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tmpokemonname=Butterfree|
tmpokemonname=Butterfree|
image=[[File:Ash Butterfree.png|224px]]|
image=[[File:Ash Butterfree.png|224px]]|
caption=Ash's Butterfree|
caption=Ash's Butterfree|
gender=Male<ref>Confirmed in ''[[SM042|Alola, Kanto!]]'' by gender differences.</ref>|
location=[[Viridian Forest]] |
location=[[Viridian Forest]] |
evolution=2|
evolution=2|
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secondevoep=EP004|
secondevoep=EP004|
secondevoname=Challenge of the Samurai|
secondevoname=Challenge of the Samurai|
gender=Male<ref>Confirmed in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''.</ref>|
released=yes|
released=yes|
releaseep=EP021|
releaseep=EP021|
releasename=Bye-Bye Butterfree|
releasename=Bye Bye Butterfree|
traded=yes|
traded=yes|
tradeep=EP015|
tradeep=EP015|
tradename=Battle Aboard the St. Anne{{tt|*|Trade reversed afterwards}}|
tradename=Battle Aboard the St. Anne<ref name="trade" group="lower-alpha">Trade reversed afterwards</ref>|
oldtrainer={{Ash}}|
oldtrainer={{Ash}}|
newtrainer={{tc|Gentleman}}|
newtrainer={{tc|Gentleman}}|
tradedfor={{AP|Raticate}}{{tt|*|Trade reversed afterwards}}|
tradedfor={{AP|Raticate}}<ref name="trade" group="lower-alpha">Trade reversed afterwards</ref>|
current=With the [[Pink Butterfree]]|
current=With the [[Pink Butterfree]]|
enva2=[[Eric Stuart]] <small>([[EP003]]-[[EP004]])</small><br>[[List of English voice actors|Sam Black]] <small>([[M20]])</small>|
enva2=[[Michael Haigney]] <small>([[EP003]]-[[EP004]])</small><br>[[Sam Black]] <small>([[M20]])</small>|
java1=[[Rikako Aikawa]]|
java1=[[Rikako Aikawa]]|
java2=[[Rikako Aikawa]]|
java2=[[Rikako Aikawa]]|
java3=[[Rikako Aikawa]]|
java3=[[Rikako Aikawa]]|
}}
}}
'''Ash's Butterfree''' (Japanese: '''サトシのバタフリー''' ''Satoshi's Butterfree'') was the first [[wild Pokémon]] that {{Ash}} {{pkmn2|caught}} in the [[Kanto]] region, and his second overall.
'''Ash's Butterfree''' (Japanese: '''サトシのバタフリー''' ''Satoshi's Butterfree'') was the first [[wild Pokémon]] that {{Ash}} {{pkmn2|caught}} in the [[Kanto]] [[region]], and his second overall.


==History==
==In the anime==
===[[Original series]]===
===Main series===
[[File:Ash Caterpie.png|250px|thumb|left|As a Caterpie, with Ash]]
====History====
Caterpie first appeared at the end of ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency]]'', staring at the group as they passed by. When {{an|Misty}} freaked out about its type and told Ash to do something, Ash pulled out a [[Poké Ball]] and threw it at Caterpie, hoping to catch it. In [[EP003|the next episode]], Ash managed to catch the Worm Pokémon, being the first [[wild Pokémon]] he ever caught. Ash remarkably caught him without a [[Pokémon battle]], which Misty attributed to Caterpie's weakness. Caterpie was quite fond of Misty, but, much to Caterpie's misfortune, she wanted nothing to do with him because it was a {{type|Bug}} Pokémon, which she feared. At night, Caterpie and [[Ash's Pikachu]] talked to each other, and Caterpie revealed its desire to [[Evolution|evolve]] into a {{p|Butterfree}}. It became very sad as if it was not sure it could do it, but Pikachu encouraged it.
=====[[Original series]]=====
[[File:Ash Caterpie wishing to evolve.png|thumb|left|220px|Caterpie dreaming about evolving into a Butterfree]]
Butterfree first appeared as a {{p|Caterpie}} at the end of ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency]]'', where he was staring at the group as they passed by. {{an|Misty}} was freaked out because he was a {{type|Bug}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, and insisted that Ash do something. Ash pulled out a {{i|Poké Ball}} and threw it at Caterpie, hoping to catch him. In [[EP003|the next episode]], Ash managed to successfully catch the [[Pokémon category|Worm Pokémon]], making him the first [[wild Pokémon]] he ever caught. Remarkably, Ash caught him without initiating a [[Pokémon battle]], which Misty attributed to Caterpie's weakness. Caterpie was quite fond of Misty, but, much to Caterpie's dismay, she kept her distance due to fear. At night, Caterpie and [[Ash's Pikachu]] talked things over, and Caterpie revealed his desire to [[Evolution|evolve]] into a {{p|Butterfree}}. He became very sad as he was unsure he could do it, but Pikachu offered support.


The next day, Caterpie was the first Pokémon Ash sent out against the next Pokémon he tried to capture, {{AP|Pidgeotto}}. With a large disadvantage against the {{type|Flying}} Pokémon, it was beaten severely and was quickly substituted for Pikachu. Later, when [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}} appeared to attempt to steal Pikachu, Ash sent out his weakened Caterpie against them after they had blinded Pikachu and defeated Pidgeotto. Despite being made fun of by {{TRT}}, it managed to take down both [[James's Koffing]] and [[Jessie's Ekans]] by using {{m|String Shot}} and {{m|Tackle}}, causing Team Rocket to run away. Just as Misty was about to get over her fear and congratulate Caterpie on its victory, it suddenly evolved into {{p|Metapod}}, which bothered her even more.
The next day, Caterpie was the first Pokémon Ash sent out against the next Pokémon he tried to capture, {{AP|Pidgeotto}}. With a large disadvantage against the {{type|Flying}} Pokémon, he was beaten severely and was quickly [[Recall|substituted]] for Pikachu. Later, when {{TRT}} appeared to attempt to steal Pikachu, Ash sent out his weakened Caterpie after Pikachu had been blinded and Pidgeotto was defeated. Despite Team Rocket's ridicule, he managed to take down both [[James's Koffing]] and [[Jessie's Ekans]] by using {{m|String Shot}} and {{m|Tackle}}, causing Team Rocket to run away. Just as Misty was about to overcome her fear and congratulate Caterpie on his victory, he suddenly evolved into {{p|Metapod}}, which bothered her even more.
[[File:Ash Metapod‎.png|250px|thumb|left|As a Metapod]]
[[File:Ash Butterfree Goodbye BW130.png|thumb|250px|Butterfree and Ash]]
In ''[[EP004|Challenge of the Samurai]]'', Metapod was sent out in a battle against [[Samurai]]. Despite only being able to use {{m|Harden}}, it managed to defeat his {{p|Pinsir}} by solidifying so much that the Stag Beetle Pokémon's pincers broke. Samurai then decided to send his own Metapod out against Ash's. Neither, however, could attack, and both had to sit stationary and keep hardening. The battle was then interrupted by a swarm of {{p|Beedrill}} that snatched Ash's Metapod away when he forgot to pick it up before running off. Ash felt guilty about this and became determined to get his Metapod back, finding it with a hive of {{p|Kakuna}}. Team Rocket showed up and woke up the whole hive of Beedrill with their {{motto}}, giving Ash a chance to rescue his Metapod. Metapod, however, was unhappy with Ash, but the Trainer tried to make an excuse and claim he didn't abandon Metapod. When Ash tripped on a rock and dropped Metapod, he owned up to his mistake and swore to never leave his Pokémon behind again. Metapod was moved by this and, seeing a Beedrill about to attack Ash, leaped up and took the blow, breaking the Beedrill's stinger and getting a large gash in its shell. Metapod then evolved into Butterfree and stopped all the Beedrill with its {{m|Sleep Powder}} attack.
In ''[[EP004|Challenge of the Samurai]]'', Metapod was sent out in a battle against [[Samurai]]. Despite only being able to use {{m|Harden}}, he managed to defeat his {{p|Pinsir}} by solidifying so much that the Stag Beetle Pokémon's pincers broke. Samurai decided to send his own Metapod out against Ash's. Neither could attack, as both sides could only use the [[move]] Harden. The battle was interrupted by a swarm of {{p|Beedrill}}, and Metapod was carried off after Ash forgot to recall him. Ash felt guilty about this and became determined to get his Metapod back, finding it with a hive of {{p|Kakuna}}. Team Rocket woke up the whole hive of Beedrill with their {{motto}}, allowing Ash to rescue his Metapod. Despite this, the Cocoon Pokémon was unhappy with Ash, but the Trainer tried to make an excuse and claim he didn't abandon Metapod. When Ash tripped on a rock and dropped Metapod, he owned up to his mistake and swore never to leave his Pokémon behind again. This moved Metapod, and, seeing a Beedrill about to attack Ash, he leaped up and took the blow, breaking the Beedrill's stinger and getting a large gash in his shell. Metapod evolved into Butterfree and stopped all the Beedrill with his newly learned {{m|Sleep Powder}} attack.


In ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'', Butterfree was used in Ash's [[Cerulean Gym]] battle against Misty, where it faced her {{TP|Misty|Staryu}}. Butterfree managed to hit {{p|Staryu}} with Tackle and then dodged Staryu's. As Staryu landed, it lost its balance, giving Butterfree the chance to hit it with two more Tackles. Staryu then scored a hit with {{m|Water Gun}} and kept firing off the attack. Butterfree, however, dodged them all and crippled Staryu with {{m|Stun Spore}}. Misty had Staryu jump into the water to wash the spores off. When Butterfree went for Sleep Powder, Staryu dodged it by jumping into the water and kept using Tackle from underwater. Butterfree was then hit by another Tackle, knocking it into the water. As Butterfree was unable to swim, Ash was forced to concede the round and recall Butterfree to the safety of its Poké Ball.
In ''[[EP007|The Water Flowers of Cerulean City]]'', Butterfree was used in Ash's [[Cerulean Gym]] battle against Misty, where he faced her {{TP|Misty|Staryu}}. Butterfree hit {{p|Staryu}} with Tackle and then dodged Staryu's own Tackle. As Staryu landed, it lost its balance, allowing Butterfree to hit it with two more Tackles. Staryu scored a hit with {{m|Water Gun}} and kept firing off the attack. Butterfree, however, dodged them all and {{status|paralysis|crippled}} Staryu with {{m|Stun Spore}}. Misty had Staryu jump into the water to wash the spores off. When Butterfree went for Sleep Powder, Staryu dodged it by diving into the water and kept using Tackle from underwater. Butterfree was struck by a Tackle and knocked into the water. With his wings wet, Ash was forced to concede the round and recall Butterfree to the safety of his Poké Ball.
[[File:Butterfree Raticate trade.png|thumb|left|200px|Butterfree being traded for Raticate]]
[[File:Butterfree Raticate trade.png|thumb|left|220px|Butterfree being traded for Raticate]]
Butterfree battled [[A.J.]]'s powerful {{p|Sandshrew}} in ''[[EP008|The Path to the Pokémon League]]''. Butterfree went for Stun Spore, but Sandshrew avoided it using {{m|Dig}} and then knocked Butterfree out.
Butterfree battled [[A.J.]]'s powerful {{p|Sandshrew}} in ''[[EP008|The Path to the Pokémon League]]''. Butterfree went for Stun Spore, but Sandshrew avoided it using {{m|Dig}} before pinning Butterfree to the ground to win the round.
[[File:OPJ10 Butterfree.png|thumb|250px|Ash's Butterfree with its mate]]
In ''[[EP015|Battle Aboard the St. Anne]]'', Ash used it in a battle against a {{tc|Gentleman}} with a {{AP|Raticate}}. He countered Raticate's {{m|Jump Kick}} with Tackle. After dodging a {{m|Hyper Fang}}, Butterfree crippled it with Stun Spore. As Ash was about to finish the battle, the Gentleman called the battle off and declared it a draw, despite Butterfree's almost certain victory. The Gentleman then approached Ash and asked to [[trade]] the Pokémon. Ash accepted but soon found that Butterfree meant too much to him to keep the Raticate, and was so set on trading them back that he did it while the [[S.S. Anne|St. Anne]] was sinking, causing him and his friends to be trapped inside.


In ''[[EP019|Tentacool & Tentacruel]]'', Butterfree bore {{AP|Bulbasaur}} into battle with a [[Giant Pokémon|giant]] {{p|Tentacruel}}, but was knocked out by Tentacruel's attack.
In ''[[EP015|Battle Aboard the St. Anne]]'', Ash used him in a battle against a {{tc|Gentleman}} and his {{AP|Raticate}}. Butterfree countered Raticate's {{m|Jump Kick}} with Tackle. After dodging a {{m|Hyper Fang}}, Butterfree crippled it with Stun Spore. As Ash was about to finish the battle, the Gentleman called it off and declared it a draw, despite Butterfree's almost certain victory. The Gentleman approached Ash and asked to [[trade]] the Pokémon. Ash accepted but quickly regretted the decision after realizing his attachment to Butterfree. Later, Ash managed to exchange the Raticate for his Butterfree. While he was reunited with his friend, the decision led Ash and {{ashfr}} to be left trapped aboard the sinking [[S.S. Anne|St. Anne]].
[[File:Ash Butterfree Goodbye BW130.png|thumb|250px|Ash bidding farewell to Butterfree]]
The last time Butterfree was seen with Ash was in ''[[EP021|Bye-Bye Butterfree]]''. At the start of this episode, Ash saw a large number of Butterfree flying around in the sky, and Brock told him that it was the Butterfree mating season. Ash realized that his Butterfree would probably want to have {{p|Caterpie|babies}} like the other Butterfree, so he and his friends rented a hot air balloon and watched Butterfree mingle with the others. Despite Brock's encouragement for Butterfree to choose one belonging to a cute female Trainer, Butterfree found its heart set on a [[pink Butterfree]]. It tried to impress the pink Butterfree with some fancy flying, only to be rejected with a slap in the face. Heartbroken, it flew into the woods below, followed by Ash and his friends who tried to encourage Butterfree, telling it to be assertive and tying a yellow ribbon around his neck to help him catch the pink Butterfree's eye. Butterfree tried a second time to impress the pink Butterfree with its {{m|Whirlwind}} and Tackle attacks, but this failed as well. Then, Team Rocket showed up in a helicopter and captured all the Butterfree but Ash's in a giant net. Butterfree pursued them, followed by Ash and friends in their hot air balloon, and they headed into a canyon where the Butterfree were stashed. They broke in and Ash battled Team Rocket while Butterfree used its Tackle against the cage the Butterfree were in, finally getting the attention of the pink Butterfree. It broke open the cage, and the Butterfree all flew free. Team Rocket tried a second time to capture all the Butterfree, only to be stopped by both Butterfree and Pikachu. Afterwards, the pink Butterfree approached Ash's Butterfree and the two paired up. The two departed as Ash watched in tears, remembering what the two had been through together and wishing his dear friend a fond farewell.


