10 Pokémon Based On Real-Life Monster Myths

April 21, 2024, 7 p.m.

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10 Pokémon Based On Real-Life Monster Myths

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Summary The Pokémon series draws inspiration from global myths, creating a blend of classic fables with its own mythology.

Various Pokémon are based on terrifying monster myths.

Pokémon pays homage to dark and captivating legends, adding depth and complexity to the franchise.

Part of what makes the Pokémon series such a timeless franchise is its connection to myths from around the world. The success of the series has helped pass down some of the most well-known legends to new generations. The connection that some of these Pokémon share with their respective myths can be obvious, while others are far more obscure. Nevertheless, Pokémon owes some of its success to its ability to take a classic fable and blend it with the game's own mythology. Some of these myths are far better known than others, and many of them are strange and terrifying.

Many of these myths walk the line between deities and demons. Some Pokémon find inspiration in the kind of monsters that are the stuff of nightmares, while others are ambivalent or even benevolent. The lore spans the globe — from Japan, Scotland, North America, and beyond. They blend the line between ancient legend and modern fantasy, introducing a unique dimension to the Pokémon universe. Much like the Pokémon themselves, the series constantly evolves, with no signs of slowing down. These are 10 Pokémon based on real-life monster myths.

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10 Sableye Is Based On the Creatures Of The Kelly-Hopkinsville Encounter

Dark/Ghost-Type

Sableye is one of the few Pokémon based on an American monster legend. The Dark/Ghost-type Pokémon has a design and personality based on the creatures of the Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter. In the summer of 1955, a Kentucky family saw a strange light descend from the sky not far from their home. For several hours after, they claimed they were under attack by a group of small goblin-like entities trying to enter their home.

While the creatures are often associated with UFOs, many believe they may have come from the cave systems running throughout the area. Sableye often lives in caves and other dark, secluded areas. Its prankster personality is similar to the Kentucky goblins, as the creatures that terrorized the family seemed more mischievous than malicious. Everything from Sableye's webbed claws to its round glowing eyes is borrowed from the witnesses' description of the creatures.

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9 Mimikyu Is Based On The Dreaded Mimic

Ghost/Fairy-Type

Few Pokémon have lore as dark and melancholic as Mimikyu. No one is certain what Mimikyu actually looks like, as legend maintains that anyone who sees the real entity under its Pikachu costume will fall severely ill and possibly die. More than anything, Mimikyu desires companionship but is deprived of it because of its true form. It wears the Pikachu costume, as Pikachu is generally liked by most. Mimikyu’s Disguise Ability aligns it with the mimic, a creature seen across many cultures.

While Mimikyu is ultimately benevolent, mimics are anything but. With the ability to disguise themselves as almost anyone or anything, they are able to trap their prey with a false sense of security. There are other Pokémon who can take on the form of other creatures and things, but being disguised is core to who Mimikyu is. It may be a misunderstood, friendly Pokémon, but mimics are not.

8 Golurk Is Based On The Famous "Golem Of Prague"

Ground/Ghost-Type

Golurk was inspired by the legend of the Golem, a fascinating creature from Jewish folklore. More specifically, Golurk took direct inspiration from the most famous of Golem myths, "The Golem of Prague." These entities were said to be crafted from mud or clay and brought to life in human-like forms. Like the folkloric Golem, Golurk is an automaton, made to act out the will of its creators. While that may seem ideal, Golems are said to take their orders literally, often to their creator's detriment.

Golurk is a Ground/Ghost-type Pokémon, and its massive, machine-like appearance is an homage to the legendary Golem. The original intent of Golurk was to protect communities and other Pokémon, much as the Golem was also intended to do. Its fierce loyalty to its owner is unfaltering, and given its size and strength, Golurk can prove difficult to stop once it has been given orders.

7 Mawile Pays Homage To The Futakuchi-onna

Steel/Fairy-Type

Mawile may seem adorable, but if an enemy's guard is down, it can be quite deadly. Duality is core to the nature of this Steel/Fairy-type Pokémon, and the combination of both its Fake Tears and Bite moves embody this duality. Mawile’s innocent, forward-facing features encourage unsuspecting foes to lower their defenses. That's when Mawile attacks, biting down with the massive steel jaws protruding from the back of its head. Its Mega form is even more dangerous, as the creature's jaws are said to be capable of chewing through steel and rock.

Mawile takes its inspiration from one of the most terrifying entities of Japanese folklore, the Futakuchi-onna. One of many Yokai, the Futakuchi-onna represents duality in much the same way as Mawile. The myth has many variations, but the core idea is that the Futakuchi-onna preys on evil men — usually malicious husbands. These entities took the form of a shy, timid woman — but on the back of their heads was another mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. Like enemies of Mawile, wicked men soon met their end when the Futakuchi-onna revealed its true nature.

