Shenron

, also known as Shen Long, is a magical Dragon from the Dragon Ball franchise. In the English dub of Dragon Ball, he is mostly called the "Eternal Dragon" and, in the early Harmony Gold dub from the 1980s, he is known as the "Dragon God".
==Concept and creation==
Shenron's original incarnation in Dragon Boy was a small dragon which emerged from the Dragon Jewel.
==Appearance==
Shenron (like other known Eternal Dragons) generally resembles a traditional four-fingered Chinese dragon: brown antlers, sharp teeth, green scaly skin, red eyes, a long serpentine body of mostly tail, long flowing whiskers/barbels, a long snout, crescent-shaped nostrils, and flowing green hair on his cheeks. When Shenron is summoned, the sky becomes pitch dark, even during daytime. Once he disappears, the sky returns to normal. This also holds true for other Eternal Dragons like Porunga.
==Personality==
As with most wish-granting Eternal Dragons, Shenron is a neutral figure who grants any wish within his power regardless of the intent of the wish itself or the nature of his summoner, including evil beings such as King Piccolo (who ended up killing him afterwards), Garlic Jr., and so on. Shenron is normally very courteous, polite, and does his best to grant a wish in a way that will bring the most joy to the summoner even a bonus depending on the wish, including advising against what he considers impractical wishes and proposing alternatives unless the summoner absolutely insists. The exacting wording of a wish is still important, however, as seen in the unintended interpretation of the Pilaf Gang's desire for "youth" resulting in them becoming children. Logic of how a wish is granted is also important such as Gomah's wish to turn everyone who fought against Majin Buu into children, but he cannot turn those who are already children back into children unless the wish is specific.Dragon Ball Daima episode 2, "Glorio"
He will also preemptively inform his summoner if a wish cannot be fulfilled for whatever reason. A frequently mentioned limit is the inability to eliminate a threat more individually powerful than the wish dragon or their creator is, as was the case with the Vegeta and Nappa and their power compared to Kami. Shenron has also expressed doubt at unusually complex or demanding wishes he has never attempted, such reviving an enormous number of victims of the Frieza Force within a year of a wish extending to far as Namek. During the Shadow Dragon Saga, it is implied these complex wishes generate the largest amounts of negative energy. He is shown to favor the Dragon Team when granting wishes due to their repeated encounters, as he mentions to Gomah that only regulars get three wishes, while he only grants Gomah one. Showing that Shenron can deny granting other wishes at his discretion to complete strangers.
While kind at heart, he has a strong personality (Porunga is specifically called out as more laid-back) and can be impatient or aggressive when dealing with supposedly frivolous wishes, such as Yamcha's idea of wishing for a necklace. He is annoyed by indecisiveness or interruptions during summons and perceives them as wasting his time; he once attempted to physically rebuke Gohan's friendly dragon Icarus (who had misunderstood the situation and attempted to defend Gohan) for its impertinence.
Like most mortals and deities, Shenron is terrified and fearfully respectful towards Beerus, the God of Destruction of Universe 7. If summoned within Beerus' vicinity for whatever reason, even for simple information, Shenron will leave as quickly as is polite or feasible.
In the Super Hero Saga, he showed extreme politeness towards Piccolo, referring to him as "Lord", possibly in deference to Kami, who has merged and became one with the soul of his other half Piccolo, showing a spiritual connection to his original creator, despite no longer being life linked to Kami and Dende resurrecting him who becomes Shenron's second creator. It is also possible that he would show the same degree of respect to any Namekian, since the Namekians created the Dragon Balls and thus, by extension, him as well.
==Biography==
===Background===
Shenron is said to live in the fiery center of the Earth, whenever he is called he will arrive to grant one wish before returning to his fiery home to sleep until he is called again.The World of Dragon Ball Z, 2000 Before the events of Dragon Ball, the last time Shenron was summoned was to grant someone's wish to become king (possibly referring to King Furry or one of his ancestors) as Bulma explains to Goku in their first meeting.Dragon Ball chapter 1, "Bloomers and the Monkey King"Dragon Ball episode 1, "The Secret of the Dragon Balls"
===Dragon Ball===
====Emperor Pilaf Saga====
Shenron is first summoned on-screen by Emperor Pilaf and his assistants outside of Pilaf's Castle. Pilaf collects the remaining Dragon Balls from Goku and his friends to ask Shenron for the wish to gain complete control over the entire planet and become its ruler with an iron fist.Dragon Ball episode 11, "The Penalty is Pinball"
However, before Pilaf can make the wish, Oolong spots the Dragon and interrupts the wish and wishes for the world's comfiest pair of underwear, which Shenron grants. Shenron says his farewells then departs, and the Dragon Balls scatter across the planet and turn into stone.Dragon Ball episode 12, "A Wish to the Eternal Dragon"
====Fortuneteller Baba Saga====
The following year, Goku befriends Upa and his father Bora,Dragon Ball episode 58, "The Land of Korin" who was unfortunately killed by Mercenary Tao during the Commander Red Saga.Dragon Ball episode 59, "The Notorious Mercenary" Promising Upa that he will use the Dragon Balls to resurrect his father,Dragon Ball episode 60, "Tao Attacks!" Goku first collects the Dragon Balls, one from Bora, the three stolen by Tao,Dragon Ball episode 64, "The Last of Mercenary Tao" two from the Red Ribbon Army,Dragon Ball episode 68, "The Last Dragon Ball" and one from Emperor Pilaf,Dragon Ball episode 71, "Pilaf's Tactics" and summons Shenron at the Sacred Land of Korin.Dragon Ball episode 78, "The Eternal Dragon Rises"
Urging Upa to make the wish, Upa asks Shenron if he can bring his father back to life. Stating that it is a trifling matter, he grants the wishes and departs. The Dragon Balls begin to scatter once again but this time, Goku spots his grandpa's keepsake and grabs it before it takes off.
