The deku tree is (potentially) 2 or more (downfall iirc) individuals spanning millenia of hyrules history (maybe more if botw deku tree isnt meant to be oot baby). but what exactly IS he?

Is he a god/guardian diety of the forest? was he created by the golden goddesses or hylia after them? or is he a natural/more primordial creation of the earth?

or are his origins more humble, is he just a, really old and wise korok? atleast in botw they do seem to become more and more tree like the more powerful they get (hestu). though, im not sure if koroks can actually do anything beyond exist. i've never heard of one as much lifting a finger to harm something, so maybe powerful isnt the right word.