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[[File:Reshiram Zekrom artwork.png|thumb|250px|<!--official wallpaper-->Artwork featuring Reshiram and Zekrom]]
{{move|Legendary dragons|alt=Legendary dragon Pokémon}}
The '''Tao trio''', sometimes called the '''energy trio''', is the collective term used to refer to the three powerful [[legendary Pokémon]] of the [[Unova]] Region: {{p|Reshiram}}, {{p|Zekrom}}, and {{p|Kyurem}}. According to Unova myths, the trio was created during the war plaguing the region.
[[File:Tao trio.png|thumb|300px|Zekrom, Reshiram, Kyurem, Black Kyurem, and White Kyurem]]
The '''Tao trio''' is a collective fan term used to refer to the three {{pkmn2|Legendary}} {{type|Dragon}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of the [[Unova]] region: {{p|Reshiram}}, {{p|Zekrom}}, and {{p|Kyurem}}. Other fan terms include '''Tao dragon trio''' and '''energy trio'''. According to Unova myths, the [[Legendary trio]] was created during the war plaguing the region.


Much like members of other legendary trios, the three Pokémon have similar appearances. Each has {{t|Dragon}} as their primary type. Both Reshiram and Zekrom have a base stat total of 680 while Kyurem's is 660.
==Shared design==
Much like members of other Legendary trios, the three Pokémon have similar appearances. Each has {{t|Dragon}} as their primary type. Both Reshiram and Zekrom have a base stat total of 680 while Kyurem's is 660 in its standard form—however, both White Kyurem and Black Kyurem have a base stat total of 700. Reshiram and White Kyurem have the {{a|Turboblaze}} ability, while Zekrom and Black Kyurem have the similar {{a|Teravolt}} ability.


Each of the members of the trio have control of their own types and sides. Reshiram represents the concept of {{wp|yin and yang|yang}} and controls {{t|Fire}}, Zekrom represents the concept of {{wp|yin and yang|yin}} and controls {{t|Electric|Thunder}} and Kyurem represents the concept of {{wp|Wuji (philosophy)|wuji}} (the absence of yin and yang) and controls {{t|Ice}}.
===Origin===
Each of the members of the trio has control of their own types and sides. Reshiram represents the concept of {{wp|yin and yang|yang}} and controls {{t|Fire}}, Zekrom represents the concept of {{wp|yin and yang|yin}} and controls {{t|Electric|Thunder}}, and Kyurem represents the concept of {{wp|Wuji (philosophy)|wuji}} (the absence of yin and yang) and controls {{t|Ice}}; in its alternate forms it can also control Reshiram's fire and Zekrom's thunder to some extent.
 
==Terminology==
Throughout Generation V and after, the Tao trio  are also referred to by many names such as:
* '''legendary dragons'''
* '''legendary dragon Pokémon '''<ref>[[Pokémon Black and White Versions]]/[[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]]</ref>
* '''legendary Dragon-type Pokémon'''
* '''Legendary dragons of Unova'''<ref>[[TCG]]</ref>
* '''Legendary Unova trio'''<ref>[[Legendary and Mythical Guidebook: Deluxe Edition]]</ref>
* '''Unovan Legends'''<ref>[[Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon: The Official Alola Region Strategy Guide]]</ref>


==Myths==
==Myths==
The mythologies of the trio are implied to be connected, despite having no true relation. The origins of Zekrom and Reshiram are told in legends, as they were once a single powerful Dragon Pokémon used by twin heroes in order to create the Unova region. But the brothers each sought something different in life—truth for the older brother and ideals for the younger—and they began to argue, then fight, over who's side was right. The single dragon, in response, split into two Pokémon: Reshiram, who sided with the older twin, and Zekrom, who sided with the younger twin.
[[File:The Legend of Reshiram.png|thumb|250px|Reshiram and the hero]]
[[File:The Legend of Zekrom.png|thumb|250px|Zekrom and the hero]]
The mythologies of the trio are implied to be connected, despite having no true relation. The origins of Zekrom and Reshiram are told in legends, as they were once [[List of disputed and unidentified Pokémon#Original Dragon|a single powerful Dragon Pokémon]] used by [[Heroes of Truth and Ideals|twin heroes]] in order to create the Unova region. But the brothers each sought something different in life—truth for the older brother and ideals for the younger—and they began to argue, then fight, over whose side was right. The single dragon, in response, split into two Pokémon: Reshiram, who sided with the older twin, and Zekrom, who sided with the younger twin.
 
The two dragons were equally matched as they battled and neither conquered the other. As a result, the brothers set aside their differences and equally declared that there was no right side, either. But the sons of the heroes resumed the fight, and Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed the region with their fire and lightning powers. They subsequently disappeared afterward.
 
At the beginning of {{2v2|Black|White}}, one of them resides in [[Dragonspiral Tower]], who is called upon by [[N]] to create his ideal world. The {{player}} is tasked with finding the other dragon in its corresponding stone ([[Light Stone]] in Black and [[Dark Stone]] in White) and reviving it to resolve the history the twins began in the past.<ref><ab>Drayden: "Zekrom [...] and Reshiram [...] were once the same Pokémon."
Iris: "That single Dragon Pokémon, along with twin heroes, brought a new region into being. And people and Pokémon lived happy lives!"
Drayden: "One day, however... The twin heroes, the older brother who sought the truth, and the younger brother who sought ideals, began to argue about how to decide which one of them was right... The single Dragon-type Pokémon that had been with them all that time split its body into two. One sided with the older brother, and the other with the younger brother."
Iris: "In its pursuit of truth, the white Dragon-type Pokémon sought to usher in a new and better world... Its name was Reshiram. And the other, the black Dragon-type Pokémon, sough ideals and to usher in a new world—a world of hope. Its name was Zekrom."
Drayden: "Because the two of them were once the same entity, their battle raged endlessly and neither one could be declared the winner. They simply exhausted themselves. The twin heroes proclaimed that there was no one side that was right and ceased the conflict."
Iris: "But, but... The twin heroes' sons started the battle again! And an instant later, Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed Unova with fire and lightning! Then, they disappeared! But, but... If people work with Pokémon in the right way, we don't have to worry anymore about the work being destroyed. I mean, Reshiram and Zekrom worked hard for everyone and made a new region! So it should be alright, I think."</ab> — {{game|Black and White|s}}</ref>
 
[[File:Giant Chasm Crater Forest Winter BW.png|thumb|The Giant Chasm]]
Kyurem's origins were believed to be different than those of the other two. The third dragon came down to the [[Pokémon world]] from an icy meteor and crashed into a place called [[Giant Chasm]]. The fact that Star Pieces, Comet Shards, and extraterrestrial Pokémon can be found in the Giant Chasm strongly supports this theory. An old legend in [[Lacunosa Town]] describing Kyurem claims that it would take people and Pokémon away from the town and eat them; this is why the town is now surrounded by a giant wall, and why none of its residents set foot outside their homes after dark. During {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, however, an NPC claims that this story of Kyurem's origin might not be totally true. [[Professor Juniper]] theorized that the meteorite from the story could have been a [[Dragon Stones|Dragon Stone]], similar to the ones that Reshiram and Zekrom were revived from. However, [[Drayden]] tells the player character of an old legend that tells a conflicting story of Kyurem's origins. The legend says that when the original dragon split into Reshiram and Zekrom, a third dragon was "created" from the leftovers: Kyurem. The Pokédex entry for Kyurem also states that it is waiting for a hero to fill in the missing parts of its body with "truth or ideals". This is completed in-game with the creation of its {{fd|Kyurem|alternate forms}}, White Kyurem and Black Kyurem, created by Kyurem fusing with Reshiram or Zekrom (but not both).


