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Designing hundreds of fictional creatures is a challenging task. After a certain point, the variations of wings, claws, and fangs begin to overlap, making it difficult to stay original.
The Pokemon creators sought inspiration from numerous sources to fuel their designs. While some Pokemon are clear adaptations of real animals, others are deeply rooted in ancient myths and legends. Discover 10 Pokemon that might seem more recognizable than you think.
10. Whiscash
Whiscash, a water/ground type from Generation III, looks like a massive catfish with prominent barbells, earning its name from these whisker-like features. According to the Pokedex, it is highly territorial and can trigger earthquakes by thrashing violently when provoked.
In Japanese folklore, Namazu is a mischievous spirit known for causing disasters, particularly earthquakes. This mythical being is depicted as a giant catfish, and historical woodcuts reveal a striking similarity between Namazu and the Pokemon Whiscash.
9. Ninetails
Ninetails, a fire-type Pokemon, evolves from Vulpix. While Vulpix's name derives from the Latin word Vulpes, meaning fox, Ninetails' design is more intricate, featuring nine tails. According to the Pokedex, Ninetails can dominate its opponents' minds using its eerie red eyes.
In Japanese culture, Kitsune refers to both foxes and fox spirits. These spirits gain additional tails as they age, and upon reaching nine tails, their fur turns white—mirroring Vulpix's evolution into the white Ninetails.
The concept of Ninetails controlling minds aligns with the folklore of Kitsune-tsuki, or fox possession. Those possessed by a kitsune exhibit erratic, aggressive, and manic behavior.
8. Golurk
Golurk is a massive Automaton Pokemon, believed to have been crafted by ancient civilizations to safeguard both humans and Pokemon. Its artificial appearance is accentuated by peculiar angular symbols etched into its body.
In Jewish tradition, the people of Prague faced relentless persecution. To defend them, a rabbi fashioned a golem—a colossal clay figure brought to life using mystic symbols. This tale bears a striking resemblance to Golurk's creation and purpose.
The golem served as a guardian for the Jewish community in Prague. Many depictions of the golem feature patchwork braces that hold it together, resembling the design elements seen on Golurk.
7. Espeon
Espeon is a feline-like psychic Pokemon, distinguished by its split tail and magical abilities. Known for its loyalty and protective nature toward its trainers, Espeon's characteristics differ significantly from its mythical inspiration.
Bakeneko are supernatural beings from Japanese folklore. Initially ordinary cats, they evolve to walk on their hind legs as they grow older. These creatures can illuminate their path with their flaming tails and even ignite fires. Some legends suggest Bakeneko can shapeshift into humans to wreak havoc, with their split tails being their most distinctive feature.
Another mythical figure resembling Espeon is the Carbuncle, a creature encountered by Europeans in South America. Described as a hybrid of a cat and dog, the Carbuncle was said to possess a gemstone on its forehead, much like Espeon.
6. Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh is a legendary fire-type Pokemon, appearing only to those with pure hearts. Known for its vibrant, multicolored wings, it resides at the base of rainbows. Its feathers are said to bring happiness to anyone who possesses them.
A fiery avian creature? The phoenix myth is prevalent across numerous cultures.
The phoenix is a mythical bird that regenerates by bursting into flames and rising anew from its ashes. In Chinese and Japanese traditions, the phoenix symbolizes imperial authority and is one of the four Celestial Guardians. In China, it is called fenghuang, while in Japan, it is known as ho-o.
Does that name sound familiar?
5. Mawile
Mawile is known as the Deceiver Pokemon, featuring a calm and gentle expression. However, concealed behind its head lies a terrifying set of jaws ready to consume its foes. This design is inspired by a chilling legend that serves as a reminder to treat one's spouse with kindness.
Futakuchi-onna is a female figure with a horrifying trait—a voracious mouth hidden beneath her hair. While she may appear ordinary at first glance, this hidden feature makes her a figure of fear.
In some tales, she is a shape-shifting demon, while in others, she is a neglected woman whose hunger manifests as a second mouth on the back of her head. Her hair transforms into tentacle-like appendages to feed this insatiable mouth.
4. Zapdos
Zapdos, one of the legendary bird Pokemon, is an electric-type creature known for unleashing lightning bolts on its adversaries. According to the Pokedex, Zapdos resides within thunderclouds and has the power to command lightning.
In Native American mythology, the thunderbird is a revered figure. This colossal bird generates thunder by flapping its massive wings and is said to be so enormous that it can pluck whales from the ocean, much like an eagle catching fish.
It’s hardly surprising that it tends to be a bit loud. Thunderbird captures aquatic prey by hurling bolts of lightning, mirroring the vulnerability water Pokemon have to electric-based moves.
3. Magikarp
Magikarp stands out as one of the most exasperating Pokemon in the original series. It’s both abundant and nearly worthless, with the Pokedex even labeling it as “pitiful.” Snagging a Magikarp while fishing is more irritating than coming down with a cold.
The sole redeeming quality of Magikarp is its evolution into the formidable Gyarados, a dragon-like creature. This transformation aligns with a well-known Chinese legend, making it a predictable yet fascinating change.
Legend has it that atop a towering mountain lies a waterfall known as the Dragon’s Gate. Countless carp attempt to swim against the powerful current, but only a handful reach the summit. Even fewer succeed in leaping over the Dragon’s Gate.
Those carp that manage to leap over the gate undergo a miraculous transformation, becoming massive and mighty dragons. Skeptics of this extraordinary tale need only observe the scales of a Chinese dragon, which serve as a testament to their humble origins as carp.
2. Raichu
If you ask someone to name a Pokemon, Pikachu is likely the first to come to mind. This charming “electric mouse” gained fame through the anime series. While it evolves into Raichu, which is less endearing, it retains its electric abilities.
The sheer force of thunder and lightning has captivated mythologies worldwide. In Japanese folklore, Raiju embodies the might of lightning, known as the thunder beast.
Raiju shares similarities with Raichu, both being four-legged mammalian creatures wielding lightning. Descriptions of Raiju’s appearance vary, but all agree on its somewhat adorable and fuzzy demeanor.
Often depicted as a wolf-like creature, Raiju is thought to have inspired Manectric, the electric wolf Pokemon. Manectric’s connection to lightning is evident, as it is often found nesting where lightning has struck.
1. Shiftry
Shiftry, a Dark/Grass-type Pokemon introduced in Generation III, resides in ancient trees. Its fan-shaped hands, crafted from leaves, generate powerful gusts of wind to fend off foes.
Known as protectors of the forest, Shiftry possess psychic abilities that allow them to anticipate their opponents’ moves. Their cunning nature makes them truly unpredictable guardians.
Tengu are mythical Japanese creatures with elongated noses, inhabiting forests and mountains. They embody the classic trickster archetype found in many mythologies, possessing psychic powers and a strong aversion to deceitful individuals.
Forest-dwelling tengu are notorious for punishing those who harm trees, as they reside within them. Certain tengu wield fans to generate powerful gusts of wind and are often depicted wearing geta, a traditional sandal that bears a striking resemblance to Shiftry’s feet.
