View source for Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

[[File:2018 Legendary Pokemon Distributions artwork.png|thumb|350px|Artwork depicting a variety of Legendary Pokémon]]
[[File:2016 Mythical Pokémon Distributions artwork.png|thumb|350px|Artwork depicting a variety of Mythical Pokémon]]
The '''terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon''' explains how the terms "'''[[Legendary Pokémon]]'''" (Japanese: '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}のポケモン''' ''Legendary Pokémon'') and "'''[[Mythical Pokémon]]'''" (Japanese: '''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''' ''Illusory Pokémon'') have been used in Pokémon media.

==Overview==
In Japanese media, '''Legendary Pokémon''' and '''Mythical Pokémon''' have always been presented as distinct groups. The concept of Legendary Pokémon was introduced in the Japanese {{game|Red and Green|s}}; the concept of Mythical Pokémon was introduced in the [[List of Japanese event Pokémon distributions (Generation I)#Legendary Pokémon Offer Mew|May 1996 issue of CoroCoro Comic]] which announced the first Mew giveaway, and was first used in the games in Japanese {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Pokémon Blue}}.

In non-Japanese media prior to [[Generation V]], Mythical Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon were both considered to be Legendary Pokémon (and the term Mythical Pokémon was unused). The first time a group of Mythical Pokémon was consistently distinguished from Legendary Pokémon in non-Japanese media was in {{g|Ranger: Guardian Signs}}, where they were referred to as '''Rare Pokémon'''.

Since Generation V, the two groups are presented as distinct groups in all official media. For example, several games since have promoted that every Legendary Pokémon can be obtained in a particular set of games, even though not all Mythical Pokémon can be.

In English, from Generations I to V, "legendary Pokémon" and (after its introduction in Generation V) "mythical Pokémon" are uncapitalized. From Generation VI onward, both terms are always capitalized as proper nouns.

The Legendary or Mythical classification of each Pokémon is found in the internal data of [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|Pokémon Scarlet, Violet]], and {{pkmn|GO}}. However, {{p|Shiinotic}} instead of {{p|Marshadow}} is classified as a Mythical Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet, possibly owing to the fact that those two Pokémon have similar Japanese names (マシェード ''Mashade'' and マーシャドー ''Marshadow'') and that both Pokémon are unavailable in Scarlet and Violet.

==In the core series games==
===Generation I===
In Japanese games from {{jpn|Pokémon Blue Version|Pokémon Blue}} onwards, some of {{p|Dratini}} and {{p|Mew}}'s Pokédex entries mention the concept of Mythical Pokémon. This was translated in English as "'''mythical'''", "'''myth'''", or "'''mirage'''".

{{p|Dratini}}'s Pokédex entries:
* 「ながいあいだ '''まぼろしの ポケモン'''と よばれた。わずかだが すいちゅうに すんでいることが わかった。」 (''For a long time, it was called a '''Mythical Pokémon'''. No more than a few are known to live underwater.''){{sup/1|B}}{{sup/3|LG}}
*: Long considered a '''mythical Pokémon''' until recently when a small colony was found living underwater.{{sup/1|RB}}
*: Long considered a '''mythical Pokémon''' until recently, when a small colony was found living underwater.{{sup/3|LG}}
* 「{{ruby|長|なが}}らく '''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}'''と されていたが {{ruby|最近|さいきん}} {{ruby|釣|つ}}りあげられて その {{ruby|存在|そんざい}}が {{ruby|確認|かくにん}}された。」 (''Long time thought to be '''Mythical''', it was fished recently, confirming its existence.''){{sup/1|Y}}{{sup/7|PE}}
*: The existence of this '''mythical''' Pokémon was only recently confirmed by a fisherman who caught one.{{sup/1|Y}}
*: Long thought to be a '''myth''', this Pokémon's existence was only recently confirmed by a fisherman who caught one.{{sup/7|PE}}

{{p|Mew}}'s Pokédex entry:
* 「いまでも '''まぼろしの ポケモン'''と いわれる。そのすがたを みたものは ぜんこくでも ほとんど いない。」 (''It is still called a '''Mythical Pokémon'''. Its shape was seen by almost no one in the entire country.''){{sup/1|B}}{{sup/3|LG}}
*: So rare that it is still said to be a '''mirage''' by many experts. Only a few people have seen it worldwide.{{sup/1|RB}}{{sup/3|LG}}

{{p|Arcanine}} debuted in this generation as well. Even though it is not a [[Legendary Pokémon]], its {{pkmn|category}} is "'''Legendary Pokémon'''" (Japanese: '''でんせつのポケモン'''). Starting in Japanese {{game|Red and Green|s}}, Arcanine's Pokédex entries in several generations state that Arcanine is legendary in China or in the East (the latter only in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]]). Even in later games after the introduction of capitalized "Legendary Pokémon", Arcanine's English Pokédex entries still use lowercase "legendary", although there is no such distinction in the Japanese entries.

