When does one become a Super Saiyan?


As per this [Wiki](http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Super_Saiyan) page :

> The Super Saiyan transformation comes in response to a need, not a desire.

So does it mean that even if a Saiyan might reach the energy level that a
super Saiyan might have, he'll still not get converted to a super Saiyan
unless there is a need? Energy level doesn't determine the ability to become a
Super Saiyan, but a need to become one does?

On the other hand, as per the discussion on this
[page](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/422/how-did-goten-and-trunks-
become-super-sayajin-without-any-trouble), it seems energy level is indeed an
important factor.

It's confusing.




It really is confusing, and there is conflict as to what is really happens. I
think our best guide is the story itself. For this answer I will be using the
anime as a guide. Lastly, please note that this discussion pertains only to
Super Saiyan itself, and not Ascended Saiyan, or SS3/4.

Now, Goku himself says, when training Gohan, that it does indeed come from a
_need_ , and if needed you can create that _need_. Though, I'll have to check
with the original Japanese, because perhaps this wasn't the best word to use
in translation? Considering that he also notes that _the pain of loss_ as an
important factor, this leads me to believe that perhaps it is more of an
_emotional thrust_ than a direct _need_ per se.

Either way, in my humble opinion you need a mixture of the two ( _need_ and
_power-level_.) If I'm not mistaken, no one is shown doing it without both
factors.

### Examples:

  * **Goku**

    * Spent much time training in 100x gravity, which undoubtedly boosted his power-level way up.
    * He was pushed over the edge by an emotional trust. ( _The ruthless death of his friend._ )
  * **Vegeta**

    * Out of pride he spends his time in training trying to become a Super Saiyan, just like Goku, including some time in 450x gravity.
    * Out of anger, jealousy, and pride he is pushed over the edge.
  * **Gohan**

    * Spent much time training with his father in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
    * He is pushed over the edge by the distraught he feels at the idea of failing his friends.

Now, this is only valid in the act of _becoming_ a Super Saiyan. Later on,
once a Saiyan has learned how to control it better, the emotional thrust is
lessened (if not removed altogether.) In addition, when higher forms of Super
Saiyan are considered, the emotional barrier is lessened even more so, and the
emphasis is placed more on _power-level_ , and perhaps skills.

As for other Super Saiyans whose original transformations are not explicitly
shown, I leave that up to pure speculation. At least we have three good cases
to base our claims on; perhaps the rest just belongs in the imagination.




It really is confusing, and there is conflict as to what is really happens. I
think our best guide is the story itself. For this answer I will be using the
anime as a guide. Lastly, please note that this discussion pertains only to
Super Saiyan itself, and not Ascended Saiyan, or SS3/4.

Now, Goku himself says, when training Gohan, that it does indeed come from a
_need_ , and if needed you can create that _need_. Though, I'll have to check
with the original Japanese, because perhaps this wasn't the best word to use
in translation? Considering that he also notes that _the pain of loss_ as an
important factor, this leads me to believe that perhaps it is more of an
_emotional thrust_ than a direct _need_ per se.

Either way, in my humble opinion you need a mixture of the two ( _need_ and
_power-level_.) If I'm not mistaken, no one is shown doing it without both
factors.

### Examples:

  * **Goku**

    * Spent much time training in 100x gravity, which undoubtedly boosted his power-level way up.
    * He was pushed over the edge by an emotional trust. ( _The ruthless death of his friend._ )
  * **Vegeta**

    * Out of pride he spends his time in training trying to become a Super Saiyan, just like Goku, including some time in 450x gravity.
    * Out of anger, jealousy, and pride he is pushed over the edge.
  * **Gohan**

    * Spent much time training with his father in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
    * He is pushed over the edge by the distraught he feels at the idea of failing his friends.

Now, this is only valid in the act of _becoming_ a Super Saiyan. Later on,
once a Saiyan has learned how to control it better, the emotional thrust is
lessened (if not removed altogether.) In addition, when higher forms of Super
Saiyan are considered, the emotional barrier is lessened even more so, and the
emphasis is placed more on _power-level_ , and perhaps skills.

As for other Super Saiyans whose original transformations are not explicitly
shown, I leave that up to pure speculation. At least we have three good cases
to base our claims on; perhaps the rest just belongs in the imagination.

