Pokemon Origins

lonewookie: Just saw this at my university’s store!

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:12:41 -0500

Just saw this at my university’s store!

fantasticfakemon: I am currently working on another site called...

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:48:33 -0400

I am currently working on another site called simply8bit! The site has gaming news, reviews, and much more. Today I started a weekly feature called Fakemon Fridays.

CHECK IT OUT!

#547 - Whimsicott Whimsicott takes inspiration from the same...

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 08:36:00 -0400

#547 - Whimsicott

Whimsicott takes inspiration from the same things as its pre-evolution, Cottonee. It is most likely based on the cotton plant. It may have also drawn inspiration from clouds, sheep, or the legendary Vegetable Lamb of Tartary. Whimsitcott also has what appear to be curled horns. This could be further evidence of it being partially based on sheep.

Name:

whimsy / whimsical + cotton

#546 - Cottonee Cottonee is most likely based on the cotton...

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 08:26:00 -0400

#546 - Cottonee

Cottonee is most likely based on the cotton plant. It may have also drawn inspiration from clouds, sheep, or the legendary Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.

Name:

Corruption of cottony / cotton

#165 - Ledyba Ledyba is based on the Coccinellidae family of...

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:36:00 -0400

#165 - Ledyba

Ledyba is based on the Coccinellidae family of bugs, also known as ladybugs or ladybirds.

Name:

Corruption of ladybug / ladybird.

#124 - Jynx The origins of Jynx are complicated and...

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 09:45:15 -0400

#124 - Jynx

The origins of Jynx are complicated and controversial. I’m not going to go into great depth on any specific piece of Jynx’s inspiration, but will provide links for more information on each.

Also, Bulbapedia has a GREAT article on the origins of Jynx, which I suggest reading.

Jynx is possibly based on blackface, a form of theatrical makeup that created a stereotypical caricature of black people. Blackface made its way to Japan, and lost most of its racial connotations, which may explain how a potentially offensive design was created in the first place. Once Pokemon was released, there was a fuss about this possible connection and the design of Jynx was promptly changed (You can see the original design vs. the current design above).

Jynx may have taken some inspiration from blackface, but it certainly is not the only thing that inspired the Pokemon.

Jynx could be based on the Japanese fashion trend Ganguro, which is “an alternative fashion trend of blonde, pink or silver hair and tanned skin among young Japanese women that peaked in popularity around the year 2000”. This actually makes sense when you remember Jynx has blonde hair.

The design of Jynx was also likely influenced by various legends and folklore.

There is the Yama-uba, or “mountain hag”.

“The yama-uba’s traits included white-blonde hair, a tattered red kimono, a large, prominent mouth and a penchant for entrancing and seducing unwary travelers.” -from the Bulbapedia article

Here is another good article on the Yama-uba.

Because of her Ice typing, Jynx is very likely inspired by the Yuki-onna, or “snow woman”. Another good article on the Yuki-onna is here. The Yuki-onna is even known to freeze men with sex or a kiss. I don’t know about the sex part, but kissing certainly sounds like Jynx to me.

With Jynx’s Ice typing, possible blackface connections, and the fact that Jynx were seen as Santa’s helpers in the anime episode “Holiday Hi-Jynx”, it is also a possibility that Jynx is based somewhat on Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet is the companion of Saint Nicholas in Dutch folklore and plays a similar role to Santa’s elves. Zwarte Piet is also often depicted using blackface, which makes it seem like less of a coincidence.

And the last piece of inspiration for Jynx comes from opera. The stereotypical “fat lady” in Nordic or Viking dress is a possible inspiration for this enigmatic pokemon. This can be seem in Jynx’ dress, hair, and size. Also, the sprite for Jynx in Pokemon Emerald depicts her singing.

Jynx is not based specifically on any one of these, but I strongly believe that Jynx took at least a little bit from each one. Again, I highly recommend reading this great article on Bulbapedia.

Name:

jinx (A person or thing that brings bad luck)

#477 - Dusknoir Dusknoir seems to be based on several different...

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:29:00 -0400

#477 - Dusknoir

Dusknoir seems to be based on several different things. Like Dusclops, it is based partially on Chōchinobake, haunted paper lanterns from Japanese folklore. It is also likely based on the Yamawarawa from Japanese folklore. Like Dusclops, Dusknoir also seems to draw inspiration from the cyclops and mummies.

Name:

dusk + noir

#434 - Stunky Stunky is based on a skunk. Name: skunk + stunk +...

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:03:00 -0400

#434 - Stunky

Stunky is based on a skunk.

Name:

skunk + stunk + stinky

#26 - Raichu Raichu (like Pikachu) is based on a rodent, most...

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:42:00 -0400

#26 - Raichu

Raichu (like Pikachu) is based on a rodent, most likely a mouse. Raichu’s legs and tail resemble those of the kangaroo rat. The end of its tail is also stylized to resemble lightning.

Name:

rai + chuchu

From Bulbapedia:

Raichu is a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of squeaking).

