Mythical Pokémon: Difference between revisions

[[File:2016 Mythical Pokémon Distributions artwork.png|thumb|350px|Artwork depicting a variety of Mythical Pokémon]]

'''Mythical Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''{{tt|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''' ''Illusory Pokémon'') are a group of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} seen so rarely in the [[Pokémon world]] that some question their very existence. This category mostly consists of [[event Pokémon]], with the exception of Deoxys. Mythical Pokémon were considered to be [[Legendary Pokémon]] prior to Generation V in non-Japanese media, but are now considered a separate, related group of Pokémon. In [[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]], Mythical Pokémon are referred to as '''rare Pokémon'''.

==Characteristics of Mythical Pokémon==

Mythical Pokémon are regarded as among the rarest in [[Pokémon world]] mythology. Some are seemingly unknown to most people, while others are thought of as stuff of legends. They typically receive minimum exposure during normal gameplay, usually being revealed to players months or years after the debut of their respective [[generation]]. Upon being revealed, they are celebrated across the numerous media, often starring in {{pkmn|movie}}s and being featured prominently in {{pkmn|merchandise}}.

With the exception of {{p|Deoxys}} in {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, Mythical Pokémon cannot be obtained in the [[core series]] games in the course of normal gameplay. They can only be obtained by [[Mystery Gift]] (either directly, or using an [[event item]]). They are distributed to players via [[Mystery Gift]] on special occasions such as screenings of Pokémon movies, events in retail stores, online distributions, [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]] that feature special connectivity and the [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary]].

The [[gender]] of every Mythical Pokémon is unknown. Mythical Pokémon cannot [[Evolution|evolve]], although {{p|Manaphy}} and {{p|Phione}} can be bred with {{p|Ditto}} to produce {{p|Phione}} {{pkmn|Egg}}s.

Much like [[starter Pokémon]] appear at the beginning of each [[regional Pokédex]] and their generation's portion of the [[National Pokédex]], Mythical Pokémon typically appear at the very end, and Legendary Pokémon immediately before them. The Mythical Pokémon {{p|Victini}} is the exception, which appears at the start of the [[Unova Pokédex]] as #000, coming before the region's starter Pokémon in the Pokédex.

No Mythical Pokémon is required to complete the [[Pokédex]] for the [[Diploma]], except in {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, which require the player to obtain {{p|Deoxys}} to complete the [[National Pokédex]] Diploma due to it being available as part of the [[Delta Episode]].

==={{tt|Statistical average|Considering alternate forms and Mega Evolutions as separate Pokémon, counting Arceus once only}}===

{|

|- style="vertical-align: top"

|

''Including Phione:''

''Excluding Phione:''

{{BaseStatNoCat|

HP=81.45 |

Attack=111.14 |

Defense=93.50 |

SpAtk=119.73 |

SpDef=100.23 |

Speed=106.68 |

Total=612.73 }}

|}

Mythical Pokémon typically make their anime debut in a {{pkmn|movie}}, rather than first appearing in a normal episode. Many are held in very high regard in all forms of canon, though their status varies between the games and anime.

In the anime, they are often only seen by special {{pkmn|Trainer}}s, such as [[Ash Ketchum]] and people who have a special connection to them. Ill-intentioned people often seek to possess them, due to their power and rarity. {{si|Tobias}} is the only Trainer seen to own a Mythical Pokémon in the anime, using the Mythical Pokémon {{p|Darkrai}} and the Legendary Pokémon {{p|Latios}} in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].

Of the {{numpkmn}} Pokémon species, 16 are Mythical Pokémon ({{#expr:(16/{{numpkmn}}*100) round2}}%). Including Phione, there are 17 Mythical Pokémon ({{#expr:(17/{{numpkmn}}*100) round2}}%). Each [[generation]] has introduced at least one Mythical Pokémon.

