Mythical Pokémon

If you were looking for the group of Legendary Pokémon also collectively referred to as "mythical Pokémon", see Pokémon of Myth.

Artwork depicting various Mythical Pokémon

Mythical Pokémon (Japanese: 幻のポケモン Illusory Pokémon) are a group of Pokémon seen so rarely in the Pokémon world that some question their very existence, with some even going so far as to worship them as deities. Mythical Pokémon are related to Legendary Pokémon, but are a distinct group.

Traditionally, in the core series Pokémon games, Mythical Pokémon were exclusively available via event distributions. However, starting with Generation VI, several Mythical Pokémon can also be obtained during normal gameplay.

As of Generation IX, there are currently 23 Mythical Pokémon.

Terminology

Main article: Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

In Japanese media, Mythical Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon have always been presented as distinct groups. In non-Japanese media prior to Generation V, Mythical Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon were both considered to be Legendary Pokémon (and the term Mythical Pokémon was unused). The first time a group of Mythical Pokémon was consistently distinguished from Legendary Pokémon in non-Japanese media was in Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, where they were referred to as Rare Pokémon.

Since Generation V, Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon are presented as two distinct groups in all official media. For example, several games have promoted that every Legendary Pokémon can be obtained in a particular set of games, even though not all Mythical Pokémon can be. In pre-release material for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, it was advertised that all Legendary Pokémon could be obtained between Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. In promotional material for The Crown Tundra expansion of Pokémon Sword and Shield, it was advertised that after its release, all Legendary Pokémon could be obtained in Sword and Shield.

Overview

In the core series games

Mythical Pokémon are regarded as among the rarest in Pokémon world mythology. Some are seemingly unknown to most people, while others are thought of as stuff of legends. They typically receive minimal exposure during normal gameplay, usually alluded to in vague hints. They are then revealed to players months or years after the debut of their respective generation. Upon being revealed, they are celebrated across the numerous media, often starring in movies and being featured prominently in merchandise.

When they are first revealed, Mythical Pokémon cannot be obtained in the core series games in the course of normal gameplay. They can typically only be obtained by Mystery Gift (either directly, or through use of an event item). Mystery Gift distributions of Mythical Pokémon are often held on special occasions, such as screenings of Pokémon movies, events in retail stores, online distributions, etc. Some Mythical Pokémon can be obtained via spin-off games that feature special connectivity.

All Mythical Pokémon are gender unknown. Almost all Mythical Pokémon cannot evolve, with the sole exception of Meltan. Almost all Mythical Pokémon cannot breed, except Manaphy and Phione, who can be bred with Ditto to produce Phione Eggs.

Much like how first partner Pokémon appear at the beginning of each regional Pokédex and their generation's portion of the National Pokédex, Mythical Pokémon typically appear at the very end, and Legendary Pokémon immediately before them. The Mythical Pokémon Victini is the only exception, which appears at the start of the Unova Pokédex as #000, coming before the region's first partner Pokémon.

Mythical Pokémon are not required to complete the Pokédex for rewards such as the diploma, except Deoxys in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which are available as part of the story. Some Mythical Pokémon are often part of a group of Legendary Pokémon, most commonly a Legendary duo, Mythical duo, or Legendary quartet.

Availability

Originally, Mythical Pokémon were exclusively available via event distributions, or other special means such as spin-off games. Over time, however, several Mythical Pokémon have become available within the core series games themselves during the course of regular gameplay. In Generation VIII, several Mythical Pokémon are obtainable in-game by having save files from other Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch.

The following Mythical Pokémon can be obtained in the core series games, without requiring access to a limited time event:

• Deoxys, in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
• Celebi (can be Shiny), in the Virtual Console release of Pokémon Crystal, which is no longer available for purchase
• Magearna, in Pokémon Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
• Keldeo, in Pokémon Sword and Shield's The Crown Tundra Expansion Pass
• Mew, in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (if save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! is detected)
• Jirachi, in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (if save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield is detected)
• Arceus (can be Shiny), in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (if save data from Pokémon Legends: Arceus that has completed all 27 Missions is detected in patch 1.3.0 or later)
• Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
• Phione and Manaphy in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
• Shaymin, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus (if save data from Pokémon Sword and Shield is detected)
• Darkrai, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus (if save data from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is detected)
• Meloetta, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 2, The Indigo Disk
• Pecharunt, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Epilogue, Mochi Mayhem

The following Mythical Pokémon can be obtained from side-series games, without requiring access to a limited time event:

