Arceus (Pokémon)

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Shaymin #492: Shaymin
Pokémon
#494: Victini Victini
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Arceus (disambiguation).
Arceus
アルセウス Arceus
#493
493Arceus.png
Normal art by Ken Sugimori from Platinum
Type
Fighting '
Category
Alpha Pokémon
Abilities
Multitype Multitype
Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers
Oblivia
S-006 N-221
Height
10'06"
Imperial
3.2 m
Metric
Weight
705.5 lbs.
Imperial
320.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
Gray
Catch rate
3 (0.4%)
Body style
Body08.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F493.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
Gender unknown
Breeding
Undiscovered group 121 cycles*
(30855 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
3
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
Base Exp.: 324 Battle Exp.: 3241*

Arceus (Japanese: アルセウス Arceus) is a Template:Type2 legendary Pokémon. However, its type will change when it is holding one of sixteen items known as plates and can in reality be any type.

Like Darkrai and Shaymin before it, Arceus was not officially recognized by Nintendo until February 2009, the year of its debut movie. It was later revealed by the official site on August 3rd, 2009.

Arceus is also known as "The Original One," as it is said that it created Sinnoh, and possibly the entire Pokémon universe, along with the lake guardians and creation trio. Arceus can only be found in the wild legitimately with the Azure Flute, which has not yet been distributed officially and can currently only be obtained by cheating. However, Arceus itself was distributed via multiple Nintendo events in 2009 and 2010.

Arceus is the final Pokémon in the National Pokédex within Generation IV.

Biology

Physiology

Arceus is an equine being similar to a Qilin or Centaur. Its body color is white with a gray, vertically-striated underside, the pattern of which has similar recurrences on the underside of Arceus's mane, tail, and face, and Arceus's four pointed feet are tipped with gold hooves. Its mane is quite long, jutting away from its head, and its face is gray, with green eyes and red pupils, and a green circular pattern below its eyes. Arceus also has a streak of gold coloration on its head, and ears that point upward. Its neck is fairly long, with two pairs of extrusions to the sides, and a flap-like feature on the neck's underside that is colored white like much of the body. It also has a golden cross-like wheel attached to its body by its round abdomen, which changes color along with its eyes and hooves based on Arceus's current type. The wheel also has four jewels attached to it. The pattern of striated gray of Arceus's underbelly resumes past Arceus's waist, the underside of Arceus's limbs also being gray in coloration, and with extrusions at the tops of the legs. Arceus's tail is fairly like its mane in shape and coloration.

Gender differences

Arceus is a genderless species.

Special abilities

File:Arceus Formes.gif
An animation displaying Arceus's different colorings while holding plates

According to legend, Arceus is thought to have created the Sinnoh region and possibly the entire Pokémon world, the lake guardians: Uxie, Azelf, Mesprit, and the creation trio: Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Because of this, Arceus is thought to be one of the most long-lived of all Pokémon species, bordering on immortality.

Arceus is multifarious; it can change forms and types with the use of the special plates.

Arceus is the only known Pokémon who can learn Judgment. Arceus can also use many attacks of various types, but to a lesser extent than Smeargle or Mew. Arceus is also the only non-Dragon-type Pokémon other than Smeargle who can learn Draco Meteor, although it must become a Template:Type2 (by holding a Draco Plate) in order to learn it.

According to the anime, its power can also bring back things that it once destroyed or make certain things vanish into thin air. Arceus also has the ability to halt time.

Behavior

While normally a kind, heroic and benevolent Pokémon, Arceus does not suffer fools gladly, and will attack in a violent rampage if betrayed or deceived. It also holds long grudges if angered.

Habitat

Arceus lives at the Hall of Origin, which can only be accessed by use of the Azure Flute at Spear Pillar. However, in the twelfth Pokémon movie, it seems to live in a wide dimension of stars and galaxies.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In Arceus and the Jewel of Life it is said to "feed" off the energy of the elemental plates, but is seen in the games holding a Rowap Berry.

In the anime

Arceus made its debut in Arceus and the Jewel of Life. It was angry at the people of Michina Town for Damos's unwitting betrayal of it in ancient times, and so attempted to destroy the land. When Ash and his friends are teleported by Dialga to ancient times, they directly influence the event, changing the future for the better so that Arceus will stop its destruction.

In Battle Finale of Legend!, although Arceus is neither seen nor named, but the Red Chain is said to contain the power of 'The Original One'. Using the Red Chain, Cyrus takes control of Dialga and Palkia by causing a red ring similar to the one surrounding Arceus's body to appear around their bodies.

Arceus makes a cameo in the opening The Greatest - Everyday! and We Will Carry On, along with the creation trio.

In the manga

Arceus as it appears in Pokémon Adventures

Arceus appears as a central character in the Movie 12 manga adaptation, reprising its role from the film. After Arceus saved the world from a meteor, Damos took care of it. It gave Damos the Jewel of Life to make the land of Michina rich and fertile. Damos then betrayed Arceus, and it has been outraged ever since.

In Pokémon Adventures, Gold and his team battle a wild Arceus in the opening pages of the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, and even Exbo's powerful Blast Burn attack is unable to damage the incredible beast.

A few rounds later, it is revealed that it showed up in front of Crystal and the Team Rocket Executives, and the former tried to catch it.

In the TCG

Main article: Arceus (TCG)

Arceus appears in the TCG in all nine elemental types, and a player can have as many Arceus cards in their deck as they like, unlike all other cards in the game (besides Basic Energy cards). Cards based on Arceus first appeared in the Arceus expansion set.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I
Red {{{redbluedex}}}
Blue
Yellow {{{yellowdex}}}
Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II
Gold {{{golddex}}}
Silver {{{silverdex}}}
Crystal {{{crystaldex}}}
Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III
Ruby {{{rubydex}}}
Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}}
Emerald {{{emeralddex}}}
FireRed {{{firereddex}}}
LeafGreen {{{leafgreendex}}}
Generation IV
Diamond It is described in mythology as the Pokémon that shaped the universe with its 1,000 arms.
Pearl It is told in mythology that this Pokémon was born before the universe even existed.
Platinum It is said to have emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.
HeartGold According to the legends of Sinnoh, this Pokémon emerged from an egg and shaped all there is in this world.
SoulSilver
Generation V
Black なにも ない ばしょに あった タマゴのなかから すがたを あらわし せかいを うみだしたと されている。
White
Black 2 {{{black2dex}}}
White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I
Red Blue
None Trade
Blue (Japan)
None Trade
Yellow
None Trade
Generation II
Gold Silver
None Trade
Crystal
None Trade
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
None Trade
Colosseum
None Trade
XD
None Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
One Hall of Origin (requires Azure Flute)
Platinum
One Hall of Origin (requires Azure Flute)
HeartGold SoulSilver
None Poké Mart (Arceus event)
Pal Park
None
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
One Pokémon Global Link (event)
Black 2 White 2
None Trade
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Ranger:
Guardian Signs
Sky Fortress (Ranger Net mission)
Light Temple

A statue of Arceus can be found in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky.

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Events* Rowap Berry Rowap Berry (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
120
180 - 227 350 - 444
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
120
112 - 189 220 - 372
Total:
720
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Main article: Arceus (Pokémon)/Pokéathlon stats

Arceus (Pokémon)/Pokéathlon stats/Fighting

Type effectiveness

Main article: Arceus (Pokémon)/Type effectiveness

Arceus (Pokémon)/Type effectiveness/Fighting

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V
Other generations:
IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
00Start Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000 100100% 20
00Start Cosmic Power Psychic Status 0000 —% 20
00Start Natural Gift Normal Physical 0000 100100% 15
00Start Punishment Dark Physical 0000 100100% 5
1010 Gravity Psychic Status 0000 —% 5
2020 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10
3030 Hyper Voice Normal Special 09090 100100% 10
4040 ExtremeSpeed Normal Physical 08080 100100% 5
5050 Refresh Normal Status 0000 —% 20
6060 Future Sight Psychic Special 100100 100100% 10
7070 Recover Normal Status 0000 —% 10
8080 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 09090% 5
9090 Perish Song Normal Status 0000 —% 5
100100 Judgment Arceus Special 100100 100100% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or alternate form of Arceus
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V
Other generations:
IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM01 Hone Claws Dark Status 0000 —}}—% 15
Bag TM Dragon Sprite.png TM02 Dragon Claw Dragon Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM03 Psycho Shock Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM04 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09595 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 120120 070}}70% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 30
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Water Sprite.png TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM19 Telekinesis Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM20 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 25
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Grass Sprite.png TM22 SolarBeam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09595 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM25 Thunder Electric Special 120120 070}}70% 10
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM26 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Ghost Sprite.png TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fighting Sprite.png TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM33 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM35 Flamethrower Fire Special 09595 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM36 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Rock Sprite.png TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM38 Fire Blast Fire Special 120120 085}}85% 5
Bag TM Rock Sprite.png TM39 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 05050 080}}80% 10
Bag TM Flying Sprite.png TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM48 Canon Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM49 Echo Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM50 Overheat Fire Special 140140 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Fighting Sprite.png TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5
Bag TM Grass Sprite.png TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special 08080 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM59 Devastate Fire Special 03030 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM60 Postpone Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM61 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000 075}}75% 15
Bag TM Ghost Sprite.png TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM66 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM67 Retaliation Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Rock Sprite.png TM71 Stone Edge Rock Physical 100100 080}}80% 5
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM75 Swords Dance Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 30
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM78 Smooth Over Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Rock Sprite.png TM80 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Bug Sprite.png TM81 X-Scissor Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM83 Cheer Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 30
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM84 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Grass Sprite.png TM86 Grass Knot Grass Special 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 090}}90% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Steel Sprite.png TM91 Flash Cannon Steel Special 08080 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM92 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Fighting Sprite.png TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM95 Bark Out Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM01 Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30
Bag HM Flying Sprite.png HM02 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM03 Surf Water Special 09595 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM05 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or alternate form of Arceus
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V
Other generations:
IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
B W B2 W2 Draco Meteor Dragon Special 140 90% 5
  • A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Arceus can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Arceus cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or alternate form of Arceus
  • Arceus must be holding the Draco Plate when Draco Meteor is taught.
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see move tutor moves from other generations