The two dragons were equally matched as they battled and neither conquered the other. As a result, the brothers set aside their differences, and equally declared there was no right side, either. But the sons of the heroes resumed the fight, and Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed the region with their fire and lightning powers. They subsequently disappeared afterward.
===In the anime===
'''The Legend of Reshiram''' was a story told by [[Cedric Juniper]] and {{an|N}} in ''[[BW120|Ash and N: A Clash of Ideals!]]''. It comes from the White Chapter of Pokémon Mythology.
:''When a person appears who is searching deeply for the truth, Reshiram will appear. At first, Reshiram will battle with that person as a test of their strength and heart. And if it decides that person is a hero, it will pass on the wisdom it has accumulated over thousands of years and then bare its fangs against the hero's enemies. From that point on, Reshiram will treat the hero with kindness, as a parent would treat a child. But although the person called the hero will be able to attain great riches and power, the goodness in their heart will be lost, and the country built by the hero will be consumed in flames. Then, Reshiram will depart.''


At the beginning of {{v2|Black and White|s}}, one of them resides in the [[Dragonspiral Tower]], who is called upon by [[N]] to create his ideal world. The {{player}} is tasked with finding the other dragon in its corresponding stone ({{DL|List of key items in Generation V|Light Stone}} in Black and {{DL|List of key items in Generation V|Dark Stone}} in White) and revive it to resolve the history the twins began in the past.
'''The Legend of the Hero''' was a story told by Cedric Juniper in ''[[BW064|Explorers of the Hero's Ruin!]]''. It comes from Section Eighteen of the Chapter of Darkness in Pokémon Mythology.
<!--Drayden: "Zekrom [...] and Reshiram [...] were once the same Pokémon."
:''When the hero turns darkness into light and the hero's heart becomes one with the Pokémon, Zekrom shall descend and lend the hero his power.''
Iris: "The single Dragon Pokémon, along with twin heroes, brought a new region into being. And people and Pokémon lived happy lives!"
Drayden: "One day, however... The twin heroes, the older brother who sought the truth, and the younger brother who sought ideals, began to argue about how to decide which one of them was right... The single Dragon-type Pokémon that had been with them all that time split its body into two. One sided with the older brother, and the other with the younger brother."
Iris: "In its pursuit of truth, the white Dragon-type Pokémon sought to usher in a new and better world... Its name was Reshiram. And the other, the black Dragon-type Pokémon, sough ideals and to usher in a new world—a world of hope. Its name was Zekrom."
Drayden: "Because the two of them were once the same entity, their battle raged endlessly and neither one could be declared the winner. They simply exhausted themselves. The twin heroes proclaimed that there was no one side that was right and ceased the conflict."
Iris: "But, but... The twin heroes sons' started the battle again! And an instant later, Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed Unova with fire and lightning! Then, they disappeared! But, but... If people work with Pokémon in the right way, we don't have to worry anymore about the work being destroyed. I mean, Reshiram and Zekrom worked hard for everyone and made a new region! So it should be alright, I think.-->


Kyurem's origins are much different than those of the other two. The third dragon came down to Earth from an icy meteor and crashed into a place called [[Giant Chasm]]. An old legend in [[Lacunosa Town]] describing Kyurem claims that it would take people and Pokémon away from the town and eat them; this is why the town is now surrounded by a giant wall. Another claim is that Kyurem is the corpse of the original Dragon Pokémon after it had split into {{p|Reshiram}} and {{p|Zekrom}}.
==Artwork==
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{dragon color dark}}; background: #{{dragon color}}; font-size: 80%"
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{dragon color dark}}; background: #{{dragon color light}}; width:auto" | [[File:Reshiram Zekrom artwork.png|165px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{dragon color dark}}; background: #{{dragon color light}}; width:auto" | [[File:Reshiram Zekrom Fusion Flare Bolt artwork.png|400px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{dragon color dark}}; background: #{{dragon color light}}; width:auto" | [[File:Reshiram Zekrom Blue Flare Bolt Strike artwork.png|285px]]
|-
| Reshiram and Zekrom
| Zekrom and Reshiram using Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare
| Zekrom and Reshiram using Bolt Strike and Blue Flare
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{dragon color dark}}; background: #{{dragon color light}}; width:auto" | [[File:B2W2 art.png|285px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{dragon color dark}}; background: #{{dragon color light}}; width:auto" | [[File:Black Kyurem White Kyurem artwork.jpg|285px]]
|-
| Black and White Kyurem
| Black and White Kyurem
|}