• Mew via Hayley's trades in My Pokémon Ranch after storing 999 Pokémon in the Ranch and trading her an Egg.
• Celebi via the Japanese Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc
• Jirachi (can be Shiny), via the American Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc, or the European versions of Pokémon Channel, which can be transferred to Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
• Manaphy (can be Shiny if traded and hatched in a game other than the original recipient's game) via the Ranger Net menu in Pokémon Ranger, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs by entering a password, completing a Mission, and transferring the Egg to any Generation IV game. Since this data can't be erased, transferring another Manaphy from the same copy of a Pokémon Ranger game is impossible. Also, the Wii U's Virtual Console version can't transfer Manaphy at all.
• Phione (can be Shiny), via breeding Manaphy obtained from Pokémon Ranger
• Meltan (can be Shiny during certain events), from Pokémon GO via the Mystery Box
• Melmetal, by evolving Meltan in GO
• Original Color Magearna, from Pokémon HOME as a gift obtained upon completing the National Pokédex up to Eternatus (though this includes event-exclusive Mythical Pokémon)
• Melmetal with the Gigantamax Factor, from Pokémon HOME as a gift obtained upon transferring a Pokémon from GO to HOME for the first time using the GO Transporter

History

Despite the first Mythical Pokémon, Mew, being added to the original games right before release, the concept of "illusory monsters" (Mythical Monsters) already existed in Satoshi Tajiri's pitch for Capsule Monsters. They were said to be hard to encounter, hard to catch, or be impossible to catch if the player missed their chance. For example, there would be a "Green Dragon" that could only be found rarely in a specific area of a dungeon, and it would have taken around two hours to find and catch.

Statistical average

Considering alternate forms and Mega Evolutions as separate Pokémon, but only counting Arceus once.

Stat
HP: 81.39
Attack: 109.78
Defense: 92.91
Sp.Atk: 118.00
Sp.Def: 99.35
Speed: 105.52
Total: 606.96

Multiple Mythical Pokémon

The player is able to acquire multiple Mythical Pokémon of the same species by trading or transferring them from multiple games, or by using multiple events. There are other instances of multiple Mythical Pokémon of the same species:

• It is possible to acquire multiple Phione Eggs by breeding Manaphy or Phione with Ditto. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, three Phione are found in Seaside Hollow, and more can be found after Manaphy is caught there.
• The Pokédex states that Meltan live in groups, and that at the end of Melmetal's lifespan, the small shards it leaves behind will eventually be reborn as Meltan. Additionally, multiple Meltan are seen together in promotional videos.
• Zarude lives deep within dense forests in a pack with others of its kind.

In the anime

Mythical Pokémon typically make their anime debut in a movie, rather than first appearing in a normal episode. Most are held in very high regard in all forms of canon, though their status varies between the games and anime.

In the anime, they are often only seen by special Trainers, such as Ash Ketchum and people who have a special connection to them. Ill-intentioned people often seek to possess them, due to their power and rarity. The first Trainer seen owning a Mythical Pokémon in the anime was the Iron-Masked Marauder, the antagonist of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest, who managed to catch the titular Celebi with a Dark Ball, until it was later freed from his control. In the main series anime, Tobias holds the distinction of being the first person seen to own a Mythical Pokémon, using a Darkrai to easily defeat most of his opponents in the Lily of the Valley Conference, with Ash being the only Trainer in the tournament to have succeeded in defeating it. Dia, an inhabitant of the Ultra Ruin, has befriended the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora to the point where it allows him to command it in battle. Ash owns a Mythical Pokémon, Melmetal, which he caught as a Meltan in Got Meltan? after it befriended his Rowlet.

List of Mythical Pokémon

Of the 1026 Pokémon species, 23 are Mythical Pokémon (2.24%).

Generation I

One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation I.

Mew

May encountering Mew on Faraway Island

Mew is a Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kanto region. It is believed to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon in its DNA. Initially thought to be extinct, a scientific team has reported sightings of it in Guyana. However, Mew has only been seen living in a Faraway Island in Kanto, supposedly at the brink of extinction. Mewtwo was created after a series of experiments based on Mew, which resulted a mutated clone of it.

Mew established the convention of Mythical Pokémon with its release in Pokémon Red and Green. Its base stat total of 600 and the stat distribution of 100 to each stat also created a trend followed by several Mythical Pokémon released later in the series. Pokémon following this trend include Celebi, Jirachi, Manaphy, Land Forme Shaymin, and Victini.

Designed by Shigeki Morimoto, it was initially unavailable and unknown to players, before being revealed by Satoshi Tajiri in the spring of 1996 in an issue of CoroCoro. Initially, a lottery was held to distribute the Pokémon experimentally to a limited number of players, and a promotional card was included in the January issue of CoroCoro. Supposed methods of obtaining Mew, passed on through word-of-mouth, contributed to the success of the Pokémon series. Its success was mirrored in the west with the eventual release of Pokémon Red and Blue, making Mew a prominent character of the first generation, co-starring in the first animated movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back.

In Pokémon Emerald, with the Old Sea Map event item, the player can travel to Faraway Island, where they can encounter a wild Mew, after they complete a game of hide-and-seek with it. This is the only time Mew has appeared in the wild (excluding glitches).

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, it can use a unique Z-Crystal known as the Mewnium Z, which allows it to perform the Z-Move Genesis Supernova. In Sun and Moon, the Mewnium Z was only available through a Pokémon Bank promotion, but it is available in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon by showing a Mew to a man in the Tide Song Hotel in Heahea City.

In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Mew is given to the player by an NPC if save data for Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! is found on the Nintendo Switch, making it the fourth or fifth (tied with Jirachi) Mythical Pokémon available in regular gameplay without an event.

