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Mythical Pokémon

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If you were looking for the group of Legendary Pokémon also collectively referred to as "mythical Pokémon", see Pokémon of Myth.
Artwork depicting various Mythical Pokémon

Mythical Pokémon (Japanese: 幻のポケモン Illusory Pokémon) are a group of rare Pokémon obtained through special means.[1] Mythical Pokémon are related to Legendary Pokémon but are a distinct group.

Traditionally, in the core series Pokémon games, Mythical Pokémon were exclusively available via event distributions. However, starting with Generation VI, several Mythical Pokémon can also be obtained during normal gameplay.

As of Generation IX, there are currently 23 Mythical Pokémon.

Terminology

Main article: Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

In Japanese media, Mythical Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon have always been presented as distinct groups. In non-Japanese media prior to Generation V, Mythical Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon were both considered to be Legendary Pokémon, and the term Mythical Pokémon was unused. The first time a group of Mythical Pokémon was consistently distinguished from Legendary Pokémon in non-Japanese media was in Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, where they were referred to as Rare Pokémon.

Since Generation V, Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon are presented as two distinct groups in all official media. For example, several games have promoted that every Legendary Pokémon can be obtained in a particular set of games, even though not all Mythical Pokémon can be[2][3]

Overview

In the core series games

Mythical Pokémon are regarded as among the rarest in Pokémon world mythology. Some are seemingly unknown to most people, while others are worshiped as deities. They typically receive minimal exposure during normal gameplay, usually alluded to in vague hints. They are then revealed to players months or years after the debut of their respective generation. Upon being revealed, they are celebrated across the numerous media, often starring in movies and being featured prominently in merchandise.

Mythical Pokémon can typically only be obtained by Mystery Gift, either directly, or through use of an event item. Mystery Gift distributions of Mythical Pokémon are often held on special occasions, such as screenings of Pokémon movies, events in retail stores, online distributions, etc. Some Mythical Pokémon can be obtained via spin-off games that feature special connectivity.

All Mythical Pokémon are gender unknown. Almost all Mythical Pokémon cannot evolve, with the sole exception of Meltan. Almost all Mythical Pokémon cannot breed, except Manaphy and Phione, who can be bred with Ditto to produce Phione Eggs. Some Mythical Pokémon are part of a group of Legendary Pokémon.

Much like how first partner Pokémon appear at the beginning of each regional Pokédex and their generation's portion of the National Pokédex, Mythical Pokémon typically appear at the very end, and Legendary Pokémon immediately before them. The Mythical Pokémon Victini is the only exception, which appears at the start of the Unova Pokédex as #000, coming before the region's first partner Pokémon.

Mythical Pokémon are not required to complete the Pokédex for rewards such as the diploma, except Deoxys in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which are available as part of the story.

Availability

Originally, Mythical Pokémon were exclusively available via event distributions, or other special means such as spin-off games. Over time, however, several Mythical Pokémon have become available within the core series games themselves during the course of regular gameplay. In Generation VIII, several Mythical Pokémon are obtainable in-game by having save files from other Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch.

The following Mythical Pokémon can be obtained in the core series games, without requiring access to a limited time event:

The following Mythical Pokémon can be obtained from side-series games, without requiring access to a limited time event:

History

Despite the first Mythical Pokémon, Mew, being added to the original games right before release, the concept of "illusory monsters" (Mythical Monsters) already existed in Satoshi Tajiri's pitch for Capsule Monsters. They were said to be hard to encounter, hard to catch, or be impossible to catch if the player missed their chance. For example, there would be a "Green Dragon" that could only be found rarely in a specific area of a dungeon, and it would have taken around two hours to find and catch.[4]

Statistical average

Considering alternate forms and Mega Evolutions as separate Pokémon, but only counting Arceus once.

Stat
HP: 81.39
Attack: 109.78
Defense: 92.91
Sp.Atk: 118.00
Sp.Def: 99.35
Speed: 105.52
Total: 606.96



Multiple Mythical Pokémon

Main article: Population of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

The player is able to acquire multiple Mythical Pokémon of the same species by trading or transferring them from multiple games, or by using multiple events. There are also some instances of multiple Mythical Pokémon of the same species.

In animation

Mythical Pokémon typically make their debut in a movie, rather than first appearing in an episode of the TV series. Most are held in very high regard in all forms of canon, though their status varies between the games and animated series-related media.