====King Piccolo Saga====
After King Piccolo uses the Dragon Balls to regain his youth, he kills Shenron before he can disperse to prevent anyone else from using the Dragon Balls against him.Dragon Ball episode 112, "King Piccolo's Wish"
====Piccolo Jr. Saga====
After King Piccolo's defeat, Kami revives Shenron to reward Goku for his valiant efforts against King Piccolo. He had originally decided not to recreate them, as he originally designed the Balls to encourage acts of bravery and give people a sense of hope, but the selfishness and greed of mankind caused the Dragon Balls to be used in the exact opposite manner than that intended. It was only upon Goku displaying his undying love for his friends that he decided that there were, indeed, good people left in this world. Yamcha and the others summon Shenron at Kame House who tells them that Goku is currently training with Kami in preparation for the next World Martial Arts Tournament. Already aware of the wish that they want granted, Shenron restores to life all those killed by King Piccolo and his spawn, including Krillin, Master Roshi and Chiaotzu, and then departs.Dragon Ball episode 126, "Eternal Dragon Resurrected"
===Dragon Ball Z===
====Saiyan Saga====
Shenron is summoned at Kame House to revive Goku in order to defend the planet from the Saiyans. However, Oolong asks if it would be possible for Shenron to beat up the Saiyans and save the Earth. However, Shenron tells Oolong that it would be impossible as he was created by a God, and he is unable to grant a wish that surpasses the power of a God. Master Roshi then has Shenron resurrect Goku from the dead just before he departs.Dragon Ball Z episode 21, "Counting Down"
Shortly thereafter, Shenron is indirectly deactivated when Nappa kills Piccolo taking an attack meant for Gohan; due to Kami's connection to Piccolo, Kami dies as well, and the Dragon Balls are turned into stone as a result.Dragon Ball Z episode 28, "Nimbus Speed"
====Frieza Saga====
Shenron is indirectly revived by the Namekian Dragon Balls when Gohan and Krillin wish for Piccolo to be revived and transported to Namek.Dragon Ball Z episode 76, "Piccolo's Return" Mr. Popo having already gathered the Dragon Balls together summons Shenron and asks if he can restore all the lives that Frieza and his men took. Being that the deaths occurred on a faraway planet, Shenron is initially unsure if he can grant such a wish but is successful, nonetheless.Dragon Ball Z episode 99, "Approaching Destruction"Dragon Ball Z episode 100, "Gohan Returns"
====Cell Saga====
A few years later, Shenron is temporarily deactivated when Kami decides to rejoin with Piccolo, due to extreme circumstances.Dragon Ball Z episode 141, "The Reunion"
With Dende's remodeling, Shenron is able to grant three wishes. However, since Dende is not powerful enough, Shenron can only fulfill two of the three wishes if a large number of people are revived using one of the wishes.Dragon Ball Z episode 173, "Dende's Dragon"The Funimation dub for the episode erroneously made it seem as though Shenron was able to grant two wishes under any circumstances, causing the implication that Dende further upgraded the dragon by the time they did mass revivals of those slain by Babidi and his forces when Goku and Piccolo brought it up.
After Gohan defeats and kills Cell, the group heads to the Lookout where they summon Shenron and ask for him to revive everyone that had been killed by Cell. Shenron grants the wish, but Piccolo notices that he cannot sense Goku's energy. With one wish remaining, Yamcha asks if there is some way for him to bring Goku back, but Shenron denies, saying he has already been brought back to life once before. Instead, Krillin asks if he can turn Android 17 and Android 18 back into humans. Again, Shenron says that he cannot as their powers are too great, and his powers cannot affect such powerful creatures. Krillin asks if he can simply remove the bombs from them and being an easy task, Shenron grants the wish and departs.Dragon Ball Z episode 192, "Goku's Decision"
====Majin Buu Saga====
thumb|Shenron is summoned after Kid Buu's defeat.
