The Progenitors were the first race to reach the stars, some three billion years ago. The universe was empty before them, devoid of all intelligence. They began colonizing the stars and Uplifting the pre-sentient species they found, beginning a cycle that has remained unbroken to this very day. The Progenitors also began the eternal quest for knowledge with the Galactic Library.

Most of the modern day's religion/philosophies are based on the return of the Progenitors. The oldest prophecy in the Five Galaxies, the Progenitors told their loving clients before they left the known universe (See "The End of Races") that they would return one day when they were needed.

Many believe "Herbie," the mummified body found by the Streaker in the Derelict Fleet to be the body of a Progenitor, though the Streaker has not yet been caught to verify this.