In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Mew serves a notable role during the post-game.

Generation II

One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation II.

Celebi

Celebi sitting on the Ilex Forest shrine

Celebi is a Psychic/Grass-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Johto region. It is referred to as the guardian of forests, protecting and nourishing them as it travels through time.

Celebi shares a special connection with the Ilex Forest in Johto and the Agate Village's Relic Forest in Orre, having the Ilex Forest shrine and the Relic Stone as monuments to honor it in those areas.

Introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Celebi was the second Mythical Pokémon to be released. Created by Ken Sugimori, it was dubbed the "New Mew" soon after being revealed because of its similar size and stats with Mew, as well as the status of being the last in the Pokédex as of its generation and being unobtainable through normal gameplay. It first became available in Nintendo Space World 2000 in Japan, with numerous other events coming in the following years worldwide.

In Pokémon Crystal, if the player has the GS Ball Key Item, they can encounter a wild Celebi in Ilex Forest. In the original Game Boy Color release of Pokémon Crystal, this item was distributed via Mobile System GB in Japan (it was not available outside of Japan). In the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console release, the player can obtain the GS Ball in normal gameplay in Goldenrod City after entering the Hall of Fame, making this the second time a Mythical Pokémon can be encountered in normal gameplay (after Deoxys in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire). The Celebi can be Shiny, but the Virtual Console release is no longer available since the 3DS Nintendo eShop was discontinued in March 2023.

In Pokémon Colosseum, Celebi appears if the player uses a Time Flute at the Relic Stone, descending from above and then flying around a Shadow Pokémon to instantly purify it. In the Japanese version of the Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc, the player can obtain Celebi after purifying all 48 Shadow Pokémon in the game.

A Shiny Celebi plays a major role in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, serving as a friend and ally to Grovyle.

Celebi starred in the fourth Pokémon movie, Celebi: The Voice of the Forest. A Celebi also had a central role in Zoroark: Master of Illusions. A Shiny Celebi appeared in Secrets of the Jungle.

Generation III

Two Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation III.

Jirachi

May and Wally encountering Jirachi

Jirachi is a Steel/Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Hoenn region. It is said to able to grant any wishes written on the tags on its head when it wakes up, which it only does for seven days once every thousand years. If in danger, however, it can fight without waking up.

Jirachi was introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and it, like Mew and Celebi, is a Psychic-type Pokémon with 100 for each of its base stats. It was revealed in 2003 in the context of the movie Jirachi: Wish Maker, in which it starred. It first became available in Japan to players who pre-ordered tickets to the movie, with other limited distribution events following throughout the year. Its distribution in the west was altered, as it was included in the Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc in the United States and in Pokémon Channel in Europe and Australia. Unlike its predecessors, Jirachi does not have an extensive story or event in the core games, with its lore limited to a few indirect references.

Jirachi is heavily connected to the real-world Japanese festival of Tanabata, with several distributions occurring in celebration of the event.

In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Jirachi is given to the player by an NPC if save data for Pokémon Sword and Shield is found on the Nintendo Switch, making it the fourth or fifth (tied with Mew) Mythical Pokémon available in regular gameplay without an event.

In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Jirachi serves as a major supporting character as a member of the Expedition Society.

Deoxys

Attack Forme Deoxys surrounded by Pokémon Rangers

Deoxys is a Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Hoenn region. It mutated from a space virus when exposed to a laser beam. It is able to change its form, altering its appearance and traits. The crystal on its chest acts as its brain, as well as a defense mechanism.

Although it retained a base stat total of 600, Deoxys was the first Mythical Pokémon to have a base stat distribution other than 100 in every stat. Additionally, Deoxys introduced the concept of Formes which altered the distribution of stats.

In spite of being included in the preceding games, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Deoxys was first made available in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Officially revealed in late 2003 as a leading character in Destiny Deoxys, players were first able to capture Deoxys by use of the AuroraTicket, which provided access to Birth Island, where it appears in-game.

While Deoxys originally had little impact on the story of Generation III, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire introduced the Delta Episode, a mission following the player's first completion of the Hoenn League in which the player must stop a meteor from hitting the planet by destroying it with a befriended Rayquaza, revealing a Deoxys within. This marked the first time a Mythical Pokémon was available in-game without the need to attend an event or use a download code.

Contrary to its classification in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, PokémonCenter.com as well as the Scholastic book Official Guide to Legendary and Mythical Pokémon call Deoxys a Legendary Pokémon rather than a Mythical Pokémon.

Generation IV

Five Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation IV.

Manaphy and Phione

Main article: Sea guardians

A Manaphy and three Phione in Seaside Hollow

The sea guardians-Manaphy and Phione-are a duo of Water-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. Manaphy are born on cold seafloors, also swimming great distances to return to their birthplace, and are born with a wondrous power to bond with any kind of Pokémon. Phione live in warm seas, using the inflation sac on their heads to search for food and to drift in packs, always returning to the place of their birth. Together, these two Pokémon species make up a Mythical duo of a parent and child.