====Lance's quote====
In [[Generation I]] games, their [[Generation III]] and {{gen|VII}} remakes, and in {{B2W2}}, [[Lance]] says a quote including the word 「{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}」 (the same word used for [[Legendary Pokémon]]).

This quote remained unchanged in the Japanese games. However, it has been translated in different ways, including the word "'''mythical'''" in early games, which was later replaced by "'''legendary'''" and then "'''spoken of in legends'''":

* 「{{ruby|知|し}}ってるだろ ドラゴンは {{ruby|聖|せい}}なる '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}'''の {{ruby|生|い}}き{{ruby|物|もの}}だ！」 (''As you know, dragons are sacred '''legendary''' creatures!''){{sup/1|RGBY}}{{sup/3|FRLG}}{{sup/5|B2W2}}{{sup/7|PE}}
*: "You know that dragons are '''mythical <sc>Pokémon</sc>'''!"{{sup/1|RBY}}{{sup/3|FRLG}}
*: "I'm sure you already know this, but dragons are sacred and '''legendary creatures'''!"{{sup/5|B2W2}}
*: "You likely know that dragons are '''Pokémon spoken of in legends'''!"{{sup/7|PE}}

===Generation II===
In [[Generation II]] games and their [[Generation IV]] remakes, non-player characters in [[Olivine City]] refer to {{p|Lugia}} using an expression that changed in the localization: "'''mythical''' sea creature" (Japanese: うみのかみさま ''god of the sea'').

In these games, [[Blackthorn Gym]]'s [[Gym guide|guide]] says a line about [[Clair]]'s {{type|Dragon}} Pokémon, which is similar to Lance's quote from the previous generation. Once again, the Japanese word for Legendary Pokémon was used, but translated into English as "'''mythical'''" instead:

* 「イブキが つかう ポケモンは '''でんせつ'''の いきもの せいなる ドラゴン ポケモン！」 (''Ibuki uses Pokémon that are '''legendary''' creatures, the sacred dragon Pokémon!'')
*: "Clair uses the '''mythical''' and sacred dragon-type Pokémon."

On the official Japanese Pokémon website, from as early as 2002, a [https://web.archive.org/web/20021201103601/http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/notappear.html webpage titled "Pokémon not appearing in the games"] (ゲームにでてこないポケモンについて) explained that {{p|Mew}} and {{p|Celebi}} are Mythical Pokémon that do not appear in the games, instead only being obtainable via Nintendo events.

===Generation III===
====Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald====
[[File:Lilycove Museum Legendary Pokémon Painting ORAS.png|thumb|250px|Painting of a Legendary Pokémon]]
In [[Generation III]] games and their [[Generation VI]] remakes, there is a painting of a '''Legendary Pokémon'''. The painting was unidentified in the original games, but it is visually shown to be {{p|Arceus}} in the remakes. In spite of Arceus being a Mythical Pokémon, the remakes still use the text from previous games, referring to the painting as a Legendary Pokémon in both English and Japanese.

* 「{{ruby|昔|むかし}}の {{ruby|人|ひと}}が {{ruby|想像|そうぞう}}で {{ruby|描|か}}いた '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}の ポケモン'''の {{ruby|絵|え}}だ!」 (''A person from ancient times painted this '''Legendary Pokémon''' from imagination!''){{sup/3|RSE}}{{sup/6|ORAS}}
*: "It's a painting of a '''legendary <sc>Pokémon</sc>''' from long ago. The artist painted this from imagination." {{sup/3|RSE}}
*: "It's a painting of a '''Legendary Pokémon''' from long ago. The artist painted this from their imagination." {{sup/6|ORAS}}

===Generation IV===
====Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platium====
In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, [[Professor Rowan]] refers to {{p|Uxie}}, {{p|Mesprit}}, and {{p|Azelf}} as '''mirage Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''まぼろしのポケモン''' ''Mythical Pokémon'') using the Japanese term for [[Mythical Pokémon]]. This happens in [[Canalave Library]], but he also refers to them as '''legendary Pokémon''' later, at [[Lake Verity]].

