Gyarados (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

It appears to be based on a sea dragon or {{wp|sea serpent}} and {{wp|chinese dragon}}. Gyarados is partially based on a legend about how carp that leapt over the Dragon Gate would become dragons. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. This is referenced by [[Pokémon Snap]], as the player needs to get a Magikarp into a waterfall to evolve it into Gyarados. This legend is an allegory of the drive and efforts needed to overcome obstacles (which can be tied to the fact that Gyarados' pre-evolution, Magikarp, could possibly take a lot of drive and effort to legitimately evolve into Gyarados).

Its {{type|Flying}} may be a reference of {{wp|koinobori}}, a carp-shaped {{wp|wind sock}} traditionally flown to celebrate the {{wp|Children's Day (Japan)|Children's Day}} in Japan, formerly called ''Tango no Sekku'' (端午の節句). It could also be inspired by the {{wp|Inkanyamba}}, a giant, winged, eel that causes storms when angry - a trait Gyarados is famous for.