Manaphy and Phione have the unique ability among Mythical Pokémon to breed with Ditto in captivity to produce Phione. Phione cannot, however, evolve into Manaphy. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the only game in which Phione can be caught; in all other games, the only legitimate way to obtain one in-game is to breed a Manaphy or another Phione. Phione is the weaker of the two Pokémon, having 80 distributed into each stat instead of 100. It is impossible to get a Manaphy Egg through this method.

Manaphy was first made available to those who pre-ordered tickets for Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea in Japan. Anyone who pre-ordered tickets received a voucher which could be redeemed from June 17 to August 31, 2006, to access Pokémon Ranger's Ranger Net mission, "Recover the Precious Egg!". Once completed, a Manaphy Egg could be transferred to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and hatched. Pokémon Ranger's sequel games, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs have similar downloadable missions where Manaphy Eggs can be transferred to not only Diamond and Pearl but Pokémon Platinum and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver as well. Manaphy has since been released through distribution as most other Mythical Pokémon.

Manaphy and three Phione are available in Pokémon Legends: Arceus from request 66 "The Sea's Legend". Manaphy is unique, but after the request is completed, there is a small chance for more Phione to appear. Of the Mythical Pokémon to be available within a game without an event, they are the only ones to be available before the credits without the need of another Pokémon game, although in order to find them, the player is expected to use information from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Darkrai

Darkrai using Dark Void on Newmoon Island

Darkrai is a Dark-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. It chases people and Pokémon away from its territory by causing them to experience deep, nightmarish slumbers. However, it is merely protecting itself and means no harm. It is particularly active on moonless nights.

Darkrai is heavily connected with the sleep status condition, as reflected by its signature Ability, Bad Dreams, and its signature move, Dark Void. It also learns related moves, such as Nightmare. From Generation VII onward, Dark Void fails if used by any other Pokémon.

Darkrai has appeared with an antagonistic role in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, specifically as an enemy of the Legendary Pokémon Cresselia. In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, the player must also cure Sailor Eldritch's son of a nightmare using a Lunar Wing from Cresselia. The two Pokémon's relationship is further cemented in the anime episode Sleepless in Pre-Battle!, in which Cresselia is revealed to actively drive Darkrai away from Canalave City. Collectively, the two Pokémon are known by a fan designator, the lunar duo.

Darkrai was officially revealed in February 2007, and was first made available to those who owned Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and watched Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai in Japan from release to September 9, 2007. Other distributions were made available afterward. Notably, in Pokémon Platinum, an event gave the Member Card to players over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, activating an in-game event which allowed for capture of Darkrai on Newmoon Island.

Darkrai is available in Pokémon Legends: Arceus from request 93 "The Darksome Nightmare", if the player has a save file from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Shaymin

Land and Sky Form Shaymin in the Flower Paradise

Shaymin is a Grass-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. Shaymin live in flower patches and avoid detection by curling up to look like a flowering plant. Shaymin are able to dissolve toxins in the air to transform ruined land into a lush field of flowers. When sensing gratitude, the flowers all over its body burst into bloom.

When exposed to the blooming Gracidea flower during the daytime, Shaymin becomes Sky Forme Shaymin. Sky Forme has altered stats from its original Land Forme and takes on the Flying type as a secondary type. Shaymin will revert to its Land Forme at night, while frozen or, before Generation VII, when deposited into the Pokémon Storage System.

Shaymin was officially revealed in February 2008 as a star of Giratina and the Sky Warrior, and in early June 2008, its Sky Forme was revealed. Shaymin was first made available to owners of Pokémon Pokémon Diamond and Pearl during the theatrical showing of the movie in Japan from July 19 to September 30, 2008. Other distributions were later made available, but a notable distribution occurred for North American and PAL players from September 28 to November 8, 2009, through the distribution of the Key Item Oak's Letter. This item allowed players to access Seabreak Path and capture a Shaymin in Flower Paradise. In the remakes, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Oak's Letter was distributed from February 27 to March 27, 2022.

Shaymin is available in Pokémon Legends: Arceus from request 92 "A Token of Gratitude", if the player has a save file from Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Arceus

Arceus in the Arceus Arc of Pokémon Masters EX

Arceus is a Normal-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. According to mythology, Arceus emerged from an Egg before the universe even existed and then shaped the world with its 1,000 arms.

Arceus is said to have created the regions of Sinnoh and Ransei and may have created the entire Pokémon universe. According to legend, Arceus also created two Legendary trios. First, it created the Pokémon of Myth: Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, to balance time, space, and antimatter. Then, it created the lake guardians: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, and created spirit, and has since been residing in the Hall of Origin, which will connect to Spear Pillar when the Azure Flute is played there. As their creator, it is often viewed by fans as the leader of both trios. It is unique in this regard, as it is the only Mythical Pokémon to be considered the master of a Legendary trio, and the only Pokémon to be considered the master of two.

Arceus actually possesses an unknown true form that it takes while in its realm, while the form it is usually seen in is a mere piece of its whole being.

