Old Waiden was a member of humanity, specifically an Elder within the Path of the Open Hand cult. He resided on the planet of Dalna, living at the Path's compound located there. Waiden frequently assisted in caring for the cult's younger members when Marda Ro, another member, was unavailable. He deeply held faith in The Mother's vision, a leader of the Path, who sought to transport them into the cosmos aboard the flagship named the Gaze Electric to disseminate the Path's teachings.
The character of Old Waiden was introduced in the 2022 book, The High Republic: Path of Deceit, authored by Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton.