Serperior (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

Serperior is based on multiple species of {{wp|snake}}s and limbless lizards, such as ''{{wp|Oxybelis fulgidus}}'', ''{{wp|Ahaetulla nasuta}}'', and ''{{wp|Ahaetulla prasina}}'' (species of {{wp|vine snake}}s), as well as the {{wp|Corallus caninus|emerald tree boa}}, {{wp|Python regius|royal python}}, and possibly {{wp|Burton's legless lizard}}. The shape of its head and the extensions on its collar may be based on the {{wp|Strelitzia|bird of paradise}} or {{wp|Heliconia|false bird of paradise}} flowers, a {{wp|cobra}}'s hood, or a snake's shed skin. Serperior may also originate from {{wp|Quetzalcoatl}}, a green, {{wp|Feathered Serpent (deity)|feathered serpent deity}}. Its body markings resemble the {{wp|acanthus (ornament)|acanthus leaf}} motifs popularized during the {{wp|Renaissance}}.

[[Ken Sugimori]] has said that Snivy, Servine, and Serperior are based on French royalty, specifically mentioning the anime ''{{wp|The Rose of Versailles}}'' as inspiration.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20101228065540/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irbj/sp/index5.html (archived link)</ref> The fact that Serperior amplifies sunlight in its body, as stated in its Pokédex entry, may be an allusion to King {{wp|Louis XIV of France}}, who famously referred to himself as the "Sun King". Its white face also alludes to the {{wp|skin whitening}} fashion, mostly used by the European aristocracy in the 17th century. The dark green design on its chest seems to form a {{wp|fleur-de-lis}}, a French insignia that is used on many European noble families' and nations' coat of arms. Along with its regal look, Serperior's ability to seize opponents with its piercing stare is a reference to the {{wp|basilisk}}, the king of serpents in European legend.