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While it is not known to evolve into or from any Pokémon, it has a second Forme activated by using the moveRelic Song in battle. Its original Forme, Aria Forme, will then become the Normal/Fighting-type Pirouette Forme.
Meloetta was leaked on a poster of M15 on February 26, 2012, and it was officially revealed by Oha Suta on March 1, 2012.
Meloetta seems to be a femininely anthropomorphic figure with musical bar-style streaks in its hair, quarter notes (crotchets) (♩) for its arms and hands, and pupil-less eyes resembling whole notes (semibreves). It has a jewel on its forehead and a black headpiece that seems to be shaped like a treble clef which doubles as an attached microphone such as one often used by singers. Its ovular head seems to be ⅓ its body's height and about half its height in width. In its Aria Forme, it has light blue eyes and flowing, wavy hair with light-blue ovals that resemble whole notes. In its Pirouette Forme, it has auburn hair that seems to be stylized in a high bun and red eyes. In either Forme, its midriff and eyes match its hair. It is a genderless species.
According to artists in Unova, Meloetta's beautiful music and dance inspired many works of art, music, and songs. This made the Pokémon popular among both musicians and dancers.
Meloetta is able to change forms when it uses the move Relic Song, which changes its form from Aria Forme to its Pirouette Forme, or vice versa. In its Aria Forme, Meloetta can sing beautiful songs. While in its Pirouette Forme, Meloetta can perform graceful dances. In its Aria Forme, it is a dual-type Normal/Psychic-type Pokémon; in its Pirouette Forme, it is a dual-type Normal/Fighting-type Pokémon. It reverts to Aria Forme when switched out or when the battle ends. Like many other Legendary Pokémon, Meloetta is capable of becoming invisible.
History
Meloetta once played a song and danced so lightly, it filled people's hearts with joy. However, when sorrow darkened the world, Meloetta lost the melody. At the same time, its red shoes were lost somewhere.
Upon entering the cafe in Castelia City, 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 debut in With a Little Help from My Friends, where it was attracted to the flute music made by Bianca. After sneaking aboard the Battle Subway train, Meloetta found its way to Café Sonata, only to be attacked by a group of wild Vullaby. After finding out what happened, White protected Meloetta while Bianca decided to take a guitar and play with Meloetta in place of the Guitarist that was injured in the chaos.
With her skills in music, Bianca helped Meloetta remember the Relic Song that it had long since forgotten. Meloetta uses the attack to transform into its Pirouette Forme and defeat the wild Vullaby group. Afterward, it said its goodbyes to White and Bianca and left.
Meloetta in its Aria Forme appears as a Poké Ball summon in the 3DS version of the game. It will create projectiles that bounce around the stage and reflect off of terrain. It will appear only after playing for at least 8 hours.
Trophy information
A Normal/Psychic-type Pokémon, Meloetta can change its Forme by using Relic Song. In Smash Bros., Meloetta appears in its Aria Forme, using an attack called Echoed Voice to send waves of sound bouncing around the stage. The more walls and platforms, the harder this is to avoid.
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation V.
Meloetta is the first event-exclusive Pokémon to make its anime debut outside the movies.
Origin
Meloetta's Aria Forme resembles a typical singer with the black headpiece acting like a headset microphone, while the Pirouette Forme resembles a ballerina wearing a tutu and its "hair" curled up in a bun. In this Forme it also shares elements from Spanish Flamenco dancers. Meloetta's headpiece resembles a stylized treble clef. It may be also based on a muse, a mythological entity to whom was attributed, in Ancient Greece, the ability to inspire artistic creation.
Name origin
Meloetta may be a combination of melody and pirouette (a type of movement in ballet). Etta is also a common, feminine Italian suffix meaning little and may refer to Meloetta's feminine appearance and diminutive size. It may literally mean little melody, as Italian words are commonly used for musical directions and descriptions. Etta could also have derived from the famous jazz singer Etta James.
Aria is a term now used almost exclusively to describe a self-contained piece for one voice usually with orchestral accompaniment, and is commonly used in opera.
Pirouette—French for to whirl—is a controlled turn on one leg, starting with one or both legs in plié and rising onto demi-pointe (usually for men) or pointe (usually for women). The non-supporting leg can be held in retiré position, or in attitude, arabesque level or second position.
In other languages
Language
Title
Meaning
Japanese
メロエッタ Meloetta
From melody and pirouette, with the feminine suffix -etta
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.