[[File:20th Anniversary Mew.png|thumb|200px|Artwork of {{p|Mew}} from the {{pkmn|20th Anniversary}}]]

{{p|Mew}} is a {{type|Psychic}} Mythical Pokémon. It is believed to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon in its DNA. Initially thought to be extinct, a {{ka|Pokémon Mansion|scientific team}} has reported sightings of it in [[Guyana]]. {{p|Mewtwo}} was created after a series of experiments based on Mew, and is thus considered to be part of a [[Legendary duo]] with it.

Mew established the convention of Mythical Pokémon with its release in {{game|Red and Green|s}}. Its base stat total of 600 and stat distribution of 100 to each stat also created a trend followed by several Mythical Pokémon released later in the series. Pokémon following this trend include {{p|Celebi}}, {{p|Jirachi}}, {{p|Manaphy}}, [[List of Pokémon with form differences#Shaymin|Land Forme]] {{p|Shaymin}},  and {{p|Victini}}.

Designed by [[Shigeki Morimoto]], it was initially unavailable and unknown to players, before being revealed by [[Satoshi Tajiri]] in the spring of 1996 in an issue of [[CoroCoro]]. Initially, a lottery was held to distribute the Pokémon experimentally to a limited number of players, and a [[Mew (Wizards Promo 47)|promotional card]] was included in the January issue of CoroCoro. Supposed [[Easter egg#Truck|methods]] of obtaining Mew, passed on through word-of-mouth, contributed to the success of the Pokémon series. Its success was mirrored in the west with the eventual release of {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, making Mew a prominent character of the first generation, co-starring in the first animated movie, ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''.

[[File:M13 Celebi distribution artwork.png|thumb|left|200px|Obtaining {{p|Celebi}} on a [[Nintendo DS Lite]] via [[Mystery Gift]]]]

{{p|Celebi}} is a {{2t|Psychic|Grass}}-type Mythical Pokémon. It is referred to as the guardian of forests, protecting and nourishing them as it travels through time.

Introduced in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}, Celebi was the second Mythical Pokémon to be released. Created by [[Ken Sugimori]], it was dubbed the "New Mew" soon after being revealed because of its similar size and stats with Mew, as well as the status of being the last in the [[National Pokédex]] as of its generation and being unobtainable through normal gameplay. It first became available in Nintendo Space World 2000 in Japan, with numerous other events coming in the following years worldwide.

Celebi was the first Mythical Pokémon to obtain an in-game event in {{game|Crystal}}, through the [[GS Ball]] [[Key Item]], which was distributed over [[Pokémon Mobile System GB]].

It starred in the fourth Pokémon movie, ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]'', and appeared again with a central role in ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''.

[[File:Jirachi Encounter.png|thumb|240px|Encountering {{p|Jirachi}}]]

{{p|Jirachi}} is a {{2t|Steel|Psychic}}-type Mythical Pokémon. It is said to able to grant any wishes written on the tags on its head once awake. It only wakes up for seven days once every thousand years. If in danger, it will fight without waking up.

Jirachi was introduced in {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} and it, like Mew and Celebi, is a {{type|Psychic}} Mythical Pokémon with 100 for each [[base stat]]. It was revealed in 2003 in the context of the sixth movie, ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]'', in which it starred. It first became available in Japan to players who pre-ordered tickets to the movie, with other limited distribution events following throughout the year. Its distribution in the west was altered, as it was included in the [[Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc]] in the United States and in [[Pokémon Channel]] in Europe and Australia. Unlike its predecessors, Jirachi does not have an extensive story or event in the core games, with its lore limited to a few indirect [[Mossdeep City|references]].

[[File:Ranger 3 Deoxys mission art.png|thumb|240px|left|{{p|Deoxys}} surrounded by {{OBP|Pokémon Ranger|Ranger series}}s]]

{{p|Deoxys}} is a {{type|Psychic}} Mythical Pokémon. It mutated from a space virus when exposed to a laser beam. It is able to change its form, altering its appearance and traits. The crystal on its chests acts as its brain, as well as a defense mechanism.

