Legendary Pokémon: Difference between revisions

* Because {{p|Type: Null}} and {{p|Silvally}} are synthetic species, it was possible for humans to create multiple individuals. Three were confirmed to have been created in [[Alola]] by the [[Aether Foundation]]: [[Gladion's Silvally|one]] is owned by [[Gladion]], and [[Gladion#Given to the player|another]] was given to {{ga|Elio}}/{{ga|Selene}} by Gladion. The whereabouts of the [[Lusamine#Kept frozen|third Type: Null]] are unknown. [[Battle Tower#Pokémon|A fourth individual]] was later created in [[Galar]] by [[Macro Cosmos]] using notes stolen from the Aether Foundation.

* {{p|Solgaleo}} and {{p|Lunala}} are capable of together creating a {{p|Cosmog}} supposedly as their unique way of breeding but it appears they're rarely seen in the same [[Pokémon universe|universe]] at the same time, making this a rare event. Three Cosmog were confirmed to exist, one stolen from [[Aether Paradise]] by [[Lillie]], nicknamed [[Nebby]], [[Lake of the Sunne#Pokémon|another]] [[Lake of the Moone#Pokémon|one]] created by Nebby and a Lunala{{sup/7|S}}/Solgaleo{{sup/7|M}} found in another universe's [[Lake of the Moone]]{{sup/7|S}}/[[Lake of the Sunne]]{{sup/7|M}} and one found by an old lady in [[Freezington]] in the [[Crown Tundra]], nicknamed [[Freezington#Pokémon|Fwoofy]].

===In the spin-off games===

{{main|Legendary Cards}}

In [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] and [[Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!]], there are four [[Legendary Cards]], which are central to the plot: {{TCG ID|Promotional Card|Articuno|P03}}, {{TCG ID|Promotional Card|Zapdos|P10}}, {{TCG ID|Promotional Card|Moltres|P02}}, and {{TCG ID|Pokémon Card GB|Dragonite|promo}}. The latter is a [[Pseudo-legendary Pokémon|pseudo-legendary]] Pokémon.

In the anime, there are some cases in which Legendary Pokémon are implied to breed in the wild, as seen with {{p|Lugia}}, {{p|Latios}}, and {{p|Latias}}.

Of the {{numpkmn}} Pokémon species, 71 are Legendary Pokémon ({{#expr: (71/{{numpkmn}}*100) round2}}%). Each released [[generation]] has introduced at least three Legendary Pokémon.

{{spoilers}}

Four Legendary Pokémon were introduced in [[Generation I]], with one trio and one standalone Legendary Pokémon.

{{main|Legendary birds}}

The legendary birds—{{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, and {{p|Moltres}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Kanto]] region. Each of them is based on a mythical bird. Each is associated with a {{season}} (though none of the three is associated with autumn).

====Mewtwo====

{{p|Mewtwo}} is a Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Kanto]] region. Mewtwo is the enhanced clone of the [[Mythical Pokémon]] {{p|Mew}}. Mewtwo has two [[Mega Evolution]]s, which increase its [[base stat]] total to 780.

More Legendary Pokémon were introduced in [[Generation II]], adding five more Legendary Pokémon for a running total of 9. The Legendary Pokémon introduced in this generation down can be separated into a trio and a duo.

{{main|Legendary beasts}}

The legendary beasts—{{p|Raikou}}, {{p|Entei}}, and {{p|Suicune}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Johto]] region. These legendary Pokémon are based on many different creatures, both real and mythical, as well as mythological deities.

====Lugia and Ho-Oh====

{{main|Tower duo}}

The tower duo—{{p|Lugia}} and {{p|Ho-Oh}}—are a duo of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Johto]] region. They are the [[game mascot]]s of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. They are a pair of birdlike Pokémon based on the eastern legends of the {{wp|Fenghuang}} and {{wp|Ryūjin}}.

