For more insights into the Dragon Ball world and other Anime and Manga, visit United Geekdom. Follow Us on Facebook here.
External Sources:
Index of Contents
- Origins of the Namekian Race
- Types of Namekians
- Dragon Clan Namekians
- Warrior Clan Namekians
- The Influence of Dragon Balls
- The Story of the Nameless Namekian
- Piccolo’s Evolution
- New Transformations in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- Zalama: The Mysterious Creator of the Super Dragon Balls
- Potential Future Relevance of Zalama and Piccolo
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Origins of the Namekian Race
The Namekians, or Namek-jin, originate from the planet Namek, a serene world with a green sky and three suns. These beings, characterized by their green skin, antennae, and pointed ears, have a deep spiritual connection with their planet. Their physiology is remarkable, allowing them to regenerate lost limbs and live for centuries.
Despite the lush environment, Namek has faced severe climate changes that nearly wiped out the Namekian race. However, through their advanced mystical knowledge and adaptability, they have managed to thrive.
Types of Namekians
There are two primary classes of Namekians:
Dragon Clan Namekians
Role: These Namekians are masters of magic and creators of the Dragon Balls. They are keepers of ancient wisdom, capable of healing and creating objects from thin air.
Notable Members:
- Kami: The Guardian of Earth who created the Earth’s Dragon Balls. His wisdom and power were crucial in training the Z Fighters and protecting the planet.
- Dende: A young Namekian who succeeded Kami as the Guardian of Earth. He enhanced the Dragon Balls’ power, allowing them to grant multiple wishes.
- Guru: The eldest Namekian and creator of the Namekian Dragon Balls. Guru possessed vast knowledge and wisdom, playing a critical role in guiding the Namekian people and protecting Namek.
Warrior Clan Namekians
Role: These Namekians are formidable fighters with immense physical strength and combat abilities.
Notable Members:
- Nail: A powerful Warrior Clan Namekian who served as the right-hand man of Guru, the Elder of Namek. Nail fought valiantly against Frieza to protect his people.
- Piccolo: The most famous Warrior Clan Namekian, originally known as Piccolo Jr. He evolved from a vengeful enemy to one of Earth’s strongest protectors.
Their Influence on the Dragon Balls
The Dragon Balls are magical orbs created by Namekians, capable of summoning a powerful dragon to grant wishes. There are three primary sets of Dragon Balls:
- Earth’s Dragon Balls (Kami): Created by Kami, these Dragon Balls summon Shenron, who can grant one wish at a time. After granting a wish, they turn into stone and scatter across the Earth for a year.
- Earth’s Dragon Balls (Dende): After succeeding Kami, Dende recreated the Dragon Balls, enhancing their power to grant two wishes at a time.
- Namek’s Dragon Balls: Created by Guru, these larger Dragon Balls summon Porunga, a dragon who can grant three wishes at a time. Unlike Shenron, Porunga requires the summoner to speak in the Namekian language.
- Super Dragon Balls: Created by the mysterious Zalama, these planet-sized Dragon Balls are scattered across Universe 6 and Universe 7. They can grant any wish without limitations, making them the most powerful Dragon Balls in existence.
- Planet Cereal’s Dragon Balls: The Dragon Balls from Planet Cereal are a unique set with only two orbs, created by the Namekians in Planet Cereal. These smaller Dragon Balls summon Toronbo, a dragon capable of granting any wish. Introduced in “Dragon Ball Super,” they add new intrigue and complexity to the series.
The creation and use of Dragon Balls are central to the “Dragon Ball” series, driving many story arcs and character motivations. Characters often embark on quests to gather the Dragon Balls to revive fallen allies, gain power, or achieve personal goals.
The Story of the Nameless Namekian
The Nameless Namekian, later known as Kami and King Piccolo, was a gifted Namekian who traveled to Earth after escaping the climate disaster that ravaged his home planet. His extraordinary power and potential made him a significant figure in Earth’s history.
Upon arriving on Earth, the Nameless Namekian sought to become the Guardian of Earth. However, the Guardian must be pure of heart, and the Nameless Namekian harbored both good and evil within him. To fulfill his ambition, he split himself into two separate entities:
- King Piccolo: The embodiment of the Nameless Namekian’s evil, King Piccolo sought to conquer Earth and eliminate all who opposed him. He unleashed terror upon the world, leading to his eventual defeat by a young Goku. Before dying, King Piccolo reincarnated himself, giving birth to Piccolo Jr., who carried on his legacy.
- Kami: The embodiment of the Nameless Namekian’s good, Kami became the Guardian of Earth. He created the Dragon Balls on Earth and played a crucial role in mentoring Goku and the Z Fighters. Kami’s wisdom and guidance were vital in many of Earth’s greatest battles.
Piccolo’s Evolution
Piccolo Jr., initially driven by a desire for revenge against Goku for his father’s defeat, underwent significant character development throughout the series. Here are key milestones in Piccolo’s journey:
- Early Villainy: Piccolo began as Goku’s arch-enemy, participating in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament with the sole aim of defeating Goku.