==Similar movesets==
==Similar movesets==
[[File:Reshiram Zekrom Fusion Flare Bolt artwork.png|thumb|250px|Zekrom and Reshiram using Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare, one of their respective signature moves]]
{| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; margin:auto; width:auto; background: #{{dragon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{dragon color light}}"
[[File:Reshiram Zekrom Blue Flare Bolt Strike artwork.png|thumb|250px|Zekrom and Reshiram using Bolt Strike and Blue Flare, their other signature moves]]
|-
{| class="roundy" align="center" style="background: #{{dragon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{dragon color light}}"
|- align="center"
! style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{dragon color light}}|Level|Lv.}}
! style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{dragon color light}}|Level|Lv.}}
| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | [[File:643.png]]<br>{{pcolor|Reshiram|{{fire color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Fire}}</small>
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | [[File:643Reshiram.png|96px]]<br>{{pcolor|Reshiram|{{fire color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Fire}}</small>
| style="background:#{{electric color}}" | [[File:644.png]]<br>{{pcolor|Zekrom|{{electric color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | [[File:646Kyurem-White.png|96px]]<br>{{pcolor|White Kyurem|{{ice color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Ice}}</small>
| style="background:#{{ice color}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:646.png]]<br>{{pcolor|Kyurem|{{ice color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Ice}}</small>
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | [[File:646Kyurem.png|96px]]<br>{{pcolor|Kyurem|{{ice color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Ice}}</small>
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | [[File:646Kyurem-Black.png|96px]]<br>{{pcolor|Black Kyurem|{{ice color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Ice}}</small>
| rowspan="2" align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|Start}}
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:644Zekrom.png|96px]]<br>{{pcolor|Zekrom|{{electric color dark}}}}<br><small>{{typecolor|Dragon}}{{typecolor|Electric}}</small>
| colspan="1" style="background:#{{fire color light}}" |'''{{mcolor|Fire Fang|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
|-
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|1}}
| colspan="5" style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Breath|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
|-
| colspan="5" style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Noble Roar|{{normal color dark}}}}''
|-
| colspan="5" style="background:#{{rock color light}}" | {{mcolor|Ancient Power|{{rock color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fire Fang|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Freeze-Dry|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Thunder Fang|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Thunder Fang|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Icy Wind|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
|-
|- align="center"
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|8}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | {{mcolor|Dragon Rage|{{dragon color dark}}}}
| colspan="5" style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Slash|{{normal color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
|-
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|8}}
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|16}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Imprison|{{psychic color dark}}}}''
| style="background:#{{dark color light}}" | {{mcolor|Crunch|{{dark color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Endeavor|{{normal color dark}}}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|15}}
| style="background:#{{dark color light}}" | {{mcolor|Crunch|{{dark color dark}}}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{rock color light}}" | {{mcolor|AncientPower|{{rock color dark}}}}
|-
|- align="center"
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|24}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|22}}
| style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | {{mcolor|Extrasensory|{{psychic color dark}}}}
| colspan="1" style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Flamethrower|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Pulse|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | {{mcolor|Zen Headbutt|{{psychic color dark}}}}
|-
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|32}}
| style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Pulse|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Ice Beam|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Claw|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
|-
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|40}}
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Flamethrower|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Hyper Voice|{{normal color dark}}}}
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Thunderbolt|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Thunderbolt|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Ice Beam|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
|-
|- align="center"
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|48}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|29}}
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fusion Flare|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|DragonBreath|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | {{mcolor|Fusion Flare|{{fire color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|36}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Slash|{{normal color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|43}}
| colspan="1" style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | {{mcolor|Extrasensory|{{psychic color dark}}}}
| style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | {{mcolor|Zen Headbutt|{{psychic color dark}}}}
| style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Scary Face|{{normal color dark}}}}''
| style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Scary Face|{{normal color dark}}}}''
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | {{mcolor|Fusion Bolt|{{electric color dark}}}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|50}}
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fusion Flare|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fusion Bolt|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fusion Bolt|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Glaciate|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
|-
|- align="center"
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|56}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|54{{tt|*|57 for Kyurem}}}}
| style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Hyper Voice|{{normal color dark}}}}
| colspan style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Pulse|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Blizzard|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Claw|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Hyper Voice|{{normal color dark}}}}
| style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Dragon Pulse|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
|-
|- align="center"
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|64}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|64}}
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fire Blast|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Imprison|{{psychic color dark}}}}''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Imprison|{{psychic color dark}}}}''
|- align="center"
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|71}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dark color light}}" | {{mcolor|Crunch|{{dark color dark}}}}
| style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Endeavor|{{normal color dark}}}}
|- align="center"
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|78}}
| colspan="1" style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Fire Blast|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Thunder|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Thunder|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Blizzard|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
|-
|- align="center"
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|72}}
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|85}}
| style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Imprison|{{psychic color dark}}}}''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Outrage|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Outrage|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{psychic color light}}" | ''{{mcolor|Imprison|{{psychic color dark}}}}''
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|92}}
|-
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{normal color light}}" | {{mcolor|Hyper Voice|{{normal color dark}}}}
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|80}}
|- align="center"
| style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Outrage|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
| align="right" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|100}}
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Ice Burn|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Glaciate|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Freeze Shock|{{ice color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{dragon color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Outrage|{{dragon color dark}}}}'''
|-
| style="text-align:right; background:#{{dragon color dark}}" | {{color|{{dragon color light}}|88}}
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Blue Flare|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{fire color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Blue Flare|{{fire color dark}}}}'''
| colspan="3" style="background:#{{ice color light}}" | {{mcolor|Sheer Cold|{{ice color dark}}}}
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Bolt Strike|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
| style="background:#{{electric color light}}" | '''{{mcolor|Bolt Strike|{{electric color dark}}}}'''
|
|-
|- align="center"
| colspan="6" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}; color: #{{dragon color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}"| <small>Moves in '''bold''' are {{color2|{{dragon color light}}|Same-type attack bonus|STAB}}. Moves in ''italics'' do no damage.</small>
| colspan="4" style="background:#{{dragon color dark}}; color: #{{dragon color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}"| <small>Moves in '''bold''' are {{color2|{{dragon color light}}|Same-type attack bonus|STAB}}. Moves in ''italics'' do no damage.</small>
|}{{-}}
|}{{-}}


==Base stat comparison==
==Base stat comparison==
{{triostats|unova|643|Reshiram|Fire|100|120|100|150|120|90|644|Zekrom|Electric|100|150|120|120|100|90|646|Kyurem|Ice|125|130|90|130|90|95}}
{{fivepokemonstats|dragon|643|Reshiram|Fire|100|120|100|150|120|90|646|Kyurem|form2=-White|Ice|125|120|90|170|100|95|646|Kyurem|Ice|125|130|90|130|90|95|646|Kyurem|form4=-Black|Ice|125|170|100|120|90|95|644|Zekrom|Electric|100|150|120|120|100|90}}
 
==In the core series games==
===Pokémon Black and White===
In Pokémon Black and White, either Reshiram or Zekrom will be encountered at [[N's Castle]] upon awakening from their respective Dragon Stone. These Pokémon are required to be captured in order to proceed with the storyline: if defeated or fled from, they will simply reappear for a rematch. Kyurem can be caught at the [[Giant Chasm]] after the player enters the Hall of Fame.
 
===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2===
In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Reshiram and Zekrom can be encountered post-game at the [[Dragonspiral Tower]] after the player has encountered N at the ruins of his castle. Kyurem will appear as either Black Kyurem or White Kyurem during the storyline at Giant Chasm, but cannot be caught. Kyurem can be caught later in its normal form post-game after the player has caught Reshiram or Zekrom.
 
===Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire===
In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, either Reshiram or Zekrom will appear at the [[Fabled Cave]] depending on the version if the player has a level 100 Pokémon in their party. Kyurem will appear at the [[Gnarled Den]] if the player has both Reshiram and Zekrom in their party.
 
===Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon===
In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, all three members of the Tao trio can be encountered in the [[Ultra Space Wilds]] through [[Ultra Warp Ride]]. {{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/7|US}}/{{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/7|UM}} can be encountered at the Rocky World through green warp holes. {{p|Kyurem}} can be encountered in the Water  World through a blue warp hole, as long as both Reshiram and Zekrom are in the player's party.
 
===Pokémon Sword and Shield===
In [[The Crown Tundra]] DLC, the Tao trio can be encountered  in [[Max Lair]] during Dynamax Adventures. {{p|Reshiram}} can be found in Sword, while {{p|Zekrom}} can be found in Shield; however, the player can get the other Legendary by participating in other players' Dynamax Adventures.
 
===Pokémon Scarlet and Violet===
In [[The Indigo Disk]] DLC, the Tao trio can be obtained via snacks from [[Snacksworth]]. Reshiram can be found in Scarlet, while Zekrom can be found in Violet. The player can get the other Legendary by participating in [[Blueberry Quest]]s through the [[Union Circle]] online. Kyurem can be obtainted through the exclusive online group quests.
 
==In the spin-off games==
===Pokkén Tournament===
In [[Pokkén Tournament]], Reshiram appears as a Support Pokémon in all versions of the game alongside {{p|Cresselia}}.
 
===Pokémon Masters EX===
The members of the Tao trio appear in [[Pokémon Masters EX]]. In addition to the following [[sync pair]]s, {{mas|Hilbert}} was shown to own a second Kyurem, which he fused with {{mas|N}}'s Zekrom to create the Black Kyurem that N later forms a sync pair with.
 