In the animated series and related media, they are often only seen by special Trainers, such as Ash Ketchum and people who have a special connection to them. Ill-intentioned people often seek to possess them, due to their power and rarity. The first Trainer seen owning a Mythical Pokémon in an animated series-related release was the Iron-Masked Marauder, the antagonist of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest, who managed to catch the titular Celebi with a Dark Ball, until it was later freed from his control. In the TV series, Tobias holds the distinction of being the first person seen to own a Mythical Pokémon, using a Darkrai to easily defeat most of his opponents in the Lily of the Valley Conference, with Ash being the only Trainer in the tournament to have succeeded in defeating it. Dia, an inhabitant of the Ultra Ruin, befriended the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora with a bond so close that it allowed him to command it in battle. Ash owns a Mythical Pokémon, Melmetal, which he caught as a Meltan in the Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon episode Got Meltan? after it befriended his Rowlet.

List of Mythical Pokémon

Of the 1025 Pokémon species, 23 are Mythical Pokémon (2.24%). Each released generation has introduced at least one Mythical Pokémon.

Generation I

Only one Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation I.

Mew

Mew is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kanto region. It is believed to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon in its DNA. Mewtwo was created after a series of experiments based on Mew, which resulted a mutated clone of it.

Mew's base stat total of 600 and a stat distribution of 100 to each stat created a trend followed by several Mythical Pokémon released later in the series, including Celebi, Jirachi, Manaphy, Land Forme Shaymin, and Victini.


Generation II

One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation II.

Celebi

Celebi is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Johto region. It is referred to as the guardian of forests, protecting and nourishing them as it travels through time. Celebi shares a special connection with the Ilex Forest in Johto and the Agate Village's Relic Forest in Orre, having the Ilex Forest shrine and the Relic Stone as monuments to honor it in those respective areas.

A Shiny Celebi plays a major role in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, serving as a friend and ally to Grovyle.


Generation III

Two Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation III.

Jirachi

Jirachi is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Hoenn region. It is said to able to grant any wishes written on the tags on its head when it wakes up, which it only does for seven days once every thousand years. If in danger, however, it can fight without waking up.

Deoxys

Deoxys is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Hoenn region. It mutated from a space virus when exposed to a laser beam. It is able to change its form, altering its appearance and traits. The crystal on its chest acts as its brain, as well as a defense mechanism.

Although it retained a base stat total of 600, Deoxys was the first Mythical Pokémon to have a base stat distribution other than 100 in every stat.

While Deoxys originally had little impact on the story of Generation III, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire introduced the Delta Episode, a mission following the player's first completion of the Hoenn League in which the player must stop a meteor from hitting the planet by destroying it with a befriended Rayquaza, revealing a Deoxys within. This marked the first time a Mythical Pokémon was available in-game without the need to attend an event or use a download code.


Generation IV

Five Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation IV.

Manaphy and Phione

Main article: Sea guardians

The sea guardians-Manaphy and Phione-are a duo of Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. Manaphy are born on cold seafloors, also swimming great distances to return to their birthplace, and are born with a wondrous power to bond with any kind of Pokémon. Phione live in warm seas, using the inflation sac on their heads to search for food and to drift in packs, always returning to the place of their birth.

Manaphy and Phione have the unique ability among Mythical Pokémon to breed with Ditto in captivity to produce Phione. Phione cannot, however, evolve into Manaphy. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the only game in which Phione can be caught; in all other games, the only legitimate way to obtain one in-game is to breed a Manaphy or another Phione.

Darkrai

Darkrai is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. It chases people and Pokémon away from its territory by causing them to experience deep, nightmarish slumbers. However, it is merely protecting itself and means no harm. It is particularly active on moonless nights.

Shaymin

Shaymin is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. Shaymin live in flower patches and avoid detection by curling up to look like a flowering plant. Shaymin are able to dissolve toxins in the air to transform ruined land into a lush field of flowers. When sensing gratitude, the flowers all over its body burst into bloom. When exposed to the blooming Gracidea flower during the daytime, Shaymin becomes Sky Forme Shaymin. Shaymin will revert to its Land Forme at night, while frozen or, before Generation VII, when deposited into the Pokémon Storage System.

Arceus

Arceus is a Normal-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. According to mythology, Arceus emerged from an Egg before the universe even existed and then shaped the world with its 1,000 arms. Arceus's signature Ability, Multitype, allows it to change its form and type depending on which Plate it holds. This will also change the type of its signature move, Judgment.

As the creator of the lake guardians and the Pokémon of Myth, it is often viewed by fans as the leader of both trios. It is unique in this regard, as it is the only Mythical Pokémon to be considered the master of a Legendary trio, and the only Pokémon to be considered the master of two.


Generation V

Four Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation V.

Victini

Victini is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. It is said that this Pokémon brings victory. It creates an unlimited supply of energy inside its body, which it shares with those who touch it.

Victini is notable for appearing before the first partner Pokémon of its debut generation, giving it the Unova Pokédex number #000, a first in the Pokémon series.