Wishes can also be saved until the next summoning; in this case, the Dragon Balls would scatter around the world in the same way as if someone had spoken all the wishes but will remain as stones for only four months, after which Shenron can be summoned again to grant the remaining wishes. Afterward, the Balls scatter and turn into stones for a whole year. This is shown when Shenron is summoned to revive everyone who were killed on the day of the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Bulma summoned him prematurely, not realizing the grave danger the rest of the population was still in, and on Dende's advice, Goku invokes this option.Dragon Ball Z episode 240, "Revival"
The wish saved is used four months after Kid Buu's defeat, in order to erase the memories that the people of Earth had of Majin Buu except for Goku's friends and family.Dragon Ball Z episode 287, "Celebrations with Majin Buu"
===Dragon Ball Daima===
====Daima Saga====
Despite having been summoned recently, Neva, a Namekian from the Demon Realm arrives at the Lookout along with Gomah and Degesu and uses his abilities to turn the Dragon Balls from stone back into usable orbs. Gomah then wishes for all those who fought Majin Buu, along with their friends, to be turned into children and for those who are already children to be turned into babies.Dragon Ball Daima episode 1, "Conspiracy" After granting the wish, Shenron tells Gomah he only gets one wish because he is a first timer while his regulars get three as a bonus and leaves.
===Gods of the Universe Saga===
Shenron was summoned and Sorbet shouts for Frieza to be revived, but Shenron doesn't respond. Sorbet asks if he could make the wish, but Shenron says that his body was cut into pieces, and it would be no point without his soul. Tagoma suggests they used the recovery chambers on the ship, so Sorbet tells Shenron to revive him anyway.Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ chapter 1, "Chapter 1 (Resurrection ‘F’)"
===Dragon Ball Super===
====God of Destruction Beerus Saga====
Shenron is summoned by Goku aboard the Princess Bulma to learn more about the Super Saiyan God. After Goku mentioned Beerus, Shenron became afraid to hear he was actually present. He then spoke to Beerus, referring to him with the respectful honorific and acting like a humbled servant rather than a powerful deity. Beerus acknowledged him by mentioning he heard of him. Shenron nervously explained that he knew the method for producing a Super Saiyan God, tells them that if five pure-hearted Saiyans hold hands and pour their hearts into another pure-hearted Saiyan, the god of the Saiyans will be born. With that, Shenron bids a very respectful farewell to Beerus.Dragon Ball Super episode 9, "Thanks for Waiting, Lord Beerus! A Super Saiyan God Is Born at Last!"
====Golden Frieza Saga====
Shenron is later summoned after the Pilaf Gang collects the Dragon Balls. However, Sorbet and Tagoma threaten them into letting them wish Frieza back to life. Using the other two wishes, Shu wishes for a million Zeni and Mai wishes for ice cream.Dragon Ball Super episode 19, "Despair Redux! The Return of the Evil Emperor, Frieza!"
====Universe 6 Saga====
Shenron is summoned by Bulma, along with Goku, Vegeta, Beerus, and Whis, to help find the last Super Dragon Ball and once again is frightened by Beerus' appearance. He tries to find what they are looking for, but he can't because the universe is so vast even for him and searching for it in another universe is beyond his power, leaving Bulma to make the Super Dragon Radar. Beerus then shoos off Shenron when he asks for the other wishes and the Dragon Balls are scattered once more.Dragon Ball Super episode 29, "Combat Matches Are a Go! The Captain Is Someone Stronger Than Goku"
===="Future" Trunks Saga====
In the anime, following the defeat of Zamasu, Goku collects the Dragon Balls so he can wish King Kai back to life. Due to one wish having been granted before, only two can be granted. Several of the Z Fighters and their allies arrive to try and get a wish. The first wish Shenron grants it to cure the sick Pan, who was suffering from a fever. Eventually, Goku tries to wish King Kai back to life, but due to taking too long Shenron leaves before he can do so.Dragon Ball Super episode 68, "Come Forth, Shenron! Whose Wish Will Be Granted?"