{{PairDex/h|Dragon}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Zekrom|trainerimg=N|0644|Zekrom|pokemonlink=Tao trio (Adventures)#Zekrom|Electric|Dragon|Physical Strike|6|Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|124|Ghetsis|trainerlink=Ghetsis (Masters)#Kyurem|trainerimg=Ghetsis|0646|Kyurem|pokemonlink=Tao trio (Adventures)#Kyurem|Ice|Steel|Tech|6|Legendary Adventures<br>''Father or Foe''}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Reshiram|trainerimg=N Anniversary 2021|sygna=Anniversary 2021|0643|Reshiram|master=yes|Fire|Dragon|Tech|6|Master Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Kyurem (Black Kyurem)|trainerimg=N Sygna|0646B|sygna=[[Sygna suit|Sygna Suit]]|Kyurem|buddy=yes|form={{Form|Kyurem|Black Kyurem}}|Ice|Fairy|Tech|6|Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
|}
 
==In the anime==
===Main series===
====''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''====
[[File:Reshiram M14.png|thumb|left|250px|Reshiram in the {{pkmn|anime}}]]
[[File:Zekrom M14.png|thumb|250px|Zekrom in the anime]]
[[File:Kyurem anime.png|thumb|250px|Kyurem in the anime]]
:''Main articles: [[Reshiram (anime)]] and {{OBP|Zekrom|recurring}}''
{{OBP|Zekrom|recurring}} debuted in ''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]''. It appeared above the sky in [[Nuvema Town]], where it created a bizarre thunderstorm and caused {{AP|Pikachu}}'s electricity to malfunction, inflicting pain. Zekrom always appeared above {{Ash}}. Later, in ''[[BW110|The Name's N!]]'', {{an|N}} speculated that Ash's encounter with Zekrom was not coincidental.
 
{{an|Reshiram}} appeared in a flashback about N's memories of N's Castle in ''[[BW110|The Name's N!]]''; Reshiram incinerated the castle during N's crowning by [[Ghetsis]], which he later speaks of in ''[[BW118|The Secrets From Out Of The Fog!]]'' when talking of his experience as a former [[Team Plasma]] member. It appeared during the present in ''[[BW122|What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!]]'', when Ghetsis revived it from the Light Stone and took possession of it using [[Colress]]'s machine. Ghetsis then unleashed it unto everyone in hopes of utter destruction. It then left in peace after N communed with it, and supposedly told it something before it left, though N kept that a secret.
 
Reshiram and Zekrom later appeared in Ash's dream in ''[[BW123|Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!]]'', when Ash was riding Reshiram. He was soon thrown off by Zekrom (carrying {{an|Iris}}) using {{m|Thunderbolt}}, causing Ash to fall off and soon awaken Ash. This was revealed to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt on him.
 
====[[Pokémon movie]]s====
:''Main articles: [[Reshiram (M14)]], [[Zekrom (M14)]], and [[Kyurem (M15)]]''
 
{{OBP|Reshiram|M14}} and {{OBP|Zekrom|M14}} made a major appearance in [[M14|''White—Victini and Zekrom'' and ''Black—Victini and Reshiram'']]. In these two variants of the same movie, Reshiram and Zekrom share opposite roles. Either Reshiram or Zekrom is summoned by [[Damon]] and used to fight off those who oppose him while he raises the [[Sword of the Vale]]. It allied with Damon when he wished to restore the [[Kingdom of the Vale]]. The opposite dragon depending on the version is awakened by Ash, and allies with him upon his wish to help {{OBP|Victini|M14}}. The two dragons battle, but Ash ultimately defeats Damon. However, the two dragons then realize that Damon's actions had unleashed a corrupted [[Dragon Force]] that has put the world into jeopardy, and the duo reveal this to Damon by blowing away the clouds. They then help relocate the Sword of the Vale in order to stop the Dragon Force. They then leave, and fly off, forming a rainbow in the process. It is unknown as to whether or not these are the same Reshiram and Zekrom that appeared in the mainstream anime.
 
{{OBP|Kyurem|M15}} makes a separate appearance in ''[[M15|Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice]]''. In this movie, Kyurem is sought after {{OBP|Keldeo|M15}}, in hopes that the latter can defeat Kyurem in a match to become one among the {{OBP|Swords of Justice|M15}}. Kyurem accepts Keldeo's challenge, but proves far too great a match for the young Pokémon to handle, and it gained massive advantage. When Terrakion interfered to protect Keldeo, Kyurem froze it, along with Cobalion and Virizion in ice. Keldeo then escaped and took refuge on the top of a train. Kyurem, refusing to let the battle end unfairly, doggedly pursued Keldeo. When Keldeo reappeared for a rematch, Kyurem revealed to Keldeo that it knew that it was lying about being a Sword of Justice. The two then battle, and Keldeo learns how to use {{m|Secret Sword}} in the process. Though Keldeo does not win, it still wins Kyurem's respect as Keldeo vowed to protect its friends. When Kyurem's den was falling apart, it used ice to freeze it so that no further disaster would occur. In this movie, Kyurem is shown to be able to change between Black Kyurem, White Kyurem, and normal Kyurem at will. It is also notable for controlling an army of {{p|Cryogonal}} who would do its bidding: their presence also often marked Kyurem's arrival at a location. According to Iris, Kyurem is considered the most powerful Dragon-type in the world.
 
Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem all appeared in ''[[M18|Hoopa and the Clash of Ages]]''. Reshiram and Zekrom were seen in a flashback of events 100 years ago, when {{an|Hoopa}} in its Unbound form summoned the two of them and battled them in order to entertain people in [[Dahara City]]. Kyurem was summoned in the present day by an entity of Hoopa's Unbound form, along with [[Primal Reversion|Primal]] {{p|Kyogre}}, Primal {{p|Groudon}}, and the [[Pokémon of Myth]], and was controlled by the entity in order to terrorize Dahara City. After Hoopa's Unbound power was finally sealed and Kyurem was freed from its control, Kyurem helped in holding off a dimensional wall while Hoopa saved the Dahara City inhabitants from destruction. Kyurem then left the scene.
 
<gallery widths=200px>
Black Kyurem anime.png|Black Kyurem in the {{pkmn|anime}}
White Kyurem anime.png|White Kyurem in the anime
</gallery>
 
===Pokémon Generations===
[[N]] was seen with a Reshiram in ''[[PG15|The King Returns]]''. He used it to try and stop [[Ghetsis]] and {{p|Kyurem}} from freezing [[Unova]], but Ghetsis fused the two Pokémon to create White Kyurem before N could act.
 
Zekrom briefly appeared at the end of ''[[PG15|The King Returns]]'', under the ownership of {{ga|Hilbert}}.
 
Kyurem first appeared in ''[[PG14|The Frozen World]]''. It was controlled by [[Colress]], being used by [[Team Plasma]] to power up a cannon to freeze [[Opelucid City]]. This was part of a larger plan to get the [[DNA Splicers]] to [[Zinzolin]]. Kyurem reappeared in ''[[PG15|The King Returns]]'', this time under the control of [[Ghetsis]]. It was used as part of his final attempt to freeze Unova, but was challenged by [[N]] and his {{p|Reshiram}}. However, Ghetsis used the DNA Splicers to fuse the two Pokémon into White Kyurem. It was last seen being challenged by {{ga|Hilbert}} and his {{p|Zekrom}}.
 
<gallery widths=200px>
Reshiram PG.png|Reshiram in [[Pokémon Generations]]
Hilbert Zekrom PG.png|Zekrom in Pokémon Generations
Colress Kyurem PG.png|Kyurem in Pokémon Generations
Ghetsis White Kyurem PG.png|White Kyurem in Pokémon Generations
</gallery>
 
===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer===
Kyurem appeared in both of its alternate forms at the end of the [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer]], where Black Kyurem used {{m|Thunderbolt}} and White Kyurem used {{m|Flamethrower}}.
{{-}}
 
==In the manga==
===Pokémon Adventures===
[[File:Black Reshiram Adventures.png|thumb|120px|left|Reshiram in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
[[File:N Zekrom Adventures.png|thumb|120px|Zekrom in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
[[File:Zinzolin Kyurem Adventures.png|thumb|120px|Kyurem in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
{{main|Tao trio (Adventures)}}
===={{MangaArc|Black & White}}====
Zekrom is the first member of the Tao trio to appear. It was successfully awakened at the [[Dragonspiral Tower]] by {{adv|N}}, who was given the Dark Stone that the [[Shadow Triad]] successfully stole from the [[Nacrene Gym|Nacrene Museum]]. N eventually convinced Zekrom to join his cause, making him the Hero of Ideals, and proceeded to another location to challenge [[Alder]].
 
