Absol (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

{{Bulbanews|On the Origin of Species: Absol}}

Absol is most likely based on the {{wp|Bai Ze}} (白澤) of Chinese mythology, whose name literally translates to "white marsh."  It is generally described as a white beast, distinguished by having one or two horns on its head. Considered to be an intelligent beast, Bai Ze is gifted with the ability to understand human speech and the knowledge on the forms and habits of 11,520 types of supernatural creatures in the world. In legend, Bai Ze shared its knowledge to the Yellow Emperor, which was subsequently compiled in a book called ''Bai Ze Tu''. Few of its supposed fragments survive today. In Japan, it is known as the ''hakutaku'' (白沢). In a related legend, a similar creature known as the ''kutabe'' predicted that a plague would sweep through the Toyama Prefecture of Japan. 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. Absol's head is modeled after a {{wp|Taijitu}} symbol. Absol's humanized face and feline appearance may also be a homage to the {{wp|sphinx}}. Its scythe-shaped tail and horn suggest a resemblance to the Western personified depiction of {{wp|Death (personification)|Death}}, who is related to destiny and disaster. It may have also been inspired by the {{wp|black cat}} superstition. Due to its feline appearance and it living in mountains Absol may also draw inspiration from a {{wp|cougar}}.

====Name origin====