===Other appearances===
In ''[[EP019|Tentacool & Tentacruel]]'', Butterfree flew {{AP|Bulbasaur}} into battle with a [[Giant Pokémon|giant]] {{p|Tentacruel}}, but he was knocked out by Tentacruel's attack.
Ash's Butterfree has since appeared in the tenth opening for the anime, [[Spurt!]], along with its mate, the pink Butterfree. However, it has not returned in any episodes since its last appearance. Ash has, however, flashed back to having it several times, such as in ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'', ''[[DP099|A Trainer and Child Reunion!]]'', ''[[BW130|Butterfree and Me!]]'', and ''[[SM042|Alola, Kanto!]]''.
[[File:Ash Butterfree Goodbye SM042.png|thumb|250px|Ash bidding farewell to Butterfree]]
The last time Butterfree was seen under Ash's ownership was in ''[[EP021|Bye Bye Butterfree]]''. At the start of this episode, Ash saw many Butterfree flying around in the sky, and {{an|Brock}} told him that it was the Butterfree mating season. Ash realized that his Butterfree would probably want to have {{p|Caterpie|babies}} like the other Butterfree, so he and his friends rented a hot air balloon and watched Butterfree mingle with the others. Despite Brock's encouragement for Butterfree to choose one belonging to a cute female Trainer, Butterfree had his heart set on a [[pink Butterfree]]. He tried to impress the pink Butterfree with some fancy flying, only to be rejected with a slap to the face. Heartbroken, he flew into the woods below, followed by Ash and his friends, who tried to encourage Butterfree, telling him to be assertive and tying a yellow ribbon around his neck to help him catch the pink Butterfree's eye.  


==Personality and characteristics==
Butterfree tried a second time to impress the pink Butterfree with his {{m|Whirlwind}} and Tackle attacks, but this tactic also failed. Then, Team Rocket showed up in a helicopter and captured all the Butterfree, except Ash's, in a giant net. Butterfree pursued them, followed by the group in their hot air balloon, and they headed into a canyon where the Butterfree were stashed. While Ash handled the Rocket trio, Butterfree freed the captured Butterfree from their cage. Team Rocket tried a second time to capture all the Butterfree, only to be stopped by both Butterfree and Pikachu. Afterward, the pink Butterfree approached Ash's Butterfree, and the two paired up. The two departed as Ash watched in tears, remembering what the two had been through together and wishing his dear friend a fond farewell.
As a Caterpie, it had a very happy but shy attitude, shown to suffer from low self-esteem if it didn't make a good first impression. He was very hurt when Misty didn't take to it. It was also very brave, squaring up against a Pidgeotto and then both of Team Rocket's Pokémon single-handedly. Its personality mellowed as a Metapod, becoming very laidback, but remained extremely loyal to its Trainer, jumping in front of a Beedrill to save him. As Butterfree, its personality was similar to that of Caterpie, retaining its bravery and positive attitude, but as was seen in ''Bye-Bye Butterfree'', its self-esteem still suffered when it didn't make a good first impression.


==Moves used==
=====''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''=====
{{anmov/h|Bug|Flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Caterpie String Shot|1=Butterfree Brock Zubat Whirlwind|2=Metapod Harden|3=Caterpie Tackle}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=String Shot as<br>a Caterpie|1=Whirlwind|2=Harden as<br>a Metapod|3=Tackle as<br>a Caterpie}}|image2=Ash Butterfree {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}||0=Sleep Powder|1=Stun Spore|2=Tackle}}.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Sleep Powder|1=Stun Spore|2=Tackle}}}}
In ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'' and ''[[DP099|A Trainer and Child Reunion!]]'', Ash recalled the time he caught Caterpie.
 
[[File:Ash Kanto Pokémon JN132.png|thumb|250px|Butterfree encouraging Pikachu in a vision]]
=====''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''=====
Butterfree appeared in a flashback in ''[[BW130|Butterfree and Me!]]''.
 
=====''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]''=====
Butterfree appeared in Ash, Misty, and Brock's flashback in ''[[SM042|Alola, Kanto!]]''.
 
=====''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''=====
In ''[[JN132|Partners in Time!]]'', Butterfree appeared as a vision to Pikachu during his battle against [[Leon's Charizard]].
 
In ''[[JN135|Heroes Unite!]]'', Butterfree appeared in a fantasy while Ash reminisced about the Pokémon he'd caught on his journey.
 
In ''[[JN136|This Could be the Start of Something Big!]]'', Butterfree and his mate reunited with Ash and Pikachu.
{{-}}
 
====Personality and characteristics====
[[File:OPJ10 Butterfree.png|thumb|220px|Butterfree with his mate]]
[[File:Ash and Butterfree JN.png|thumb|left|250px|Butterfree reuniting with Ash]]
As a Caterpie, he had a positive but shy attitude and was shown to suffer from low self-esteem if he didn't make a good first impression. This was first shown in ''[[EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon]]'', where he was very hurt when Misty didn't take to him. He was also very brave, squaring up against a {{AP|Pidgeotto}} and then both of {{TRT}}'s Pokémon single-handedly.
 
His personality mellowed as a Metapod, becoming very laidback, but remained extremely loyal to his Trainer, jumping in front of a Beedrill to save him. After evolving into a Butterfree, he retained his bravery and positive attitude. However, as was seen in ''[[EP021|Bye Bye Butterfree]]'', his self-esteem still suffered when he didn't make a good first impression.
{{-}}
 
====Appearance====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{bug color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{bug color dark}}"
|-
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Caterpie|000}}
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Metapod|000}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Ash Caterpie.png|x165px]]
| [[File:Ash Metapod.png|220px]]
|}
 
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|Bug|Flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Caterpie String Shot|1=Butterfree Whirlwind|2=Metapod Harden|3=Caterpie Tackle}}.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=String Shot as<br>a Caterpie|1=Whirlwind|2=Harden as<br>a Metapod|3=Tackle as<br>a Caterpie}}|image2=Ash Butterfree {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}||0=Sleep Powder|1=Stun Spore|2=Tackle}}.png|caption2=Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Sleep Powder|1=Stun Spore|2=Tackle}}}}
{{anmov|bug|String Shot|EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon}}
{{anmov|bug|String Shot|EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon}}
{{anmov|normal|Tackle|EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon|rec=yes}}
{{anmov|normal|Tackle|EP003|Ash Catches a Pokémon|rec=yes}}
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{{anmov/f|flying}}
{{anmov/f|flying}}


