Alder
アデク Adeku
Black White Alder.png
Artwork from Black and White
Gender Male
Eye color Purple
Hair color Red and orange
Hometown Floccesy Town
Region Unova
Relatives Benga (grandson)
Trainer class ChampionBW
Pokémon TrainerB2W2
Generation V
Games Black and White, Black 2 and White 2, Masters EX
Champion of Pokémon League (Unova)
Game animation debut The Plan
English voice actor Unknown (Masters EX)
Andrew Eales (Evolutions)
Japanese voice actor Masaki Terasoma[1] (Masters EX)
Yasuhiro Mamiya (Evolutions)
Anime debut Ash and Trip's Third Battle!
English voice actor Scottie Ray
Japanese voice actor Unshō Ishizuka

Alder (Japanese: アデク Adeku) is the Champion of the Unova region's Pokémon League in Pokémon Black and White.

In the core series games

In Pokémon Black and White, Alder appears as the wandering Champion of Unova. The player first meets him on Route 5, where he is seen with Cheren. The two are discussing Cheren's ambitions and goals as a Trainer—at this point, Cheren is aiming to be the Champion of Unova. Alder appears at several points in the game to help the player put a stop to the plans of Team Plasma, making appearances at Relic Castle and N's Castle.

Uniquely for a Champion, Alder cannot be battled the first time the player challenges the Pokémon League. By the time the player is ready to challenge him, Alder has already been defeated by N. The player must then battle N, putting each other's beliefs on the line to determine the future of Unova.

In the past, Alder's first partner Pokémon died of illness, and in despair over not being able to save it, he began traveling around aimlessly. Before his partner's death, the two of them madly pursued strength, much like Cheren did. The Pokémon's death changed Alder's outlook on life. The identity of this Pokémon is never mentioned in Black and White, but dialogue in Black 2 and White 2 reveals that Alder's late partner was a Larvesta that evolved into Volcarona.[2]

Ghetsis suggests that Alder may not have actually won the title of Champion, instead being requested by the Pokémon League to take the position. It is said that Alder instructed the Elite Four to look after Unova as he traveled around the region.

In Pokémon Black and White 2, former Opelucid City Gym Leader Iris has become the region's Champion. Alder will again assist the player at various points of the game, and he is based in his hometown of Floccesy Town this time. A woman in the Trainers' School notes that Alder had refused to work at the school because it is the era of young people. After defeating Iris, the player can return to Floccesy Town and accept Alder's request for a battle. If victorious, the player will be able to battle in the Black TowerB2/White TreehollowW2. Alder's grandson Benga is known to train there.

As a former Champion, Alder participates in the Champions Tournament at the Pokémon World Tournament.

Pokémon

Pokémon Black and White



Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Floccesy Town



Pokémon World Tournament

Alder uses three of these Pokémon in Single Battles, four in Double and Rotation Battles, and all six in Triple Battles. He will always lead with his signature Pokémon, Volcarona.



Deceased

 
Larvesta → Volcarona


In the spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

Main article: Alder (Masters)

Alder, as a retired Champion, forms a sync pair with Volcarona in Pokémon Masters EX. Alder became a playable sync pair on November 6, 2020.

Sync Dex Trainer NDex Pokémon Type Weakness Role Base Potential Availability
#108   Alder #0637   Volcarona
Bug
 
Rock
 
  ★★★★★☆EX Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout

Gallery

Artwork

Sprites

       
Sprite from
Black and White
Sprite from
Black 2 and White 2
Overworld sprite from
Generation V
VS sprite from
Generation V

Quotes

Main article: Alder/Quotes

In the anime

Main series

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

 
Alder in the anime

Alder debuted in Ash and Trip's Third Battle!, during a flashback of Trip's childhood. He was battling a Trainer in the middle of a town with his Bouffalant as Trip watched in awe. After the battle ended, the Champion approached the child and allowed him to pet and feed Bouffalant. He asked Trip what his goal was, and Trip replied that it was to be Champion. Impressed, Alder inspired Trip to train hard when he got older, and promised that he would be waiting to challenge Trip someday. Trip sealed the promise with a confident handshake.