====Broly Saga====
During the "Bonus Story 4" chapter of the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga, Shenron makes a brief appearance as Goku tells Merus how events on Planet Vegeta lead to King Vegeta exiling Broly to Vampa resulting in the events of the Broly Saga. He is seen when Cheelai and Lemo summon him to make a wish for Broly to be sent back to Vampa just when Broly was about to be killed by Gogeta's Limit Ultra Kamehameha.Dragon Ball Super bonus chapter 4, "Bonus Story (Great Escape)"
====Super Hero Saga====
With few options left to defend the Earth from a new android threat, Piccolo flies to the Lookout to ask Dende if he can unlock his potential similar to how the Grand Elder Guru once did for Gohan and Krillin. Dende says he can't as he is too young but upgrades the Dragon Balls to be able to do so using a special water and reveals that Bulma has been collecting them to prevent their misuse again. At Capsule Corporation after Shenron is summoned, Piccolo takes the first wish and the dragon unlocks his latent potential, even noting that he also threw in a bonus. Bulma then uses the two remaining wishes to ask for a butt lift and longer eyelashes.Dragon Ball Super chapter 93, "Operation: Kidnap Pan"
===Dragon Ball GT===
====Shadow Dragon Saga====
After the Z Fighters defeat the Shadow Dragons, Shenron appears without being summoned.Dragon Ball GT episode 63, "Universal Allies" He heals Goku's wounds and grants one last wish before he leaves the Earth with Goku and the Dragon Balls in order to recuperate and teach the Earth's inhabitants to stop relying on the Dragon Balls to solve their own problems. Shenron then takes Goku and flies away, saying goodbye to all of his friends. While flying through beautiful golden clouds, Shenron seals the Dragon Balls inside Goku's body, causing him to disappear. He then roars and flies into a bright light.Dragon Ball GT episode 64, "Until We Meet Again"
==Super Dragon Ball Heroes==
===Prison Planet Saga===
In the manga, Shenron is called forth from the Special Dragon Balls by Majin Ozotto in order to be granted immortality, however before he can complete the wish Oolong instead wishes for everybody on the Prison Planet to be returned to where they came from.Super Dragon Ball Heroes: Universe Mission!! chapter 5, "Dragon Ball Contest Winner"
===Demon Invader Saga===
In the manga, Shenron is summoned following Majin Ozotto's defeat and is used to return everyone to their rightful history.Super Dragon Ball Heroes: Meteor Mission! chapter 12, "Super Dragon Ball Heroes"
==Film appearances==
===Curse of the Blood Rubies===
Shenron is summoned and grants Pansy's wish to remove all the Blood Rubies and restore the land.
===Mystical Adventure===
Shenron is summoned and grants Goku's wish to revive Bora.
===The Path to Power===
Shenron is summoned and grants Goku's wish to revive Android 8 and remove the bomb inside of him.
===Dead Zone===
Garlic Jr. summons Shenron and wishes to become immortal.
===The World's Strongest===
Shenron is summoned by Dr. Kochin to free Dr. Wheelo's laboratory from the Tsurumai-Tsuburi Mountains.
===The Tree of Might===
After a forest burned down, Gohan and Krillin use the Dragon Balls to restore the forest so that the animals could go back to their homes. On an interesting note, Gohan's Dragon friend Icarus mistakenly tries to attack Shenron out of fear, only for Shenron to defend himself by attacking the young Dragon with one of his whiskers in a whip-like manner. Fortunately, Gohan, manages to stop Icarus from being hit and explains that Shenron is there to restore the forest. Oolong states he is not surprised Icarus was scared as Shenron does have a scary face, causing Shenron to let out a roar. Shenron calms down, he asks for them to make their wish and Gohan wish that the burned-up forest to be restored. Shenron calls the wish a simple matter and immediately grants the wish, restoring the forest to its original state within seconds.
===Lord Slug===
Lord Slug uses the Dragon Balls to wish for his youth back in a manner similar to King Piccolo.
===Broly: Second Coming===
Although Shenron does not appear in the film (not counting the opening), Videl briefly mentions him as she wonders whether she appropriately dressed herself for when she meets Shenron in person (as she, Goten, and Trunks were trying to locate the Dragon Balls). In addition, Goten and Trunks planned to use Shenron to deal with Broly when he was rampaging, although he failed to appear (Goten speculated it was because the cave prevented him from appearing). In addition, it's implied that Shenron overheard Goten's private wish for Goku to be present to help defeat Broly, resulting in him either temporarily reviving Goku to deal with the maniacal Legendary Super Saiyan, or at the very least making an illusion modeled after him.
===Fusion Reborn===
Gohan summons Shenron to send all the dead people who showed up on Earth back to Other World. However, Shenron is unable to do so, as there is nothing to keep those people there. Humorously Shenron is seen at the end of the film, apparently still waiting for someone to make a wish, and losing patience.
===Wrath of the Dragon===
Goku and the Z Fighters summon Shenron to ask him to open Hoi's music box. After Hirudegarn is defeated, they mention reviving the people killed using the Dragon Balls.
===Battle of Gods===
Shenron is summoned by Goku for the knowledge of a Super Saiyan God. Shenron seems to know the legend of the Super Saiyan God and tells them the process to make it. Shenron also seems to fear the God of Destruction, Beerus. The Pilaf Gang is also revealed to have successfully summoned Shenron at some point before the events of the film and Emperor Pilaf wished for himself, Shu, & Mai to be young again. Unfortunately, the wish was misheard, and the members of the trio turned into children.
