Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Artwork depicting a variety of Legendary Pokémon

Artwork depicting a variety of Mythical Pokémon

The terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon explains how the terms "Legendary Pokémon" (Japanese: 伝説(でんせつ)のポケモン Legendary Pokémon) and "Mythical Pokémon" (Japanese: 幻(まぼろし)のポケモン Illusory Pokémon) have been used in Pokémon media.

Overview

In Japanese media, Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon have always been presented as distinct groups. The concept of Legendary Pokémon was introduced in the Japanese Pokémon Red and Green; the concept of Mythical Pokémon was introduced in the May 1996 issue of CoroCoro Comic which announced the first Mew giveaway, and was first used in the games in Japanese Pokémon Blue.

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

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

In the core series games

Generation I

In Japanese games from Pokémon Blue onwards, some of Dratini and Mew's Pokédex entries mention the concept of Mythical Pokémon. This was translated in English as "mythical", "myth", or "mirage".

Dratini's Pokédex entries:

• 「ながいあいだ まぼろしの ポケモンと よばれた。わずかだが すいちゅうに すんでいることが わかった。」 (For a long time, it was called a Mythical Pokémon. No more than a few are known to live underwater.)^BLG

  Long considered a mythical Pokémon until recently when a small colony was found living underwater.^RB

  Long considered a mythical Pokémon until recently, when a small colony was found living underwater.^LG

• 「長(なが)らく 幻(まぼろし)と されていたが 最近(さいきん) 釣(つ)りあげられて その 存在(そんざい)が 確認(かくにん)された。」 (Long time thought to be Mythical, it was fished recently, confirming its existence.)^YPE

  The existence of this mythical Pokémon was only recently confirmed by a fisherman who caught one.^Y

  Long thought to be a myth, this Pokémon's existence was only recently confirmed by a fisherman who caught one.^PE

Mew's Pokédex entry:

• 「いまでも まぼろしの ポケモンと いわれる。そのすがたを みたものは ぜんこくでも ほとんど いない。」 (It is still called a Mythical Pokémon. Its shape was seen by almost no one in the entire country.)^BLG

  So rare that it is still said to be a mirage by many experts. Only a few people have seen it worldwide.^RBLG

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

Lance's quote

In Generation I games, their Generation III and VII remakes, and in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Lance says a quote including the word 「伝説(でんせつ)」 (the same word used for Legendary Pokémon).

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

• 「知(し)ってるだろ ドラゴンは 聖(せい)なる 伝説(でんせつ)の 生き物(いきもの)だ！」 (As you know, dragons are sacred legendary creatures!)^{RGBYFRLGB2W2PE}

  "You know that dragons are mythical Pokémon!"^RBYFRLG

  "I'm sure you already know this, but dragons are sacred and legendary creatures!"^B2W2

  "You likely know that dragons are Pokémon spoken of in legends!"^PE

Generation II

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

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

• 「イブキが つかう ポケモンは でんせつの いきもの せいなる ドラゴン ポケモン！」 (Ibuki uses Pokémon that are legendary creatures, the sacred dragon Pokémon!)

  "Clair uses the mythical and sacred dragon-type Pokémon."

On the official Japanese Pokémon website, from as early as 2002, a webpage titled "Pokémon not appearing in the games" (ゲームにでてこないポケモンについて) that explained that Mew and Celebi are Mythical Pokémon that do not appear in the games, instead only being obtainable via Nintendo events.

Generation III

Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

Painting of a Legendary Pokémon

In Generation III games and their Generation VI remakes, there is a painting of a Legendary Pokémon. The painting was unidentified in the original games, but it is visually shown to be Arceus in the remakes. In spite of Arceus being a Mythical Pokémon, the remakes still use the text from previous games, referring to the painting as a Legendary Pokémon in both English and Japanese.

• 「昔(むかし)の 人(ひと)が 想像(そうぞう)で 描(か)いた 伝説(でんせつ)の ポケモンの 絵(え)だ!」 (A person from ancient times painted this Legendary Pokémon from imagination!)^RSEORAS

  "It's a painting of a legendary Pokémon from long ago. The artist painted this from imagination." ^RSE

  "It's a painting of a Legendary Pokémon from long ago. The artist painted this from their imagination." ^ORAS

Generation IV

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platium

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

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

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Kyogre's Pokédex entry in both games refers to it as a "mythical Pokémon" (しんわの ポケモン), but the term used in Japanese is unrelated to Mythical Pokémon.

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

Generation V

Pokémon Black and White

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

English dialogue:

"Oh, are you the legendary Pokémon that is said to live here?"

"You startled me. You are a person!"

"In the story I know, the legendary Pokémon was training its student Pokémon."

"These Pokémon were born on the same day and raised together!"