At around the same time that Zekrom was awakened, [[Brycen]] consulted with [[Drayden]] about the Light Stone, which [[Team Plasma]] were unaware of, that was also being stored at the museum. Brycen agreed to train {{adv|Black}} and entrust him with the Light Stone. After completing the training course under Brycen, Black failed an initial attempt to summon Reshiram. In the middle of the battle between N and Alder, which Black came to witness, Reshiram made another attempt to emerge from the Light Stone, however Zekrom's roar forced it back in. It wasn't until Black became fully aware of Team Plasma's intentions, during the [[Pokémon League (Unova)|Unova League tournament]], that he finally summoned Reshiram and became the Hero of Truth. Black eventually squared up against N, pitting Reshiram and Zekrom against each other, and Reshiram emerged victorious.
 
===={{MangaArc|Black 2 & White 2}}====
Kyurem was revealed to have been caught by [[Zinzolin]] during the events of the ''Black & White'' arc. [[Colress]] eventually took control of it and placed it inside the [[Plasma Frigate]] to power its "Kyurem Cannon". Once Ghetsis acquired the [[DNA Splicers]], Kyurem became able to assume its alternate forms. Eventually, Colress's control over Kyurem was broken, and following Team Plasma's ultimate defeat, Zekrom and Reshiram left their respective heroes to Aldo return to the wild.
 
<gallery>
Black Kyurem Adventures.png|Black Kyurem in [[Pokémon Adventures]]
White Kyurem Adventures.png|White Kyurem in [[Pokémon Adventures]]
</gallery>
{{-}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Like the [[legendary beasts]] in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, each member of the trio share battle music that is slightly remixed to match their secondary typing.
* {{wp|Yin and yang}} are dependent fundamentals in {{wp|Taoism}}, which Reshiram and Zekrom are directly connected to. Reshiram and Zekrom's species names in Japanese are "White Yang" and "Black Yin," respectively, and the names of their battle music are also respectively "Blazing White Yang" and "Electrifying Black Yin." Kyurem, on the other hand, is an analogy to {{wp|Wuji (philosophy)|wuji}}—a separate concept of Taoism—under the assumption that the absence of the warmth Reshiram and Zekrom generate (and thus their conceptual yin and yang) equals the infinite absence wuji implies. Wuji is also said to be represented by an empty circle; Kyurem's species name is the Boundary Pokémon.
** Zekrom's theme has a crackling thunder effect and Reshiram has a burning fire effect. However, Kyurem does not have a special effect, but has an extra slapped bass part playing in the background.
** The Tao trio may also relate to the {{wp|Three Pure Ones}}.
* The Trio may refer to The {{wp|Three Pure Ones}}, due to their relations with Taoism.
** According to [[Drayden]] in {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, however, {{p|Kyurem}} is the remainder of the {{tt|original dragon|the single dragon that Reshiram and Zekrom used to be}} after it was split into two. Also, Kyurem shifts into its two forms by fusing with either Reshiram or Zekrom. Due to this, Kyurem is sometimes viewed as the [[Legendary leader|leader]] within the trio, much like {{p|Rayquaza}} and {{p|Landorus}} and their respective groups.
* It is so far the only legendary trio with no known trio master as of yet.
* The Two Contraries are a pair of dragons in {{wp|alchemy}}, named Sophic Mercury and Sophic Sulfur. They are commonly depicted as a white, fluffy dragon with two wings and a black, scaly dragon with four limbs. These depictions heavily informed the body designs of Reshiram and Zekrom. Sophic Mercury is described as active and Sophic Sulfur as passive, which could be a loose inspiration for the truth and ideals that Reshiram and Zekrom represent. The Two Contraries fight because they are opposites, yet they complete each other, similarly to the concept of yin and yang. The Two Contraries are also what allow free will and awareness to exist, reflected in Pokémon by the choice between truth and ideals. Sophic Sulfur's name and corresponding element could be an inspiration for Reshiram being {{type|Fire}}. In addition, the Three Essentials, mercury, sulfur, and salt, the elements needed to create a {{wp|philosopher's stone}}, are considered the "child" of the Two Contraries. When the Essentials and Contraries are merged, they become a three-headed dragon. This could be the basis for the original dragon, which split into Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem long ago. The process of fusing requires the presence of Sophic Salt to freeze the Two Contraries together and ground them. This could be the inspiration for Kyurem being {{type|Ice}}.  
** Although, if Kyurem truly is what remains of the original dragon that Reshiram and Zekrom split from, Kyurem may, like {{p|Rayquaza}}, internally serve as the trio's master.
** Sophic Salt being needed to freeze and ground the Two Contraries could be reflected in the Tao trio's typing. Reshiram and Zekrom are both weak to {{type|Ground}} moves, and Kyurem's Ice-type moves are super effective against {{type|dragon}}.
* This legendary trio is the first since the [[legendary birds]] to return to the three types being {{t|Fire}}-, {{t|Electric}}-, and {{type|Ice}}, even though these types are secondary to Dragon.  
* The secondary types of the Tao trio are the same as the primary types of the Kantonian [[Legendary birds]].
* The eyes of each of the trio members references another member's secondary type.
** Additionally, each member of the trio learns one aspect of the move {{m|Tri Attack}}.
** Reshiram's eyes are blue, referencing Kyurem's {{t|Ice}} type.
* Although the members of the Tao trio are the [[game mascot]]s of the [[Generation V]] games, none of the members are the mascot of the game matching its [[List of Pokémon by color|Pokédex color]]. Reshiram is the mascot of ''Pokémon Black'', Zekrom is the mascot of ''Pokémon White'', and although Kyurem's alternate forms match the colors of ''Black 2'' and ''White 2'' they are still listed as gray due to their base form.
** Zekrom's eyes are red, referencing Reshiram's {{t|Fire}} type.
* Reshiram and Zekrom have the highest catch rate of any Legendary Pokémon with a base stat total above 600, with 45 (tied with {{p|Rayquaza}} in {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}). This is because the player is forced to catch them to proceed with the storyline in Black and White.
** Kyurem's eyes are yellow, referencing Zekrom's {{t|Electric}} type.
* Each member of the Tao trio has a secondary Sugimori artwork depicting their Overdrive Modes. Kyurem has two of them, one for each alternate form.
* The Tao Trio has its own battle transition. A few lights will gather in the center of the screen and a swirl vortex will zoom in from the center.
* The Tao trio have their own battle transition. A few lights will gather in the center of the screen, and a swirling vortex will zoom in from the center.
* Like the [[Legendary beasts]] in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, each member of the trio shares battle music that is slightly remixed to match their secondary type. Zekrom's theme has a crackling thunder effect and Reshiram's theme has a burning fire effect. While Kyurem's theme does not have a similar special effect, it has an extra slapped bass part playing in the background.
** All three members use Zekrom's variant in {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} and {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}.
* All three members of the Tao trio can [[Talking Pokémon|speak telepathically]] in the {{pkmn|anime}}; they, along with the {{OBP|Swords of Justice|M15}}, are the only Legendary trios to have this ability for all three members.
* Neither White Kyurem nor Black Kyurem can be traded or captured.
* All three members of the Tao Trio are voiced by [[Marc Thompson]] in their respective English movies.
 