- Alliance with Goku: Despite their rivalry, Piccolo allied with Goku to combat greater threats, such as the Saiyan invasion led by Vegeta and Nappa. This marked the beginning of Piccolo’s transformation from villain to hero.
- Mentorship of Gohan: Piccolo’s bond with Gohan, Goku’s son, was pivotal. Training Gohan for the battle against the Saiyans, Piccolo developed a deep, almost paternal affection for him. His sacrifice to save Gohan cemented his role as a protector.
- Fusion with Nail: Before the battle against Frieza on Namek, Piccolo fused with Nail, a Warrior Clan Namekian. This fusion greatly increased Piccolo’s power and allowed him to fight on par with Frieza’s second form. Nail’s knowledge and strength significantly contributed to Piccolo’s growth.
- Fusion with Kami: To combat the android threat and later Cell, Piccolo fused with Kami, reuniting the Nameless Namekian and significantly increasing his power. This fusion also enhanced Piccolo’s wisdom and strategic thinking.
New Transformations in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
In “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” Piccolo achieved new transformations that showcased his growth and potential:
- Potential Unleashed: Also known as “Ultimate Piccolo,” this form significantly boosts his power, rivaling some of the strongest characters in the series. This transformation highlights Piccolo’s continuous evolution and importance in the story.
- Orange Piccolo: Also referred to as the “Berserk” form, this transformation grants Piccolo a massive power increase, changing his skin tone to a bright orange and enhancing his physical abilities significantly. This form showcases Piccolo’s potential to compete with the most powerful beings in the “Dragon Ball” universe.
Zalama: The Mysterious Creator of the Super Dragon Balls
Zalama, the creator of the Super Dragon Balls, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the “Dragon Ball” universe. The Super Dragon Balls, unlike the Earth and Namek Dragon Balls, are planet-sized and can grant any wish without limitations.
- Significance: Zalama’s creation of the Super Dragon Balls indicates his immense power and knowledge. He is speculated to be one of the highest deities, possibly even surpassing the gods of destruction.
- Potential Future Role: Zalama could play a crucial role in future story arcs, especially with the series’ increasing focus on gods and divine beings. His connection to the Super Dragon Balls suggests that he may become a central figure in unlocking new powers or knowledge.
Potential Future Relevance of Zalama and Piccolo
Given Zalama’s mysterious background and connection to the Super Dragon Balls, he could become a pivotal character in future “Dragon Ball” stories. This could lead to a potential training arc for Piccolo, who may seek to unlock new powers and gain greater understanding under Zalama’s guidance. This storyline would honor Akira Toriyama’s preference for Piccolo and provide exciting development for the character.
Conclusion
The Namekians, with their rich history and significant contributions to the “Dragon Ball” universe, continue to be integral to the series’ lore. From their origins and different types to the impact of the Dragon Balls and the evolution of key characters like Piccolo, the Namekian race remains a fascinating and vital part of “Dragon Ball.” With the mysterious Zalama potentially influencing future events, the importance of the Namekians, particularly Piccolo, is likely to grow even further.
This comprehensive guide provides a deep dive into the Namekian race, their history, and their ongoing influence in the “Dragon Ball” universe. It sets the stage for exciting future developments and honors the legacy of one of the series’ most beloved characters, Piccolo.
FAQs
What are the main characteristics of the Namekian race?
Namekians are known for their green skin, antennae, pointed ears, and their ability to regenerate lost limbs. They have a deep spiritual connection to their planet, Namek, and possess an extraordinary lifespan.
What is the significance of the Dragon Balls?
Dragon Balls are magical orbs that summon a powerful dragon to grant wishes. They drive many story arcs in the “Dragon Ball” series, as characters often seek them to revive allies, gain power, or achieve personal goals.
What transformations has Piccolo undergone?
Piccolo has undergone several transformations, including fusions with Nail and Kami, which significantly increased his power. In “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” he achieved the “Potential Unleashed” form, also known as “Ultimate Piccolo,” and the “Orange Piccolo” form, which greatly enhanced his abilities.
Who is the Nameless Namekian?
The Nameless Namekian was a gifted Namekian who traveled to Earth and split into two entities: Kami, the embodiment of good, and King Piccolo, the embodiment of evil. This split allowed Kami to become the Guardian of Earth, while King Piccolo sought to conquer it.
What role does Zalama play in the “Dragon Ball” universe?
Zalama is the mysterious creator of the Super Dragon Balls, which are planet-sized and can grant any wish without limitations. His immense power and knowledge make him a potentially significant character in future story arcs, especially with the increasing focus on gods and divine beings.
What are the different types of Namekians?
Namekians are primarily divided into two types:
- Dragon Clan Namekians: Masters of magic and creators of the Dragon Balls.
- Warrior Clan Namekians: Formidable fighters with immense physical strength and combat abilities.
How have the Dragon Balls evolved over time?
Initially, Kami’s Dragon Balls on Earth could grant one wish. Dende later enhanced them to grant two wishes. Namek’s Dragon Balls, created by Guru, can grant three wishes and require the Namekian language. The Super Dragon Balls, created by Zalama, can grant any wish without limitations.