Annin

Annin (アンニン An'nin), also known as the Supreme Elderly Lord (太上老君 Taijō-Rōkun), serves as the guardian of the sacred Furnace of Eight Divisions, which connects Earth to the Other World. Annin is unique among King Yemma's subordinates, being one of the few non-ogres under his authority.

Names	Annin (アンニン An'nin),the Supreme Elderly Lord (太上老君 Taijō-Rōkun) Tajoro, Taijōrōkun
Gender	Female
Race	Unknown Humanoid (god)
Occupation	Keeper of the Furnace of Eight Divisions
Origin	Dragon Ball Episode 152: "Mystery of the Dark World"(いそげ悟ご空くう! 五ご行ぎょう山ざんのなぞ, Isoge Gokū! Gogyōzan no Nazo, lit. "Hurry, Goku! The Mysterious Mount Five Element")
Alignment	Good
Age	Tens of thousands of years old
Created By	Toei Animation
Height	Varies
Weight	Varies

Concept and Creation

Annin's character draws inspiration from Taishang Laojun in Journey to the West, where Taishang Laojun famously attempts to subdue Sun Wukong by placing him in a mystical furnace. This event is loosely adapted in Annin’s episode in Dragon Ball. Her name, "Annin," is derived from annin tofu, a Chinese dessert made from almond milk. In Japanese, "annin" also refers to apricot seed, adding to the character's culturally inspired design.

Appearance

Annin has a humanoid appearance with a dignified presence befitting her role as a deity and guardian.

Personality

Annin is deeply committed to her duty of safeguarding the furnace, which prevents demons from escaping into the living world. She has a fiery temperament and is sensitive about her age, which Goku accidentally offends her about. She’s also known to be particular about her food, with Grandpa Gohan noting that she gets upset if her noodles aren’t prepared to her liking. When Goku seeks to turn off the furnace, Annin opts for combat to settle their dispute, demonstrating her willingness to fight for her responsibilities. However, she proves herself honorable, stopping her attack once Goku displays the Bansho Fan as a symbol of his worthiness.

Biography

Dragon Ball - Piccolo Jr. Saga

Annin has served as the sole pyre keeper of the Furnace of Eight Divisions for over ten thousand years, making her exceptionally ancient despite her youthful appearance. In the Piccolo Jr. Saga, Goku confronts her about the raging flames on Fire Mountain, which endanger the Ox-King and his village. Goku suggests extinguishing the furnace flames, but Annin rejects this idea, as doing so would allow demons unrestricted access from the Other World to the world of the living.

When Goku insists, Annin decides to engage him in a battle. During their confrontation, Goku unwittingly offends her by commenting on her age, leading her to transform into a giant. She tries various ways to subdue Goku, including using her headpieces as weapons and summoning powerful winds by flapping her cape. Goku’s Bansho Fan, however, proves to be a powerful defense, surprising Annin with its effectiveness.

Acknowledging Goku's determination, Annin offers him an alternative way to quell the flames and save the Ox-King and his castle, guiding him through the Furnace of Eight Divisions. After this encounter, Annin is neither seen nor mentioned again in the series.

Super Dragon Ball Heroes - Supreme Kai of Time Saga

In an alternate storyline within Super Dragon Ball Heroes, an incarnation of Annin appears in the Super Space-Time Tournament following Demigra’s defeat, where she engages in a battle with Chi-Chi.

Powers and Statistics

Tier: At least 5-A

Powers: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Acrobatics, Master in martial arts, Master swordswoman, Size-Shifting, Ki Manipulation (Advanced Level), Ki Sensing, Immortality (Type 1), Afterimages and Self-Sustenance (Type 2)

Attack Potency: At least Large Planet level (Somewhat comparable to her durability)

Speed: Relativistic

Lifting Strength: Unknown

Striking Strength: At least Large Planet level

Durability: At least Large Planet level (Took a strike from 23rd Budokai Goku, and recovered quickly despite feeling immense pain)

Stamina: Superhuman (Recovered quickly from being struck by Goku, despite feeling immense pain)

Range: Standard Melee Range. Extended Melee Range with her weapons. Tens of Meters in her giant form. Planetary with ki blasts and attacks.

Standard Equipment: Guan Dao: Annin wields a traditional guan dao, a type of Chinese pole weapon, with great skill, utilizing its power and reach in combat.

Intelligence: Above Average. She has been a guardian for thousands of years and knows a lot about the interactions between the living and the spirit world.

Weaknesses: None notable

Attacks and Techniques

• Feather Throw: Annin can extend the feathers on her headpiece to strike her opponent. She uses this move against Goku in both her normal and giant forms and also in Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans.
• Swordsmanship: Annin expertly wields her guan dao, delivering powerful and precise strikes with lethal potential.
• Immortality: Annin possesses immortality, granting her the ability to exist indefinitely in physical or spiritual form without succumbing to death.
• Giant Form: Annin can enlarge herself to immense heights, significantly enhancing her strength to superhuman levels. In this form, she maintains her agility and reflexes, allowing her to confront Goku effectively.