==In ''I Choose You!''==
====Artwork====
[[File:Ash Butterfree M20.png|thumb|250px|Ash's Butterfree in ''I Choose You!'']]
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{flying color dark}}; background: #{{bug color}}; font-size:80%;"
[[File:Ash Caterpie M20.png|thumb|left|250px|As a Caterpie]]
|-
[[File:Ash Metapod M20.png|thumb|250px|As a Metapod]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{bug color dark}}; background: #{{flying color light}}" | [[File:To Be a Pokémon Master poster.png|x250px]]
Butterfree appeared in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'', which is set in a different continuity from the main series. Like the main series, it was the first Pokémon as caught on his journey while it was still a Caterpie.
|-
| Poster for<br>''{{color2|000|S25|Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master}}''
|}


While exploring Viridian Forest early on in his journey, {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} encountered a Caterpie. He battled it with his {{OBP|Ash's Pikachu|M20|Pikachu}} and managed to catch it. Caterpie accompanied Ash and Pikachu on their journey and became a trusted partner. While trying to catch a {{p|Pinsir}} and battling it with Caterpie, it evolved into Metapod.
===''I Choose You!''===
[[File:Ash Butterfree M20.png|thumb|250px|Butterfree in ''I Choose You!'']]
Butterfree appeared in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'', which is set in a different continuity from the main series. Like the main series, it was the first Pokémon Ash {{pkmn2|caught}} on his journey while it was still a Caterpie.


Metapod would eventually fully evolve into Butterfree while battling a bunch of angry {{p|Primeape}} and subduing them with {{m|String Shot}}. After evolving into Butterfree, Butterfree put the Primeape to sleep with {{m|Sleep Powder}}. A short while after that, Ash and Butterfree encountered a pink Butterfree. Ash's Butterfree defended the pink Butterfree from a {{p|Fearow}}. The two Butterfree bonded but would later part ways. Not long after, the Butterfree reunited when Ash came across a herd of Butterfree, which included the pink Butterfree. Seeing how happy the two Butterfree were together, Ash decided to let his Butterfree go and said a tearful goodbye as it departed.
While exploring Viridian Forest early on in his journey, {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} encountered a Caterpie. He battled him with his {{OBP|Ash's Pikachu|M20|Pikachu}} and managed to catch him. Caterpie accompanied Ash and Pikachu on their journey and became a trusted partner. While Ash was trying to catch a {{p|Pinsir}} by battling it with Caterpie, Caterpie evolved into Metapod.


===Moves used===
Metapod would eventually fully evolve into Butterfree while battling a bunch of angry {{p|Primeape}} and subduing them with {{m|String Shot}}. After evolving into Butterfree, he put the Primeape to sleep with {{m|Sleep Powder}}. A short while after that, Ash and Butterfree encountered a [[pink Butterfree]]. Ash's Butterfree defended the pink Butterfree from a {{p|Fearow}}. The two Butterfree bonded but would later part ways. Not long after, the Butterfree reunited when Ash came across a herd of Butterfree, which included the pink Butterfree. Seeing how happy the two Butterfree were together, Ash decided to let his Butterfree go and said a tearful goodbye as he departed.
{{anmov/h|bug|flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Caterpie String Shot|1=Butterfree Sleep Powder|2=Butterfree Gust}} M20.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=String Shot<br>as a Caterpie|1=Sleep Powder|2=Gust}}}}
 
====Appearance====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{bug color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{bug color dark}}"
|-
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Caterpie|000}}
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Metapod|000}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Ash Caterpie M20.png|250px]]
| [[File:Ash Metapod M20.png|250px]]
|}
 
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|bug|flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=Caterpie String Shot|1=Metapod String Shot|2=Butterfree Sleep Powder|3=Butterfree Gust}} M20.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 4}}|0=String Shot<br>as a Caterpie|1=String Shot<br>as a Metapod|2=Sleep Powder|3=Gust}}}}
{{anmov|bug|String Shot|M20|I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|bug|String Shot|M20|I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|grass|Sleep Powder|M20|I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|grass|Sleep Powder|M20|I Choose You!}}
Line 100: Line 150:
==In the manga==
==In the manga==
[[File:Ash Butterfree EToP.png|thumb|200px|Butterfree in The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]
[[File:Ash Butterfree EToP.png|thumb|200px|Butterfree in The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]
===In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
[[Ash Ketchum (EToP)|Ash]]'s Butterfree appears in the {{pkmn|manga}} series [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]. Like in the anime, he is one of Ash's first Pokémon, however, he is the second wild Pokémon that Ash captures in the manga, the first is {{AP|Fearow}}.
[[Ash Ketchum (EToP)|Ash]]'s Butterfree appears in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]. Like in the anime, he is one of Ash's first Pokémon, however, he is the second wild Pokémon that Ash captures in the manga, the first is {{AP|Fearow}}.
[[File:Ash Caterpie EToP.png|thumb|200px|left|As a Caterpie]]
 
Ash's Butterfree first appears and is captured as a {{p|Caterpie}} in ''[[ET01|Pikachu, I See You!]]''. He evolves into {{p|Metapod}} at the beginning of ''[[ET02|Play Misty For Me]]'' when Ash is showing off all of his Pokémon to {{an|Misty}}. Later in the same chapter, during Ash's Gym battle against Misty, Metapod evolves into Butterfree.
Ash's Butterfree first appears as a {{p|Caterpie}} and evolves into {{p|Metapod}} at the beginning of ''[[ET02|Play Misty For Me]]'' when Ash is showing off all of his Pokémon to {{an|Misty}}. Later in the same chapter, during Ash's Gym battle against Misty, Metapod evolves into Butterfree.
 
Ash's Butterfree is seen again in ''[[ET03|Clefairy Tale]]'' battling a wild {{p|Onix}} and in ''[[ET04|Haunting My Dreams]]'' battling the [[Black Fog]], but he is not used again after that. He may have been released like he was in the anime, however, no scenes implying this are shown in the manga. Butterfree is not shown when Ash brings his entire [[party]] out of their {{i|Poké Ball}}s in ''[[ET08|You Gotta Have Friends]]''.


Ash's Butterfree is seen again in ''[[ET03|Clefairy Tale]]'' battling a wild {{p|Onix}} and in ''[[ET04|Haunting My Dreams]]'' battling the [[Black Fog]], but he is not used again after that. He may have been released like he was in the anime, however, no scenes implying this are shown in the manga. Butterfree is not shown when Ash brings his entire [[party]] out of their [[Poké Ball]]s in ''[[ET08|You Gotta Have Friends]]''.
[[File:Ash Metapod EToP.png|thumb|150px|As a Metapod]]
Ash's Caterpie was given the [[nickname]] "{{wp|Felix the Cat|Felix}}" (Japanese: '''ランドルフ''' ''Randolph'') in ''Play Misty For Me'', however, like the other nicknames that appear in that chapter, it seems to have been a one-off gag nickname.
Ash's Caterpie was given the [[nickname]] "{{wp|Felix the Cat|Felix}}" (Japanese: '''ランドルフ''' ''Randolph'') in ''Play Misty For Me'', however, like the other nicknames that appear in that chapter, it seems to have been a one-off gag nickname.