Alder physically debuted in Ash Versus the Champion!. Ash and Trip met him on Route 5, and upon meeting them, he referred to them as Ashton (Japanese: サンタロ Santaro) and Tristan (Japanese: シュータロ Shootaro), respectively. He wished to battle both of them in a two-on-one battle, but Trip refused to battle alongside Ash, so Alder settled for battling them one at a time. Trip allowed Ash to go first, thinking that being quickly defeated by the Champion would do him good.

During the battle, Alder just stood calmly and allowed his Bouffalant to take multiple attacks from Ash's Pikachu. Ash and his friends then realized Alder was actually sleeping while standing up. Trip woke Alder, while Bouffalant expressed its embarrassment and disappointment in its Trainer. After explaining why he was asleep, Alder commanded Bouffalant to use Head Charge, but Bouffalant was still angry with him and slow to respond. In order to persuade Bouffalant to quit wasting time and attack, Alder slapped its rump, sending it charging. Bouffalant stampeded towards Pikachu, but it stopped quickly, made a U-turn, and attacked Alder instead.

Afterwards, much to Trip's disappointment, and despite his Bouffalant still being fit to battle, Alder conceded defeat to Ash and decided he was finished battling for the day. Trip then questioned Alder about the advice he was given as a child. Alder seemed to be confused by this and then contradicted the original advice he gave to Trip by saying becoming the strongest was not the most important part of battling. Trip immediately left in anger, telling Ash he would continue on the path he believed in.

 
Alder flirting with Cynthia

Later, Alder stopped a Gigalith that was on a rampage with his bare hands. Afterwards, he removed a nail from its foot that had been causing it pain and fed it some minerals, making it so thankful that it even saved Officer Jenny from being crushed under a falling monument.

He appeared in a flashback in Climbing the Tower of Success!.

 
Alder awarding Trip the Junior Cup

In Jostling for the Junior Cup!, Alder was one of the hosts of the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup alongside Freddy O'Martian. The winner of the tournament would be given the opportunity to have a battle with him. In Ash, Iris, and Trip: Then There Were Three!, Trip won the tournament by defeating Ash, and as such, he got the right the battle Alder. In their battle, although Trip's Serperior was shown to be strong, it was no match to Bouffalant. Then, after talking to Trip and petting his Serperior, he was shown along with Cynthia, Caitlin, and Freddy O'Martian, talking to the competitors and saying their goodbyes.

He made a cameo appearance in the ending credits of Genesect and the Legend Awakened.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

In Thrash of the Titans!, Iris was confirmed to be the current Champion of the Unova League, indicating that Alder no longer holds the title.

In The Fiery Road to Mastership!, Alder was shown watching Iris's Masters Eight Tournament match against Cynthia. During said match, Iris mentioned her Haxorus having finished the battle that made her Champion, likely indicating she defeated Alder to earn her title.

Character

Characterized as strong and wise, Alder is respected as the Unova League Champion. He pays particular attention to children, hoping to inspire them to become Trainers. Alder is also reckless, often leaping into action to save the day like in Ash Versus the Champion!, where he approached a rampaging Gigalith.

In his spare time, Alder is typically carefree and relaxed. This extends to the point where he has a habit of sleeping and forgetting things. Much like Brock, he often flirts with women such as Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and Cynthia.

Pokémon

This listing is of Alder's known Pokémon in the anime:

 
Bouffalant
Bouffalant debuted in a flashback of Trip's childhood in Ash and Trip's Third Battle!, where it easily defeated a Herdier by using Head Charge. After the battle, Alder gave some Pokémon food to Trip in order to feed it.

In Ash Versus the Champion!, Alder sent Bouffalant out to battle Ash's Pikachu. However, it was given no commands, and Pikachu hit it with all of his attacks. Frustrated, it then turned to Alder, who had fallen asleep. Due to this, when Alder told Bouffalant to attack, it attacked him instead of Pikachu. Alder then offered it an apple as an apology. Later, Alder sent Bouffalant out to face the rampaging Gigalith, but he then decided to handle the situation himself.