By events

Generation IV
Other generations:
V - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Event   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   S. Contest   Appeal 
Toys 'R' Us events Roar of Time Dragon Special 150 90% 5 Cool 2 ♥♥
Toys 'R' Us events Spacial Rend Dragon Special 100 95% 5 Tough 2 ♥♥
Toys 'R' Us events Shadow Force Ghost Physical 120 100% 5 Smart 2 ♥♥
  • A superscript level indicates that Arceus can learn this move normally in Generation IV at that level
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Arceus
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or alternate form of Arceus
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see event moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0%
Friend Area: Beau Plains
Phrases
51%-100% HP My HP is between 51% and 100%.
26%-50% HP My HP is between 26% and 50%.
1%-25% HP My HP is between 1% and 25%.
Level up I leveled up.
Partner phrases
51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%.
26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%.
1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%.
Level up I leveled up.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Sky
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0%
IQ group: A
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None
Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
Group: Poké Assist: Field move:
 Normal  Normal Assist.png
( Normal )
Past
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
It protects itself with psychic orbs that bring meteors down.
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
None.png PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
None.png Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}}
PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
None.png HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Template:Evobox/0formes17

Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
This Pokémon did not appear during Generation III.
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back

Template:Sprite/4/18formes

V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 493-Fighting.png Spr b 5b 493-Fighting.png
Spr 5b 493-Fighting s.png Spr b 5b 493-Fighting s.png
ArceusFist Plate For other sprites and images, please see Arceus images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

Normal-color sprite for Template:Type2 Arceus
Shiny sprite for Template:Type2 Arceus
  • At level 80, Arceus is the second-highest level Pokémon available for capture in the wild, after the Magikarp in the Resort Area in Pokémon Platinum (which can be caught at any level). However, the Azure Flute needed to encounter it has never been made officially available.
  • Arceus's English name has had three different pronunciations. Before it was officially revealed, fans pronounced it as "AR-see-oos", as does Pokémon Battle Revolution. Then, a promotional trailer for Arceus and the Jewel of Life pronounced it as "Ar-SAY-us". Its official pronunciation was then revealed in a Pokémon.com mailbag as "ARK-ee-us". Its original pronunciation is still in popular usage and isn't considered to be incorrect.
  • Arceus's base stat total is 720, higher than any other Pokémon.
  • All Generation IV games have sprites for Arceus using its Multitype ability with all 18 types, including Template:Type2. It is disputed whether the ???-type Arceus is obtainable, as there is no plate in the code that can be used for this. It is possible this sprite was programmed in to prevent game crashes caused by tampering with Arceus's type.
  • Arceus's signature move, Judgment, is the only move that Arceus is guaranteed STAB for, as it is always the same type as Arceus itself. However, on the battle screen, Judgment is always displayed as a Template:Type2 attack.
  • Even though it is said that Arceus created the world with its thousand arms, it is not shown to have any arms at all, nor can it learn hand-based or arm-based moves.
  • Holding the Toxic Plate, Arceus is the only legendary Template:Type2 Pokémon.
  • Earth Power is the only move with a fixed base power, besides Judgment, that Arceus learns by level-up which can receive STAB with a plate attached.
  • Arceus is the only event-exclusive trio master, needing the Azure Flute to be encountered in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Versions.
  • Arceus is the only Pokémon to never officially receive a DPBP number. Kadabra, which was not released as a TCG card during the DPBP era, is assumed to be #070, as Abra and Alakazam are #069 and #071, respectively.
  • The ring around Arceus's body appears to have a malevolent counterpart in the embodiment of the Red Chain, as a red version of it is shown to ring Dialga and Palkia around the middle when Cyrus takes control of them in The Battle Finale of Legend!
  • Arceus is one of three Pokémon that can learn all of the moves ever obtainable as HMs. The two others are Mew and Smeargle.
  • Arceus is the one who is rumored to have prevented all Pokémon in the future from disappearing in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. Dialga explains that it "was no miracle" that they were saved, and that a "greater power" saved them all. Arceus is the leader of the creation trio, of which Dialga is a member.

