Namekians

A peaceful race of green-skinned mystics who wield the power to reshape reality.

Namekians are a humanoid species with plant and slug-like characteristics, known from the planet Namek and able to make their own set of Dragon Balls. Piccolo, the best-known Namekian, can regenerate lost limbs so long as his head is intact. Their population was nearly wiped out by Frieza's forces, leaving only a handful of survivors who would go on to save the universe multiple times.

Quick Facts

Race origin

Planet Namek

Notable members

Dende
Piccolo
Kami
Nail

Lore & Background

Namek is terrorized by Frieza and his army, who eradicate most of the native population to obtain the Dragon Balls, and the planet is ultimately destroyed by Frieza. All surviving Namekians are temporarily transported to Earth, where they reside for nearly a year before resettling on another planet called New Namek. Namekians reproduce asexually by spitting an egg out from their mouths. They can regenerate lost limbs as long as their head remains intact. Piccolo can also perform a type of fusion, each time greatly increasing his power. He does so with Nail on planet Namek to confront Frieza, and with Kami to confront the Androids.

Reader's Guide

While their primary mandate is the preservation of peace through the creation of Shenron and Porunga—their legendary Dragon Balls capable of resurrecting the dead or restoring entire planets—they are far from helpless pacifists. Piccolo's fusions with Nail and with Kami each greatly increase his power. Meanwhile, Dende's ascension as the new Guardian of Earth illustrates their enduring role: when the old gods fall, the Namekians rise to ensure hope never truly fades.

Did You Know?

The name draws on the Japanese word namekuji, which means "slug".
Kami and Piccolo were originally a single entity who split in two. If either Kami or Piccolo dies, the other will as well, and the Dragon Balls cease to exist; this happened when Piccolo was killed in the battle against Vegeta and Nappa.