In the anime, {{an|Ho-Oh}} is notably the first Legendary Pokémon that appeared (outside of the [[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|opening animation]], at least), flying over a rainbow as [[Ash Ketchum]] started his journey, at the end of ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''. Ash has subsequently seen it several times over the course of his journey, but has never come face-to-face with it. Ho-Oh featured in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' in a prominent role.

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Many more Legendary Pokémon were added to the roster in [[Generation III]], with the eight new Legendary Pokémon bringing the total to 17. At this point in the series, Legendary Pokémon began to have a greater role in the storyline of the core series games, with the [[villainous team]]s plotting to reawaken the ancient Legendary Pokémon for their own use.

====Latios and Latias====

{{main|Eon duo}}

The eon duo—{{p|Latias}} and {{p|Latios}}—are a duo of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Hoenn]] region.

====Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza====

{{main|Super-ancient Pokémon}}

The super-ancient Pokémon—{{p|Kyogre}}, {{p|Groudon}}, and {{p|Rayquaza}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Hoenn]] region. They are the [[game mascot]]s of {{game2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}} and {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}. The trio represents the three major components of the Earth: the {{wp|hydrosphere}}, the {{wp|lithosphere}}, and the {{wp|atmosphere}}.

====Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf====

{{main|Lake guardians}}

The lake guardians—{{p|Uxie}}, {{p|Mesprit}}, and {{p|Azelf}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Sinnoh]] region. They each represent the spirit of consciousness, with {{p|Uxie}} embodying knowledge, {{p|Mesprit}} embodying emotion, and {{p|Azelf}} embodying willpower. According to legend, having been created by {{p|Arceus|the Original One}}, the trio have the power to tame the powerful dragons it also created.

====Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina====

{{main|Pokémon of Myth}}

The Pokémon of Myth—{{p|Dialga}}, {{p|Palkia}}, and {{p|Giratina}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Sinnoh]] region. They are the [[game mascot]]s of {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}} and {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}. Each represents an aspect of universe: {{p|Dialga}} represents time, {{p|Palkia}} represents space, and {{p|Giratina}} represents antimatter.

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====Cresselia====

{{p|Cresselia}} is a {{type|Psychic}} is a Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Sinnoh]] region. This Legendary Pokémon represents the {{wp|crescent moon}}, a sign of hope and good dreams.

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====Heatran====

{{p|Heatran}} is a {{2t|Fire|Steel}}-type Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Sinnoh]] region. Heatran is said to be the embodiment of the planet's boiling {{wp|core}}.

====Regigigas====

{{p|Regigigas}} is a {{type|Normal}} is a Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Sinnoh]] region. Regigigas the master of the [[legendary giants]], having created them in ancient times. It is said to have moved the continents in place, pulling them by rope.

Nine additional Legendary Pokémon were introduced in [[Generation V]], totaling 35 Legendary Pokémon. {{p|Reshiram}} and {{p|Zekrom}} played a large role in the storyline of {{game|Black and White|s}}, with the respective mascot Pokémon being a necessary and unavoidable capture to progress to the end of the game.

{{main|Swords of Justice}}

The Swords of Justice—{{p|Cobalion}}, {{p|Terrakion}}, and {{p|Virizion}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Unova]] region. The [[Mythical Pokémon]] {{p|Keldeo}} is also sometimes considered part of the Swords of Justice. The trio are based on the titular characters of the 1844 French novel ''{{wp|The Three Musketeers}}'', while Keldeo is based on their apprentice {{wp|d'Artagnan}}. They are also based on hooved mammals such as deer, antelopes, oxen, goats, and horses.

They made their anime debut together, in the fifteenth Pokémon film ''[[M15|Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice]]'', where Keldeo was responsible for the freezing of the other three during a battle against {{OBP|Kyurem|M15}}, and sought help from {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}. In the movie, Cobalion acts as the leader of the {{OBP|Swords of Justice|M15}}, protecting Pokémon and humans alike through the world.