Origin

Arceus is particularly based on a creator deity, present in many world cultures. The conception of the first god might be influenced from Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi, who, according to Shinto myth, summoned Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with the spear. It may also be a reference to the Chinese mythical creature, the Qilin. Its myth is nearly identical to that of the Pangu, the Chinese creation deity. Arceus may also be inspired by (or a representation of) the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, who, in Buddhism, is either pictured with eleven heads and one thousand arms (the latter of which is mentioned in Arceus's flavor text) or in a white four-armed manifestation (which could look similar to Arceus's Normal form). Some inspiration may have come from a horse, because of its Platinum sprite and attack movements in Pokémon Battle Revolution. Arceus also shares many characteristics with an alpaca

Name origin

Arceus's name may come from the words arch (highest) and deus, which is Latin for god. It may also have a root in the Latin word arcanus, which means secret; sacred mystery. Arceus's name may also come from the word archaic (ancient), which comes from the Greek arkhaios, and is derived from the ancient Greek word for "beginning", arkhē. It could have also come from the Latin word archetypus (original). Alternatively, Arceus's name can be seen as a portmanteau of Zeus, the most powerful of Greek gods and arch (highest). Another theory may be the combination of Zeus and Ra spelled backwards (Zeus being the king of gods and Ra being the solar god and creator, albeit in different pantheons). Those two qualities are shared by the Pokémon. Also, Arceus can also be derived from aureus (golden), possibly referring to its hooves and wheel. Nevertheless, Arceus's name origin and possible theories have led fans to believe that Arceus may be in fact a creator deity in Pokémon form. Arceus's name is pronounced with a soft "c" (or "s" sound) by the announcer in Pokémon Battle Revolution; in keeping with its probable name origin, it is pronounced with a hard "c" (or "k" sound) in television commercials and in Arceus and the Jewel of Life. Its name could also come from arc, as in round/ring, since it's surrounded by one.

In other languages

  • German: Arceus
  • French: Arceus
  • Korean: 아르세우스 Arceus
  • Chinese (Taiwan): 阿爾宙斯 Ā Ěr Zhòu Sī - Transliteration of its Japanese name. Also a portmanteau of 阿爾法 Ā'ěrfǎ (Alpha) and 宙斯 Zhòusī (Zeus).

Related articles



Event distributions
Generation I: JapaneseEuropean language
Generation II: JapaneseEuropean language
Generation III: JapaneseEnglishGermanSpanishFrenchItalian
Generation IV: Japanese (local | Wi-Fi) • English (local | Wi-Fi) • German (local | Wi-Fi)
Spanish (local | Wi-Fi) • French (local | Wi-Fi) • Italian (local | Wi-Fi) • Korean (local | Wi-Fi)
Trading (GTS)
Generation V: Japanese (local | Wi-Fi) • English (local | Wi-Fi) • German (local | Wi-Fi)
Spanish (local | Wi-Fi) • French (local | Wi-Fi) • Italian (local | Wi-Fi) • Korean (local | Wi-Fi)
Global Link promotions
Generation VI: Japanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • American region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
PAL region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • Korean region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
Taiwanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
LocalTrading
Generation VII: 3DS: Japanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • American region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
PAL region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • Korean region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
Taiwanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
Local
Switch: PE
Generation VIII: SwShBDSPLA
Trading
Generation IX: SV
Specific events: Gather More Pokémon! Campaign
PCNY (Gen II | Gen III) • Trade and Battle DayJourney Across AmericaParty of the Decade
Other groupings: Movie events10th AnniversaryTanabataUndistributed
Special Pokémon from games
In-game: Gen IGen II • Gen III (RSFRLGEColosseum/XD) • Gen IV (DP ​• Pt ​• HGSS) • Gen V (BWB2W2)
Gen VI (XYORAS) • Gen VII (SMUSUMPE) • Gen VIII (SwShBDSPLA) • Gen IX (SV)
Gift Pokémon (Eggs) • Wild Pokémon (Roaming Pokémon) • In-game trades (Hayley's trades)
Game-based: Gen IGen IIGen IIIGen IVGen VIGen VII
Gen VIII (Wild Area News) • Gen IX (Poké Portal News)
Other: Undistributed
Non-Pokémon event distributions
Gen IIIGen IVGen VGen VIGen VII (Game-based) • Gen VIIIGen IX (Game-based)
Global Link
Other lists
Notable ID numbers (Gens I-IIIII onward) • Wonder Cards (Gen VGen VIGen VII) • Serial code prefixes
Shaymin #492: Shaymin
Pokémon
#494: Victini Victini
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