Hello! First off, I love the blog, it's fantastic! Secondly, I wanted to pose an alternate theory for Meditite's name. "Ite" is a common suffix for various stones, such as malachite or tanzanite (or any of the primary season 1 sailor moon baddies). I think it's definitely possible that they could be trying to tie in a relationship with it to various power crystals, such as those used for focusing energy and such. Just a thought! ^_^

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 04:44:35 -0400

Anything is possible! Some of the names have so many possible inspirations, I usually only post the most likely. I didn’t think of this one though!

#278 - Wingull Wingull is based on a seagull. Because of its...

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:56:15 -0400

#278 - Wingull

Wingull is based on a seagull. Because of its large wingspan, it is also possibly based on an albatross.

Name:

wing + gull

#279 - Pelipper Pelipper is based on a Pelican...

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:07:21 -0400

#279 - Pelipper

Pelipper is based on a Pelican (duh).

Name:

pelican + flipper (most likely)

#78 - Rapidash Rapidash is based on a small horse. It is also...

Mon, 28 May 2012 15:00:07 -0400

#78 - Rapidash

Rapidash is based on a small horse. It is also possibly based on several fiery steeds in mythology, such as those belonging to Helios, or the horse of Dagr (day), Skinfaxi, from Norse mythology.

It is also based on a unicorn, because of its horn.

Name:

rapid + dash OR rapid + ash

#77 - Ponyta Ponyta is based on a small horse. It is also...

Mon, 28 May 2012 08:47:04 -0400

#77 - Ponyta

Ponyta is based on a small horse. It is also possibly based on several fiery steeds in mythology, such as those belonging to Helios, or the horse of Dagr (day), Skinfaxi, from Norse mythology.

Name:

pony + bonita (pretty or nice in Spanish and Portuguese)

#202 - Wobbuffet Wobbuffet seems to be based on punching bags or...

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:56:00 -0400

#202 - Wobbuffet

Wobbuffet seems to be based on punching bags or Okiagari-koboshi dolls. Both of which bounce back when hit, much like Wobbuffet.

From Bulbapedia:

Wobbuffet may be based on the late Japanese comedian 林家三平 Sanpei Hayashiya, who was famous for repeatedly touching his hand to his forehead while saying one of his trademark lines, そうなんす、奥さん sō nansu, okusan, “That’s the way it is, ma’am.” In addition, its form and available moves may be based on a punching bag; that is, when it is hit, it bounces back. Alternatively, it may be based on the concept of Karma as it can only cause damage if it is attacked first, and Karma being an aspect of religion explains its Psychic typing. Wobbuffet may also be based on an Okiagari-koboshi doll, a Japanese traditional doll with squinted eyes that stands back upright when pushed over.

Name:

wobble + buffet (to strike repeatedly)

#637 - Volcarona Volcarona is based on a moth, possibly...

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:43:00 -0400

#637 - Volcarona

Volcarona is based on a moth, possibly the Atlas Moth, which is considered to be the largest moth in the world.

The black spots on its wings are based on the dark spots on the sun.

The wings are also possibly based on the petals of the tiger lily.

It is also very likely that Mothra was a major inspiration to Volcarona’s design.

Name:

volcano + corona

#302 - Sableye Sableye is based on the Hopkinsville Goblin, a...

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:10:00 -0400

#302 - Sableye

Sableye is based on the Hopkinsville Goblin, a creature from an alleged alien encounter in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

The Hopkinsville Goblins were described as:

“roughly child sized, with huge heads and powerful clawed arms on relatively stunted bodies, fan-like ears and massive, brightly shining round eyes. Bullets fired at the creatures were said to bounce off their gleaming metallic skin, and their claws sliced easily through the home’s metal roofing. They held their arms up when they walked “as though wading through water,” and constantly swayed their hips in a silent rhythm.”

This certainly sounds like Sableye. Even the swaying hips can be seen in Sableye’s animation in the 3D Pokemon games. You can see it here. Watch Sableye, and you can see its hips sway eerily back and forth.

Jonathan Wojcik has done a fantastic job reviewing the origins of Sableye on his blog here.

Sableye is also based on precious stones. Its eyes are made of diamonds and it has other gems on its body. I believe they are ruby, sapphire and emerald (like the Pokemon games it debuted in).

Name:

sable + eye

fantasticfakemon: This is a little off topic, but it has been...

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:50:13 -0400

fantasticfakemon:

This is a little off topic, but it has been bothering me for a long time.

It makes NO sense to me why Luvdisc does not evolve into Alomomola.

#24 - Arbok Obviously based on a cobra. Because of its markings,...

Sun, 20 May 2012 08:08:00 -0400

#24 - Arbok

Obviously based on a cobra.

Because of its markings, I think Arbok more closely resembles the Indian or Spectacled Cobra.

The markings on Arbok resemble a scary face and are used for intimidation. This may be inspired by certain animals, like moths and butterflies, that have eye-like spots on their wings to ward off predators.

In Generation I Arbok had markings on its front and back, but in Generation II onwards, there are only markings on the front.

Generation I:

Generation V:

Name:

Arbok = kobra spelled backwards

#289 - Slaking Slaking is based on sloths. It is mostly likely...

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:31:46 -0400

#289 - Slaking

Slaking is based on sloths. It is mostly likely based on the extinct ground sloths. It also has characteristics of a gorilla.

Name:

slacking + king