It reappeared in a fantasy in Climbing the Tower of Success!.

In Ash, Iris, and Trip: Then There Were Three!, Bouffalant was used in a battle against Trip's Serperior, and continuing that battle in Goodbye, Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!, it was revealed to have the Ability Sap Sipper, rendering Serperior's Solar Beam useless. Although Bouffalant was sent flying by Serperior's Dragon Tail, it recovered quickly and defeated its opponent with Head Charge.

Bouffalant's only known move is Head Charge, and its Ability is Sap Sipper.

Debut Ash and Trip's Third Battle!
Voice actors
Japanese Kenta Miyake
English Bill Rogers

Pokémon League

Alder has competed in the following Pokémon League Conferences:

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 石塚運昇 Unshō Ishizuka
English Scottie Ray
Czech Ladislav Cigánek
Danish Michael Hasselflug
Finnish Markus Bäckman
German Gerhard Jilka
Norwegian Simen Sand
Polish Piotr Bąk
Leszek Zduń (BW069)
Brazilian Portuguese Guilherme Lopes (BW031)
Zeca Rodrigues
Spanish Latin America Andrés García
Spain Miguel Zúñiga
Vietnamese Trí Luân


Pokémon Evolutions

Alder appeared in a flashback in The Plan, where he and his Volcarona battled N and his Zekrom. While trying to talk N out of his brainwashing by Ghetsis, he briefly got the upper hand in battle, but eventually lost, begging N not to separate people and Pokémon.

Pokémon

 
Volcarona
Volcarona is Alder's only known Pokémon. It was used to battle N and lost to his Zekrom after a hard battle.

Volcarona's only known move is Fiery Dance.

Debut The Plan

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese 間宮康弘 Yasuhiro Mamiya
English Andrew Eales
Brazilian Portuguese Bruno Rocha
Spanish Latin America Andrés García
Spain Damián Alonso


GOTCHA!

Alder briefly appeared in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

 
Alder in Pokémon Adventures
Black & White arc

Alder debuted in A Nickname for Tepig, where he was featured in Black's imagination when he voiced his desired to conquer the Pokémon League.

He physically debuted in Gigi's Choice, where he met Marshal at Nimbasa City. They went to meet the Mayor of Nimbasa City and battled to test the newly-created Battle Subway while waiting for him to arrive. Annoyed the mayor hadn't come even after their battle was finished, Alder went to take a break and play with the wild Pokémon outside. After returning a day later, Alder found out the mayor arrived while he was away, much to his annoyance. When Black and White mocked him for slacking off, Alder claimed he was actually on a spiritual journey.

In The Lesson Ends Here, Alder and Marshal walked together on Route 6, the latter requesting that Alder reconsider stepping down from the position of Pokémon League Champion. They were interrupted by the King of Team Plasma, N, who insulted the League and challenged Alder to a Double Battle. Despite Alder's strength, he was eventually defeated by N, who didn't need to use the power of the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom.

After his defeat, Alder vanished and left the Elite Four to handle the Pokémon League. Team Plasma used N's victory to justify their goal, increasing the amount of released Pokémon and lowering the number of Pokémon League spectators.

Black 2 & White 2 arc

At some point, Iris succeeded Alder as Unova Champion.

In Deduction Time, Alder, Iris and Gorm worked together to break out of the White Treehollow, which had been frozen solid by Team Plasma's flying ship, the Plasma Frigate. The three then set off to join Marlon and launch a counterattack against Team Plasma.

In The Final Battle: Crushed Ambition, Whitley and N encountered Alder on the Plasma Frigate. Alder revealed that he and Looker had been battling Ghetsis, but the latter managed to escape and hide himself. N managed to find Ghetsis, but an explosion tore the Plasma Frigate apart, sending everyone flying. Alder and the others escaped to safety on Black's Reshiram, but the Plasma Frigate ended up crashing into the abandoned N's Castle, setting the building on fire and putting the liberated Pokémon Team Plasma left behind in danger. With a combination of Fire, Grass, and Water Pledge, Black and the others successfully doused the flames.