Keldeo

Keldeo is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Keldeo is also the fourth member of the Swords of Justice. In Black 2 and White 2, Keldeo gained a second form, its Resolute Form. After triggering an event in the Pledge Grove, the other Swords of Justice—Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion—will teach Keldeo Secret Sword. It will remain in its Resolute Form as long as it knows Secret Sword.

Meloetta

Meloetta is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Meloetta has two different Formes: Aria Forme and Pirouette Forme. Legend says that it once played a song and danced so lightly, it filled people's hearts with joy. However, when sorrow darkened the world, it lost the melody. Using Relic Song changes its form.

Genesect

Genesect is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Originally an ancient insect Pokémon who was feared as the strongest of hunters more than 300 million years ago, Team Plasma revived it from a Fossil in an attempt to create the strongest Pokémon in existence. However, after learning of the project, N had it canceled along with P2 Laboratory shut down because he felt that Pokémon, who he thought to be perfect beings, would lose their beauty if modified by science. A Scientist named Dudley secretly kept working on it, angry that N denied his talent. This scientist reconstructed Genesect and installed the cannon on its back. Genesect uses special Drives to make variations to its signature move, Techno Blast.


Generation VI

Three Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation VI.

Diancie

Diancie is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kalos region. While never shown in the games, it is said to be the result of a Carbink that underwent a mutation. It can create diamonds to protect itself.

It is the only Mythical and Generation VI Pokémon with the ability to Mega Evolve, which allows it to transform into Mega Diancie.

Hoopa

Hoopa is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kalos region. Hoopa has two Formes: Confined Form and Unbound Form. It is said to be able to use its gold rings to warp space in order to take things it likes and carry them away into alternate dimensions. Using an item known as a Prison Bottle, Hoopa Confined can transform into Hoopa Unbound and remain so for three days, after which it transforms back to Hoopa Confined. It will also transform back if deposited in the PC.

Volcanion

Volcanion is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kalos region. It uses steam from arms on its back to disappear in fog and blow away mountains. It lives in mountains uninhabited by humans. According to the editor of the Lumiose Press, Volcanion may have an organ unique to it inside its body that is hot enough to instantly vaporize water into steam to use in attacks. There is also a report that suggests that Volcanion may have used its power to destroy a mountain range where Kalos was founded.


Generation VII

Five Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation VII.

Magearna

Magearna is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. It is an artificially made Pokémon created by a scientist for a king's daughter 500 years ago. Its body contains tricky machinery and acts as a vessel for the secret hidden inside its chest. Its core, known as a Soul-Heart, is its true body, an artificial soul. Magearna has the ability to understand emotions and feelings with people. Magearna has a second form known as its Original Color form, which is purely cosmetic. This form is stated to be its original appearance when it was presented to the king's daughter.

Marshadow

Marshadow is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. Its very existence is the stuff of myth, as very few people have ever seen it. Marshadow is known to travel through the shadows of humans and Pokémon in order to become stronger by copying the power of movements within said shadows. It has a second form known as Zenith Marshadow, which is triggered when its fighting spirit starts burning.

Zeraora

Zeraora is an Electric-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. Zeraora was first introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Zeraora can channel a powerful magnetic field trough the electric currents located in its paw-pads. The magnetic field allows it to levitate and fly through the sky and travel as fast as a lightning strike.


Meltan and Melmetal

Meltan and its evolved form Melmetal are a pair of Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kanto region. the pair were introduced in the core series in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, although it first appeared in Pokémon GO, by way of large numbers of Ditto disguised as Meltan. Later, it was revealed that Meltan can evolve into Melmetal.

Meltan is known to be curious and expressive. It is instinctively drawn to metal that it could dissolve and absorb, including other Meltan. This behavior allows them to combine and evolve into Melmetal. Melmetal was worshiped in ancient times for creating metal. After it lifespan reached its end 3000 years ago, it turned into several Meltan, however its worshipers stored the Meltan in Mystery Boxes where they can be kept safe until they can fuse into a Melmetal once again.

Generation VIII

One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation VIII. Unlike previous generations, there were no new Mythical Pokémon in the game data or code of Pokémon Sword and Shield when the games were released. However, a new Mythical Pokémon was added to the game in update 1.2.0.

Zarude

Zarude is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Galar region. It can use the vines from its body for a variety of purposes, such as healing. It is known to live in packs, residing in dense forests. Zarude has a quick wit which it uses in battle along with its claws and other means of attacking.


Generation IX

One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation IX. Like the previous generation, there were no new Mythical Pokémon in the game data or code of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet when the games were released. However, a new Mythical Pokémon was added to the game in update 3.0.0 and was officially released in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Epilogue: Mochi Mayhem.

