Shenlong, and other omniscient characters

[KBABZ]

It occurred to me while grabbing lunch today that Shenron and Porunga have significant omnipotence, considering that they immediately know the intentions behind each wish and know exactly what they're talking about. For example, when Oolong wishes for the panties, Shenron knows what panties are, even though he's been dormant for a century when panties may not have existed. Comparably, when Oolong suggests that they wish for Shenron to kill Vegeta and Nappa before they arrive, Shenron knows what a Saiyan is and which two Saiyans they're talking about, even though there's no way for him to know that. Same thing applies to wishing away the bombs inside 17 and 18, or wishing Bora back to life; Upa does not need to tell Shenron that his father his dead when making his wish.

I thought this was interesting, especially since it doesn't seem to be a thing for the various Kais, and I was wondering if there are any other examples of omnipotent characters in the series.

EDIT: Omniscient, apparently! Thanks theherodjl!

[theherodjl]

It occurred to me while grabbing lunch today that Shenron and Porunga have significant omnipotence, considering that they immediately know the intentions behind each wish and know exactly what they're talking about. For example, when Oolong wishes for the panties, Shenron knows what panties are, even though he's been dormant for a century when panties may not have existed. Comparably, when Oolong suggests that they wish for Shenron to kill Vegeta and Nappa before they arrive, Shenron knows what a Saiyan is and which two Saiyans they're talking about, even though there's no way for him to know that. Same thing applies to wishing away the bombs inside 17 and 18, or wishing Bora back to life; Upa does not need to tell Shenron that his father his dead when making his wish.

I thought this was interesting, especially since it doesn't seem to be a thing for the various Kais, and I was wondering if there are any other examples of omnipotent characters in the series.

That's not omnipotence, that's omniscience.
Additionally, We don't actually know if the dragons are truly omniscient since Shenlong was unsure if he could fulfill the wish to revive all those killed by Freeza and his minions, though with all the other examples of knowing details beyond the wordings of each wish you could say they're nigh-omniscient.

[KBABZ]

Additionally, We don't actually know if the dragons are truly omniscient since Shenlong was unsure if he could fulfill the wish to revive all those killed by Freeza and his minions, though with all the other examples of knowing details beyond the wordings of each wish you could say they're nigh-omniscient.

With the above case, I think that's because Shenron had never tried to grant a wish with effects that were at such an extreme distance, so it was more him being unsure of his abilities rather than a "Uhh... Namek? Hold on, I have to look this up..." situation (which would have made for a great SD moment).

[Meshack]

Shenron and the other Ryuujin are not omniscient. Shenron couldn’t even find the Super Dragon Balls.

[Lionel]

As others explained, the dragons aren't omniscient. They have exhibited weakness and limitation before in their capacity to fulfill a request. It's why Shenron was unable to fully reconvert the cyborg twins back into humans and why he also proved unable to fulfill Oolong's request of destroying the Saiyans as they were on their way to Earth. The power of the dragons is intrinsically linked to the one who created them. Super Dragon Balls are the only set who have been established as capable of fulfilling any and all wishes. Of course, no one has yet to put that claim to the test.

[Darkprince410]

As others explained, the dragons aren't omniscient. They have exhibited weakness and limitation before in their capacity to fulfill a request. It's why Shenron was unable to fully reconvert the cyborg twins back into humans and why he also proved unable to fulfill Oolong's request of destroying the Saiyans as they were on their way to Earth. The power of the dragons is intrinsically linked to the one who created them. Super Dragon Balls are the only set who have been established as capable of fulfilling any and all wishes. Of course, no one has yet to put that claim to the test.

That's not omniscience. That's omnipotence, meaning all powerful. Those examples you gave prove that he isn't omnipotent, but doesn't show that he's not omniscient (which means all knowing).

[Desassina]

Do you think that Piccolo should wish to become Porunga, like Jafar wanted to become a genie in Aladdin, so that he's both well knowing and powerful?

[KBABZ]

As others explained, the dragons aren't omniscient. They have exhibited weakness and limitation before in their capacity to fulfill a request. It's why Shenron was unable to fully reconvert the cyborg twins back into humans and why he also proved unable to fulfill Oolong's request of destroying the Saiyans as they were on their way to Earth. The power of the dragons is intrinsically linked to the one who created them. Super Dragon Balls are the only set who have been established as capable of fulfilling any and all wishes. Of course, no one has yet to put that claim to the test.

That's not omniscience. That's omnipotence, meaning all powerful. Those examples you gave prove that he isn't omnipotent, but doesn't show that he's not omniscient (which means all knowing).

Correct! To elaborate, both the Android and Saiyan requests were unable to be fulfilled because the four were beyond his power. The omniscient part is that he knew what Saiyans were, which Saiyans they were talking about, where they were, and how powerful they were without needing to so much as Google them.

Although I still think wishing for the space pods to be blown up would have worked...