In spite of being included in the preceding games, {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, Deoxys was first made available in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}. Officially revealed in late 2003 as a leading character in ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', players were first able to capture Deoxys by use of the {{DL|Event item|Aurora Ticket}}, which provided access to Birth Island, where it appears in-game.

While Deoxys originally had little impact on the story of [[Generation III]], {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} introduced the [[Delta Episode]], a mission following the {{player}}'s first completion of the [[Hoenn League]] in which the player must stop a meteor from hitting the planet by destroying it with a befriended {{p|Rayquaza}}, revealing a Deoxys within. This marked the first, and so far, the only time when a Mythical Pokémon was available in-game without the need to attend an event or use a download code.

Contrary to its classification in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, [http://www.pokemoncenter.com/info/Pokemon_Characters PokémonCenter.com] notably calls Deoxys a Legendary Pokémon rather than a Mythical Pokémon, creating some confusion over its official designation.

Four Mythical Pokémon were introduced in [[Generation IV]] (five including {{p|Phione}}).

[[File:Manaphyphione.png|thumb|200px|right|Artwork of {{p|Manaphy}} and {{p|Phione}} from {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}]]

{{p|Manaphy}} is a {{type|Water}} Mythical Pokémon, and {{p|Phione}} is a {{type|Water}} Pokémon. Manaphy are born on cold seafloors, also swimming great distances to return to their birthplace, and are born with a wondrous power to bond with any kind of Pokémon. Phione live in warm seas, using the inflation sac on their heads to search for food and to drift in packs, always returning to the place of their birth. Together, these two Pokémon species make up a Mythical duo of a parent and child.

Manaphy and Phione have the unique ability among Mythical Pokémon to [[Pokémon breeding|breed]] with {{p|Ditto}} in captivity to produce Phione. Phione,  cannot, however, [[evolution|evolve]] into Manaphy. The only legitimate way to obtain a Phione in-game is to breed a Manaphy or another Phione. Phione is the weaker of the two Pokémon, having 80 distributed into each stat instead of 100.

Phione's status as a Mythical Pokémon is disputed, with even official sources contradicting one another. Further information can be found [[Phione (Pokémon)#Mythical status|here]].

Manaphy was first made available to those who pre-ordered tickets for ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'' in Japan. Anyone who pre-ordered tickets received a voucher which could be redeemed from June 17 to August 31, 2006 to access {{ga|Pokémon Ranger}}'s [[Ranger Net]] mission, "Recover the Precious Egg!". Once completed, a Manaphy Egg could be transferred to {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} and hatched. This mission was later made available to other areas of the world, and Manaphy has since been released through distribution as most other Mythical Pokémon.

[[File:Darkrai Newmoon Island.png|thumb|240px|left|{{p|Darkrai}} on [[Newmoon Island]]]]

{{p|Darkrai}} is a {{type|Dark}} Mythical Pokémon. It chases people and Pokémon away from its territory by causing them to experience deep, nightmarish slumbers. However, it is merely protecting itself, and means no harm. It is particularly active on moonless nights.

Darkrai is heavily connected with the status condition of {{status|Sleep}}, as reflected by its [[signature Ability]], {{a|Bad Dreams}}, and its [[signature move]] {{m|Dark Void}}. It is also capable of learning the move {{m|Nightmare}} to inflict additional damage to sleeping opponents.

Darkrai has appeared with an antagonistic role in [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness]] and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky]], specifically as an enemy of the Legendary Pokémon {{p|Cresselia}}. In {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, and {{game|Platinum}}, the player must also cure {{tc|Sailor}} [[Eldritch]]'s son of a nightmare using a [[Lunar Wing]] from Cresselia. The two Pokémon's relationship is further cemented in the anime episode ''[[DP104|Sleepless in Pre-Battle!]]'', in which Cresselia is revealed to actively drive Darkrai away from [[Canalave City]]. Collectively, the two Pokémon are known by a fan designator, the {{DL|Legendary duo|lunar duo}}.