Arceus is often referenced in Sinnoh's mythology as the "Original One". Both Canalave City's library and the Plates scattered across Sinnoh describe Arceus's creation of the universe. It receives more exposure in-game than Mythical Pokémon traditionally find. It is the titular character of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and a major focus of the Generation V spin-off game Pokémon Conquest.

Arceus's signature Ability, Multitype, allows it to change its form and type depending on which Plate it holds. This will also change the type of its signature move, Judgment.

Arceus was officially revealed on February 14, 2009, and first made available to players on July 18 of that year, the day when Arceus and the Jewel of Life premiered in Japan. Arceus was revealed to international audiences on August 3, 2009.

Arceus is obtained in Pokémon Legends: Arceus during the final mission of the game, mission 28, "The Deified Pokémon". Doing so also unlocks a save data bonus allowing the player to battle and catch another Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which can be Shiny.

Arceus is also featured in Pokémon Masters EX's Arceus Arc, blessing Trainers it deems worthy through the sync stones ultimate, granting them special costumes known as arc suits. The first Trainers to receive this blessing were Lance, Steven, and Cynthia.

Generation V

Four Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation V.

Victini

Victini on Liberty Garden

Victini is a Psychic/Fire-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. It is said that this Pokémon brings victory and that Trainers with Victini always win, regardless of the type of encounter. It creates an unlimited supply of energy inside its body, which it shares with those who touch it. When it shares the energy it creates, that being's entire body will be overflowing with power.

Victini is notable for appearing before the first partner Pokémon of its debut generation, giving it the Unova Pokédex number #000, a first in the Pokémon series.

Victini was revealed in a preview for the fourteenth Pokémon movie which was shown at the end of Zoroark: Master of Illusions. It was made available in-game by use of the Liberty Pass, an event item which was distributed across varying time periods worldwide. The Liberty Pass allowed players to travel to Liberty Garden. Once there, the player would be challenged by members of Team Plasma and could find Victini in the basement of the lighthouse.

Keldeo

Keldeo using Sacred Sword in its Ordinary Form

Keldeo is a Water/Fighting-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Keldeo is also the fourth member of the Swords of Justice. Its initial appearance in Pokémon Black and White as well as the default in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 is its Ordinary Form. In Black 2 and White 2, Keldeo has a second form, its Resolute Form. After triggering an event in the Pledge Grove, the other Swords of Justice—Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion—will teach Keldeo Secret Sword. It will remain in its Resolute Form as long as it knows Secret Sword.

In The Crown Tundra, Keldeo can be found in Ballimere Lake after completing Sonia's sidequest to catch the other three Swords of Justice. Placing the other Swords of Justice in the player's party and cooking curry on the small island in the middle of the lake with the cooking pot on it will cause a wild Keldeo to appear, making it the third Mythical Pokémon available in regular gameplay without an event.

Keldeo debuted in the fifteenth Pokémon film Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice, along with the other Swords of Justice.

Meloetta

Meloetta's Aria Form in the TCG by nagimiso

Meloetta's Pirouette Form in the TCG by Mizue

Meloetta is a Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Meloetta has two different Formes: Aria Forme and Pirouette Forme. Aria Forme is Normal/Psychic-type while Pirouette Forme is Normal/Fighting-type. Legend says that it once played a song and danced so lightly, it filled people's hearts with joy. However, when sorrow darkened the world, it lost the melody. At the same time, its red shoes were lost somewhere. Using Relic Song changes its form.

Upon entering the café in Castelia City in the core series games, a guitarist, who knows of the story, remembers Meloetta's melody. Upon playing it, Meloetta remembers the song that it had danced to.

In The Indigo Disk, Meloetta can be found in the Coastal Biome. East of the Coastal Outdoor Classroom, the player can find a patch of swirling leaves. By standing in this patch of leaves and spinning clockwise for more than 10 seconds, then immediately opening the game's camera and selecting the Sepia filter, the player can encounter a wild Meloetta.

Meloetta made its anime debut in PK23. It debuted on TV in its Aria Forme in An Epic Defense Force! and its Pirouette Forme debuted in Expedition to Onix Island!.

Genesect

Genesect from Plasma Blast

Genesect is a Bug/Steel-type first discovered in the Unova region. Originally an ancient insect Pokémon who was feared as the strongest of hunters more than 300 million years ago, Team Plasma revived it from a Fossil in an attempt to create the strongest Pokémon in existence. However, after learning of the project, N had it canceled along with P2 Laboratory shut down because he felt that Pokémon, who he thought to be perfect beings, would lose their beauty if modified by science. A Scientist named Dudley secretly kept working on it, angry that N denied his talent. This scientist reconstructed Genesect and installed the cannon on its back. Genesect uses special Drives to make variations to its signature move, Techno Blast.

Genesect had its anime debut in a group called the Genesect Army that had escaped from Team Plasma's P2 Laboratory. They were first seen in N's visions in The Name's N!, and later on starred in the sixteenth Pokémon movie Genesect and the Legend Awakened, in which they battled Mewtwo in New Tork City.

Generation VI

Three Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation VI.