{{main|Forces of Nature}}

The Forces of Nature—{{p|Tornadus}}, {{p|Thundurus}}, and {{p|Landorus}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Unova]] region. They are based on {{wp|kami}}: {{wp|Fūjin}}, god of wind; {{wp|Raijin}}, god of thunder and lightning; and {{wp|Inari Ōkami|Inari}}, a fertility deity. Together the three represent the heavens and the nourishing effect the sky has upon the earth. In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, a fourth member of the Forces of Nature was introduced, {{p|Enamorus}}. They can switch between their default Incarnate Formes and alternate Therian Forme using the [[Reveal Glass]]; the Therian Formes were introduced in {{B2W2}}.

====Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem====

{{main|Tao trio}}

{{p|Reshiram}}, {{p|Zekrom}}, and {{p|Kyurem}} are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Unova]] region. Reshiram and Zekrom are the [[game mascot]]s of {{game|Black and White|s}}, while Black Kyurem and White Kyurem are the mascots of {{B2W2}}. {{p|Zekrom}} and {{p|Reshiram}} represent balance through the aspects of {{wp|Tao|Yin and Yang}}, respectively. Originally, they were a single dragon that helped found the Unova region's nation, but fighting between the [[Heroes of Truth and Ideals|two brothers]] who founded the nation split them into two halves; despite this, the two Pokémon do not willingly fight each other.

Kyurem is the star of ''[[M15|Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice]]'' along with Keldeo, where it seems like a ferocious Pokémon and can change forms without the DNA Splicers. It is also capable of this when it appears in ''[[M18|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages]]''.

Three additional Legendary Pokémon were introduced in [[Generation VI]], totaling 38 Legendary Pokémon. This is the first generation to introduce fewer Legendary Pokémon than the generation before it.

====Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde====

{{main|Aura trio}}

{{p|Xerneas}}, {{p|Yveltal}}, and {{p|Zygarde}} are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Kalos]] region. Xerneas and Yveltal are the [[game mascot]]s of {{g|X and Y}}. Xerneas and Yveltal represent life and destruction, respectively, while Zygarde is said to monitor the balance of the ecosystem and reveal its power when the ecosystem is disrupted. Xerneas has the power to share eternal life, while Yveltal absorbs the life force of everything around it. Xerneas sleeps in the form of a tree, while Yveltal sleeps in the form of a cocoon. Xerneas and Yveltal have the Abilities {{a|Fairy Aura}} and {{a|Dark Aura}}, respectively, while Zygarde's {{a|Aura Break}} reverses the effects of these Abilities.

[[Generation VII]] introduced eleven Legendary Pokémon, totaling 49 Legendary Pokémon. For the first time, Legendary Pokémon capable of evolution are introduced—six of these Pokémon are part of [[Evolution|evolutionary chains]].

{{main|Beast killer project}}

{{p|Type: Null}} and its evolve form {{p|Silvally}} are a pair of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Alola]] region.

====Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini====

{{main|Guardian deities}}

The tapu—{{p|Tapu Koko}}, {{p|Tapu Lele}}, {{p|Tapu Bulu}}, and {{p|Tapu Fini}}—are a quartet of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Alola]] region. They serve as the guardian deities of each of Alola's four main islands: Tapu Koko on [[Melemele Island]], Tapu Lele on [[Akala Island]], Tapu Bulu on [[Ula'ula Island]], and Tapu Fini on [[Poni Island]].

====Cosmog and Cosmoem====

{{main|Light trio}}

[[File:Nebby Cosmoem Evolutions.png|thumb|200px|Nebby the Cosmoem in Lillie's hands in [[Pokémon Evolutions]]]]

{{p|Cosmog}} and its evolved form {{p|Cosmoem}} are {{type|Psychic}} Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in [[Alola]]. They are the pre-evolutions of {{p|Solgaleo}} and {{p|Lunala}}.

====Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma====

{{main|Light trio}}

[[File:Art Life 20231117 Ultra Necrozma.jpg|thumb|left|225px|{{fd|Necrozma|Ultra Necrozma}}]]

{{p|Solgaleo}}, {{p|Lunala}}, and {{p|Necrozma}} are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Alola]] region. Solgaleo and Lunala are the [[game mascot]]s of {{g|Sun and Moon}}, while Dusk Mane Necrozma and Dawn Wings Necrozma are the mascots of {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}. They are said to have come from [[Ultra Space]].

In the anime, Solgaleo and Lunala both debuted in ''[[SM044|A Dream Encounter!]]'', where the pair emerged from two [[Ultra Wormhole]] at [[Altar of the Sunne]] to create a {{p|Cosmog}}, which it then gave to the [[guardian deities]] to be placed in a location when it will be found by {{Ash}}. Ultra Necrozma debuted in ''[[SM074|Tough Guy Trials!]]'' in a book mentioned by [[Acerola]], which revealed how Ultra Necrozma, Solgaleo and Lunala brought light to [[Alola]] and how Ultra Necrozma earned the title of the "Blinding One".

In [[Generation VIII]], 11 Legendary Pokémon were introduced, bringing the total to 60. Of these, three were introduced in the base game of {{g|Sword and Shield}}, two were introduced in [[The Isle of Armor]], five were introduced in [[The Crown Tundra]], and one was introduced in {{g|Legends: Arceus}}. Additionally, The Crown Tundra introduced [[regional form]]s of three Legendary Pokémon from Generation I.

====Zacian and Zamazenta====

{{main|Legendary heroes}}

The legendary heroes—{{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}—are a duo of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Galar]] region. They are the [[game mascot]]s of {{g|Sword and Shield}}.

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====Eternatus====

{{p|Eternatus}} is a Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Galar]] region.

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====Kubfu and Urshifu====

{{p|Kubfu}} and its evolved form {{p|Urshifu}} are a pair of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Isle of Armor]] of the [[Galar]] region. They were introduced in [[The Isle of Armor]] DLC for {{g|Sword and Shield}}.

====Regieleki and Regidrago====

{{p|Regieleki}} and {{p|Regidrago}} are a pair of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Crown Tundra]] of the [[Galar]] region. They are members of the [[legendary giants]] who were introduced in [[The Crown Tundra]] DLC for {{g|Sword and Shield}}.

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====Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres====

Galarian {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, and {{p|Moltres}} are the [[Galarian form]]s of the [[legendary bird]]s. They were {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Crown Tundra]] of the [[Galar]] region. The Galarian forms are all have {{t|Flying}} as their secondary type, but they have a different primary type to their Kantonian counterparts.

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====Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier====

{{p|Calyrex}}, {{p|Glastrier}}, and {{p|Spectrier}} are three Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Crown Tundra]] of the [[Galar]] region. They were introduced in [[The Crown Tundra]] DLC for {{g|Sword and Shield}}.

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====Enamorus====

{{p|Enamorus}} is Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Hisui]] region. It was introduced in {{g|Legends: Arceus}} as the fourth member of the [[Forces of Nature]].

====Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu====

{{main|Treasures of ruin}}

The treasures of ruin—{{p|Wo-Chien}}, {{p|Chien-Pao}}, {{p|Ting-Lu}}, and {{p|Chi-Yu}}—are a quartet of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Paldea]] region. They have been referred to as cursed treasures and Pokémon of Ruin. All of them are {{type|Dark}}.

====Koraidon and Miraidon====

{{main|Paradox duo}}

{{p|Koraidon}} and {{p|Miraidon}} are a duo of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in the [[Paldea]] region. They are the [[game mascot]]s of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}. They are [[Paradox Pokémon]], being past and future relatives of {{p|Cyclizar}}, respectively. Both are far more aggressive and powerful than their contemporary counterpart.

