Dende is a child from the planet Namek, and is even younger than Gohan. Gohan and Krillin first meet Dende on their trip to the planet Namek to gather the Dragon Balls. His family was assaulted in battle by Frieza's henchmen. Since that time, Dende has been watched over by Krillin and Gohan.
With the healing powers the eldest Namek, Guru, bestows on him, Dende becomes an important asset to the Z fighters. On Namek, he saves both Krillin and Vegeta from death. Dende later replaces Kami as the guardian of the Dragon Balls on Earth.