Dende
Dende is a character from the Dragon Ball series. Originally a child from Muri's village on Planet Namek, he is the 108th child of the Grand Elder. Following the battle on his homeworld, he is chosen upon the recommendation of Elder Muri to relocate to Earth and assume the role of its new Guardian at Son Goku's request.
Overview
Dende is a character from the Dragon Ball series. Originally a child from Muri's village on Planet Namek, he is the 108th child of the Grand Elder. Following the battle on his homeworld, he is chosen upon the recommendation of Elder Muri to relocate to Earth and assume the role of its new Guardian at Son Goku's request.
Appearance
Dende is a bald Namekian with green skin, pointed ears, and a pair of antennae on his head. Initially appearing as a young boy, he later wears a robe featuring the divine "God" symbol worn by the previous Guardian. Though briefly shown with a taller, more matured body, he is usually depicted with a small stature. He appears as a young adult in Dragon Ball GT and is transformed into an infant in Dragon Ball DAIMA.
Personality
Dende is fundamentally gentle and kind-hearted. Although he initially harbored bitterness toward Vegeta for killing his fellow Namekians, refusing to heal him at first, he eventually laid the grudge to rest. Under brainwashing, his personality inverted into a cold and sinister demeanor, but in normal circumstances, he is sincere, highly expressive, and quick to apologize when at fault.
Abilities
Belonging to the Dragon Clan, Dende can sense ki and move at high speeds using the Bukujutsu technique. After his latent potential was unlocked by the Grand Elder, he gained powerful healing abilities capable of restoring near-fatal injuries. As Earth's Guardian, he possesses the power to modify and upgrade the Dragon Balls and Shenron. He is not a combat type, leaving his raw fighting strength low.
Background
During Frieza's invasion of Planet Namek, Dende was rescued by Son Gohan and Krillin, going on to assist them as an interpreter for the Dragon Porunga. He was killed by Frieza but was resurrected by Earth's Dragon Balls. After a temporary stay on Earth, he settled on New Namek until he was brought back to Earth to become its new Guardian, overseeing the planet from the Lookout ever since.
Relationships
Dende shares a close bond with Son Gohan and Krillin, who rescued him on Namek. At the Lookout, he resides with Mr. Popo, who serves as his close companion. Though he initially despised Vegeta for his past actions, the two later achieved reconciliation. He also formed an acquaintance with Mr. Satan during the battle against Majin Buu.
Trivia
In the Majin Buu arc of the original manga, Dende's height and physical proportion relative to Mr. Popo notably fluctuate between early and later chapters. In classic console RPG video games, he frequently serves as a specialized non-combat support command capable of fully restoring an ally's health.