In Epilogue: Graduation Ceremony, Alder attended the Aspertia City Trainers' School graduation ceremony, where he watched Benga and his classmates graduate.

Pokémon

 
Bouffalant
Bouffalant is Alder's first known Pokémon. It was first seen carrying its Trainer over the water to take him to Nimbasa City. Later, it sparred with Alder while having some fun. It also was used to battle N's Darmanitan and Archeops, where it managed to defeat the former before being defeated later on.

Bouffalant's known moves are Head Charge and Megahorn, and its Ability is Reckless.

Debut Gigi's Choice
 
Accelgor
Accelgor is Alder's second known Pokémon. It was used to battle Marshal at the Battle Subway, where it defeated his Mienshao. Later, it fought N on Route 6 but was defeated by the combined power of Zorua's Illusions and Gigi.

Accelgor's known moves are Double Team and Acid Spray, and its Ability is Sticky Hold.

Debut Unraveling Mysteries
 
Escavalier
Escavalier is Alder's third known Pokémon. It was used to battle N along with Bouffalant, where it managed to defeat his Darmanitan before being defeated later on.

Escavalier's only known move is Twineedle and its Ability is Swarm.

Debut The Lesson Ends Here
 
Vanilluxe
Vanilluxe is Alder's fourth known Pokémon. It was used to battle N on Route 6 but was defeated.

None of Vanilluxe's moves are known.

Debut The Lesson Ends Here

In Epilogue: Graduation Ceremony, it was revealed that Alder had one other Pokémon that died due to illness.

Pocket Monsters BW

 
Alder in Pocket Monsters BW

Alder appeared in Pocket Monsters BW.


Pocket Monsters BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder

  This section does not yet meet the quality standards of Bulbapedia. Please feel free to edit this section to make it conform to Bulbapedia norms and conventions.
 
Alder in Pocket Monsters BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder

Alder appears in Pocket Monsters BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder. He is a man with multiple personalities and describes himself as a burning man. He first appears in shadow at the Pokémon League destroyed by Zekrom, as N declares that he is next, having defeated all of the members of the Elite Four. On a news broadcast some time later about N's conquest of Unova, he is reported missing. Calling himself an old man passing by, he throws Shin into a Trubbish dump to ask him to look for a very important thing with a (Japanese: ア) written on it that he has lost.

He declares that Shin cannot beat N and then abandons Shin to watch him battle from a nearby rooftop. While Shin is battling, he randomly finds a Hyper Potion with a written on it hidden in his Emboar's tail, which Alder claims is his present to Shin. After the battle ends, Shin asks who he is, and he reveals he is Champion of Unova, that he has known who Shin is all along, and that Shin should have the legendary Pokémon, Reshiram.

He leads Shin to the Relic Castle in the Desert Resort where he says the Light Stone lies, inside showing him ancient drawings depicting the Hero and his Original Pokémon, and the war between the two brothers. Upon reaching the Light Stone, he attacks Shin with his Volcarona and claims it for himself, saying that he left the Elite Four behind as decoys to take Reshiram for himself, so that he alone will be able to stay in Unova once N cleanses it of people.

Challenging Shin that if he can lay a single finger on the Light Stone he will give it to him, he begins a harsh battle against Shin with his flawless Volcarona. After defeating Shin and trapping him in a cage of fire, he says that Alder is weak for keeping Reshiram all to himself, and breaks through Volcarona's fire cage to grab the Light Stone.

Alder's personality reverts to normal and he says that it was all a trial suggested by N to get the Light Stone to accept him as a hero, and as Shin flies away on Reshiram, Alder suggests that once everything is over they should battle again, claiming that he won't lose again, as he bids farewell to the Hero of Fire.

Pokémon

 
Volcarona
Volcarona is Alder's only known Pokémon. It was used to battle Shin at the Relic Castle, defeating and then being defeated by Shin's Emboar. Alder claims it to be flawless with its perfect attacks and defense, and each of its six wings can separately release and manipulate its own flame to create a cage of fire.