==References==
<references/>
 
==See also==
* {{p|Reshiram}}
* {{p|Zekrom}}
* {{p|Kyurem}}
 
 
{{Legendary groups}}
{{Project Fandom notice}}
 
[[Category:Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon]]


{{Legendary trios}}
[[de:Tao-Trio]]
[[es:Trío tao]]
[[fr:Dragons légendaires]]
[[it:Trio Tao]]
[[ja:伝説のドラゴン (イッシュ)]]
[[zh:传说的龙宝可梦]]

Latest revision as of 18:35, 11 September 2024

018Pidgeot.png It has been suggested that this article be moved to Legendary dragons or Legendary dragon Pokémon.
Please discuss whether or not to move it on its talk page.

Zekrom, Reshiram, Kyurem, Black Kyurem, and White Kyurem

The Tao trio is a collective fan term used to refer to the three Legendary Dragon-type Pokémon of the Unova region: Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem. Other fan terms include Tao dragon trio and energy trio. According to Unova myths, the Legendary trio was created during the war plaguing the region.

Shared design

Much like members of other Legendary trios, the three Pokémon have similar appearances. Each has Dragon as their primary type. Both Reshiram and Zekrom have a base stat total of 680 while Kyurem's is 660 in its standard form—however, both White Kyurem and Black Kyurem have a base stat total of 700. Reshiram and White Kyurem have the Turboblaze ability, while Zekrom and Black Kyurem have the similar Teravolt ability.

Origin

Each of the members of the trio has control of their own types and sides. Reshiram represents the concept of yang and controls Fire, Zekrom represents the concept of yin and controls Thunder, and Kyurem represents the concept of wuji (the absence of yin and yang) and controls Ice; in its alternate forms it can also control Reshiram's fire and Zekrom's thunder to some extent.

Terminology

Throughout Generation V and after, the Tao trio are also referred to by many names such as:

  • legendary dragons
  • legendary dragon Pokémon [1]
  • legendary Dragon-type Pokémon
  • Legendary dragons of Unova[2]
  • Legendary Unova trio[3]
  • Unovan Legends[4]

Myths

Reshiram and the hero
Zekrom and the hero

The mythologies of the trio are implied to be connected, despite having no true relation. The origins of Zekrom and Reshiram are told in legends, as they were once a single powerful Dragon Pokémon used by twin heroes in order to create the Unova region. But the brothers each sought something different in life—truth for the older brother and ideals for the younger—and they began to argue, then fight, over whose side was right. The single dragon, in response, split into two Pokémon: Reshiram, who sided with the older twin, and Zekrom, who sided with the younger twin.

The two dragons were equally matched as they battled and neither conquered the other. As a result, the brothers set aside their differences and equally declared that there was no right side, either. But the sons of the heroes resumed the fight, and Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed the region with their fire and lightning powers. They subsequently disappeared afterward.

At the beginning of Black and White, one of them resides in Dragonspiral Tower, who is called upon by N to create his ideal world. The player is tasked with finding the other dragon in its corresponding stone (Light Stone in Black and Dark Stone in White) and reviving it to resolve the history the twins began in the past.[5]

The Giant Chasm

Kyurem's origins were believed to be different than those of the other two. The third dragon came down to the Pokémon world from an icy meteor and crashed into a place called Giant Chasm. The fact that Star Pieces, Comet Shards, and extraterrestrial Pokémon can be found in the Giant Chasm strongly supports this theory. An old legend in Lacunosa Town describing Kyurem claims that it would take people and Pokémon away from the town and eat them; this is why the town is now surrounded by a giant wall, and why none of its residents set foot outside their homes after dark. During Black 2 and White 2, however, an NPC claims that this story of Kyurem's origin might not be totally true. Professor Juniper theorized that the meteorite from the story could have been a Dragon Stone, similar to the ones that Reshiram and Zekrom were revived from. However, Drayden tells the player character of an old legend that tells a conflicting story of Kyurem's origins. The legend says that when the original dragon split into Reshiram and Zekrom, a third dragon was "created" from the leftovers: Kyurem. The Pokédex entry for Kyurem also states that it is waiting for a hero to fill in the missing parts of its body with "truth or ideals". This is completed in-game with the creation of its alternate forms, White Kyurem and Black Kyurem, created by Kyurem fusing with Reshiram or Zekrom (but not both).

In the anime

The Legend of Reshiram was a story told by Cedric Juniper and N in Ash and N: A Clash of Ideals!. It comes from the White Chapter of Pokémon Mythology.

When a person appears who is searching deeply for the truth, Reshiram will appear. At first, Reshiram will battle with that person as a test of their strength and heart. And if it decides that person is a hero, it will pass on the wisdom it has accumulated over thousands of years and then bare its fangs against the hero's enemies. From that point on, Reshiram will treat the hero with kindness, as a parent would treat a child. But although the person called the hero will be able to attain great riches and power, the goodness in their heart will be lost, and the country built by the hero will be consumed in flames. Then, Reshiram will depart.

The Legend of the Hero was a story told by Cedric Juniper in Explorers of the Hero's Ruin!. It comes from Section Eighteen of the Chapter of Darkness in Pokémon Mythology.

When the hero turns darkness into light and the hero's heart becomes one with the Pokémon, Zekrom shall descend and lend the hero his power.

Artwork

Reshiram Zekrom artwork.png Reshiram Zekrom Fusion Flare Bolt artwork.png Reshiram Zekrom Blue Flare Bolt Strike artwork.png
Reshiram and Zekrom Zekrom and Reshiram using Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare Zekrom and Reshiram using Bolt Strike and Blue Flare
B2W2 art.png Black Kyurem White Kyurem artwork.jpg
Black and White Kyurem Black and White Kyurem

Similar movesets

Lv. 643Reshiram.png
Reshiram
 Dragon  Fire 
646Kyurem-White.png
White Kyurem
 Dragon  Ice 
646Kyurem.png
Kyurem
 Dragon  Ice 
646Kyurem-Black.png
Black Kyurem
 Dragon  Ice 
644Zekrom.png
Zekrom
 Dragon  Electric 
1 Dragon Breath
Noble Roar
Ancient Power
Fire Fang Freeze-Dry Thunder Fang
8 Slash
16 Crunch Endeavor Crunch
24 Extrasensory Dragon Pulse Zen Headbutt
32 Dragon Pulse Ice Beam Dragon Claw
40 Flamethrower Hyper Voice Thunderbolt
48 Fusion Flare Fusion Flare Scary Face Fusion Bolt Fusion Bolt
56 Hyper Voice Blizzard Hyper Voice
64 Fire Blast Imprison Thunder
72 Imprison Outrage Imprison
80 Outrage Ice Burn Glaciate Freeze Shock Outrage
88 Blue Flare Sheer Cold Bolt Strike
Moves in bold are STAB. Moves in italics do no damage.