Darkrai was officially revealed February 2007, and was first made available to those who owned Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and watched ''[[M10|Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai]]'' in Japan from release to September 9, 2007. Other distributions were made available afterwards. Notably, in {{game|Platinum}}, an event gave the [[Member Card]] to players over [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]], activating an in-game event which allowed for capture of Darkrai on [[Newmoon Island]].

[[File:Shaymin Gracideas.png|thumb|240px|{{p|Shaymin}} in a field of [[Gracidea]] flowers]]

{{p|Shaymin}} is a {{type|Grass}} Mythical Pokémon. Shaymin live in flower patches and avoid detection by curling up to look like a flowering plant. Shaymin are able to dissolve toxins in the air to transform ruined land into a lush field of flowers. When sensing gratitude, the flowers all over its body burst into bloom.

When exposed to the blooming [[Gracidea|Gracidea flower]] during the daytime, Shaymin becomes Sky Forme Shaymin. Sky Forme has altered stats from its original Land Forme and takes on the {{t|Flying}} type as a secondary type. Shaymin will revert into its Land Forme at night, while {{status|frozen}}, or when deposited into the [[Pokémon Storage System]].

Shaymin was officially revealed in February 2008 as a star of ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'', and in early June 2008, its Sky Forme was revealed. Shaymin was first made available to owners of Pokémon {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} during the theatrical showing of the movie in Japan from July 19 to September 30, 2008. Other distributions were later made available, but a notable distribution occurred for North American and PAL players from September 28 to November 8, 2009 through distribution of the [[List of Key Items in Generation IV|Key Item]] [[Oak's Letter]]. This item allowed players to access [[Seabreak Path]] and capture a Shaymin in [[Flower Paradise]].

{{p|Arceus}} is a {{type|Normal}} Mythical Pokémon. According to mythology, Arceus emerged from an Egg before the universe even existed, then shaped the world with its 1,000 arms.

Arceus is said to have created the regions of [[Sinnoh]] and [[Ransei]], and may have created the entire [[Pokémon universe]]. According to legend, Arceus also created two [[Legendary trio]]s. First, it created the [[creation trio]]: Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, to balance time, space, and antimatter. Then, it created the [[lake guardians]]: {{p|Uxie}}, {{p|Mesprit}}, and {{p|Azelf}}, and created spirit, and has since been residing in the [[Hall of Origin]], which will connect to [[Spear Pillar]] when the Azure Flute is played there. As their creator, it is both trios' [[trio master]]. It is unique in this regard, as it is the only Mythical Pokémon to be the master of a Legendary trio, and the only Pokémon to be the master of two.

Arceus is often referenced in [[Sinnoh myths|Sinnoh's mythology]] as the "Original One". Both [[Canalave City]]'s [[Canalave Library|library]] and the [[Plate]]s scattered across Sinnoh describe Arceus' creation of the universe. It receives more exposure in-game than Mythical Pokémon traditionally find.

Arceus' [[signature Ability]], {{a|Multitype}}, allows it to [[List of Pokémon with form differences#Arceus|change its form]] and [[type]] depending on which plate it [[held item|holds]]. This will also change the type of its [[signature move]], {{m|Judgment}}.

[[File:Victini-Liberty Garden Island.png|thumb|200px|{{p|Victini}} on [[Liberty Garden]]]]

{{p|Victini}} is a {{2t|Psychic|Fire}}-type Mythical Pokémon. It is said that this Pokémon brings victory, and that trainers with Victini always win, regardless of the type of encounter. It creates an unlimited supply of energy inside its body, which it shares with those who touch it. When it shares the energy it creates, that being's entire body will be overflowing with power.

Victini is notable for appearing before the starter Pokémon of its [[Generation V|debut generation]], giving it the [[List of Pokémon by Unova Pokédex number|Unova Pokédex number]] #000, a first in the Pokémon series.