In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (as well as in {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}), [[Cyrus]] refers to {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}} as "'''[[Pokémon of Myth|mythical Pokémon]]'''" (Japanese: '''{{ruby|神話|しんわ}}のポケモン''' ''Mythical Pokémon''). However, this predates the primary use of the term Mythical Pokémon in English and has a different name to "Mythical Pokémon" in all languages other than English. Additionally, it is always uncapitalized in English, in contrast to "Mythical Pokémon", which has been capitalized in English since Generation VI. In [[Pokémon HOME]] for [[Nintendo Switch]], the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl {{OBP|Research Task|HOME}} "Pokémon of Myth" uses this term as its title in all languages other than English and French (in English, the term was presumably localized differently to prevent confusion with Mythical Pokémon; the French title of the mission appears to be based on the English localization).

{{p|Heatran}} is refered to as a Legendary Pokémon in Japanese. This was originally translated as "'''mythical Pokémon'''", but then was later changed to "'''Legendary Pokémon'''" in the remakes:

* 「{{ruby|火山|かざん}}の {{ruby|奥|おく}}に {{ruby|眠|ねむ}}るという '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}の ポケモン'''...... やはり ドラゴンポケモンだろうか？」{{sup/4|DPPt}}{{sup/8|BDSP}}
*: ''"The '''mythical Pokémon''' that sleeps deep in a volcano... Could it be a dragon Pokémon?"''{{sup/4|DPPt}}
*: ''"The '''Legendary Pokémon''' that sleeps deep in a volcano... Could it be a dragon Pokémon?"''{{sup/8|BDSP}}

====Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver====
{{p|Kyogre}}'s Pokédex entry in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} refers to it as a "'''mythical Pokémon'''" (しんわの ポケモン), but the term used in Japanese is unrelated to Mythical Pokémon.

In the [[Cliff Edge Gate]], [[Chuck]] refers to {{p|Kyogre}} and {{p|Groudon}} as "the '''mythical Pokémon''' that stretched the seas and that Pokémon that widened the lands". However, his Japanese dialogue mentions「'''ポケモンたちの しんわ'''」 (''myths about Pokémon''), not specifically mythical Pokémon.

===Generation V===

====Pokémon Black and White====
In Pokémon Black and White, at the [[Challenger's Cave]], {{tc|Ace Trainer}} Beverly mentions an unidentified (lowercase) '''legendary Pokémon''' and its student even though no Legendary Pokémon appears in this cave.

English dialogue:
:"Oh, are you the '''legendary Pokémon''' that is said to live here?"
:"You startled me. You are a person!"
:"In the story I know, the '''legendary Pokémon''' was training its student Pokémon."
:"These Pokémon were born on the same day and raised together!"

Japanese dialogue:
:「あっ あなたが ここに {{ruby|暮|く}}らす '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}の ポケモン'''なの！？」
:「おどろいた あなた {{ruby|人|ひと}}だよね」
:「わたしが {{ruby|知|し}}っている {{ruby|話|はなし}}では '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}の ポケモン'''は {{ruby|弟子|でし}}の ポケモンを {{ruby|鍛|きた}}えていたそうよ」
:「{{ruby|同|おな}}じ{{ruby|日|ひ}}に この{{ruby|世|よ}}に{{ruby|生|う}}まれ {{ruby|共|とも}}に{{ruby|育|そだ}}った ポケモンだぜ！」

===Generation VI===
In Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, a non-player character mentions the "'''Mythical Pokémon''' {{p|Diancie}}" in the cutscene where the player receives the [[Diancite]].

In pre-release material for {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, it was advertised that all '''Legendary Pokémon''' could be obtained between {{pkmn|X and Y|Pokémon X, Y}}, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire.<ref>[[Media:CoroCoro November 2014 Mythical Places.jpg|November 2014 CoroCoro Comic]] ([[n:Mega Beedrill, Mega Pidgeot revealed|Bulbanews]])</ref> This does not apply to Mythical Pokémon.

