In Destiny, the Awoken are described as bluish-gray-skinned descendants of humans.
The Awoken are one of the three playable species in Destiny, alongside ordinary Humans and the artificial Exos. Their unusual appearance reflects a major transformation in humanity's history rather than a separate extraterrestrial origin. Awoken biology was altered by a spacetime anomaly connected to the Collapse and the conflict between the Traveler and the Darkness.
Awoken society developed in the Distributary, a pocket universe where time passed differently. Many later returned to the Solar System and established themselves in the Reef, led by Queen Mara Sov. Their long lifespans, blue coloration, and mysterious culture make them visually distinct from Humans.
The species is sometimes confused with the Fallen because both are associated with the Reef and Destiny's spacefaring setting. The Fallen are an alien species, while the Awoken descend from humans. In gameplay, species selection is primarily cosmetic and does not determine a Guardian's class or abilities.