===Resurrection ‘F’===
Tagoma and Sorbet used the Dragon Balls to revive Frieza. At first Shenron didn't make the request because Frieza's body was cut into pieces by Future Trunks over 14 years ago, but they told him to just revive him anyway. For the second wish, Shu told Shenron to give him 1,000,000 Zeni making the Pilaf Gang rich. Four months later, after Frieza has been defeated, Bulma says she'll gather the Dragon Balls to revive North City, the city Frieza destroyed upon arriving on Earth.
===Broly===
Shenron is summoned by Cheelai to send Broly back to Planet Vampa before he is about to be disintegrated by Gogeta's Limit Ultra Kamehameha.
===Super Hero===
With few options left to defend the Earth from a new android threat, Piccolo flies to the Lookout to ask Dende if he can unlock his potential similar to how the Grand Elder Guru once did for Gohan and Krillin. Dende says he can't as he is too young but upgrades the Dragon Balls to be able to do so using a special water and reveals that Bulma has been collecting them to prevent their misuse again. At Capsule Corporation after Shenron is summoned, Piccolo takes the first wish and the dragon unlocks his latent potential, even noting that he also threw in a bonus. Bulma then uses the two remaining wishes to ask for a butt lift and longer eyelashes.
===A Hero's Legacy===
One hundred years later, Shenron presumably returns, as the Four-Star Dragon Ball is seen again.
==Other Dragon Ball stories==
===Online===
 
In Age 787, Dende deactivates the Dragon Balls due to the world being at peace and fearing that having active Dragon Balls around could threaten it, heeding Old Kai's warnings. As a result, the events of Dragon Ball GT never occurred. However, in Age 999, due to the threat of the Time Breakers, Dende reactivates them in hope of encouraging Earthlings to become stronger, bringing Shenron back but limiting the wishes. Dende also creates many more sets of Dragon Balls (and thus many more Shenrons) and spreads them across the planet, dividing the original Dragon Balls power between them. He grants the wish for Earthlings to transform into Super Saiyans, Majins to transform into their Pure Majin form, and Namekians to become Great Namekians.
===Xenoverse===
Shenron is summoned by Future Trunks in Toki Toki City in Age 850. Future Trunks makes a wish to summon a warrior strong enough to defend history, resulting in Shenron summoning of the Future Warrior to fulfill Future Trunks' wish. Later during the Demon God Demigra Saga, Chronoa summons Shenron to inform Goku in Age 778 of the situation allow him to come to the Future Warrior's and the Time Patrol's aid during the struggle against the Demon God.
===Fusions===
Tekka and Pinich gather the Dragon Balls and summon Shenron to wish for a tournament to determine the strongest in time and space. At first it seems that Shenron is unable to grant the wish but he reveals their wish has been granted and leaves. The Dragon Balls also appear in the Timespace Rift, thus allow Shenron to be summoned by its inhabitants. Here, Pilaf accidentally wishes for someone stronger to appear to take out the fighters that are threatening him though this leads to Broly being summoned who rampages out of control in search for Goku.
Later, Tekka's Team need the Dragon Balls to open a barrier that is preventing them from reaching Ultra Pinich. After defeating several villains to acquire all seven Dragon Balls and summon Shenron, he reveals that it is beyond his power to open the barrier.
After defeating Great Ape Ultra Pinich in Sub-Event: "A Divine Trio", Kami asks Tekka's Team to gather the Dragon Balls and summon Shenron. This sub-event introduces Dragon Ball collecting outside the main story and allows Tekka to make a wish. Tekka can wish for Special Moves, Quizzes, Clothing, and non-canon characters that they have yet to encounter. Additionally, Tekka can wish to change their selected name, appearance, gender, and race.
===Xenoverse 2===
;The Emperor's Return Saga
In Age 779, Towa and Mira prevent the Pilaf Gang from using up the second wish after Frieza is revived by Sorbet and it is used to revive Frieza's brother Cooler who is upgraded to Metal Cooler and it is implied he assists in his brother's training causing Frieza's Golden form to be stronger than it was originally, which is further augmented by Towa's Dark Magic. This allows Metal Cooler to join his brother in his revenge on Goku and the Z Fighters, though they are ultimately defeated by Goku, Vegeta, and the new Future Warrior.