====Pokémon X and Y====
A [[Move Tutor]] refers to {{p|Keldeo}} and {{p|Meloetta}} as "'''Pokémon that people call Mythical'''".

====Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire====
In the [[Mossdeep Space Center]], a non-player character mentions the "'''Mythical Pokémon''' that lives in space: {{p|Deoxys}}".

The "Explorations of the Ancient World" program from [[TV Mauville]] mentions at three different points the lowercase adjective "a '''mythical''' {{p|Volcanion}}".

A [[Move Tutor]] refers to {{p|Hoopa}} as a '''Mythical Pokémon'''. Unlike in the previous games, Keldeo and Meloetta's Move Tutor does not mention that they are Mythical Pokémon.

===Generation VII===
====Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon====
Mythical and Legendary Pokémon are mentioned in the [[Global Trade System]]: ''"Do you want to include people who are seeking '''Mythical or Legendary Pokémon'''?"''

A [[Move Tutor]] refers to {{p|Keldeo}} and {{p|Meloetta}} as '''Mythical Pokémon'''.

===Generation VIII===
====Pokémon Sword and Shield====
In promotional material for [[The Crown Tundra]] expansion of {{g|Sword and Shield}}, it was advertised that after its release, all '''Legendary Pokémon''' could be obtained in Sword and Shield.<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/expansionpass/features/#legendary-pokemon | New features added in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra | Pokémon Sword and Shield Official Website]</ref> This does not apply to Mythical Pokémon.

====Pokémon Legends: Arceus====
The official English website of {{g|Legends: Arceus}} used to refer to Arceus as a '''Legendary Pokémon''', which was later corrected to '''Mythical Pokémon''' as of September 28, 2021.<ref>Archive of [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]] official website ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210818132639/https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/ August 18, 2021]; [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928190642/https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/ September 28, 2021])</ref> In the Japanese website, it has been referred to as a Mythical Pokémon from the beginning.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/legends_arceus/ja/pokemon/210818_08/ Pokémon LEGENDS アルセウス]</ref>

===Generation IX===
====Pokémon Scarlet and Violet====
In the internal data of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, {{p|Shiinotic}} is defined as a '''Mythical Pokémon''' instead of {{p|Marshadow}}. This is likely due to a typo between their internal names, with 「マシェード」 ''Mashēdo'' (Shiinotic) being mistaken for 「マーシャドー」 ''Māshadō'' (Marshadow).<ref>https://twitter.com/Sibuna_Switch/status/1613414136079323137</ref>

==In the side series games==
===Pokémon Stadium series===
In [[Pokémon Stadium]], {{p|Mew}}'s Pokédex entry refers to it as a (lowercase) "'''mythical Pokémon'''" (Japanese: '''まぼろしのポケモン''').

The Japanese version of this entry was originally introduced in the earlier Japan-only game {{jpn|Pokémon Stadium}}.

==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series===
{{Translation notice}}
In [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red and Blue Rescue Team]], if the player refuses {{p|Latios}}'s offer to join their team twice, Alakazam will say Latios and {{p|Latias}} are Pokémon so rarely seen, they are considered legendary; however, this was localized as mythical.

*「ラティオス ラティアスと いえば '''でんせつ'''に なるぐらい めったに いないポケ毛ンだ。」
*:"Latios and Latias are Pokémon so rarely seen that they are considered '''mythical'''."

The equivalent line does not exist in [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX]], as it is impossible to refuse the offer in the remake.
===Pokémon Masters EX===
In {{g|Masters EX}}, {{p|Arceus}} is called a '''Legendary Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}のポケモン''' ''Legendary Pokémon'') by {{mas|Norman}} in the "Challenge the Normal Types" [[Daily Type Rotation]] event.

===Pokémon Ranger series===
In {{g|Ranger: Guardian Signs}}, Mythical Pokémon are referred to as '''Rare Pokémon'''. For instance, in the sentence: "Rare Pokémon {{p|Celebi}} appeared!"

In this game, {{p|Phione}} is classified as a regular Pokémon (not Legendary or Mythical).

===Super Smash Bros. series===
====Super Smash Bros. Melee====
In [[Super Smash Bros. Melee]], the lowercase "'''legendary Pokémon'''" appears in the trophy descriptions of {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, and {{p|Moltres}}. In the Event 37: '''Legendary Pokémon''', the event description also mentions this lowercase word: "A slew of '''legendary Pokémon''' are all the help you'll get!"

