Because of its feline appearance, Espeon appears to be based on the legend of the ''{{wp|bakeneko}}'' and the ''{{wp|nekomata}}'', both magical cat ''{{wp|yōkai}}'' described as mysterious and intelligent, but the distinction between the two is that the latter is depicted with a forked tail. It may also be based on the {{wp|Lynx (mythology)}}, a feline creature that possesses the psychic power of clairvoyance. The red coloring of the jewel could be a reference to a {{wp|lunar eclipse}}, an event in which the moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow, making it appear red in color.
In the 2018 artbook, EVs, [[Motofumi Fujiwara]] revealed that Eevee was inspired by vague childhood memories of an unknown creature he encountered in the forest. Though it wasn't based on any distinct animal, Fujiwara mentioned that Eevee reminded him of a fluffy cat or dog-like creature.<ref>https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-10/pokemon-designers-reflect-on-history-of-eevee-design/.136529</ref> This served as the basis for Espeon and Eevee's other evolutions. Because of its feline appearance, Espeon appears to be based on the legend of the ''{{wp|bakeneko}}'' and the ''{{wp|nekomata}}'', both magical cat ''{{wp|yōkai}}'' described as mysterious and intelligent, but the distinction between the two is that the latter is depicted with a forked tail. It may also be based on the {{wp|Lynx (mythology)}}, a feline creature that possesses the psychic power of clairvoyance. The red coloring of the jewel could be a reference to a {{wp|lunar eclipse}}, an event in which the moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow, making it appear red in color.
Its large ears can be traced from various felines such as {{wp|caracal}}s, {{wp|oriental shorthair}}s, {{wp|lynx}}es, and possibly {{wp|serval}}s. Espeon's ability to sense minute shifts in the air with its sensitive fur mirrors a cat's ability to use its sensitive whiskers to detect the slightest directional change in a breeze.
Espeon's ability to sense minute shifts in the air with its sensitive fur mirrors a cat's ability to use its sensitive whiskers to detect the slightest directional change in a breeze.
Espeon is a quadruped, mammalian Pokémon with slender legs and dainty paws. It is covered in fine, lilac fur. This velvety fur is sensitive for Espeon to sense minute shifts in the air, thus allowing it to predict the weather. Its ears are large, and it has purple eyes with white pupils. There are tufts of fur near its eyes, and a small, red gem embedded in its forehead. The gem boosts the psychic powers that it gained to protect its Trainer from harm. It also has a thin, forked tail that quivers when it predicts its opponent's moves. Espeon is rarely found in the wilderness and is more commonly found in urban areas.
In Eevee & Friends, a vain Espeon was with an Eevee and its other evolved forms, including the newly introduced Sylveon. It despises getting messy in any way.
Espeon is extremely loyal to any trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this Pokémon developed its precognitive powers to protect its trainer from harm.
An Espeon is extremely loyal to any trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said to have developed precognitive powers to protect its trainer from harm.
Espeon is extremely loyal to any Trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this Pokémon developed its precognitive powers to protect its Trainer from harm.
Even if all criteria to evolve Eevee into Espeon are fulfilled in generations VI and VII, it will evolve into Sylveon if knows a Fairy-type move and has at least two hearts of Affection or just knows a Fairy-type move in Generation VIII. Similarly in generations from IV to VII it will evolve into Leafeon near Moss Rock or Glaceon near Ice Rock regardless of other conditions while getting level up.
Sprites
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
In the 2018 artbook, EVs, Motofumi Fujiwara revealed that Eevee was inspired by vague childhood memories of an unknown creature he encountered in the forest. Though it wasn't based on any distinct animal, Fujiwara mentioned that Eevee reminded him of a fluffy cat or dog-like creature.[2] This served as the basis for Espeon and Eevee's other evolutions. Because of its feline appearance, Espeon appears to be based on the legend of the bakeneko and the nekomata, both magical cat yōkai described as mysterious and intelligent, but the distinction between the two is that the latter is depicted with a forked tail. It may also be based on the Lynx (mythology), a feline creature that possesses the psychic power of clairvoyance. The red coloring of the jewel could be a reference to a lunar eclipse, an event in which the moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow, making it appear red in color.
Espeon's ability to sense minute shifts in the air with its sensitive fur mirrors a cat's ability to use its sensitive whiskers to detect the slightest directional change in a breeze.
Name origin
Espeon is a combination of ESP (a branch of psychic abilities) and eon (an immeasurably long period of time, possibly referring to how long evolution takes naturally). Eon is a suffix all Eeveeevolutions share and was Eevee's English prototype name.
Eifie is a combination of エスパー esupaa (ESPer, a person with psychic powers) and フィール fiiru (feel), referring to its extraordinary sensory abilities. It is very similar to Eevee, in both writing and sound (イーブイ/エーフィ).
In other languages
Language
Title
Meaning
Japanese
エーフィ Eifie
From エスパー esper and フィール feel. Also from イーブイ Eievui
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
For other sprites and images, please see Espeon images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