Victini was revealed in a preview for [[M14|the fourteenth Pokémon movie]] which was shown at the end of ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''. It was made available in-game by use of the [[Liberty Pass]], an [[event item]] which was distributed across varying time periods worldwide. The Liberty Pass allowed players to travel to [[Liberty Garden]]. Once there, the player would be challenged by members of [[Team Plasma]], and could find Victini in the basement of the lighthouse.

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[[File:Keldeo event art.png|thumb|200px|left|Artwork of {{p|Keldeo}}'s Ordinary Form]]

{{p|Keldeo}} is a {{2t|Water|Fighting}}-type Mythical Pokémon and the fourth member of the [[Swords of Justice]]. Its initial appearance in {{game|Black and White|s}} as well as the default in [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2 and White 2]] is its Ordinary Form. In Black 2 and White 2, Keldeo has a [[List of Pokémon with form differences#Keldeo|second form]], its Resolute Form. After triggering an event in the [[Pledge Grove]], the other Swords of Justice—{{p|Cobalion}}, {{p|Virizion}}, and {{p|Terrakion}}—will teach Keldeo {{m|Secret Sword}}. It will remain in its Resolute Form as long as it knows Secret Sword.

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[[File:Meloetta formes.png|thumb|200px|{{p|Meloetta}}'s two Formes]]

{{p|Meloetta}} is Mythical Pokémon with two different Formes, Aria Forme and Pirouette Forme. Aria Forme is {{2t|Normal|Psychic}}-type while Pirouette Forme is {{2t|Normal|Fighting}}-type. Legend says that it once played a song and danced so lightly, it filled people's hearts with joy. However, when sorrow darkened the world, it lost the melody. At the same time, its red shoes were lost somewhere. Using {{m|Relic Song}} changes its form.

Upon entering the cafe in [[Castelia City]] in the [[core series]] {{pkmn|games}}, a guitarist, who knows of the story, remembers Meloetta's melody. Upon playing it, Meloetta remembers the song that it had danced to.

Meloetta made its anime debut in [[PK23]]. It made its TV debut in ''[[BW082|An Epic Defense Force!]]'' (in Aria Forme) and ''[[BW087|Expedition to Onix Island!]]'' (in Pirouette Forme).

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[[File:Genesect promotional art.png|thumb|left|200px|{{p|Genesect}} using {{m|Techno Blast}}]]

{{p|Genesect}} is a {{2t|Bug|Steel}}-type Mythical Pokémon. Originally an ancient insect Pokémon who was feared as the strongest of hunters more than 300 million years ago, Team Plasma revived it from a [[Fossil]] and altered it with cybernetic upgrades in an attempt to create the strongest Pokémon in existence. It uses special [[Drive]]s to make variations to its signature move, {{m|Techno Blast}}.

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[[File:Diancie movie artwork.png|thumb|240px|{{p|Diancie}} running from thieves]]

{{p|Diancie}} is a {{2t|Rock|Fairy}}-type Mythical Pokémon. It can create diamonds to protect itself.

Diancie appeared in ''[[M17|Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction]]'', where it is the princess of the [[Diamond Domain]]. It is given the objective to create a new Heart Diamond for the domain, as the current one is faltering, and seeks Xerneas and its Fairy Aura to gain the power to do so. It is sought after by multiple thieves who desire its diamonds, and ultimately gains the power to make a Heart Diamond in an attempt to protect its friends from Yveltal. It appears with three [[Carbink servants]] and an elder Carbink named Dace.

It has the ability to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into Mega Diancie.

[[File:M18 Hoopa distribution artwork.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Obtaining {{p|Hoopa}} on a [[New Nintendo 3DS]] via [[Mystery Gift]]]]

{{p|Hoopa}} is a Mythical Pokémon that has two Formes. Hoopa Confined, the Mischief Pokémon, is a {{2t|Psychic|Ghost}}-type Pokémon, while Hoopa Unbound, the Djinn Pokémon, is a {{2t|Psychic|Dark}}-type Pokémon. It is said to be able to be able to warp space in order to take things it likes and carry them away into alternate dimensions. It is also said to have carried away an entire castle in an attempt to steal all of its treasure according to some legends.

