from Universe 11's Marcarita, this is a common point of confusion in the fandom; however, lore primarily associates Marcarita with U11) are the presiding deities. The Angel associated with Universe 12 is also known as Marcarita, though this is a point of some fan discussion and potential retcon. Universe 12 is considered the most advanced and peaceful, with a very high Mortal Level.

The Tournament of Power, a pivotal event in Dragon Ball Super, brought these universes into direct conflict, highlighting the vastness and diversity of the multiverse. It was during this tournament that the concept of Mortal Level and its impact on universe survival became starkly apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How are the universes numbered?

The universes are numbered from 1 to 12 based on their Mortal Level, which is a measure of the overall development and power of their inhabitants. A higher number generally indicates a higher Mortal Level.

Why are there only 12 universes now?

Originally, there were believed to be 88 universes. However, several universes were destroyed and absorbed by the Demon God Fu, leading to a reduction and renumbering of the remaining active universes to the current 12.

What is the relationship between the paired universes?

The universes are paired such that the sum of their numbers equals 13 (e.g., Universe 1 and Universe 12, Universe 6 and Universe 7). This pairing is part of their cosmic arrangement and can influence their interactions.

Who is the most powerful being in the multiverse?

The supreme ruler of the multiverse is Zeno, the King of Everything. He possesses the ultimate power to erase entire universes with a mere thought.

Does Universe 7 have the lowest Mortal Level?

No, Universe 7 does not have the lowest Mortal Level. While it's not the highest, its Mortal Level is moderate, and it is notably more developed than some of the lower-numbered universes.