It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.
It is often considered to be closely related to Ho-Oh, even sometimes as its polar opposite. Silver represents Lugia as "guardian of the seas", and Gold represents Ho-Oh as "guardian of the skies."
Lugia are very large creatures which bear a resemblance to something between a dragon, a plesiosaur, and a bird. They are primarily pale silver-white, but have blue undersides with slightly varying tones. They have long slender necks and their bodies are smooth and streamlined, with the exception of dark blue or black spike-like protrusions which run down the length of their back, and two smaller ones on the ends of their tails. It has large wings that resemble hands.
Gender differences
Lugia is a genderless species. However, unlike most legendary Pokémon, young Lugia have been observed (though only in the anime), suggesting that there is a breeding population of these creatures.
Special abilities
Lugia is the leader of the legendary birds. When the legendary Birds fight over territory, Lugia is the only Pokémon that can quell their ceaseless fighting, as observed in the second Pokémon movie. Much like the birds, it possesses the ability to control the weather; most notably it can calm and give rise to storms. It is said that a light flutter of their wings is capable of causing winds powerful enough to tear down cliffs. If it were to flap its wings it could hypothetically spawn storms lasting as long as 40 days. It is highly intelligent, and because of the devastating power it could accidentally inflict, it isolates itself deep underwater and tends to sleep in solitude. It can shoot incredibly powerful beams from its mouth when in danger.
Not very much is known about the behavior of Lugia, as they are fantastically rare and elusive Pokémon. Lugia have been on occassion observed with their offspring, suggesting that unlike other legendary Pokémon, they have a breeding population. However, this is only shown in the anime, and whether or not they can breed in the games is still unknown. They are generally known to be peaceful, protective, calm, modest and benevolent; it is believed the reason they tend to isolate themselves from civilization is to protect humans and other Pokémon from their great powers. However, like all creatures, they can become enraged if they feel threatened, particularly if they are protecting their young. Because of this, contact with Lugia is best done carefully, most attempts at capturing one of these magnificent creatures has ended poorly, and is ill advised as their role in controlling world climate is still not well understood.
Lugia usually live very deep on the ocean floor, not because they are natural sea-dwellers, but because they fear that they can accidentally cause untold devastation. Lugia are typically spotted near the Whirl Islands of Johto and, when disturbed, flying high in the sky.
A parent Lugia and its child (nicknamed Silver by Oliver) lived near Silver Rock Isle in the Whirl Islands. Dr. Namba attempted to capture both the parent Lugia and Silver for Giovanni in The Mystery is History, A Parent Trapped. and A Promise is a Promise. It is interesting to note that Ash and Misty (Brock was not along with them) act as if this was their first time seeing a Lugia, as if the second movie never took place. On the contrary, the dub pays mention of the Lugia that was seen in the Orange Islands, with Ash stating that it was "like" the one they'd seen in the Orange Islands.
When released from a Poké Ball, Lugia will fly up and return in the background where it unleashes a powerful Aeroblast on the stage.
Melee trophy information
The waters of the Whirl Islands are home to this legendary Pokémon, whom very few have seen. Lugia live quietly in the deepest ocean trenches for one very good reason: its combined aerial and psychic powers are so strong as to be extremely dangerous. The special moves of this gargantuan creature include the destructive wind assault known as Aeroblast.
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Lugia's wings pack devastating power - a light fluttering of its wings can blow apart regular houses. As a result, this Pokémon chooses to live out of sight deep under the sea.
Lugia's wings pack devastating power - a light fluttering of its wings can blow apart regular houses. As a result, this Pokémon chooses to live out of sight deep under the sea.
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Lugia, like Ho-Oh, has the same encounter music as normal wild Pokémon. The same was true for the legendary beasts before they received unique encounter music in Crystal.
Despite having connections with water, Lugia is not a Template:Type2 Pokémon.
Lugia was mentioned in the final episode of ER. A patient stated that "I am the Chosen One, I am Lugia."
Origin
Lugia is based on Ryūjin, a dragon who was the Shinto god of the sea, and lived on the ocean's floor. Also Lugia is based on a God of the Sea deity of many religions and cultures surrounding the world.
Appearance-wise, Lugia seems to be based on the Stegosaurus (back plates and tail spikes) and the Plesiosaur (long neck and swimming ability).
Name origin
Lugia's name may come from lutetium, a silverish element, which in turn is named after Lutetia, the Roman name for Paris, the city of light. Possibly also lugeo, meaning to lie dormant, alluding to the way Lugia lies at the bottom of the sea. The Lu- may come from luna, meaning moon.
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 Lugia images on Bulbagarden Archives.
