Tambourine is a mutated Namekian spawned by King Piccolo and tasked with assassinating martial artists who might pose a threat to his father's conquest. He is responsible for the death of Krillin after the 22nd World Tournament.
Tambourine is one of the demonic offspring that King Piccolo creates to carry out his agenda of world domination. He has a gargoyle-like appearance with large wings, a trait that distinguishes him from normal Namekians and reflects King Piccolo's corrupted nature.
King Piccolo dispatches Tambourine to eliminate all martial artists who participated in recent World Tournaments, as their fighting skills represent the only potential threat to his plans. Tambourine's first victim is Krillin, whom he murders shortly after the conclusion of the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament. This act sends shockwaves through the cast and sets Goku on a path of vengeance that defines the entire King Piccolo Saga.
Tambourine goes on to kill several other fighters, including Bacterian, King Chappa, and others from the tournament roster. When Goku finally catches up to him, the young Saiyan is initially too weak and hungry to fight effectively, and Tambourine beats him badly. However, during their rematch, a recovered and enraged Goku obliterates Tambourine with a single Kamehameha blast, avenging Krillin and the other fallen martial artists.
Tambourine's murder of Krillin is one of the most pivotal moments in the original Dragon Ball series. It marks the first time a major supporting character is killed, introducing real stakes and consequences to the narrative. The event transforms the tone of the series from light-hearted adventure to something more serious and dangerous, paving the way for the darker storytelling that continues into Dragon Ball Z.
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