====Appearance====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{bug color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{bug color dark}}"
|-
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Caterpie|000}}
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Metapod|000}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Ash Caterpie EToP.png|200px]]
| [[File:Ash Metapod EToP.png|150px]]
|}
====Moves used====
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|bug|flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Butterfree Sleep Powder|1=Butterfree Psychic|2=Metapod Harden}} EToP.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Sleep Powder|1=Psychic|2=Harden as a Metapod}}}}
{{anmov/h|bug|flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Butterfree Sleep Powder|1=Butterfree Psychic|2=Metapod Harden}} EToP.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Sleep Powder|1=Psychic|2=Harden as a Metapod}}}}
Line 116: Line 175:
{{anmov/f|flying}}
{{anmov/f|flying}}


===In the movie adaptations===
===Movie adaptations===
[[File:Ash Butterfree M20 manga.png|thumb|200px|Butterfree in ''{{ma|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!|I Choose You!}}'']]
[[File:Ash Butterfree M20 manga.png|thumb|200px|Butterfree in ''{{ma|I Choose You!}}'']]
[[File:Ash Caterpie M20 manga.png|thumb|left|200px|As a Caterpie]]
 
[[File:Ash Metapod M20 manga.png|thumb|200px|As a Metapod]]
Ash's Butterfree appeared in ''{{ma|I Choose You!}}''. It was first seen as a Caterpie. After {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} and {{OBP|Ash's Pikachu|M20|Pikachu}} escaped from a flock of {{p|Spearow}} and their {{AP|leader|Fearow}}, Ash encountered a Caterpie and caught it.
[[File:Ash Butterfree Pink Butterfree M20 manga.png|thumb|200px|left|Ash's Butterfree and the Pink Butterfree]]
Ash's Butterfree appeared in ''{{ma|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!}}''. It first appeared as a Caterpie. After {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} and {{OBP|Ash's Pikachu|M20|Pikachu}} escaped from a flock of {{p|Spearow}} and their {{AP|leader|Fearow}}, Ash encountered a Caterpie and caught it.


Later, it was shown battling a {{p|Pinsir}} and during the battle, it evolved into a Metapod. Unfortunately, while Ash celebrated the evolution of Caterpie into Metapod, Pinsir ran away.
Later, it was shown battling a {{p|Pinsir}} and during the battle, it evolved into a Metapod. Unfortunately, while Ash celebrated the evolution of Caterpie into Metapod, Pinsir ran away.


Metapod was sent sent out to deal with a bunch of angry {{p|Primeape}}. Ash had Metapod use {{m|String Shot}} on them to tie them up. This resulted in Metapod evolving into Butterfree. The String Shot didn't hold Primeape for long as they broke free from it. When the Primeape were chasing Ash and {{ashfr}}, Ash had Butterfree use {{m|Sleep Powder}} on the Primeape, putting them to sleep. This gave the group a chance to escape before the Primeape had a chance to wake up.
Metapod was sent out to deal with a bunch of angry {{p|Primeape}}. Ash had Metapod use {{m|String Shot}} on them to tie them up. This resulted in Metapod evolving into Butterfree. The String Shot didn't hold Primeape for long as they broke free from it. When the Primeape were chasing Ash and {{ashfr}}, Ash had Butterfree use {{m|Sleep Powder}} on the Primeape, putting them to sleep. This gave the group a chance to escape before the Primeape had a chance to wake up.
[[File:Ash Butterfree Pink Butterfree M20 manga.png|left|thumb|200px|Ash's Butterfree and the Pink Butterfree]]
Sometime after that, Butterfree was sent out to defend a [[Pink Butterfree]] from a {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Fearow}} attacking her. Ash's Butterfree was able to drive off Fearow with {{m|Gust}}. Since then, it took a liking to the Pink Butterfree. While Ash and his friends were about to go to [[Mount Tensei]], they saw a flock of Butterfree and the Pink Butterfree from before was seen. Ash sent out his Butterfree to interact with the flock. It did a courtship dance with the Pink Butterfree and she accepted. As such, Ash had no choice but to say goodbye to his Butterfree since they were migrating to the south. After some memories, Ash said a tearful goodbye to his Butterfree seeing as to how it was happy being with the Pink Butterfree.
{{-}}


Sometime after that, Butterfree was sent out to defend a [[Pink Butterfree]] from a {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Fearow}} attacking her. Ash's Butterfree was able to drive off Fearow with {{m|Gust}}. Since then, it took a liking to the Pink Butterfree. While Ash and his friends were about to go to [[Mount Tensei]], they saw a flock of Butterfree and the Pink Butterfree from before was seen. Ash then sent out his Butterfree to interact with the flock. It did a courtship dance with the Pink Butterfree and she accepted. As such, Ash had no choice but to say goodbye to his Butterfree since they were migrating to the south. After some memories, Ash said a tearful goodbye to his Butterfree seeing as to how it was happy being with the Pink Butterfree.
====Appearance====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{bug color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{bug color dark}}"
|-
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Caterpie|000}}
! style="background:#{{bug color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | As a {{pcolor|Metapod|000}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Ash Caterpie M20 manga.png|200px]]
| [[File:Ash Metapod M20 manga.png|150px]]
|}