Volcarona's known moves are Flamethrower, Quiver Dance, and Fire Spin.

Debut Get the Legendary Pokémon!

Trivia

 
A portrait of the man who resembles Alder in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese アデク Adeku From アデク adeku (boxleaf eugenia), a host plant to various species of moth larvae
English, Brazilian Portuguese Alder From alder, alder moth, and alderman
German Lauro From the genus Laurus, possibly a reference to the laurel wreath
Spanish Mirto From mirto (myrtle), possibly a reference to the myrtle wreath or the family that contains the boxleaf eugenia
French Goyah From goyavier (guava)
Italian Nardo From nardo (spikenard)
Korean 노간주 No Ganju From 노간주나무 noganjunamu (temple juniper) and 노 (老) no (elder)
Chinese (Mandarin) 阿戴克 Ādàikè Transcription of his Japanese name
Chinese (Cantonese) 阿戴克 Ádaaihāk
Thai อาเดคุ Adeku Transcription of his Japanese name
Vietnamese Adeku Transcription of his Japanese name

See also

References

  1. Nintendo DREAM (vol. 329)
  2. Alder: "Well done! That was an impressive battle. The spirit of my first partner, Larvesta - no, Volcarona - lives on in my current partners, too! I want to add your strength to their experience as well!"
  3. Marshal: "I have a master. Alder is his name. He is the oldest Champion in Unovan history, and he represents what I aim to achieve!"


Pokémon Champions
Core series BlueLanceRedStevenWallaceCynthiaAlderIrisDianthaTraceLeonMustardPeonyNemonaGeetaKieranDraytonMost player characters
Masters EX BlueLanceRedStevenCynthiaAlderIrisDianthaLeonScottieBettieAshNemonaGeetaCalemSerenaMarnieBedeHopLeafNateRosaSilver
Other
spin-offs
Ronald (TCG GB)Mark (TCG GB)Mint (TCG GB)Glenn (Pokkén)
Anime LanceCynthiaWallaceAlderDianthaStevenAsh KetchumLeonIrisNemona
Other animation Blue (Origins)Red (Origins)Calem (Generations)Edgar Troy (PttP)Ava (PttP)
Adventures Professor OakRedSidneyPhoebeGlaciaDrakeStevenWallaceCynthiaAlderIrisDianthaLeonMustardPeonyNemona
Other manga Shigeru (Zensho)Satoshi (Zensho)Rald (Battle Frontier)


Unova League
 
Elite Four
Shauntal
 
Elite Four
Marshal
 
Elite Four
Grimsley
 
Elite Four
Caitlin
   
Champion
Alder Iris


Non-player characters in the core series games
Unova Professor JuniperMom (BW)Mom (B2W2)CherenBiancaBianca's fatherHughHugh's sisterCedric JuniperFennelAmanita
CilanChiliCressLenoraHawesLoblollyCharlesIrisDraydenAlderBengaCurtisYancyBrycenSabrinaPop Roxie
HilbertHildaNateRosaIngoEmmetCynthiaLookerNColressMorimotoNishinoPokémon Fan Club Chairman
CyranoBriarCarmineKieranKoraidonMiraidonGeetaRikaClavellPerrinSnacksworthSynclaire
Team PlasmaClydeGym Leaders • Elite Four (Unova · BB) • PWT participantsName RaterDay-Care CoupleJudgeMagikarp salesmanSpecial CoachesGuidance counselors


