Waddle Dee

Kirby's Friend

Waddle Dees are a species of very peaceful creatures that are a common sight in Dream Land, in the wider Popstar region, and on many other planets. Named for their waddling gait, Waddle Dees are about the same size as Kirby, and have a slightly pear-shaped body with orange-red skin, fingerless stubs for arms, and two feet which are typically yellow, but may also be tan or a light orange. Their faces are tan in color and consist of two dark brown eyes, two cheek blushes, and no mouth or nose (though Waddle Dees are known to speak and eat despite lacking mouths). While most Waddle Dees are orange or red, there are also green, yellow, blue, or elusive golden Waddle Dees to be found. Overall, Waddle Dees are depicted as peaceful denizens of Dream Land that seldom fight actively. Instead, they usually just waddle around in stages and leap in the air occasionally, neither paying attention to, nor actively attacking Kirby. While they are generally not much of a threat, they usually damage Kirby if they run into him or if he touches them. Many, but not all Waddle Dees seem to have affiliated themselves with King Dedede, and those that have usually show a great amount of respect and loyalty towards their leader, even if they sometimes acknowledge his character flaws. King Dedede often employs them as servants, soldiers, and guards, giving the latter of these spears to use to varying degrees of effectiveness. Among the most loyal of these is Bandana Waddle Dee, named after his blue bandana, who also happens to be friends with Kirby. Waddle Dees first appeared in the first game of the Kirby series, Kirby's Dream Land, making them one of the oldest types of enemies to be found. They have subsequently reappeared in one form or another in every game in the series, becoming arguably just as iconic as Kirby himself. Waddle Dees may be compared to the Goomba species from the Mario franchise as both are considered to be common, ubiquitous, basic enemies who may be found in many roles and varieties, and have individual stand-out members.