====Moves used====
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|bug|flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Metapod String Shot|1=Butterfree Sleep Powder|2=Butterfree Gust}} M20 manga.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=String Shot<br>as a Metapod|1=Sleep Powder|2=Gust}}}}
{{anmov/h|bug|flying|Ash {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=Metapod String Shot|1=Butterfree Sleep Powder|2=Butterfree Gust}} M20 manga.png|Using {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time: U}} mod 3}}|0=String Shot<br>as a Metapod|1=Sleep Powder|2=Gust}}}}
{{anmov|bug|String Shot|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You! (manga)|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|bug|String Shot|I Choose You! (manga)|I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|grass|Sleep Powder|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You! (manga)|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|grass|Sleep Powder|I Choose You! (manga)|I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|flying|Gust|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You! (manga)|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!}}
{{anmov|flying|Gust|I Choose You! (manga)|I Choose You!}}
{{anmov/f|flying}}
{{anmov/f|flying}}
===Pokémon Newspaper Strip===
{{incomplete|section}}
Ash's Metapod debuted in {{strip|7}}. In this strip, {{Gary}} commanded his {{p|Rapidash}} to attack it with fire, but Metapod used {{m|Harden}}, thus deflecting the attack back at Rapidash and defeating it.
====Moves used====
{{anmov/h|bug||Newspaper Harden.png|Using Harden}}
{{anmov|normal|Harden|List of Pokémon Newspaper Strip comics#Strip 7|Strip 7}}
{{anmov|grass|Sleep Powder|List of Pokémon Newspaper Strip comics#Strip 32|Strip 32{{tt|*|Never used, just mentioned}}}}
{{anmov/f|bug}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Caterpie is the first of a main character's Pokémon who had its design changed to match new official game art, despite being introduced before the change. In a flashback in ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'', Caterpie's mouth was green as per the official Generation III game art. However, when it was first introduced, Caterpie's mouth was yellow as per the official Generation I game art.
* Butterfree is the first of Ash's Pokémon:
* Butterfree was the first of Ash's Pokémon to debut before his capture episode, the first one caught, the first he evolved, the first one to reach his final form, the first he traded (although he was traded back), and the first he released.
** That he has successfully {{pkmn2|caught}}.
* In the English [[List of Electric Tale of Pikachu monthly issues|monthly issue publication]] of [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], the order of ''[[ET02|Play Misty For Me]]'' and ''[[ET03|Clefairy Tale]]'' is reversed. This creates a continuity error, as Butterfree appears in ''Clefairy Tale'', even though he supposedly doesn't evolve until one chapter later.
** To debut before his capture episode.
** To be a {{type|Bug}}.
** To evolve under his ownership, as well as the first one to reach his final form.
** That he has [[trade]]d away (although he was soon traded back to him).
** To use a [[status move]].
** To be {{pkmn2|released}} back into the wild.
* Caterpie is the first of a main character's Pokémon whose design was changed to match new official game art, despite being introduced before the change. In a flashback in ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'', Caterpie's mouth was green as per the official Generation III game art. However, when it was first introduced, Caterpie's mouth was yellow as per the official Generation I game art.
* Butterfree is the first [[List of recurring wild Pokémon in the animated series|recurring Pokémon]] to be caught by a main character, and the first to be released.
* Butterfree was Ash's fastest evolving Pokémon, reaching his final evolution two episodes after his debut.
* Butterfree was Ash's fastest evolving Pokémon, reaching his final evolution two episodes after his debut.
** He is also Ash's only Pokémon to evolve in the same episode he was caught (not counting [[Ash's Primeape]], who evolved prior to its capture).
** It is also Ash's only Pokémon to evolve in the same episode it was caught (not counting {{AP|Primeape}} or {{AP|Dragonite}}, who evolved prior to their respective captures).
* When Metapod evolved into Butterfree, it became Ash's first Pokémon to share a type with another Pokémon already in his team; sharing its Flying-type with {{AP|Pidgeotto|Pidgeot}}.
* When Metapod evolved into Butterfree, it became Ash's first Pokémon to share a type with another Pokémon already in his team; sharing its {{t|Flying}} type with {{AP|Pidgeotto}}.
* It is a common misconception that Butterfree die after mating. This comes from a mistranslation and there is nothing to stop Butterfree returning in the future.
* Butterfree has used the most [[status move]]s out of all of Ash's Pokémon, with a total of five.
** Furthermore, out of all of Ash's Pokémon, excluding temporary ones, Butterfree has the least amount of damage-dealing moves, with just one.
* Butterfree is Ash's only Pokémon:
** To use a {{type|Grass}} [[move]] while not being a Grass type himself.
** [[List of Pokémon by shape#Pokémon with two or more pairs of wings|With two or more pairs of wings]].
* Butterfree has the longest gap between physical appearances of any main character's Pokémon, with a gap of 1,200 episodes between his appearances in ''[[EP021|Bye Bye Butterfree]]'' and ''[[JN136|This Could be the Start of Something Big!]]''.
* Butterfree is the only released Pokémon of Ash’s not to be in his command or use a move when it reunites with him after being released.
* In the English [[List of Electric Tale of Pikachu monthly issues|monthly issue publication]] of [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], the order of ''[[ET02|Play Misty For Me]]'' and ''[[ET03|Clefairy Tale]]'' is reversed. This creates a continuity error, as Butterfree appears in ''Clefairy Tale'', even though it supposedly doesn't evolve until one chapter later.
* Butterfree appeared in the tenth opening for the anime, [[Spurt!]], along with his mate, the Pink Butterfree.
 
==References==
<references/>
 
==Notes==
<references group="lower-alpha"/>


==Related articles==
==Related articles==
{{animespeciesevo2|Caterpie|Metapod|Butterfree}}
{{animespeciesevo2|Caterpie|Metapod|Butterfree}}
 
* [[Pink Butterfree]]
==References==
<references/>
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Ash's Pokémon|bug|flying}}<br>
{{Ash's Pokémon|bug|flying}}<br>
{{Anime Pokémon|bug}}<br>
{{Project Anime notice|no}}
{{Project Anime notice|no}}


[[Category:Ash's Pokémon|Butterfree]]
[[Category:Ash's Pokémon|Butterfree]]
[[Category:Recurring wild Pokémon|Butterfree]]
[[Category:Male characters (Pokémon)]]
[[Category:Released Pokémon|Butterfree]]
[[Category:Electric Tale of Pikachu characters]]
[[Category:Pokémon Newspaper Strip characters]]


[[de:Ashs Smettbo]]
[[de:Ashs Smettbo]]
[[es:Butterfree de Ash]]
[[fr:Papilusion de Sacha]]
[[fr:Papilusion de Sacha]]
[[it:Butterfree di Ash]]
[[it:Butterfree di Ash]]
[[ja:サトシのバタフリー]]
[[ja:サトシのバタフリー]]
[[pl:Butterfree Asha]]
[[zh:小智的巴大蝶]]
[[zh:小智的巴大蝶]]

Latest revision as of 20:50, 4 September 2024

Ash's Butterfree
サトシのバタフリー Satoshi's Butterfree
Ash Butterfree.png
Ash's Butterfree
Debuts in Pokémon Emergency!
Caught in Ash Catches a Pokémon
Caught at Viridian Forest
Evolves in Ash Catches a Pokémon
Challenge of the Samurai
Gender Male[1]
Ability Unknown
Traded in Battle Aboard the St. Anne[a]
Original Trainer Ash
Traded for Gentleman's Raticate[a]
Released in Bye Bye Butterfree
Current location With the Pink Butterfree
HOME010.png → HOME011.png → HOME012.png
This Pokémon spent 1 episode as Caterpie and 1 episode as Metapod.
Voice actor Japanese English
As Caterpie Rikako Aikawa
As Metapod Rikako Aikawa Michael Haigney (EP003-EP004)
Sam Black (M20)
As Butterfree Rikako Aikawa

Ash's Butterfree (Japanese: サトシのバタフリー Satoshi's Butterfree) was the first wild Pokémon that Ash caught in the Kanto region, and his second overall.

In the anime

Main series

History

Original series
Caterpie dreaming about evolving into a Butterfree

Butterfree first appeared as a Caterpie at the end of Pokémon Emergency, where he was staring at the group as they passed by. Misty was freaked out because he was a Bug-type Pokémon, and insisted that Ash do something. Ash pulled out a Poké Ball and threw it at Caterpie, hoping to catch him. In the next episode, Ash managed to successfully catch the Worm Pokémon, making him the first wild Pokémon he ever caught. Remarkably, Ash caught him without initiating a Pokémon battle, which Misty attributed to Caterpie's weakness. Caterpie was quite fond of Misty, but, much to Caterpie's dismay, she kept her distance due to fear. At night, Caterpie and Ash's Pikachu talked things over, and Caterpie revealed his desire to evolve into a Butterfree. He became very sad as he was unsure he could do it, but Pikachu offered support.