Diancie

Diancie sticker from Pokémon GO Fest 2023 by Taiga Kasai

Diancie Mega Evolving

Diancie is a Rock/Fairy-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kalos region. While never shown in the games, it is said to be the result of a Carbink that underwent a mutation. It can create diamonds to protect itself.

Diancie appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, where it is the princess of the Diamond Domain. It is given the objective to create a new Heart Diamond for the domain, as the current one is faltering, and seeks Xerneas and its Fairy Aura to gain the power to do so. It is sought after by multiple thieves who desire its diamonds and ultimately gains the power to make a Heart Diamond in an attempt to protect its friends from Yveltal. It appears with three Carbink servants and an elder Carbink named Dace.

It is the only Mythical and Generation VI Pokémon with the ability to Mega Evolve, which allows it to transform into Mega Diancie.

Hoopa

Hoopa's Confined Form in Pokémon UNITE

Hoopa's Unbound Form from Ancient Origins

Hoopa is a first discovered in the Kalos region. Hoopa has two Formes: Confined Form and Unbound Form. Hoopa Confined, the Mischief Pokémon, is a Psychic/Ghost-type Pokémon, while Hoopa Unbound, the Djinn Pokémon, is a Psychic/Dark-type Pokémon. It is said to be able to be able to use its gold rings to warp space in order to take things it likes and carry them away into alternate dimensions. It is also said to have carried away an entire castle in an attempt to steal all of its treasure according to some legends. Using an item known as a Prison Bottle, Hoopa Confined can transform into Hoopa Unbound and remain so for three days, after which it transforms back to Hoopa Confined. It will also transform back if deposited in the PC. Hoopa Unbound was first introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Hyperspace Fury fails if used by any Pokémon other than Hoopa Unbound, such as if used by Hoopa Confined.

Hoopa appeared in Hoopa and the Clash of Ages in both its Confined and Unbound forms. In the movie, Undound Hoopa, after causing chaos to the Arche Valley, had its its original form sealed in the Prison Bottle by Ghris, reducing it to its Confined Form and starting to live with his great-grandchildren, Meray and Baraz.

Volcanion

Volcanion from Steam Siege

Volcanion is a Fire/Water-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Kalos region. It uses steam from arms on its back to disappear in fog and blow away mountains. It lives in mountains uninhabited by humans. According to the editor of the Lumiose Press, Volcanion may have an organ unique to it inside its body that is hot enough to instantly vaporize water into steam to use in attacks. There is also a report that suggests that Volcanion may have used its power to destroy a mountain range where Kalos was founded.

It made its anime debut in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, in which it went on a mission to rescue Magearna from a power-hungry man named Alva. It initially did not trust humans, but it changed its mind after seeing how Ash was determined to protect Magearna.

Generation VII

Five Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation VII.

Magearna

Magearna serving tea, drawn by Megumi Mizutani

Magearna is a Steel/Fairy-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. It is an artificially made Pokémon created by a scientist for a king's daughter 500 years ago. Its body is entirely metallic and contains tricky machinery and acts as a vessel for the secret hidden inside its chest. Its core, known as a Soul-Heart, is its true body, an artificial soul. Magearna has the ability to understand emotions and feelings with people.

Magearna has a second form known as its Original Color form. This form is stated to be the appearance that it had originally took when presented to the king's daughter. The difference in this form is purely cosmetic; it is gold and red. This form existed in the Generation VII games but was not distributed until Generation VIII, where it can be received as a reward for completing the National Pokédex in Pokémon HOME. Additionally, Magearna's base form had no shiny appearance in Generation VII, it's true shiny appearance was revealed in the anime, and was coded into Pokémon Sword and Shield.

It was first revealed in the March 2016 issue of CoroCoro. It is available via a QR Code event in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, making it the first Mythical Pokémon available through an indefinitely active event.

It acted as one of the main stars of Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel. In the film, it is said to have been created by a brilliant scientist named Nikola five centuries ago. In the present day, it was kidnapped by Alva, a corrupt minister of the Azoth Kingdom who sought to use Magearna's powers for his own selfish purposes.

Marshadow

Zenith Marshadow using its exclusive Z-Move, Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike

Marshadow is a Fighting/Ghost-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. Its very existence is the stuff of myth, as very few people have ever seen it. Marshadow is known to travel through the shadows of humans and Pokémon in order to become stronger by copying the power of movements within said shadows. It has a form-like transformation known as Zenith Marshadow which is triggered when its fighting spirit starts burning.

It can utilize a unique Z-Crystal, the Marshadium Z, which allows it to use the exclusive Z-Move Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. This Z-Crystal came with a promotional Marshadow in Pokémon Sun and Moon but is also available in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon by showing Marshadow to a man in the Tide Song Hotel in Heahea City.

Marshadow was officially revealed on April 7, 2017.

Marshadow appeared in I Choose You! where it acted as a guide to Ash and his friends, but after being corrupted by the Rainbow Wing that was touched by Cross, Marshadow became the main antagonist of the movie and started attacking everyone by itself or using the Pokémon controlled by the Rainbow Wing.

