Absol (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

Absol is most likely based on the Bai Ze of Chinese mythology, also known as the {{wp|kutabe}} or hakutaku. The Bai Ze predicted that a plague would sweep through the Toyama Prefecture of Japan. It is generally described as a white beast that can take the form of a large mountainous lion, distinguished by having one or two horns on its head. It is also sometimes said to have an extra eye on their head or back, which may be represented by the oval that appears on Absol's forehead. The Bai Ze is considered to be intelligent, and gifted with the ability to understand human speech. It may be also derive from the white {{wp|Chamois|chamois}}, a mountain dwelling goat-like animal, which local superstition claims represents the embodiment of death, and should any hunter harm one, they would die within the year. It may be also be based on the {{wp|black cat}} superstition. Its head is modeled after a {{wp|Yin and yang|Taijitu ("yin-yang")}}. Absol's humanized face and feline appearance may also be a homage to the {{wp|sphinx}}. Its scythe-shaped tail and horn suggest a resemblance to the Western personified depiction of {{wp|Death (personification)|Death}}, who is related to destiny and disaster.