====Super Smash Bros. Brawl====
In [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]], {{p|Darkrai}} is called with the lowercase "'''legendary Pokémon'''" in the English description of its trophy. However, the Japanese version correctly calls it '''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''' (''Mythical Pokémon'').

====Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U====
In [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U]], the American version of [[Master Ball]]'s trophy does not state which kinds of Pokémon come from this item. However, the European version is directly translated from Japanese, mentioning "'''Mythical or Legendary Pokémon'''" (Japanese: '''{{ruby|伝説|でんせつ}}や{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''' ''Legendary and Mythical Pokémon'').

In the American version, {{p|Mew}} and {{p|Shaymin}}'s trophies call them '''Legendary Pokémon'''. This was fixed in the European version, calling them '''Mythical Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''' ''Mythical Pokémon'').

===Pokémon Trading Card Game series===
In {{vg|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} and {{g|Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!}}, the '''[[Legendary Cards]]''' (Japanese: '''伝説のポケモンカード''' ''Legendary Pokémon Cards'') refer to a {{p|Dragonite}} card and three cards of the [[legendary birds]]:

{| style="margin:auto; white-space: nowrap"
! colspan="4" | Legendary Cards
{| style="margin:auto" width="45%"
|-
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg colorless color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg colorless color dark}}" | [[File:TCG2 P39 Dragonite.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Dragonite (Pokémon Card GB promo)|Dragonite}}
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg water color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg water color dark}}" | [[File:TCG2 P08 Articuno.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Articuno (Promotional Card P03)|Articuno}}
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg lightning color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg lightning color dark}}" | [[File:TCG2 P18 Zapdos.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Zapdos (Promotional Card P10)|Zapdos}}
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg fire color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg fire color dark}}" | [[File:TCG2 P04 Moltres.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Moltres (Promotional Card P02)|Moltres}}
|}
|}

The '''[[Phantom Cards]]''' (Japanese: '''まぼろしのカード''' ''Illusory Cards'') use the same Japanese term as [[Mythical Pokémon]]. They refer to cards obtainable only by interacting with friends via [[Card Pop!]].

In {{vg|Pokémon Trading Card Game}}, there are two Phantom Cards: {{TCG ID|Wizards Promo|Venusaur|13}} and {{TCG ID|Promotional Card|Mew|PXX}}. In {{g|Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!}}, there are four Phantom Cards: the same two cards from the previous game, as well as {{OBP|Lugia|Pokémon Card GB2 promo}} and {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Here Comes Team Rocket!|15}}.

{| style="margin:auto; white-space: nowrap"
! colspan="4" | Phantom Cards
{| style="margin:auto" width="45%"
|-
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg grass color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg grass color dark}}" | [[File:TCG1 PXX Venusaur.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Venusaur (Wizards Promo 13)|Venusaur}}
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg psychic color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg psychic color dark}}" | [[File:TCG1 PXX Mew.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Mew (Promotional Card PXX)|Mew}}
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg colorless color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg colorless color dark}}" | [[File:TCG2 PXX Lugia.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Lugia (Pokémon Card GB2 promo)|Lugia}}
! style="{{roundy|5px}}; background: #{{tcg trainer color}}; border: 3px solid #{{tcg trainer color dark}}" | [[File:TCG2 PXX Here Comes Team Rocket.png]]<br>{{color2|000|Here Comes Team Rocket! (Team Rocket 15)|Here Comes Team Rocket!}}
|}
|}

==In the guidebooks==
===''Pokémon Ultimate Handbook''===
The ''[[Pokémon Ultimate Handbook]]'' predates the split between Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in English, therefore classifying all these Pokémon as "'''Legendary Pokémon'''". Additionally, {{p|Delibird}} and {{p|Rotom}} are said to be Legendary Pokémon as well.

Most pages are about multiple Pokémon, except the Legendary Pokémon, as well as Rotom, {{p|Spinda}}, and {{p|Spiritomb}}, each having its own page with a starry background and a glow around the box stating its species name and {{pkmn|category}}. However, Spinda and Spiritomb are not claimed to be Legendary Pokémon. Even though Delibird is claimed to be a Legendary Pokémon and it has the glow around the species box, it shares a page with another Pokémon ({{p|Delcatty}}, the preceding Pokémon in alphabetical order) and lacks the starry background. There is a 3-page feature about {{p|Darkrai}}, but it is not stated to be a Legendary Pokémon.