Zeraora

Zeraora using Plasma Fists

Zeraora is an Electric-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. Zeraora was first introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Zeraora can channel a powerful magnetic field trough the electric currents located in its paw-pads. The magnetic field allows it to levitate and fly through the sky and travel as fast as a lightning strike.

It was revealed on April 8, 2018.

Zeraora was again made available for a limited time to celebrate the release of The Isle of Armor Expansion Pass for Pokémon Sword and Shield. If one million players defeated Zeraora in Max Raid Battles on the Isle of Armor, players would get a commemorative Shiny Zeraora in Pokémon HOME.

A Zeraora appeared in The Power of Us as major character.

Meltan and Melmetal

Melmetal and multiple Meltan

Meltan and its evolved form Melmetal are a pair of Steel-type first discovered in the Kanto region. the pair were introduced in the core series in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, although it first appeared in Pokémon GO on September 21, 2018, by way of large numbers of Ditto disguised as Meltan. Meltan's identity was revealed on September 25, 2018. On October 24, 2018, it was revealed that Meltan can evolve into another Steel-type Mythical Pokémon, Melmetal.

Meltan is known to be curious and expressive. It is instinctively drawn to metal that it could dissolve and absorb, including other Meltan. This behavior allows them to combine and evolve into Melmetal. Melmetal was worshiped in ancient times for creating metal. After it lifespan reached its end 3000 years ago, it turned into several Meltan, however its worshippers stored the Meltan in Mystery Boxes where they can be kept safe until they can fuse into a Melmetal once again. Melmetal also has a unique Gigantamax Form that was seen as a cyclops.

Meltan can be caught when opening the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO, which causes many Meltan to spawn around the player for a limited time. Meltan can only evolve into Melmetal in Pokémon GO, requiring 400 Meltan Candies.

Meltan is a Mythical Pokémon that is only obtainable in Pokémon GO. Melmetal was once the same, but has since been distributed as a gift in Pokémon HOME given for transferring Pokémon from GO using the GO Transporter, this gift is a special Melmetal capable of Gigantamaxing in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

A group of Meltan first appeared in Evolving Research!. In Got Meltan?, one of them was caught by Ash. In Final Rivals!, Ash's Meltan evolved into Melmetal by combining with the other Meltan.

Generation VIII

Unlike previous generations, there were no new Mythical Pokémon in the game data or code of Pokémon Sword and Shield when the games were released. However, a new Mythical Pokémon was added to the game in update 1.2.0.

Zarude

Zarude stretching its vines

Zarude is a Dark/Grass-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in the Galar region. It can use the vines from its body for a variety of purposes such as healing. It is known to live in packs, residing in dense forests. Zarude has a quick wit which it uses in battle along with its claws and other means of attacking.

Zarude was officially revealed on Pokémon Day 2020. Its silhouette was officially teased by The Pokémon Company International and CoroCoro.

Zarude was heavily featured in Secrets of the Jungle. There, a Zarude named "Dada" wearing a pink ripped cape split from its pack to raise and nurture an orphaned human infant it named Koko. It is said that this Zarude derived a unique strength from its bond with the adopted human child.

Generation IX

Like the previous generation, no new Mythical Pokémon in the game data or code of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet when the games were released. However, a new Mythical Pokémon was added to the game in update 3.0.0 and was officially released in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Epilogue: Mochi Mayhem on January 11, 2024, at 14:00 UTC.

Pecharunt

Pecharunt with its caretakers in The Untold Story of Pecharunt

Pecharunt is a Poison/Ghost-type Mythical Pokémon first discovered in Kitakami. It produces Binding mochi, which it feeds to other Pokémon and humans. The mochi draws out other's desires and potential abilities, but others who taste it become chained to its will. Pecharunt is the master of the Loyal Three; it met Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti on separate occasions, using its Binding Mochi and Toxic Chains to not only tame them, but also transform the three. The chains were wrapped around their bodies, transforming them into the Legendary Pokémon known in the present day, granting them their wishes; strength, cleverness, and beauty respectively, and turning them into its retainers. It led the trio to Kitakami to steal Ogerpon's masks for its caretakers back home. After heavily injuring Ogerpon's partner and stealing three of their masks, Ogerpon became enraged and engaged the trio in combat, defeating and slaying its retainers. Unable to defend itself, Ogerpon defeated Pecharunt as well, but it managed to survive by retreating into its shell, rolling deep into the forest.

Pecharunt can be awakened by a Mythical Pecha Berry during Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Epilogue: Mochi Mayhem. It starts secretly going around Mossui Town, using its poisonous mochi to control the town's inhabitants. As time went on, Pecharunt managed to take control of everyone in Mossui Town, including Carmine, Nemona, Shige, Aya, Yukito, Hideko, Arven, and Penny. The only ones left (apart from the Pokémon Center lady), the player and Kieran, together managed to defeat Pecharunt's puppets and finally capture it, freeing all in Mossui Town from its control.

In spinoff games

Pokémon UNITE

There are 3 Mythical Pokémon currently in the game. Zeraora, Mew, and Hoopa. Darkrai will be added to the game in October 2024.

