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Raikou (Pokémon): Difference between revisions
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===Origin=== | ===Origin=== | ||
Raikou may be particularly based on the Thunder and Lightning gods of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 ''{{wp|raijū}}'', a thunder demon of Japanese lore. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of a {{wp|tiger}}, {{wp|monkey}}, blue {{wp|wolf}} wrapped in lightning, and many other animals. Raikou is specifically based on its tiger form, while the Pokémon {{p|Manectric}} is based on its wolf form. In terms of physical build, Raikou may be based on the ''{{wp|Smilodon fatalis}}'', a well-known but extinct species of wildcat often referred to as a saber-toothed tiger. Its color and pattern scheme are reminiscent of that of a {{wp|Bengal tiger}}. The stripes that decorate Raikou's body also can be compared to zigzagging thunderbolts and perhaps even scars from claws. The white ruff around Raikou's face is akin to the {{wp|Siberian tiger}}'s thick fur around its neck. In the anime, Raikou is shown to be very agile, swift, stealthy, and a powerful attacker, just like a tiger. The gray "plate" atop its head may be similar to Entei's head ornament, being either a helmet or crown that signifies courage and power. | Raikou may be particularly based on the Thunder and Lightning gods of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 ''{{wp|raijū}}'' (lit. thunder beast), a thunder demon of Japanese lore and is said to be Raijin's companion. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of a {{wp|tiger}}, {{wp|monkey}}, blue {{wp|wolf}} wrapped in lightning, and many other animals. Raikou is specifically based on its tiger form, while the Pokémon {{p|Manectric}} is based on its wolf form. | ||
In terms of physical build, Raikou may be based on the ''{{wp|Smilodon fatalis}}'', a well-known but extinct species of wildcat often referred to as a saber-toothed tiger. Its color and pattern scheme are reminiscent of that of a {{wp|Bengal tiger}}. The stripes that decorate Raikou's body also can be compared to zigzagging thunderbolts and perhaps even scars from claws. The white ruff around Raikou's face is akin to the {{wp|Siberian tiger}}'s thick fur around its neck. In the anime, Raikou is shown to be very agile, swift, stealthy, and a powerful attacker, just like a tiger. The gray "plate" atop its head may be similar to Entei's head ornament, being either a helmet or crown that signifies courage and power. | |||
The flowing purple mane on its back is likely meant to invoke the image of a {{wp|cumulonimbus cloud}}, the cloud type most often associated with thunderstorms. | The flowing purple mane on its back is likely meant to invoke the image of a {{wp|cumulonimbus cloud}}, the cloud type most often associated with thunderstorms. | ||
====Name origin==== | ====Name origin==== | ||
Raikou could be taken to mean 雷光 ''raikou'' (lightning), which is also the inspiration for the name of {{wp|raijū}}, or it may be a combination of 雷 ''rai'' (thunder) and 皇 ''kō'' (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 ''raikō'' (thunder duke), | Raikou could be taken to mean 雷光 ''raikou'' (lightning), which is also the inspiration for the name of {{wp|raijū}}, or it may be a combination of 雷 ''rai'' (thunder) and 皇 ''kō'' (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 ''raikō'' (thunder duke), the on'yomi reading of {{wp|Lei Gong}}, a Taoist/Daoist deity. | ||
==In other languages== | ==In other languages== | ||