The eldest of all Nameks, Guru created the Dragon Balls on the planet Namek. He is also father to all of the Nameks, as Nameks are unisex and are hatched from eggs. The Dragon Balls will disappear when he dies, and there is much concern because he is very elderly and very sick.
He has considerable power and wisdom, although he is not physically strong enough to fight for himself. Among his many abilities is a technique which he uses to bring forth the dormant, secret power lying within Krillin and Gohan. Guru also bestows upon Dende the ability to heal wounds by touching the injured.