Many people may wonder if Kami and Piccolo are one and the same in the Dragon Ball universe. This is a valid question, given the fact that the two characters share a striking resemblance and are the only prominent Namekians for much of the story. Additionally, their strong connection may lead one to believe that they could be the same individual.
Before the events of Dragon Ball, Piccolo and Kami were once the same being. However, their origins are intricate and stretch far back in time. This information is gradually revealed throughout the original manga, with each part playing a crucial role in various story arcs.
Please be aware that this article includes spoilers for the series.
Why Kami and Piccolo are not the same person
Kami and Piccolo are two separate individuals as they were once united as the Nameless Namekian, who came to Earth and later divided into two distinct beings. Each of them then took on their own roles and identities as Piccolo and Kami in the story.
Despite the splot, Kami and Piccolo are inextricably linked by a sort of life thread. This bond dictates that if one of them perishes, the other will also meet their end. This was demonstrated in the Saiyan arc when Piccolo sacrificed himself to save Gohan from one of Nappa’s attacks, leading to both his and Kami’s deaths simultaneously.
Despite initially separating, the two characters were destined to merge once more during the Cell arc, resulting in a form that was referred to as a Super Namekian in the series. Although this fusion was no longer considered to be either Kami or Piccolo, author Akira Toriyama continued to view him as Piccolo, a sentiment shared by fans.
Explaining Kami’s Origins in Dragon Ball
![Kami is the creator of the original Earth Dragon Balls (Image via Toei Animation) Kami is the creator of the original Earth Dragon Balls (Image via Toei Animation)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ebd83-17212795379077-1920.webp)
The Nameless Namekian, who had arrived on Earth centuries ago following a natural disaster on his home planet, spent several years wandering the planet before eventually reaching the Lookout. It was here that he began training to become Kami, the Guardian of Earth.
Despite his ultimate goal of achieving godhood as Kami, he chose to divide himself into two separate entities. The benevolent half served as the Guardian of Earth, known to many fans, and created the original Earth Dragon Balls. The malevolent half, known as the Demon King Piccolo, wreaked havoc on the planet. While Goku was able to vanquish the evil side, Kami remained alive as the Demon King had spawned a creature who would later be recognized as the Namekian, Piccolo.
Explaining the origins of Piccolo and King Piccolo
![King Piccolo as seen in a Super filler episode (Image via Toei Animation) King Piccolo as seen in a Super filler episode (Image via Toei Animation)](https://cdn.amkstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/0a227-17212805260864-1920.webp)
Despite the fact that King Piccolo was the ultimate adversary that Kid Goku encountered in the original Dragon Ball manga, he was able to triumph with all his might. By piercing King Piccolo’s torso, Goku was able to defeat him and in turn, King Piccolo released an egg that contained a small part of his essence. This is the reason why Kami survived even after his other half perished in their intense battle.
This egg would eventually hatch and give birth to the character known as Piccolo, who would possess some of the original King Piccolo’s malevolent traits, but also possess a sense of honor. As time passed, Piccolo’s redemption was brought about by Goku’s acts of compassion towards him and the friendship he developed with Gohan, leading him to become an ally to the main characters and discover the goodness within himself.
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