The next day, Caterpie was the first Pokémon Ash sent out against the next Pokémon he tried to capture, Pidgeotto. With a large disadvantage against the Flying-type Pokémon, he was beaten severely and was quickly substituted for Pikachu. Later, when Team Rocket appeared to attempt to steal Pikachu, Ash sent out his weakened Caterpie after Pikachu had been blinded and Pidgeotto was defeated. Despite Team Rocket's ridicule, he managed to take down both James's Koffing and Jessie's Ekans by using String Shot and Tackle, causing Team Rocket to run away. Just as Misty was about to overcome her fear and congratulate Caterpie on his victory, he suddenly evolved into Metapod, which bothered her even more.

Butterfree and Ash

In Challenge of the Samurai, Metapod was sent out in a battle against Samurai. Despite only being able to use Harden, he managed to defeat his Pinsir by solidifying so much that the Stag Beetle Pokémon's pincers broke. Samurai decided to send his own Metapod out against Ash's. Neither could attack, as both sides could only use the move Harden. The battle was interrupted by a swarm of Beedrill, and Metapod was carried off after Ash forgot to recall him. Ash felt guilty about this and became determined to get his Metapod back, finding it with a hive of Kakuna. Team Rocket woke up the whole hive of Beedrill with their motto, allowing Ash to rescue his Metapod. Despite this, the Cocoon Pokémon was unhappy with Ash, but the Trainer tried to make an excuse and claim he didn't abandon Metapod. When Ash tripped on a rock and dropped Metapod, he owned up to his mistake and swore never to leave his Pokémon behind again. This moved Metapod, and, seeing a Beedrill about to attack Ash, he leaped up and took the blow, breaking the Beedrill's stinger and getting a large gash in his shell. Metapod evolved into Butterfree and stopped all the Beedrill with his newly learned Sleep Powder attack.

In The Water Flowers of Cerulean City, Butterfree was used in Ash's Cerulean Gym battle against Misty, where he faced her Staryu. Butterfree hit Staryu with Tackle and then dodged Staryu's own Tackle. As Staryu landed, it lost its balance, allowing Butterfree to hit it with two more Tackles. Staryu scored a hit with Water Gun and kept firing off the attack. Butterfree, however, dodged them all and crippled Staryu with Stun Spore. Misty had Staryu jump into the water to wash the spores off. When Butterfree went for Sleep Powder, Staryu dodged it by diving into the water and kept using Tackle from underwater. Butterfree was struck by a Tackle and knocked into the water. With his wings wet, Ash was forced to concede the round and recall Butterfree to the safety of his Poké Ball.

Butterfree being traded for Raticate

Butterfree battled A.J.'s powerful Sandshrew in The Path to the Pokémon League. Butterfree went for Stun Spore, but Sandshrew avoided it using Dig before pinning Butterfree to the ground to win the round.

In Battle Aboard the St. Anne, Ash used him in a battle against a Gentleman and his Raticate. Butterfree countered Raticate's Jump Kick with Tackle. After dodging a Hyper Fang, Butterfree crippled it with Stun Spore. As Ash was about to finish the battle, the Gentleman called it off and declared it a draw, despite Butterfree's almost certain victory. The Gentleman approached Ash and asked to trade the Pokémon. Ash accepted but quickly regretted the decision after realizing his attachment to Butterfree. Later, Ash managed to exchange the Raticate for his Butterfree. While he was reunited with his friend, the decision led Ash and his friends to be left trapped aboard the sinking St. Anne.

In Tentacool & Tentacruel, Butterfree flew Bulbasaur into battle with a giant Tentacruel, but he was knocked out by Tentacruel's attack.

Ash bidding farewell to Butterfree

The last time Butterfree was seen under Ash's ownership was in Bye Bye Butterfree. At the start of this episode, Ash saw many Butterfree flying around in the sky, and Brock told him that it was the Butterfree mating season. Ash realized that his Butterfree would probably want to have babies like the other Butterfree, so he and his friends rented a hot air balloon and watched Butterfree mingle with the others. Despite Brock's encouragement for Butterfree to choose one belonging to a cute female Trainer, Butterfree had his heart set on a pink Butterfree. He tried to impress the pink Butterfree with some fancy flying, only to be rejected with a slap to the face. Heartbroken, he flew into the woods below, followed by Ash and his friends, who tried to encourage Butterfree, telling him to be assertive and tying a yellow ribbon around his neck to help him catch the pink Butterfree's eye.

Butterfree tried a second time to impress the pink Butterfree with his Whirlwind and Tackle attacks, but this tactic also failed. Then, Team Rocket showed up in a helicopter and captured all the Butterfree, except Ash's, in a giant net. Butterfree pursued them, followed by the group in their hot air balloon, and they headed into a canyon where the Butterfree were stashed. While Ash handled the Rocket trio, Butterfree freed the captured Butterfree from their cage. Team Rocket tried a second time to capture all the Butterfree, only to be stopped by both Butterfree and Pikachu. Afterward, the pink Butterfree approached Ash's Butterfree, and the two paired up. The two departed as Ash watched in tears, remembering what the two had been through together and wishing his dear friend a fond farewell.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

In The Thief That Keeps on Thieving! and A Trainer and Child Reunion!, Ash recalled the time he caught Caterpie.

Butterfree encouraging Pikachu in a vision
Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Butterfree and Me!.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

Butterfree appeared in Ash, Misty, and Brock's flashback in Alola, Kanto!.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

In Partners in Time!, Butterfree appeared as a vision to Pikachu during his battle against Leon's Charizard.

In Heroes Unite!, Butterfree appeared in a fantasy while Ash reminisced about the Pokémon he'd caught on his journey.

In This Could be the Start of Something Big!, Butterfree and his mate reunited with Ash and Pikachu.

Personality and characteristics

Butterfree with his mate
Butterfree reuniting with Ash

As a Caterpie, he had a positive but shy attitude and was shown to suffer from low self-esteem if he didn't make a good first impression. This was first shown in Ash Catches a Pokémon, where he was very hurt when Misty didn't take to him. He was also very brave, squaring up against a Pidgeotto and then both of Team Rocket's Pokémon single-handedly.

His personality mellowed as a Metapod, becoming very laidback, but remained extremely loyal to his Trainer, jumping in front of a Beedrill to save him. After evolving into a Butterfree, he retained his bravery and positive attitude. However, as was seen in Bye Bye Butterfree, his self-esteem still suffered when he didn't make a good first impression.

Appearance

As a Caterpie As a Metapod
Ash Caterpie.png Ash Metapod.png

Moves used

Ash Caterpie Tackle.png
Using Tackle as
a Caterpie
Ash Butterfree Sleep Powder.png
Using Sleep Powder
Move First Used In
String Shot Ash Catches a Pokémon
Tackle † Ash Catches a Pokémon
Harden Challenge of the Samurai
Sleep Powder † Challenge of the Samurai
Whirlwind † Clefairy and the Moon Stone
Stun Spore † The Water Flowers of Cerulean City
A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Artwork

To Be a Pokémon Master poster.png
Poster for
Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master

I Choose You!