Base stat comparison

Pokémon 643Reshiram.png
Reshiram
646Kyurem-White.png
Kyurem
646Kyurem.png
Kyurem
646Kyurem-Black.png
Kyurem
644Zekrom.png
Zekrom
HP
100
125
125
125
100
Atk
120
120
130
170
150
Def
100
90
90
100
120
Sp. Atk
150
170
130
120
120
Sp. Def
120
100
90
90
100
Spd
90
95
95
95
90
Total 680 700 660 700 680


In the core series games

Pokémon Black and White

In Pokémon Black and White, either Reshiram or Zekrom will be encountered at N's Castle upon awakening from their respective Dragon Stone. These Pokémon are required to be captured in order to proceed with the storyline: if defeated or fled from, they will simply reappear for a rematch. Kyurem can be caught at the Giant Chasm after the player enters the Hall of Fame.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Reshiram and Zekrom can be encountered post-game at the Dragonspiral Tower after the player has encountered N at the ruins of his castle. Kyurem will appear as either Black Kyurem or White Kyurem during the storyline at Giant Chasm, but cannot be caught. Kyurem can be caught later in its normal form post-game after the player has caught Reshiram or Zekrom.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, either Reshiram or Zekrom will appear at the Fabled Cave depending on the version if the player has a level 100 Pokémon in their party. Kyurem will appear at the Gnarled Den if the player has both Reshiram and Zekrom in their party.

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, all three members of the Tao trio can be encountered in the Ultra Space Wilds through Ultra Warp Ride. ReshiramUS/ZekromUM can be encountered at the Rocky World through green warp holes. Kyurem can be encountered in the Water World through a blue warp hole, as long as both Reshiram and Zekrom are in the player's party.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

In The Crown Tundra DLC, the Tao trio can be encountered in Max Lair during Dynamax Adventures. Reshiram can be found in Sword, while Zekrom can be found in Shield; however, the player can get the other Legendary by participating in other players' Dynamax Adventures.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

In The Indigo Disk DLC, the Tao trio can be obtained via snacks from Snacksworth. Reshiram can be found in Scarlet, while Zekrom can be found in Violet. The player can get the other Legendary by participating in Blueberry Quests through the Union Circle online. Kyurem can be obtainted through the exclusive online group quests.

In the spin-off games

Pokkén Tournament

In Pokkén Tournament, Reshiram appears as a Support Pokémon in all versions of the game alongside Cresselia.

Pokémon Masters EX

The members of the Tao trio appear in Pokémon Masters EX. In addition to the following sync pairs, Hilbert was shown to own a second Kyurem, which he fused with N's Zekrom to create the Black Kyurem that N later forms a sync pair with.

Dex Trainer NDex Pokémon Type Weakness Role EX role Base potential Availability
#112 VSN Masters.png N #0644 MastersIcon0644.png Zekrom
Electric
ElectricIC Masters.png
Dragon
DragonIC Masters.png
Masters Physical Strike.png ★★★★★☆EX Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout
#124 VSGhetsis Masters.png Ghetsis #0646 MastersIcon0646.png Kyurem
Ice
IceIC Masters.png
Steel
SteelIC Masters.png
Masters Tech.png ★★★★★☆EX Legendary Adventures
Father or Foe
#112 VSN Anniversary 2021 Masters.png Anniversary 2021
N
#0643 MastersIcon0643.png Reshiram Master Sync Pair Mark Masters.png
Fire
FireIC Masters.png
Dragon
DragonIC Masters.png
Masters Tech.png ★★★★★☆EX Master Fair Sync Pair Scout
#112 VSN Sygna Masters.png Sygna Suit
N
#0646 MastersIcon0646B.png Kyurem Buddy Move Icon Masters.png
Black Kyurem
Ice
IceIC Masters.png
Fairy
FairyIC Masters.png
Masters Tech.png ★★★★★☆EX Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout

In the anime

Main series

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Reshiram in the anime
Zekrom in the anime
Kyurem in the anime
Main articles: Reshiram (anime) and Zekrom

Zekrom debuted in In the Shadow of Zekrom!. It appeared above the sky in Nuvema Town, where it created a bizarre thunderstorm and caused Pikachu's electricity to malfunction, inflicting pain. Zekrom always appeared above Ash. Later, in The Name's N!, N speculated that Ash's encounter with Zekrom was not coincidental.

Reshiram appeared in a flashback about N's memories of N's Castle in The Name's N!; Reshiram incinerated the castle during N's crowning by Ghetsis, which he later speaks of in The Secrets From Out Of The Fog! when talking of his experience as a former Team Plasma member. It appeared during the present in What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!, when Ghetsis revived it from the Light Stone and took possession of it using Colress's machine. Ghetsis then unleashed it unto everyone in hopes of utter destruction. It then left in peace after N communed with it, and supposedly told it something before it left, though N kept that a secret.

Reshiram and Zekrom later appeared in Ash's dream in Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!, when Ash was riding Reshiram. He was soon thrown off by Zekrom (carrying Iris) using Thunderbolt, causing Ash to fall off and soon awaken Ash. This was revealed to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt on him.

Pokémon movies

Main articles: Reshiram (M14), Zekrom (M14), and Kyurem (M15)

Reshiram and Zekrom made a major appearance in White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram. In these two variants of the same movie, Reshiram and Zekrom share opposite roles. Either Reshiram or Zekrom is summoned by Damon and used to fight off those who oppose him while he raises the Sword of the Vale. It allied with Damon when he wished to restore the Kingdom of the Vale. The opposite dragon depending on the version is awakened by Ash, and allies with him upon his wish to help Victini. The two dragons battle, but Ash ultimately defeats Damon. However, the two dragons then realize that Damon's actions had unleashed a corrupted Dragon Force that has put the world into jeopardy, and the duo reveal this to Damon by blowing away the clouds. They then help relocate the Sword of the Vale in order to stop the Dragon Force. They then leave, and fly off, forming a rainbow in the process. It is unknown as to whether or not these are the same Reshiram and Zekrom that appeared in the mainstream anime.

Kyurem makes a separate appearance in Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice. In this movie, Kyurem is sought after Keldeo, in hopes that the latter can defeat Kyurem in a match to become one among the Swords of Justice. Kyurem accepts Keldeo's challenge, but proves far too great a match for the young Pokémon to handle, and it gained massive advantage. When Terrakion interfered to protect Keldeo, Kyurem froze it, along with Cobalion and Virizion in ice. Keldeo then escaped and took refuge on the top of a train. Kyurem, refusing to let the battle end unfairly, doggedly pursued Keldeo. When Keldeo reappeared for a rematch, Kyurem revealed to Keldeo that it knew that it was lying about being a Sword of Justice. The two then battle, and Keldeo learns how to use Secret Sword in the process. Though Keldeo does not win, it still wins Kyurem's respect as Keldeo vowed to protect its friends. When Kyurem's den was falling apart, it used ice to freeze it so that no further disaster would occur. In this movie, Kyurem is shown to be able to change between Black Kyurem, White Kyurem, and normal Kyurem at will. It is also notable for controlling an army of Cryogonal who would do its bidding: their presence also often marked Kyurem's arrival at a location. According to Iris, Kyurem is considered the most powerful Dragon-type in the world.

Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem all appeared in Hoopa and the Clash of Ages. Reshiram and Zekrom were seen in a flashback of events 100 years ago, when Hoopa in its Unbound form summoned the two of them and battled them in order to entertain people in Dahara City. Kyurem was summoned in the present day by an entity of Hoopa's Unbound form, along with Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and the Pokémon of Myth, and was controlled by the entity in order to terrorize Dahara City. After Hoopa's Unbound power was finally sealed and Kyurem was freed from its control, Kyurem helped in holding off a dimensional wall while Hoopa saved the Dahara City inhabitants from destruction. Kyurem then left the scene.

Pokémon Generations

N was seen with a Reshiram in The King Returns. He used it to try and stop Ghetsis and Kyurem from freezing Unova, but Ghetsis fused the two Pokémon to create White Kyurem before N could act.

Zekrom briefly appeared at the end of The King Returns, under the ownership of Hilbert.

