The Mythological Secrets of Legendary Pokémon

Origins of Legendary Pokémon: A Tribute to Myths and Legends

The creators of Pokémon, and especially Ken Sugimori and his team, were abundantly inspired by legendary creatures to design their Pokémon. For example, the legendary birds of the first generation, Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos, are inspired by the elements of ice, fire, and electricity, but also recall fantastic creatures capable of controlling the forces of nature. The concept of these powerful birds is based on myths of winged creatures that protect territories or peoples.

Several other Pokémon, such as Mewtwo, which embodies the power of intelligence and genetics, recall modern mythological figures like the myth of Frankenstein or Prometheus, in their quest for creation and transcendence.

Legendary Pokémon thus have deeply rooted mystical narratives, which they transform into modern and captivating adventures for players.

Exploration of Japanese and Asian Mythologies

Many legendary Pokémon are influenced by Japanese myths. For example, Rayquaza, a majestic dragon flying above the clouds, is directly inspired by Eastern dragons, often associated with the sky and storm control. These dragons are beneficial figures in Asian legends, protectors of humans and nature, just like Rayquaza who protects the balance between Kyogre and Groudon, two other legendary Pokémon.

Entei, Raikou, and Suicune form another trio inspired by Asian mythology, representing respectively fire, thunder, and water. These three Pokémon echo the spiritual creatures of Japanese mythology, symbols of protection and power. Their legends and powers recall the Kami, protective deities of nature, thus offering players an insight into Japanese spiritual tales and beliefs through fantastic creatures.

Influences of Western Mythologies

Legendary Pokémon also draw from European mythologies. For example, Lugia and Ho-Oh, two of the most iconic Pokémon, are inspired by creatures like the phoenix and other legendary birds. Ho-Oh, with its flamboyant feathers, is particularly inspired by the phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from its ashes, symbolizing immortality and renewal. Lugia, on the other hand, with its majestic appearance and ability to plunge into the depths, recalls mythical marine birds and hybrid creatures populating ancient civilization tales.

The Regis – Regirock, Regice, and Registeel – invoke the giants of stone and ice from Norse mythologies, representing brute strength and natural elements. Complementing this, Yveltal, a Dark and Flying-type Pokémon, evokes dark and powerful creatures capable of absorbing life, like Fenrir, the gigantic wolf from Norse mythology, a symbol of inevitable destruction.

Greek mythology is also present with inspirations for Pokémon like Mewtwo, who in its quest for power and intelligence, recalls the legend of Prometheus, in search of forbidden knowledge.

Legendary Pokémon as Heirs of Universal Myths

Besides Japanese and Western influences, legendary Pokémon draw their essence from universal themes shared across many cultures worldwide. For example, Pokémon like Solgaleo and Lunala represent sun and moon symbols, appearing in many ancient myths and illustrating the duality between day and night, life and death. These creatures, embodying cosmic cycles, connect players to the great mysteries of the universe and the beliefs of past civilizations that worshipped the sun, moon, and stars.

Other legendary Pokémon, such as Zygarde, inspired by the concept of balance and equilibrium, recall ideas of justice and harmony, recurring in various cultures. By their mere presence, these legendary Pokémon remind us of timeless human values and symbolize a world in search of stability and peace, enriching the Pokémon universe with meaning and depth.