Throughout Dragon Ball, the Eternal Dragons have been a central part of the series’ lore. These powerful, mystical beings are summoned through the Dragon Balls to grant wishes that are beyond the heroes’ abilities. The most well-known of these Eternal Dragons is Shenron, the dragon of Earth, who has appeared countless times to fulfill the wishes of those who gather these artifacts. However, Shenron is just one of many dragons, each with different abilities and limitations.

While Shenron makes the most appearances throughout the franchise, there are other dragons that have shown off their unique powers and criteria for summoning them. Their immense power and significance within the story make them essential, and without them, the series would have been very different. These dragons will continue to play a vital role in the Dragon Ball universe.

7 Shenron

First Appears in Dragon Ball

Shenron is the Eternal Dragon of Earth, summoned by collecting the seven Dragon Balls originally created by Kami and later by Dende, the Guardians of Earth. Initially, Shenron had the power to grant a single wish, but his abilities had few limitations. Over the years, Shenron has evolved; however, he is still ultimately bound by the conditions set by the Dragon Balls and the rules established by their creator.

Shenron has been a central figure in the Dragon Ball series since the beginning, and continues to appear to assist the heroes in overcoming obstacles. Even after Shenron evolved to grant three wishes, these wishes must fall within his power, or those who summon him risk losing a wish in the process. Compared to other dragons in the series, Shenron is limited by a strict set of restrictions. He may be the most frequently summoned Eternal Dragon, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Shenron is the best there is.

6 Toronbo

First Appears in Dragon Ball Super

Toronbo is the Eternal Dragon of Planet Cereal, created by Monaito and summoned by collecting the planet’s two Dragon Balls as opposed to seven. First appearing in Chapter 69 of the Dragon Ball Super manga, Toronbo can grant wishes that exceed his power, as long as the wish-maker accepts a significant cost. For instance, Granolah wishes to become the most powerful being in the universe; however, it comes at the expense of a majority of his lifespan in exchange for immense power.

Unlike other Eternal Dragons like Shenron or Porunga, the two Dragon Balls used to summon Toronbo can be used consecutively. After granting one wish, the two Dragon Balls of Planet Cereal spread across the planet but can be immediately gathered and used again. This is how the Heeter Force was able to wish for Gas to become the strongest in the universe after Granolah.

5 Porunga

First Appears in Dragon Ball Z

Porunga is the Eternal Dragon of Namek, summoned by collecting the seven Namekian Dragon Balls and created by Grand Elder Guru, and later by Grand Elder Moori after the Frieza Saga. Porunga has the power to grant three wishes per summoning and the ability to resurrect people multiple times, a significant advantage compared to Earth’s dragon before Dende modified Shenron.

However, despite his immense potential and influence, Porunga also faces limitations, including a year-long cooldown before he can be summoned again.

Porunga’s role in the series goes beyond his power to grant wishes because he also serves to symbolize the strength and resilience of Namek itself. His appearances may be rare, but when his powers are needed, they turn the tide and restore balance. However, despite his immense potential and influence, Porunga also faces limitations, including a year-long cooldown before he can be summoned again.

4 Black Smoke Shenron

First Appears in Dragon Ball GT

Black Smoke Shenron is the malevolent Eternal Dragon that was born from the accumulated negative energy of the Dragon Balls. Unlike other dragons, Black Smoke Shenron doesn’t grant wishes, not because he can't, but because he chooses not to. Instead, he ultimately divides into seven Shadow Dragons, each embodying a specific corruption manifested from a particular wish. His appearance results from the overuse of the Dragon Balls and serves as the first real consequence of the Earth’s heroes’ overreliance on the wish-granting orbs.

Despite his intimidating presence, Black Smoke Shenron’s role is more symbolic rather than directly combative. As the catalyst for the Shadow Dragon Saga in Dragon Ball GT, Black Smoke Shenron challenges the Z-fighters to confront the impact of their actions. Black Smoke Shenron isn’t bound by the same rules as the other dragons and is positioned to disrupt the natural order in a far more catastrophic manner.

3 Ultimate Shenron

First Appears in Dragon Ball GT

Ultimate Shenron is the enormous Eternal Dragon that is summoned by gathering the seven Black Star Dragon Balls. He is larger in size compared to Shenron and was created by Kami before he split from King Piccolo. With no apparent limitations, Ultimate Shenron is undoubtedly one of the most powerful dragons in Dragon Ball. His immense size and dark aura suggest he is capable of much more than Shenron.

However, using the Black Star Dragon Balls comes at a significant cost. After making a wish, the Dragon Balls scatter not across Earth but throughout the galaxy. If they are not returned within a year’s time, Earth will be doomed for destruction. This gives Ultimate Shenron an advantage that the other Eternal Dragons don’t have. As a result, those who find the Black Star Dragon Balls must carefully consider the implications of their wishes before using them.

2 Demon Realm Porunga

First Appears in Dragon Ball Daima

Demon Realm Porunga is the Eternal Dragon from Dragon Ball Daima and is summoned by collecting the three Dragon Balls guarded by the Tamagamis. Demon Realm Porunga, in appearance, looks much like Namek’s Eternal Dragon, but features a red color scheme and is much larger, similar to Ultimate Shenron compared to Shenron.

Demon Realm Porunga is capable of granting “black wishes,” whereas Shenron is not. The Demon Realm’s Eternal Dragon is a neutral being that will grant any wish, regardless of intent. In Dragon Ball Daima, King Gomah attempts to stop Glorio from making a wish by attacking the dragon. However, Demon Realm Porunga easily deflects his attack and flicks him away with ease, despite the fact that Gomah is empowered by the Evil Third Eye.

1 Super Shenron

First Appears in Dragon Ball Super

Super Shenron is the colossal Eternal Dragon summoned by collecting the seven planet-sized Super Dragon Balls scattered across Universes 6 and 7. Super Shenron was created by the Dragon God Zalama and is by far the largest and most powerful dragon in the franchise, with a size that spans multiple galaxies. His golden appearance complements his divine aura, and unlike other dragons, he can grant any wish without limitations or restrictions, as long as the wish is spoken in the divine language of the gods.

Super Shenron is fully capable of creating matter from nothing and has the power to effortlessly restore entire universes, including their inhabitants. He plays vital roles throughout Dragon Ball Super, including restoring Earth in Universe 6, granting Zamasu Goku’s body, providing future Zamasu with immortality, and restoring the fallen universes after the Tournament of Power.