Trivia

• In the Alola Pokédex, Mythical Pokémon and other Special Pokémon are marked by a special golden background in their Pokédex page instead of a regular blue one.
• Meltan is the only Mythical Pokémon that is capable of evolution.
• Melmetal is the only Mythical Pokémon that has a Gigantamax form.
• Diancie is the only Mythical Pokémon that is capable of Mega Evolution.
• Fairy-type Arceus and Original Color Magearna are the only forms of Mythical Pokémon that were made obtainable in later generations than the Pokémon themselves.
  • Fairy-type Arceus is the only Mythical Pokémon form introduced in a later generation than the Pokémon itself, as Magearna's Original Color form was present in Generation VII but was unobtainable.
• Excluding Arceus's alternate forms, there are no Ground-, Ice-, or Dragon-type Mythical Pokémon.
• Psychic is the most common type among Mythical Pokémon, with seven of them being either pure or part Psychic type.
• All Mythical Pokémon only have one possible Ability in each form.
• Pokédex entries for Dratini state that it was believed to be a Mythical Pokémon until it was caught by a fisherman.
• Lugia and Ho-Oh were treated similarly to Mythical Pokémon in the core series Generation III games and Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. They cannot be obtained through normal gameplay in these games, nor are they required to complete any Pokédex. Lugia and Ho-Oh have been treated the same as other Legendary Pokémon in all games starting with Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
• The core series Pokémon game with the most Mythical Pokémon obtainable without events is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, with five unique Mythical Pokémon species and the ability to catch indefinite Phione.
• The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series does not follow Mythical Pokémon being gender unknown. Several Mythical Pokémon are referred to by gender pronouns, such as Celebi in Explorers of Time and Darkness being called female, and Keldeo and Victini in Gates to Infinity being called males.
• In the internal data of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Shiinotic is defined as a Mythical Pokémon instead of Marshadow. This is likely due to a typo between their internal names, with 「マシェード」 Mashēdo (Shiinotic) being mistaken for 「マーシャドー」 Māshadō (Marshadow).

In other languages

Language Title Japanese 幻のポケモン Illusory Pokémon Chinese Cantonese 幻之寶可夢 Waahn-jī Pokémon * 夢幻小精靈 Muhngwaahn Síujīnglìhng * 夢幻的寵物小精靈 Muhngwaahn-dīk Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng * 夢幻之寵物小精靈 Muhngwaahn-jī Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng * 幻之寵物小精靈 Waahn-jī Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng * 傳說小精靈 Chyùhnsyut Síujīnglìhng * Mandarin 幻之寶可夢 / 幻之宝可梦 Huàn-zhī Pokémon * 夢幻神奇寶貝 Mènghuàn Shénqíbǎobèi * 夢幻的神奇寶貝 / 梦幻的神奇宝贝 Mènghuàn-de Shénqíbǎobèi * 夢幻之神奇寶貝 Mènghuàn-zhī Shénqíbǎobèi * 幻影般的神奇寶貝 Huànyǐngbān-de Shénqíbǎobèii * 梦幻宝可梦 Mènghuàn Pokémon * 梦幻的精灵宝可梦 Mènghuàn de jīnglíng Pokémon * Czech Mýtický Pokémon Danish Mytisk Pokémon Dutch Mythische Pokémon Finnish Myyttinen Pokémon French Pokémon fabuleux German Mysteriöse Pokémon Greek Μυθικό Pokémon Mythikó Pokémon Hindi रहस्यमय पोकेमोन Rahasyamey Pokémon * फंतासी पोकेमोन Fantasy Pokémon * Hungarian Mítikus Pokémon Italian Pokémon misterioso Korean 환상의 포켓몬 Hwansang-ui Pokémon Malaysian Pokémon Mistikal Norwegian Mytisk Pokémon Polish Mityczny Pokémon Portuguese Pokémon mítico Russian Мифический Покемон Mificheskiy Pokémon Spanish Latin America Pokémon mítico Spain Pokémon singular Pokémon mítico Swedish Mytisk Pokémon Thai โปเกมอนมายา Pokémon maya Vietnamese Pokémon huyền ảo

Rare Pokémon

Language Title Japanese まぼろしのポケモン Illusory Pokémon French Pokémon rare German Illusion-Pokémon Italian Pokémon raro Spanish Pokémon poco común

See also

• Legendary Pokémon
• Event Pokémon
• History of the Pokémon world
• Sinnoh myths
• Myths and legends involving Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
• Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
• Episodes in which a Mythical Pokémon appears
• Trainers with Mythical Pokémon
• Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

References

Mythical Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Legendary Pokémon

Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Duos

Mew duo

Tower duo

Eon duo

Lunar duo

Sea guardians

Legendary heroes

Paradox duo

Trios

Legendary birds

Legendary beasts

Super-ancient Pokémon

Lake guardians

Pokémon of Myth

Tao trio

Aura trio

Light trio

Loyal Three

Quartets

Swords of Justice

Forces of nature

Guardian deities

Treasures of ruin

Quintets

Legendary giants