;Warrior of the Demon Realm Saga
After Future Trunks and the Future Warrior free legendary Toki Toki City Hero from Towa's control, Towa decides to travel to Age 850 and kill Shenron before he can grant the wish that summons the Toki Toki City Hero, the warrior strong enough to defend history, causing massive history changes that even begin to effect Conton City and Time Nest causing Future Trunks, Chronoa, Old Kai, and the population of Conton City to forget Ace ever existed, though leaving them with a lingering feeling something is wrong. Eventually Future Trunks manages to remember Ace due to the mask Towa had used to brainwash them and sends the current Future Warrior to stop Towa from killing Shenron once they pinpoint the time distortion originates from the Time Scroll of Age 850. The Future Warrior and Future Trunks of Age 850 manage to defeat her forcing Towa to retreat and allowing Future Trunks to make the wish that summons Ace restoring the timeline and causing the memory of Ace's existence to return along with Ace, who aids the Future Warrior when Towa infiltrates the Time Nest and steals Tokitoki's egg, allowing them to chase after Towa. After Towa and Mira's defeat by Goku and the Future Warrior in Age ???, Chronoa summons Shenron, though is uncomfortable using the Dragon Balls to wish for enough food for the feast to celebrate the return of Tokitoki's egg and the Time Patrol's recent victory over the Time Breakers. Tokitoki encourages her to make the wish as there are a lot of mouths to feed. Old Kai objects to using the Dragon Balls to order take out as he put it, though Beerus counters by stating it is a festive occasion, so Chronoa wishes for enough food to leave everybody stuffed and satisfied, which he grants.
;Xeno Shenron
At some point, the 2nd Future Warrior learns how to increase Shenron's power after being told how to by Grand Elder Guru which increases the number and types of wishes he can grant though he can still only grant one wish per summon as it only increases the number of options available. The method Grand Elder Guru teaches them to increase Shenron's power can be utilized by anyone regardless of race and can be performed by Warrior-type Namekians (as the Namekian Future Warrior is stated several times to be a Warrior-type). It is also revealed by Chronoa after the feast that the set of Dragon Balls used by the Time Patrol are one of the many sets made by Dende which were originally meant to serve as a training reward but have since become a way to get unlimited wishes which implies that there is no danger of overusing them as they apparently do not have a period of dormancy though it is unclear if Chronoa uses her power over time to accelerate the process or an innate aspect of the Time Patrol's particular Dragon Ball set.
==Power==
;Anime and Manga
Originally, Shenron could only grant one wish per summoning, until Dende upgraded him to grant three wishes (although, if a wish requires a great amount of power, such as bringing a large number of people back from the dead, two wishes will be used up at once). Shenron's power is directly linked to capacities of whoever created it (i.e., Kami or Dende). As such, Shenron cannot defeat or kill someone whose own power exceeds the creator and cannot exist without said creator still being alive. He is unable to restore life to those that have died of natural causes (but he can restore a person's youth). When reviving multiple people at a time, he can only bring back those who have not been dead for more than a year. In Dragon Ball Z, it is revealed that Shenron cannot grant the same wish more than once (e.g., bringing back those from the dead that he revived once already). Dragon Ball Super, Dende upgraded Shenron to be able to unlock a person's latent potential, as he himself was too young to do so.
In Dragon Ball Daima, according to Degesu, Shenron is not able to kill people through wishes due to the magic used to create him is based in white magic.
It is revealed that while Shenron has vast awareness and knowledge of all existence and its history, such as the existence and ritual to produce the ancient Super Saiyan God and the existence of other Dragon Ball sets like the Super Dragon Balls, his insight is not omniscience as he could not tell where the final Super Dragon Ball was as it resided within a different universe from Shenron, making it too far away out of range and too difficult for Shenron's power to locate which makes the wish take up too much power for Shenron to grant. Also, Shenron can only maintain his summoning for a set period of time, regardless of how many wishes it has granted. Gradually, Shenron's form will weaken before finally dispersing until the next summoning.
;Films
In Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming, it is suggested that Shenron is capable of granting wishes without actually being summoned, demonstrated by him letting Goku join the battle against Broly. However, it's implied that the act of granting that wish took a significant toll on Shenron, as the Dragon Balls proceeded to scatter once again after Broly was seemingly killed.
In Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, it is shown that Shenron is able to leave without being requested to.
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Dende upgraded Shenron to be able to unlock a person's latent potential, as he himself was too young to do so. When this wish was granted, Shenron was capable of granting the wisher an Ultimate state, and in the case of Piccolo, he threw in a bonus.
==Techniques and Special Abilities==
*Flight - The user manipulates their ki energy so that they can levitate or fly.
*Wish Granting - As an Eternal Dragon, Shenron can grant wishes that do not exceed his creator's power.
**Magic Materialization - A magical ability used to create physical matter out of thin air.
**Resurrection - It is the act of bringing someone back to life.
**Immortality Granting - The concept of living in physical or spiritual form for an infinite length of time without dying.
***Eternal Youth Granting - A subset of Immortality, which allows for exemption from natural death such as from old age or disease, as well as halting age altogether.
**Healing - Presumably mystical in nature, it allows the user to heal another being's wounds and restore them to somewhat full strength.