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, two specimens of {{ga|Koraidon}}{{sup/9|S}}/{{ga|Miraidon}}{{sup/9|V}} were [[Time travel|brought into the present]] by [[Professor Sada]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Professor Turo]]{{sup/9|V}}. The player meets one of them early in the journey, and it becomes their main form of transportation throughout Paldea. The other appears at the end of the main story and becomes catchable in the post-game.

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{{main|Loyal Three}}

The Loyal Three—{{p|Okidogi}}, {{p|Munkidori}}, and {{p|Fezandipiti}}—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in [[Kitakami]]. They were first introduced in [[The Teal Mask]] DLC for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}.

In the story of The Teal Mask, the player encounters the trio after they are revived, following [[Kieran]] punching the shrine in a rage. Later on, the player, alongside [[Carmine]], faces off against each member as [[Titan Pokémon]]. When they are defeated, each member drops a stolen mask, allowing Ogerpon to recover it. They can be caught after clearing The Teal Mask storyline.

{{incomplete|section|needs=Suitable image to showcase all four masked forms}}

{{p|Ogerpon}} is a Legendary Pokémon {{pkmn|discovery|first discovered}} in [[Kitakami]]. It was introduced in [[The Teal Mask]] DLC for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}.

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*Every Special and Mythical Pokémon in the [[List of Pokémon by Alola Pokédex number (Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon)|Alola Pokédex]] is marked by a special golden background in its [[Pokédex]] page instead of a regular blue one; other Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts are marked by a special green one.

*{{p|Heatran}}, {{p|Kubfu}}, {{p|Urshifu}}, and {{p|Terapagos}} are the only Legendary Pokémon that can be either gender.

***While Terapagos is coded to have an equal chance of being either gender, the Terapagos caught in [[The Indigo Disk]] will always be male.

*In an interview promoting the launch of {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Junichi Masuda]] stated that Legendary Pokémon are the most difficult to design names for because Game Freak strives to make sure that the names of Legendary Pokémon are universal across the different translations, so extra work must be put into their names to make sure that they work universally in all languages.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101228065540/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index5.html 女子大生が訊く『ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト』] (archive)</ref> This is consistent with the relatively small number of Legendary Pokémon that have had their names changed significantly outside of Japan (currently 21: the [[legendary birds]], the [[lake guardians]], the [[Forces of Nature]], {{p|Type: Null}}, {{p|Silvally}}, the [[guardian deities]], {{p|Eternatus}}, {{p|Kubfu}}, {{p|Urshifu}}, {{p|Glastrier}}, {{p|Spectrier}}, {{p|Calyrex}}, and—in [[Pokémon in Greater China|Chinese]] only—the [[Mew duo]]).

**In {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, Suicune's theme uses bells, Entei's theme uses an electric guitar, and Raikou's theme is synthesized.

**Reshiram's theme employs a burning fire effect, Zekrom's theme employs a crackling thunder effect, and normal Kyurem's theme features an extra slapped bass part playing in the background.

**The main plot does not involve any Legendary Pokémon.

*Prior to [[Generation VI]], the core series games which serve as region debuts did not have any Legendary Pokémon from previous generations available without trades, transfers, or events.

**From [[Generation III]] onwards, all upper versions, sequels, and remakes in the core series have Legendary Pokémon from multiple generations available without trades, transfers, or events.

*Every Legendary Pokémon has slow [[List of Pokémon by experience type|leveling rate]].

*So far, there is at least one Legendary Pokémon directly or indirectly related to each "battle gimmick" introduced in their respective regions:

**The [[Aura trio]] (specifically Xerneas and Yveltal) are theorized to be indirectly responsible for creating [[Mega Evolution]] in the [[Kalos]] region, while {{p|Rayquaza}} is believed to be responsible for Mega Evolution occurring in the [[Hoenn]] region.

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*[[Mythical Pokémon]]

*[[Special Pokémon]]

*[[Pseudo-legendary Pokémon]]