Japanese dialogue:

「あっ あなたが ここに 暮(く)らす 伝説(でんせつ)の ポケモンなの！？」

「おどろいた あなた 人(ひと)だよね」

「わたしが 知(し)っている 話(はなし)では 伝説(でんせつ)の ポケモンは 弟子(でし)の ポケモンを 鍛(きた)えていたそうよ」

「同(おな)じ日(ひ)に この世(よ)に生(う)まれ 共(とも)に育(そだ)った ポケモンだぜ！」

Generation VI

In Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, a non-player character mentions the "Mythical Pokémon Diancie" in the cutscene where the player receives the Diancite.

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. This does not apply to Mythical Pokémon.

Pokémon X and Y

A Move Tutor refers to Keldeo and Meloetta as "Pokémon that people call Mythical".

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

In the Mossdeep Space Center, a non-player character mentions the "Mythical Pokémon that lives in space: Deoxys".

The "Explorations of the Ancient World" program from TV Mauville mentions at three different points the lowercase adjective "a mythical Volcanion".

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

Generation VII

Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon

A Move Tutor refers to Keldeo and Meloetta as Mythical Pokémon.

Generation VIII

Pokémon Sword and Shield

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. This does not apply to Mythical Pokémon.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

The official English website of Pokémon Legends: Arceus used to refer to Arceus as a Legendary Pokémon, which was later corrected to Mythical Pokémon. In the Japanese website, it has been referred to as a Mythical Pokémon from the beginning.

Generation IX

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

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 the side series games

Pokémon Stadium series

In Pokémon Stadium, Mew's Pokédex entry refers to it as a (lowercase) "mythical Pokémon" (Japanese: まぼろしのポケモン).

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

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

In Pokémon Masters EX, Arceus is called a Legendary Pokémon (Japanese: 伝説(でんせつ)のポケモン Legendary Pokémon) by Norman in the "Challenge the Normal Types" Daily Type Rotation event.

Pokémon Ranger series

In Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, Mythical Pokémon are referred to as Rare Pokémon. For instance, in the sentence: "Rare Pokémon Celebi appeared!"

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

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

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

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

Pokémon Trading Card Game series

In Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!, the Legendary Cards (Japanese: 伝説のポケモンカード Legendary Pokémon Cards) refer to a Dragonite card and three cards of the Legendary birds:

Legendary Cards Dragonite Articuno Zapdos Moltres

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

In Pokémon Trading Card Game, there are two Phantom Cards: Venusaur and Mew. In Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!, there are four Phantom Cards: the same two cards from the previous game, as well as Lugia and Here Comes Team Rocket!.

Phantom Cards Venusaur Mew Lugia Here Comes Team Rocket!

In the guidebooks

Pokémon Ultimate Handbook

The Pokémon Ultimate Handbook predates the split between Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in English, therefore all those Pokémon are classified as "Legendary Pokémon". Additionally, Delibird and Rotom are said to be Legendary Pokémon as well.

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

There is a 3-page feature about Darkrai, but it is not stated to be a Legendary Pokémon. There is a "Legendary Lineup" section at the end of the book, listing the Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (all classified as Legendary Pokémon). Darkrai is missing from this list, while Rotom is present.

In the anime

Engravings of "Legendary Pokémon" Moltres, Articuno, Zapdos, and Arcanine in Pokémon Emergency!

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

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

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

In the manga

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

As seen in Chuang Yi's translation of The Hunt for Mew the Phantom Pokémon!!, the term "Phantom Pokémon" (Japanese: 幻(まぼろし)のポケモン, which would later be translated as Mythical Pokémon) was introduced as an epithet specifically for Mew, since there were no other Mythical Pokémon at the time.

Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

As seen in Chuang Yi's translation of A Glimpse of the Glow, the term "Phantom Pokémon" (Japanese: 幻(まぼろし)のポケモン, which would later be translated as Mythical Pokémon) was introduced as an epithet specifically for Mew, since there were no other Mythical Pokémon at the time.

Platinum arc

Even though Rotom is not a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, it is mentioned in the list of Sinnoh's Legendary and Mythical Pokémon from Charon's notebook in Unplugging Rotom (Heat, Wash, Mow, Fan, Frost) from the Pokémon Adventures manga.

In the novels

Pocket Monsters: The Animation

In Pocket Monsters: The Animation, the distinction between Legendary and Mythical Pokémon is said to be unclear.

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

Trivia

• An event-exclusive Mythical Pokémon who later becomes available in-game retains its Mythical status. For instance, Deoxys was introduced as an event-only Pokémon in Generation III, but it was still called a Mythical Pokémon in the dialogue of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the first core series game where it was catchable outside of events.

See Also

• Legendary Pokémon
• Mythical Pokémon