**Divination - The ability to see events far away in time and space.
**Teleportation - A technique for traveling long distances instantly.
**Drawing out Dormant Power - After being upgraded by Dende, Shenron gains the power to unlock potential via wishes, even granting the wisher an Ultimate state. In Piccolo's case, he also threw in a bonus.
**Sealing Spell Removal - The ability to undo seals.
**Power Up Granting - A technique used to amplify one's ki.
**Timespace Rift Creation - A warped dimension in Dragon Ball Fusions.
**Wish - A special card ability in Dragon Ball Heroes.
**Telepathy - The ability to read minds. It is implied that Shenron used this on Goten when he privately wished that Goku was present to stop Broly in Broly - Second Coming.
===Granted wishes===
==Appearances==
===Manga===
===Anime===
==Appearances in Other Media==
===Live-action movies===
In 1990, Shenron is summoned by Goku on the TV show "Yamada Katsute Nai Wink" (やまだかつてないWink, "Yamada Katsute Nai Wink"). The Shenron grants the J-Pop star and hostess Kuniko Yamada's wish to gain the ability to execute the Kamehameha, which she playfully uses on Shenron. Shenron also appears in Dr. Slump, Cross Epoch, and Dragonball Evolution (called Shen Long). Shenron appears briefly at the end of Dragonball Evolution, where he is voiced by Christopher Sabat, who also voiced him in the Funimation dub of the anime. After Master Roshi was killed by Great Ape Goku, Yamcha and Bulma use all seven of the Dragon Balls to summon Shenron and ask him to resurrect Roshi, which Shenron does. After granting Goku's wish, Shenron vanishes, and so do the Dragon Balls.
===Other films===
In the Chip in Dale Rescue Rangers 2022 movie, Shenron's tail can be found amongst a menagerie of cartoon character body parts in the bootlegging machine.
===Video Game Appearances===
Shenron appears in nearly all the Dragon Ball video games. Notably, he is a support-type character who automatically revives fallen characters in Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2.
In Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans, after Goku's resurrection and Kami's death, Mr. Popo creates his own set of Dragon Balls. Shenron, who has now more limited powers, can basically grant six different wishes. The first three, which can be asked for as many times as wanted, are a ton of EXP, a lot of AP and lots of Zeni. The other three give access to a new area (East City Ruins), to a unique item (Heavy Karate Outfit, which increases EXP by walking), and the access to the secret strongest boss in the game (Broly, found at Dragon Rock).
In many fighting games, such as the Budokai series, Budokai Tenkaichi series, Raging Blast series, Dragon Ball: Zenkai Battle, Xenoverse series, and Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, when all the Dragon Balls are gathered, Shenron can be summoned to ask for various items, techniques, pictures, etc.
In Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, it is shown that Shenron cannot grant wishes to someone he cannot understand, and that he may leave after a certain amount of time if the person in question does not give the wish under a time limit. It is also shown that when someone is wished to a certain place for a certain purpose, they cannot leave until it is finished, and forms of translocation like Instant Transmission do not work.
In Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission, there are cards with a CAA Ability that allows characters to summon Shenron in battle and wish to either restore the team's HP or STA.
In Dragon Ball FighterZ, Shenron is a gameplay mechanic that either player can use once during the match. A player can either get a random Dragon Ball by landing a complete light autocombo, or a specific dragon ball by doing a combo that falls within a certain hit range. Once all seven dragon balls are collected, the player will need seven bars of Ki and must land a complete light autocombo to summon Shenron. Once summoned, Shenron will present the player with four wishes, which are "Restore My Health!" (completely restore the current fighter's health), "Bring My Ally Back!" (revive the last fallen ally with 33% HP), "Give Me The Ultimate Power!" (give the player an extra Sparking Blast), and "Make Me Immortal!" (make blue, recoverable health regenerate faster for the current fighter). The dragon balls will then be used and cannot be collected for the rest of the match.