There is a "Legendary Lineup" section at the end of the book, listing the Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (all classified as Legendary Pokémon). Darkrai is missing from this list, while Rotom is present.

==In the anime==
[[File:Legendary Pokémon engravings EP002.png|thumb|250px|Engravings of "Legendary Pokémon" {{p|Moltres}}, {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, and {{p|Arcanine}} in ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'']]

In  ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', there is an engraving of '''Legendary Pokémon''', specifically the [[legendary birds]] {{p|Moltres}}, {{p|Articuno}}, and {{p|Zapdos}}, as well as {{p|Arcanine}}. Even though Arcanine is not actually a Legendary Pokémon, this is likely related to Arcanine's {{pkmn|category}} and [[Pokédex]] entries referring to it as one.

The Japanese title of ''[[M02|Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One]]'' refers to {{p|Lugia}} as a 「'''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン'''」 (''Mythical Pokémon'').

In ''[[M03|Spell of the Unown: Entei]]'', it is specifically said that {{p|Unown}} is a '''Legendary Pokémon''', and it is shown in [[Molly Hale]]'s book about Legendary Pokémon. Unown's power (in large numbers, at least) appears to match that of Legendary Pokémon. In an early trailer for this movie, the narrator refers to Unown as "more '''legendary''' than {{p|Lugia}}, more mysterious than {{p|Mew}}".

In ''[[M12|Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', {{p|Arceus}} is said to be a '''Legendary Pokémon'''. This is the only instance of a Mythical Pokémon being called "Legendary" in the English dialogue from a [[Pokémon movie]]. However, both {{p|Manaphy}} and {{p|Arceus}} are called "Legendary" in the English marketing blurbs for their respective movies (''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'' and ''Arceus and the Jewel of Life'', respectively).
{{-}}

==In the manga==
[[File:PS430.png|thumb|250px|Rotom being included among Sinnoh's Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
As seen in [[Chuang Yi]]'s translation of ''[[PM005|The Hunt for Mew the Phantom Pokémon!!]]'', the term "'''Phantom Pokémon'''" (Japanese: '''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''', which would later be translated as [[Mythical Pokémon]]) was introduced as an epithet specifically for Mew, since there were no other Mythical Pokémon at the time.

===Pokémon Adventures===
===={{MangaArc|Red, Green & Blue}}====
As seen in [[Chuang Yi]]'s translation of ''[[PS001|A Glimpse of the Glow]]'', the term "'''Phantom Pokémon'''" (Japanese: '''{{ruby|幻|まぼろし}}のポケモン''', which would later be translated as [[Mythical Pokémon]]) was introduced as an epithet specifically for Mew, since there were no other Mythical Pokémon at the time.

===={{MangaArc|Platinum}}====
Even though {{p|Rotom}} is not a {{pkmn2|Legendary}} or [[Mythical Pokémon]], it is mentioned in the list of Sinnoh's Legendary and Mythical Pokémon from [[Charon]]'s notebook in ''[[PS430|Unplugging Rotom (Heat, Wash, Mow, Fan, Frost)]]''. [[Lucian]] also lists Rotom among Sinnoh's Legendary and Mythical Pokémon when doing research on them in ''[[PS423|Tackling Togekiss]]''.
{{-}}

==In the novels==
===Pocket Monsters: The Animation===
In [[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]], the distinction between {{pkmn2|Legendary}} and [[Mythical Pokémon]] is said to be unclear.

It is argued that {{p|Dragonair}} and {{p|Dragonite}} can be possibly considered Mythical Pokémon because dragons are mythical creatures. It is also argued that Legendary Pokémon such as {{p|Articuno}} and {{p|Moltres}} may be considered to be a different category because their Japanese names are based on English words.

==Trivia==
* An {{pkmn2|event}}-exclusive Mythical Pokémon who later becomes available in-game retains its Mythical status. For instance, {{p|Deoxys}} was introduced as an event-only Pokémon in [[Generation III]], but it was still called a Mythical Pokémon in the dialogue of {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, the first core series game where it was catchable outside of events.

==See also==
* [[Legendary Pokémon]]
* [[Mythical Pokémon]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Legendary Pokémon|*]]
[[Category:Mythical Pokémon|*]]
[[Category:Terminology pages|Legendary and Mythical Pokémon]]