6 Keldeo Is Inspired By The Kelpies Of Scottish Lore

Water/Fighting-Type

Keldeo is a Water/Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 5. Being a water type, Keldeo is capable of running across vast surfaces of water and craves the thrill of battle. It's no surprise that aspects of Keldeo were designed after the fearsome legend of the Kelpie. Like many Pokémon on this list, Keldeo may appear innocent enough, but it can be a formidable opponent. The Kelpie is a far more sinister entity.

A grim character of Scottish lore, the Kelpie was an evil entity that would often appear to its prey in the form of a beautiful black horse. The creature may manifest near the sea, a lake, or other body of water. For any unfortunate soul foolish enough to ride the phantom horse, they would soon realize the creature was no of this world. Victims of the Kelpie would be carried off into the sea to be drowned. While not malevolent like the Kelpie, Keldeo is a clear nod to the myth.

5 Zapados Has Connections To The Thunderbird

Electric/Flying-Type

Zapdos is a legendary Electric/Flying-type Pokémon that has been a fan favorite since Pokémon: Red & Blue. An awe-inspiring avian creature that descends from the sky, with command over weather and electricity. Its bright yellow color and spiked body represent the power of the elements it wields. Its Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt moves are powerful attacks with high base power and equally high accuracy rates.

Zapdos shares an unmistakable connection to the Thunderbird of Native American lore, a majestic entity capable of emitting thunder and lightning with the flap of its wings. Not only does the creature invoke a sense of power and protection, but many cultures also see the Thunderbird as a bringer of the rains that are essential to life and the health of crops. While there are variations in the myth across tribes and cultures, Zapdos reflects elements of this sacred entity.

4 Tangela Is Based On A Notable Greek Myth

Grass-Type

Tangela is an instantly recognizable Gen-1 Pokémon with ties to one of the most famous monster myths. The Grass-type Pokémon hides its face in a mass of blue vines, with only its eyes visible from within. Vine Whip and Sleep Powder are synonymous with Tangela, a true nostalgic staple of the original 151. Its Ancient Power attack is a fitting one, seeing as this Pokémon is based on a terrifying ancient legend.

Medusa is one of the most recognizable villains of Greek lore, and her horrifying head of snakes is paid homage to by Tangela's design. It's fitting that Tangela's Ancient Power attack is a Rock-based attack, as the mere sight of Medusa was said to turn one to stone. While Tangela is a mostly unassuming Pokémon, the foundational myth it's based on is quite the opposite.

Most Pokémon become good or based on how they are trained. However, some Pokémon may actually be evil.

3 Houndoom Is A Nod To The Infamous Hellhound

Dark/Fire-Type

Houndoom is a Dark/Fire-type Pokémon that is equal parts bark and bite. Other Pokémon cower when they hear its ghostly howl, as it was once believed that hearing Houndoom's call was an omen of death. The Gen-2 Pokémon emits fire from its hellish maw, and anyone burned by it is said to feel the pain for eternity. "Eternity" is an apt word to use, as Houndoom is inspired by the myth of a creature from hell itself.

The Hellhound is a fearsome creature found in many cultural myths, most famously in British and Greek lore. In many iterations, the Hellhound was a massive canine entity that comes to Earth to collect the souls of the damned. To hear the howl of the Hellhound was a grim foretelling of someone's approaching fate. Both Houndoom's design and name are an obvious tip-of-the-hat to the deadly dog.

2 Drowzee Is Based On The Dream-Eating Baku

Psychic-Type

Drowzee is a Psychic Pokémon, instantly recognizable as one of the Gen-1 originals. It's most known for its insatiable hunger for dreams, often eating those of the foes it puts to sleep. Adding to its creep factor is Drowzee’s preference for the dreams of children. If friendly with a Drowzee, it can eat away any nightmares that might bother its trainer. It can also show the darkest of nightmares to those it wishes to horrify.

Drowzee is based on the Japanese legend of the Baku. While the description of its appearance varies, it's often shown as having the body of a bear, with the snout of an elephant. Drowzee showcases these features, as well as the Baku's appetite for dreams. Many who suffer nightmares can find a friend in the Baku, as it has a protective nature. Like Drowzee, the Baku is neither good nor evil - just hope you're on its good side.

1 Toterra Borrows From The Cosmic World Turtle

Grass/Ground-Type

Torterra is a Grass/Ground-type Pokémon, and considering the myth it's based on, it literally carries the Pokémon universe on its back. Introduced in Gen-4, Torterra can be described as an armored tortoise, with a landscape growing on its back. Often, it will even carry other Pokémon on its shell, showcasing its strength and stamina. It's no surprise that in Pokémon lore, many felt the ground beneath them was actually a Torterra.

Torterra is based on the myth of the World Turtle, an entity that is shared across many cultures with their own variations. As the legend goes, this cosmic creature is believed to carry the entire planet on its back, symbolizing life's connection to nature. Torterra's connections to the World Turtle are obvious - the creatures and landscape it carries on its back, its immense strength, and connectedness to nature. What the World Turtle symbolizes in human culture, so does Torterra for the world of Pokémon.