==Voice Actors==
*Japanese: Kenji Utsumi† (DB, DBZ eps 21-100, DBZ Kai eps 8-51, Movies 1, 3-7 and 17-18, video games until 2011), Masaharu Satō (DBZ eps 192-#193, Movie 16), Shin Aomori (DBZ eps 240), Tesshō Genda (Movie 15), Daisuke Gōri† (DBGT), Kōji Yada† (Dr. Slump '97), Ryūzaburō Ōtomo (DBZ Kai eps 97-123, DBS, Daima, most media starting 2011)
*English:
**Harmony Gold dub: Steve Kramer
**Ocean Group dubs: Doug Parker (DB), Don Brown (DBZ)
**Funimation dub: Christopher Sabat
**Blue Water dub: Dave Pettitt
**AB Groupe dub: Ed Marcus
**Bang Zoom! dub: Patrick Seitz
*Spanish:
**Castilian Spanish dub: Juan Velilla (DB eps. 1-26), Daniel Palacios (DB eps. 27-153), Jorge Tomé (DBZ except eps. 21 and 99, DBZ Kai, DBS, Dead Zone, every movie after Battle of Gods), Ángel Corpa (DBZ ep. 21), Juan Fernánder Mejías (DBZ ep. 99), Jesús Prieto (DBGT, every movie until A Hero's Legacy except Dead Zone)
**Latin American Spanish dub: Eduardo Borja (original dub movie), Mario Sauret (DB redub ep. 12), Abel Rocha † (most media), Óscar Gómez (Super Hero) Diego Guerrero (DBS Broly) (Argentine redub)
*Portuguese:
**European Portuguese dub: Ricardo Spínola (DB, DBZ, DBGT, DBS), Quimbé (Broly, Super Hero)
**Brazilian Portuguese dub: Celso Alves (DB, first dub), Renato Master (DB eps. 12, 112-126, DBGT), Renato Márcio (DB ep. 78), Antônio Moreno (DB 2006 redub eps. 78, 112-126), João Batista (DBZ ep. 21), Jonas Mello (DBZ), Mauro Castro (The Path to Power, DBS Broly), Renan Gonçalves (DBZK), Jorge Barcellos (DBZK-TFC), Vanderlan Mendes (DBS, SUPER HERO)
*Catalan dub: Manel Català (DB, DBZ, DBGT), Francesc Belda (DBZ Kai)
*Croatian dub: Costa Ipsa
*Italian dub: Giovanni Battezzato, Neri Marcorè (movies)
*Polish dub: Marek Obertyn (†) (Dragon Ball Z Movies 12-13), Dariusz Odija (DBS)
*Valencian dub: Vincent Quintana
==Trivia==
*In the original Dragon Ball logo, it is shown that a green "Chinese" Dragon very similar to Shenron is tied around the letters eating the "o".
*Although he is known as the "Eternal" Dragon, King Piccolo kills him after he wishes for eternal youth, although "Eternal" could simply mean he does not die from old age but can still be killed.
**Counting his death in the altered timeline of Age 850, Shenron has been killed by a villain twice, first by King Piccolo and second by Towa from Age 852.
*During the Namek Saga, when Frieza tells the Namekians about the story of the Dragon Balls which he had heard, the Dragon shown is Shenron, although Frieza had never seen him before.
*In one of Akira Toriyama's artworks, the Dr. Slump character Arale is seen holding Shenron and tying him up.
*Shenron's original design changed over the course of the Dragon Ball timeline, as his underside changed from green to a more yellow or manila color.
*Yet, he can grant three wishes in Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn and he can grant only one in Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, it should be noted that the Japanese version of Fusion Reborn mentioned two wishes, so the three wishes line was a dub error. Also, the second wish was omitted from the English version (they intended to use the second wish to revive all those who were killed by Hirudegarn).
*By the events of the Majin Buu Saga, Porunga's capacities became all-around superior to Shenron's. Porunga became not only able to now resurrect any number of people at the same time, including people whom he's resurrected before, but also without the trade-off using the energy of two wishes for a single wish multiple person revival, allowing Porunga to continue grant up to three wishes per summoning regardless.
*He makes a cameo appearance in many Dragon Quest Monsters games.
*In Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, it is shown that his power cannot cross dimensions or timelines (which contradicts what is said in regard to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber during the Fusion Saga). Fusion Reborn also hints at this when he states that he cannot grant the Z Fighter's wish to prevent the dead from escaping Hell as it was a problem that originated within Other World, and although he is capable of moving the dead souls back to their dimension, they would simply just return.
*In Dragon Ball Fusions, Shenron can grant a wish to change not only Tekka's appearance and voice (like Time Patrollers in the Xenoverse series), but also their selected race or gender (which Time Patrollers are unable to do as they can only change their appearance and voice).
*Shenron is both modeled and named after the in Chinese mythology. However, it should be noted that the naming is mainly a liberty taken in the English localizations, as the Dragon originally did not have a name in the prior Japanese editions of the manga.
**Also of note is its name; it is meant to be pronounced as "Sheh-n-roh-n" via a Japanese transliteration of its pinyin reading (which would be pronounced as "Sheh-n-loh-ng"), while its Japanese on'yomi rendering would be "Shinryuu". The Funimation dub to this day, commonly mispronounces it as "Sheh-n-rah-n".
**Another note is that unlike the original Shenlong from mythology despite sharing its green color, the dragon from the Dragon Balls only has four fingers total on each hand; Shenlong in Chinese mythology is said to be among the higher-ranking Dragons with five-fingered-hands as one trait to set them apart from the others with less fingers.
**In color illustrations, Shenron is portrayed with an azure color as a possible reference to the dragon it is based off of.
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