Kyurem first appeared in The Frozen World. It was controlled by Colress, being used by Team Plasma to power up a cannon to freeze Opelucid City. This was part of a larger plan to get the DNA Splicers to Zinzolin. Kyurem reappeared in The King Returns, this time under the control of Ghetsis. It was used as part of his final attempt to freeze Unova, but was challenged by N and his Reshiram. However, Ghetsis used the DNA Splicers to fuse the two Pokémon into White Kyurem. It was last seen being challenged by Hilbert and his Zekrom.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

Kyurem appeared in both of its alternate forms at the end of the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer, where Black Kyurem used Thunderbolt and White Kyurem used Flamethrower.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Tao trio (Adventures)

Black & White arc

Zekrom is the first member of the Tao trio to appear. It was successfully awakened at the Dragonspiral Tower by N, who was given the Dark Stone that the Shadow Triad successfully stole from the Nacrene Museum. N eventually convinced Zekrom to join his cause, making him the Hero of Ideals, and proceeded to another location to challenge Alder.

At around the same time that Zekrom was awakened, Brycen consulted with Drayden about the Light Stone, which Team Plasma were unaware of, that was also being stored at the museum. Brycen agreed to train Black and entrust him with the Light Stone. After completing the training course under Brycen, Black failed an initial attempt to summon Reshiram. In the middle of the battle between N and Alder, which Black came to witness, Reshiram made another attempt to emerge from the Light Stone, however Zekrom's roar forced it back in. It wasn't until Black became fully aware of Team Plasma's intentions, during the Unova League tournament, that he finally summoned Reshiram and became the Hero of Truth. Black eventually squared up against N, pitting Reshiram and Zekrom against each other, and Reshiram emerged victorious.

Black 2 & White 2 arc

Kyurem was revealed to have been caught by Zinzolin during the events of the Black & White arc. Colress eventually took control of it and placed it inside the Plasma Frigate to power its "Kyurem Cannon". Once Ghetsis acquired the DNA Splicers, Kyurem became able to assume its alternate forms. Eventually, Colress's control over Kyurem was broken, and following Team Plasma's ultimate defeat, Zekrom and Reshiram left their respective heroes to Aldo return to the wild.


Trivia

  • Yin and yang are dependent fundamentals in Taoism, which Reshiram and Zekrom are directly connected to. Reshiram and Zekrom's species names in Japanese are "White Yang" and "Black Yin," respectively, and the names of their battle music are also respectively "Blazing White Yang" and "Electrifying Black Yin." Kyurem, on the other hand, is an analogy to wuji—a separate concept of Taoism—under the assumption that the absence of the warmth Reshiram and Zekrom generate (and thus their conceptual yin and yang) equals the infinite absence wuji implies. Wuji is also said to be represented by an empty circle; Kyurem's species name is the Boundary Pokémon.
    • The Tao trio may also relate to the Three Pure Ones.
    • According to Drayden in Black 2 and White 2, however, Kyurem is the remainder of the original dragon after it was split into two. Also, Kyurem shifts into its two forms by fusing with either Reshiram or Zekrom. Due to this, Kyurem is sometimes viewed as the leader within the trio, much like Rayquaza and Landorus and their respective groups.
  • The Two Contraries are a pair of dragons in alchemy, named Sophic Mercury and Sophic Sulfur. They are commonly depicted as a white, fluffy dragon with two wings and a black, scaly dragon with four limbs. These depictions heavily informed the body designs of Reshiram and Zekrom. Sophic Mercury is described as active and Sophic Sulfur as passive, which could be a loose inspiration for the truth and ideals that Reshiram and Zekrom represent. The Two Contraries fight because they are opposites, yet they complete each other, similarly to the concept of yin and yang. The Two Contraries are also what allow free will and awareness to exist, reflected in Pokémon by the choice between truth and ideals. Sophic Sulfur's name and corresponding element could be an inspiration for Reshiram being Fire-type. In addition, the Three Essentials, mercury, sulfur, and salt, the elements needed to create a philosopher's stone, are considered the "child" of the Two Contraries. When the Essentials and Contraries are merged, they become a three-headed dragon. This could be the basis for the original dragon, which split into Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem long ago. The process of fusing requires the presence of Sophic Salt to freeze the Two Contraries together and ground them. This could be the inspiration for Kyurem being Ice-type.
    • Sophic Salt being needed to freeze and ground the Two Contraries could be reflected in the Tao trio's typing. Reshiram and Zekrom are both weak to Ground-type moves, and Kyurem's Ice-type moves are super effective against Dragon-type.
  • The secondary types of the Tao trio are the same as the primary types of the Kantonian Legendary birds.
    • Additionally, each member of the trio learns one aspect of the move Tri Attack.
  • Although the members of the Tao trio are the game mascots of the Generation V games, none of the members are the mascot of the game matching its Pokédex color. Reshiram is the mascot of Pokémon Black, Zekrom is the mascot of Pokémon White, and although Kyurem's alternate forms match the colors of Black 2 and White 2 they are still listed as gray due to their base form.
  • Reshiram and Zekrom have the highest catch rate of any Legendary Pokémon with a base stat total above 600, with 45 (tied with Rayquaza in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire). This is because the player is forced to catch them to proceed with the storyline in Black and White.
  • Each member of the Tao trio has a secondary Sugimori artwork depicting their Overdrive Modes. Kyurem has two of them, one for each alternate form.
  • The Tao trio have their own battle transition. A few lights will gather in the center of the screen, and a swirling vortex will zoom in from the center.
  • Like the Legendary beasts in HeartGold and SoulSilver, each member of the trio shares battle music that is slightly remixed to match their secondary type. Zekrom's theme has a crackling thunder effect and Reshiram's theme has a burning fire effect. While Kyurem's theme does not have a similar special effect, it has an extra slapped bass part playing in the background.
  • All three members of the Tao trio can speak telepathically in the anime; they, along with the Swords of Justice, are the only Legendary trios to have this ability for all three members.
  • Neither White Kyurem nor Black Kyurem can be traded or captured.
  • All three members of the Tao Trio are voiced by Marc Thompson in their respective English movies.

References

  1. Pokémon Black and White Versions/Pokémon Black and White Versions 2
  2. TCG
  3. Legendary and Mythical Guidebook: Deluxe Edition
  4. Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon: The Official Alola Region Strategy Guide
  5. Drayden: "Zekrom [...] and Reshiram [...] were once the same Pokémon."
    Iris: "That single Dragon Pokémon, along with twin heroes, brought a new region into being. And people and Pokémon lived happy lives!"
    Drayden: "One day, however... The twin heroes, the older brother who sought the truth, and the younger brother who sought ideals, began to argue about how to decide which one of them was right... The single Dragon-type Pokémon that had been with them all that time split its body into two. One sided with the older brother, and the other with the younger brother."
    Iris: "In its pursuit of truth, the white Dragon-type Pokémon sought to usher in a new and better world... Its name was Reshiram. And the other, the black Dragon-type Pokémon, sough ideals and to usher in a new world—a world of hope. Its name was Zekrom."
    Drayden: "Because the two of them were once the same entity, their battle raged endlessly and neither one could be declared the winner. They simply exhausted themselves. The twin heroes proclaimed that there was no one side that was right and ceased the conflict."
    Iris: "But, but... The twin heroes' sons started the battle again! And an instant later, Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed Unova with fire and lightning! Then, they disappeared! But, but... If people work with Pokémon in the right way, we don't have to worry anymore about the work being destroyed. I mean, Reshiram and Zekrom worked hard for everyone and made a new region! So it should be alright, I think." — Pokémon Black and White

See also


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