The Guardians of the Eternals were five shapeshifters who were charged with the protection of the Eternals at all times. With the exception of the Chief Guardian, Niko, each Guardian's very life and existence was tied to that of the Eternal that it was protecting. Niko, however, would remain alive as long as at least one Eternal did. The only named Eternals were Niko, Tux, and Janan.