Butterfree in I Choose You!

Butterfree appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a different continuity from the main series. Like the main series, it was the first Pokémon Ash caught on his journey while it was still a Caterpie.

While exploring Viridian Forest early on in his journey, Ash encountered a Caterpie. He battled him with his Pikachu and managed to catch him. Caterpie accompanied Ash and Pikachu on their journey and became a trusted partner. While Ash was trying to catch a Pinsir by battling it with Caterpie, Caterpie evolved into Metapod.

Metapod would eventually fully evolve into Butterfree while battling a bunch of angry Primeape and subduing them with String Shot. After evolving into Butterfree, he put the Primeape to sleep with Sleep Powder. A short while after that, Ash and Butterfree encountered a pink Butterfree. Ash's Butterfree defended the pink Butterfree from a Fearow. The two Butterfree bonded but would later part ways. Not long after, the Butterfree reunited when Ash came across a herd of Butterfree, which included the pink Butterfree. Seeing how happy the two Butterfree were together, Ash decided to let his Butterfree go and said a tearful goodbye as he departed.

Appearance

As a Caterpie As a Metapod
Ash Caterpie M20.png Ash Metapod M20.png

Moves used

Ash Butterfree Gust M20.png
Using Gust
Move First Used In
String Shot I Choose You!
Sleep Powder I Choose You!
Gust I Choose You!
A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

In the manga

Butterfree in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Ash's Butterfree appears in The Electric Tale of Pikachu. Like in the anime, he is one of Ash's first Pokémon, however, he is the second wild Pokémon that Ash captures in the manga, the first is Fearow.

Ash's Butterfree first appears as a Caterpie and evolves into Metapod at the beginning of Play Misty For Me when Ash is showing off all of his Pokémon to Misty. Later in the same chapter, during Ash's Gym battle against Misty, Metapod evolves into Butterfree.

Ash's Butterfree is seen again in Clefairy Tale battling a wild Onix and in Haunting My Dreams battling the Black Fog, but he is not used again after that. He may have been released like he was in the anime, however, no scenes implying this are shown in the manga. Butterfree is not shown when Ash brings his entire party out of their Poké Balls in You Gotta Have Friends.

Ash's Caterpie was given the nickname "Felix" (Japanese: ランドルフ Randolph) in Play Misty For Me, however, like the other nicknames that appear in that chapter, it seems to have been a one-off gag nickname.

Appearance

As a Caterpie As a Metapod
Ash Caterpie EToP.png Ash Metapod EToP.png

Moves used

Ash Butterfree Sleep Powder EToP.png
Using Sleep Powder
Move First Used In
Harden Play Misty For Me
Sleep Powder Play Misty For Me
Psychic Clefairy Tale
A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Movie adaptations

Butterfree in I Choose You!

Ash's Butterfree appeared in I Choose You!. It was first seen as a Caterpie. After Ash and Pikachu escaped from a flock of Spearow and their leader, Ash encountered a Caterpie and caught it.

Later, it was shown battling a Pinsir and during the battle, it evolved into a Metapod. Unfortunately, while Ash celebrated the evolution of Caterpie into Metapod, Pinsir ran away.

Metapod was sent out to deal with a bunch of angry Primeape. Ash had Metapod use String Shot on them to tie them up. This resulted in Metapod evolving into Butterfree. The String Shot didn't hold Primeape for long as they broke free from it. When the Primeape were chasing Ash and his friends, Ash had Butterfree use Sleep Powder on the Primeape, putting them to sleep. This gave the group a chance to escape before the Primeape had a chance to wake up.

Ash's Butterfree and the Pink Butterfree

Sometime after that, Butterfree was sent out to defend a Pink Butterfree from a wild Fearow attacking her. Ash's Butterfree was able to drive off Fearow with Gust. Since then, it took a liking to the Pink Butterfree. While Ash and his friends were about to go to Mount Tensei, they saw a flock of Butterfree and the Pink Butterfree from before was seen. Ash sent out his Butterfree to interact with the flock. It did a courtship dance with the Pink Butterfree and she accepted. As such, Ash had no choice but to say goodbye to his Butterfree since they were migrating to the south. After some memories, Ash said a tearful goodbye to his Butterfree seeing as to how it was happy being with the Pink Butterfree.

Appearance

As a Caterpie As a Metapod
Ash Caterpie M20 manga.png Ash Metapod M20 manga.png

Moves used

Ash Metapod String Shot M20 manga.png
Using String Shot
as a Metapod
Move First Used In
String Shot I Choose You!
Sleep Powder I Choose You!
Gust I Choose You!
A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Pokémon Newspaper Strip

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

Ash's Metapod debuted in Strip 7. In this strip, Gary commanded his Rapidash to attack it with fire, but Metapod used Harden, thus deflecting the attack back at Rapidash and defeating it.

Moves used

Newspaper Harden.png
Using Harden
Move First Used In
Harden Strip 7
Sleep Powder Strip 32*
A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves.

Trivia

  • Butterfree is the first of Ash's Pokémon:
    • That he has successfully caught.
    • To debut before his capture episode.
    • To be a Bug-type.
    • To evolve under his ownership, as well as the first one to reach his final form.
    • That he has traded away (although he was soon traded back to him).
    • To use a status move.
    • To be released back into the wild.
  • Caterpie is the first of a main character's Pokémon whose design was changed to match new official game art, despite being introduced before the change. In a flashback in The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!, Caterpie's mouth was green as per the official Generation III game art. However, when it was first introduced, Caterpie's mouth was yellow as per the official Generation I game art.
  • Butterfree is the first recurring Pokémon to be caught by a main character, and the first to be released.
  • Butterfree was Ash's fastest evolving Pokémon, reaching his final evolution two episodes after his debut.
    • It is also Ash's only Pokémon to evolve in the same episode it was caught (not counting Primeape or Dragonite, who evolved prior to their respective captures).
  • When Metapod evolved into Butterfree, it became Ash's first Pokémon to share a type with another Pokémon already in his team; sharing its Flying type with Pidgeotto.
  • Butterfree has used the most status moves out of all of Ash's Pokémon, with a total of five.
    • Furthermore, out of all of Ash's Pokémon, excluding temporary ones, Butterfree has the least amount of damage-dealing moves, with just one.
  • Butterfree is Ash's only Pokémon:
  • Butterfree has the longest gap between physical appearances of any main character's Pokémon, with a gap of 1,200 episodes between his appearances in Bye Bye Butterfree and This Could be the Start of Something Big!.
  • Butterfree is the only released Pokémon of Ash’s not to be in his command or use a move when it reunites with him after being released.
  • In the English monthly issue publication of The Electric Tale of Pikachu, the order of Play Misty For Me and Clefairy Tale is reversed. This creates a continuity error, as Butterfree appears in Clefairy Tale, even though it supposedly doesn't evolve until one chapter later.
  • Butterfree appeared in the tenth opening for the anime, Spurt!, along with his mate, the Pink Butterfree.

References

  1. ↑ Confirmed in Alola, Kanto! by gender differences.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Trade reversed afterwards

Related articles

For more information on this Pokémon's species, see Caterpie, Metapod, and Butterfree.




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