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While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, Zamazenta has a second form activated by giving it a Rusted Shield to hold. Its original form, Hero of Many Battles, will then become the dual-type Fighting/SteelCrowned Shield.
In its Hero of Many Battles form, Zamazenta is a large magenta lupine Pokémon with yellow eyes, a bulky frame, and a ponytail on its head. Its tail and ponytail are a deep blue; it also has deep blue accents on its neck and forelimbs. Its body is covered in battle scars and part of its right ear is missing. Its head and neck have thick fur resembling a shield.
It is believed to be the younger sibling or the rival of Zacian. In the past, Zamazenta was feared and respected by the people of Galar. It worked together with the two ancient kings of the region to save it from Eternatus's Darkest Day. It can turn itself into a statue and slumber for eons. Zamazenta can also cast illusions, including a projection of itself, even as a statue. Additionally, it is capable of flying. Even though it is not capable of Dynamaxing, Zamazenta may still go berserk when bombarded by Dyanamax energy.
Zamazenta has two forms: Hero of Many Battles and Crowned Shield.
Zamazenta can change to its Crowned Shield form in battle by wielding the Rusted Shield and absorbing metal particles in the air. The Crowned Shield form causes Zamazenta to generate a set of golden armor covering the front of its body like a shield; although the side portions normally cover its forelimbs, they can slide forward to allow Zamazenta to use Behemoth Bash or protect itself from frontal attacks more effectively. Its ponytail also grows to cover most of its backside.
Crowned Shield is said to be Zamazenta's true form, and it is at its full power in this form. It has the ability to deflect any attacks with the shield that serves as its mane. When together with Zacian in their Crowned forms, it cancels out the power of Eternatus, even in its Eternamax state.
Zamazenta's regal and majestic movements enable it to overwhelm opponents who face off against it. Zamazenta uses its golden shield to fend off attacks and as a weapon. The shield has tremendous strength, capable of withstanding scratches from the sharp claws of Dragon-type Pokémon and attacks from Dynamax Pokémon. Its resolve does not falter, and it charges at its enemies head on. By bashing with its full might, it is said that Zamazenta's power can cause cracks in the land, and that the resulting shockwaves can knock out hundreds of enemies. According to legends, in this form, it was known as the "Fighting Master's Shield" due to its Typing and shield.
Crowned Shield Zamazenta is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Behemoth Bash. By using Behemoth Bash, it is said to be able to bore holes through mountains.[1]
Hero of Many Battles
Crowned Shield
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VIII.
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Zamazenta
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zamazenta
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zamazenta
Form change
If Zamazenta knows Iron Head when it enters battle in its Crowned Shield form, Iron Head will become its signature move, Behemoth Bash, until the battle ends, where it becomes Iron Head again.
Zamazenta has two forms, Hero of Many Battles and Crowned Shield, which change its appearance, stats, type, and cry. Zamazenta will always be in its Hero of Many Battles form outside of battle. In battle, Zamazenta will be in its Crowned Shield form if it holds a Rusted Shield. In this form, Zamazenta gains Steel as a secondary type and has increased Defense and Special Defense, at the expense of slightly decreased Speed. Additionally, if Zamazenta knows Iron Head, the move will be replaced with Behemoth Bash.
Crowned Shield Zamazenta is the heaviest Fighting-type Pokémon.
Origin
Zamazenta may be based on King Arthur's shield, known as Wynebgwrthucher or Pridwen. It may also be based on the Knights of the Round Table, characters under Arthur's order said to work with him to protect the British kingdom. Its relationship with Zacian may reference the relationship between King Arthur and his sister Morgan le Fay. It otherwise resembles a wolf, an animal once native to Great Britain and an important heraldic symbol for noble families during the Middle Ages. It also resembles the Iron Wolf of ancient Lithuanian mythology. The armored plating on Zamazenta is similar to that of a barding, a form of body armor worn by warhorses during the Late Middle Ages.
The story of Zacian and Zamazenta retreating to the Slumbering Weald to recover from their wounds, and their return in the present day to save Galar, parallels the legend of King Arthur's messianic return.
Zamazenta's shield's ability to resist any attack, with Zacian's sword being able to cut through anything, could be an example of an irresistible force paradox. One of the most famous examples of this in folklore includes the Chinese tale of a peddler selling a spear and a shield with similar properties, only to be asked what would happen if the two items were to be used against one another. Another example tells of the Greek hunting hound Laelaps, which always caught its prey, being set upon Teumessian fox, which could never be caught, and had to be turned into constellations to prevent the paradox.
Additionally, the shape of its shining shield while using Behemoth Bash may reference Sköll, a wolf that chases after the Sun in Norse mythology.
Rusted Shield (100%)
For other sprites and images, please see Zamazenta images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