Anime characters
Protagonists Ash Ketchum (Pikachu) • Misty (Togetic) • BrockTracey SketchitMayMaxDawn (Piplup) • Iris (Haxorus) • CilanSerenaClemontBonnie (Dedenne) • LanaKiaweLillieSophoclesMallowRotom PokédexGoh (Grookey)
Rivals GaryRitchieHarrisonDrewHarleyMorrisonTysonSolidadPaulNandoZoeyKennyConwayBarryUrsulaTripBiancaBurgundyStephanGeorgiaCameronAriaAlainMietteTiernoShaunaTrevorNiniSawyerGladionHoracioHauLeonRaihanHoraceBeaLeague Conference participantsCoordinatorsPerformersWorld Coronation Series participants
Antagonists Jessie (Wobbuffet) • JamesMeowthGiovanniButchCassidyDr. NambaMatoriPierceDr. ZagerGozuTabithaMaxieShellyArchieHunter JSaturnCyrusMarsJupiterCharonColressAldithGhetsisBarretMalamarLysandreMableCelosiaAlianaXerosicBryonyTuppZippRappPlumeriaGuzmaVirenRoseOleana
Professors Professor OakProfessor IvyProfessor ElmProfessor BirchProfessor RowanProfessor CarolinaProfessor JuniperDr. FennelCedric JuniperProfessor SycamoreProfessor KukuiProfessor BurnetProfessor CeriseProfessor MagnoliaSoniaProfessor Amaranth
Relatives Delia KetchumDaisyVioletLilyJames's parentsFlintLolaForrestBrock's siblingsNormanCarolineJohannaChiliCressGraceMeyerLana's fatherLana's motherHarper and SarahRangoSimaMimoKiawe's grandfatherMohnLusamineGladionSophocles's parentsMolayneAbeMallow's motherUluWalkerCamilleHalta
Supporting Officer JennyNurse JoyMagikarp salesmanTodd SnapCharles GoodshowCaseyLizaSakuraLanceClairRaoul ContestaMr. SukizoSteven StoneVivian MeridianRobertScottLilian MeridianSolanaBrandonMarianYuzoRhondaCynthiaReggieAngieLookerIzzy and CaraLyraKhouryTobiasDon GeorgeElderAlderLukeFreddy O'MartianIngoEmmetJervisVirgilNAnthea and ConcordiaPorterAlexaSophieCosetteClembotSanpeiMairinAstridDianthaKorrinaGurkinnMonsieur PierrePalermoKeananMalvaSamson OakAnelaHobbesNinaAnnaLakiDanaYansuWickeFabaIlimaAcerolaDiaChloeChrysaRenParkerTaliaLeiDanikaQuillonHopGym LeadersElite FourFrontier BrainsIsland kahunasMany temporary characters
Supporting Pokémon FearowHo-OhSquirtle SquadPink ButterfreeHaunterJigglypuffMewtwoMimeyLapras herdGranbullPichu BrothersLugiaSilverDelibirdWynautLarvitarKyogre and GroudonArticunoDeoxysLake guardiansForces of NatureMeloettaReshiramSuper-ancient PokémonWooperFlorgesSquishyZ2Guardian deitiesBewearToucannon's flockStoutlandOranguruNebbyStuffulUltra BeastsGrandpa ForestNecrozmaLunalaShayminMewRotom PhonesPelipperThievul trioEternatusDrone RotomHero duoLatiasRecurring wild Pokémon
See also: Pokémon Horizons characters


RedClefairyPikachuTogepiTyrogueConkeldurrDedenneChespinFroakie
PM GreenBlueYellowGoldSilver
Professor OakBillBill's wife
BrockMistyLt. SurgeErikaSabrinaKogaBlaineGiovanniLoreleiBrunoAgathaLance
Professor ElmEarlClefairy RangersKurtDJ MaryChairmanKiyo
FalknerBugsyWhitneyMortyJasmineChuckPryceClairWillKaren
PMRS RubySapphireRedBlue
Professor BirchMr. StoneMr. BrineyMaxieTetsuyaRydelRydel's rival
Dr. TakedaScott
NormanRoxanneBrawlyWattson
PMDP DiaKazuki
Professor RowanMarsLookerCharon
Dai FugōOkane Daisukī
RoarkAaron
PMBW BlackBiancaCheren
Professor JuniperNCedric JuniperGhetsis
CilanChiliCressLenoraBurghElesaClaySkylaShauntalMarshalGrimsleyCaitlinAlder
PMXY ShaunaProfessor SycamoreSerena
PMSM HalaLillie


  This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.