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.

 

A less likely theory is that it may be derived from the white {{wp|Chamois|chamois}}, a mountain dwelling goat like animal of which local superstition claims to represent the embodiment of death and if should any hunter harm one, would die within the year. It may be also be based on the {{wp|black cat}} superstition. Absol's humanized face and feline appearance may be a homage to the {{wp|sphinx}}. Absol's head is modeled after a {{wp|Yin and yang|Taijitu ("yin-yang")}}.

Absol may derive from 物騒 ''bussō'' (dangerous), or it may be a combination of ''ab-'' ("away from") and ''sol'' (Latin for ''sun''), referring to its {{type|Dark}} nature. It may also be a shortening of ''absolution'' or ''absolve'', referring to the fact that while Absol foretells disasters, it does not cause them, thereby absolving it of guilt. It may also derive from ''Absalom'', a name which is said to bring bad luck, according to Jewish tradition.