[[File:Volcanion movie artwork.png|thumb|200px|{{p|Volcanion}}]]

{{p|Volcanion}} is a {{2t|Fire|Water}}-type Mythical Pokémon. It uses steam from arms on its back to disappear in fog and blow away mountains. It lives in mountains uninhabited by humans.

 

It made its anime debut in the third {{series|XY}} {{pkmn|movie}}, ''[[M19|Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel]]'', in which it went on a mission to rescue {{p|Magearna}} from a power-hungry man named [[Jarvis]]. It initially did not trust humans, but it changed its mind after seeing how Ash was determined to protect Magearna.

So far, one Mythical Pokémon has been announced for [[Generation VII]].

[[File:Magearna.png|thumb|left|200px|{{p|Magearna}}]]

{{p|Magearna}} is a {{2t|Steel|Fairy}}-type Mythical Pokémon. It was made by humans 500 years ago. Its body is entirely metallic and contains tricky machinery and a secret hidden inside.

It was first revealed in the March 2016 issue of CoroCoro. It will be available via distribution for [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]].

It acted as one of the main stars of ''[[M19|Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel]]''. In the film, it is said to have been created by a brilliant scientist named [[Éliphas]] five centuries ago. In the present day, it was kidnapped by [[Jarvis]], a corrupt minister of the [[Azoth Kingdom]] who sought to use Magearna's powers for his own selfish purposes.

* If {{p|Phione}} is not considered a Mythical Pokémon, {{p|Manaphy}} is the only Mythical Pokémon that can breed; as such, it is also the only Mythical Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Undiscovered}}.

* If Phione is not considered a Mythical Pokémon, {{p|Meloetta}} is the only Mythical Pokémon <!--that has appeared in the anime--> that has not appeared in a movie.

* Despite the first Mythical Pokémon, Mew, being added to the original games right before release, the concept of "illusory monsters" (Mythical Monsters) already existed in [[Satoshi Tajiri]]'s pitch for [[Capsule Monsters]]. They were said to be hard to encounter, hard to catch, or be impossible to catch if the player missed their chance. For example, there would be a "Green Dragon" that could only be found rarely in a specific area of a dungeon, and it would have taken around 2 hours to find and catch.<ref name="ref1">[http://www.glitterberri.com/pokemon-red-blue/early-concept-art/2/ GlitterBerri's Game Translations » Early Concept Art]</ref>

* There are no Mythical Pokémon with [[Ability#Hidden Abilities|Hidden Abilities]].

* In {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}} are referred to as "mythical Pokémon" (Japanese: 神話のポケモン ''mythical Pokémon''). However, this predates the use of the term Mythical Pokémon in English and has a different Japanese name.

|zh_cmn=幻之寶可夢 / 幻之宝可梦 ''Huàn-zhī Pokémon''{{tt|*|Generation VII onwards}}<br>夢幻神奇寶貝 ''Mènghuàn Shénqíbǎobèi''{{tt|*|M17 and M18}}<br>夢幻的神奇寶貝 ''Mènghuàn-de Shénqíbǎobèi''{{tt|*|M14, M15, M16}}<br>幻之神奇寶貝 ''Huàn-zhī Shénqíbǎobèi''{{tt|*|M12, M13}}<br>夢幻之神奇寶貝 ''Mènghuàn-zhī Shénqíbǎobèi''{{tt|*|M02}}

|zh_yue=幻之寶可夢 ''Waahn-jī Pokémon''{{tt|*|Generation VII onwards}}<br>夢幻小精靈 ''Muhngwaahn Síujīnglìhng''{{tt|*|Prior to Generation VII}}

|pt=Pokémon Mítico

|es=Pokémon singular

|vi=Pokémon Trong Truyền Thuyết

|fr=Pokémon rare  

* [[Myths and legends involving Legendary Pokémon]]

{{Legendary Pokémon}}