Pecharunt

Pecharunt is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in Kitakami. It produces Binding mochi, which it feeds to other Pokémon and humans. The mochi draws out one's desires and potential abilities, but those who taste it become chained to Pecharunt's will.

Pecharunt is the master of the Loyal Three; it met Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti on separate occasions, using its Binding Mochi and Toxic Chains to not only tame them, but also transform them into the Legendary Pokémon known in the present day, granting them their wishes; strength, cleverness, and beauty respectively, and turning them into its retainers. It led the trio to Kitakami to steal Ogerpon's masks for its caretakers back home. After heavily injuring Ogerpon's partner and stealing three of their masks, Ogerpon became enraged and engaged the trio in combat, defeating and slaying them. Unable to defend itself, Ogerpon defeated Pecharunt as well, but it managed to survive by retreating into its shell, rolling deep into the forest.

  • Pecharunt with its caretakers in The Untold Story of Pecharunt

    Pecharunt with its caretakers in The Untold Story of Pecharunt

Trivia

In other languages

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese 幻のポケモン Illusory Pokémon
Chinese Cantonese 幻之寶可夢 Waahn-jī Pokémon *
夢幻小精靈 Muhngwaahn Síujīnglìhng *
夢幻的寵物小精靈 Muhngwaahn-dīk Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng *
夢幻之寵物小精靈 Muhngwaahn-jī Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng *
幻之寵物小精靈 Waahn-jī Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng *
傳說小精靈 Chyùhnsyut Síujīnglìhng *
Mandarin 幻之寶可夢 / 幻之宝可梦 Huàn-zhī Pokémon *
夢幻神奇寶貝 Mènghuàn Shénqíbǎobèi *
夢幻的神奇寶貝 / 梦幻的神奇宝贝 Mènghuàn-de Shénqíbǎobèi *
夢幻之神奇寶貝 Mènghuàn-zhī Shénqíbǎobèi *
幻影般的神奇寶貝 Huànyǐngbān-de Shénqíbǎobèii *
梦幻宝可梦 Mènghuàn Pokémon *
梦幻的精灵宝可梦 Mènghuàn de jīnglíng Pokémon *
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Mýtický Pokémon
Denmark Flag.png Danish Mytisk Pokémon
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Mythische Pokémon
Finland Flag.png Finnish Myyttinen Pokémon
France Flag.png French Pokémon fabuleux
Germany Flag.png German Mysteriöse Pokémon
Greece Flag.png Greek Μυθικό Pokémon Mythikó Pokémon
India Flag.png Hindi रहस्यमय पोकेमोन Rahasyamey Pokémon *
फंतासी पोकेमोन Fantasy Pokémon *
Hungary Flag.png Hungarian Mítikus Pokémon
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokémon misterioso
South Korea Flag.png Korean 환상의 포켓몬 Hwansang-ui Pokémon
Malaysia Flag.png Malaysian Pokémon Mistikal
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Mytisk Pokémon
Poland Flag.png Polish Mityczny Pokémon
Portugal Flag.png Portuguese Pokémon mítico
Russia Flag.png Russian Мифический Покемон Mificheskiy Pokémon
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Pokémon mítico
Spain Flag.png Spain Pokémon singular
Pokémon mítico [6]
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Mytisk Pokémon
Thailand Flag.png Thai โปเกมอนมายา Pokémon maya
Turkey Flag.png Turkish Mitolojik Pokémon
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Pokémon huyền ảo

Rare Pokémon

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese まぼろしのポケモン Illusory Pokémon
France Flag.png French Pokémon rare
Germany Flag.png German Illusion-Pokémon
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokémon raro
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokémon poco común

References

  1. ↑ もらえるプレゼントを詳しく紹介｜ポケモンスクラップ　オメガルビー・アルファサファイア　幻のポケモンたちをもらおう！　キャンペーン (Japanese, archive)
  2. ↑ November 2014 CoroCoro Comic (Bulbanews)
  3. ↑ | New features added in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra | Pokémon Sword and Shield Official Website
  4. ↑ GlitterBerri's Game Translations » Early Concept Art
  5. ↑ https://twitter.com/Sibuna_Switch/status/1613414136079323137
  6. ↑ Pokémon GO Kanto Tour Contest Rules

Related articles

Mythical Pokémon
Mew
Generation I
Celebi
Generation II
JirachiDeoxys
Generation III
PhioneManaphyDarkraiShayminArceus
Generation IV
VictiniKeldeoMeloettaGenesect
Generation V
DiancieHoopaVolcanion
Generation VI
MagearnaMarshadowZeraoraMeltanMelmetal
Generation VII
Zarude
Generation VIII
Pecharunt
Generation IX
See also: Legendary Pokémon
Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
Quintets
RegirockRegiceRegisteel
RegielekiRegidrago

Legendary giants
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