Guru is the oldest and wisest remaining Namekian in existence and one of the three survivors of a cataclysmic climate shift that occurred several hundred years before the events in the series. He is one of the two known survivors of this event on Namek, the others being Kami and King Piccolo, who were originally a single entity before Kami separated from his inner evil.
Guru is renowned for saving the Namekian race after the climate disaster by laying eggs and continuing his species. Throughout his lifetime, he fathered 109 children, including his bodyguard Nail and the young Dende. In the original Japanese version, he is referred to simply as "The Eldest" and not given a specific name.
It is revealed that Guru knows about the Super Saiyan legend when he asks Krillin if the Saiyan who attacked Earth (Vegeta) was a "Super Saiyan." Additionally, Guru believes that Kami and Piccolo's original potential was so great that only a Super Saiyan could have a chance at defeating them. After Piccolo fuses with Nail and later with Kami, Krillin remarks during the Imperfect Cell Saga that Kami and Piccolo's potential exceeds even that of a Super Saiyan.
Although Guru is not depicted fighting in the series, he demonstrates several abilities. As a member of the Dragon Clan, his most notable ability is creating Dragon Balls with powerful capabilities. He can also unlock someone's hidden potential by placing his hand on their head, which he does for Krillin, Gohan, and Dende.
