Raikou (Pokémon)

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Blissey #242: Blissey
Pokémon
#244: Entei Entei
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raikou (disambiguation).
Raikou ライコウ
Raikou
#243
Raikou



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Electric Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Pressure Cacophony
Cacophony
Volt Absorb
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Gender unknown
Catch rate
3 (1.6%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Undiscovered
Hatch time
81 cycles
Height
6'03" 1.9 m
Raikou
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
392.4 lbs. 178.0 kg
Raikou
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
216
Gen. II-IV
Unknown
IV
261
V+
Leveling rate
Slow
EV yield
Total: 3
Raikou
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
1
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
2
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body08.png
Footprint
F243.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Yellow
Base friendship
35
External Links

Raikou (Japanese: ライコウ Raikou) is an Electric-type Legendary Pokémon.

It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Along with Entei and Suicune, it is one of the legendary beasts created by Ho-Oh after the burning of the Brass Tower. Of the three legendary beasts, Raikou is said to represent the lightning strike which ignited the fire that consumed the Brass Tower.

Biology

Raikou is a quadruped, yellow, tiger-like Pokémon with black stripes and a white underside. It has a thin, light blue tail with sharp angles and a spark-shaped formation at the end. Raikou's mane looks like dull purple rain clouds and allows it to shoot bolts of lighting. Most of its face consists of thick, white fur and shorter yellow fur around its red eyes. Raikou's muzzle is a light blue "X" and it has a black faceplate with two bumps that covers its forehead, nose, and ears. Raikou has two long fangs that make its appearance similar to the saber-toothed cat. Its large claws each converge to form a single point and never retract. Extra fur hangs off its body in front of its rear thighs.

As seen in the anime, Raikou is able to fly by creating storm clouds. It is shown to be distrustful of humans, though it may form some friendship with those who help it. Raikou tends to appear during thunderstorms and when other Electric-type Pokémon are in danger. Raikou races across grasslands while barking cries that sound like thunder.

In the anime

Raikou in the anime
A Shiny Raikou in the anime

Major appearances

Raikou (The Legend of Thunder!)

Raikou appeared in the Pokémon Chronicles episode, The Legend of Thunder! where members of Team Rocket hunt down and attempt to catch Raikou.

Raikou (M13)

A Shiny Raikou made its first movie appearance alongside Celebi, and the other members of its trio in the thirteenth Pokémon movie, Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

Other

Raikou appears at the end of Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Part Two), the second half of the special episode based on Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs.

Minor appearances

Raikou first appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery. It was spotted by Togepi and a Houndoom before it disappeared.

The Mauville City Gym Leader Wattson owns many Raikou robots which he uses in his Gym.

Raikou made a small cameo at the opening of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

Raikou also had a minor appearance in Dawn's Piplup's dream in Three Sides to Every Story!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
The Legend of Thunder! Raikou Jimmy's Pokédex Raikou, the Thunder Pokémon. It is said to have descended to earth on a bolt of lightning.

In the manga

Raikou in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

It was revealed in a flashback in Hello, Lickitung, where it was awakened by Yellow along with its two counterparts, and the three raced around Kanto and Johto looking for Trainers to help them defeat the Masked Man to free Ho-Oh and repay the debt of the latter for saving its life. Nearing the end of the chapter, Raikou eventually pairs up with Lt. Surge after encountering and escaping Falkner, and later Gold. Once Ho-Oh is freed and Pryce, the true identity of the Masked Man, is defeated, it once again roams the lands of Johto with Suicune and Entei.

Anabel also owns a Raikou in the Battle Frontier saga. It has been confirmed that it is the same Raikou as the one that befriended Gold, having caught it sometime before the Emerald arc in Johto. Raikou is more powerful than any other Electric-type Pokémon in the manga because billowing thunder clouds follow it everywhere carried on its back, allowing it to perform powerful attacks, such as Thunder, more quickly and efficiently than regular Electric Pokémon. Despite clearly possessing sentient intelligence like its fellow beasts, it obeyed Anabel's commands to battle Emerald without question while she was under psychic control of Guile Hideout. After he is defeated and the Battle Frontier is saved, Raikou is seen interacting with Gold and Crystal, and has not appeared since.

In the TCG

Main article: Raikou (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

When released from a Poké Ball, Raikou releases a powerful Spark attack that electrocutes any opponents that get caught in it. Raikou is the only legendary beast that does not return in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Trophy Information

Raikou also appears in Melee as a trophy.

These Thunder Pokémon travel near and far, blasting out electrified whirlwinds. They carry storm clouds on their backs, so they can produce lightning regardless of the local weather; it's even said that they descended to the earth with via lightning bolts. Their extreme quickness lends itself to flight, so they're very hard to capture.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II
Gold The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Silver A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Crystal This rough Pokémon stores energy in its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity.
Stadium 2 The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Generation III
Ruby Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down.
Sapphire
Emerald Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. Its roars send shock waves shuddering through the air and ground as if lightning bolts were crashing down.
FireRed This Pokémon races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
LeafGreen The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Generation IV
Diamond It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
SoulSilver A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Generation V
Black It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
White
Black 2 It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
White 2
Generation VI
X The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Y This rough Pokémon stores energy inside its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity.


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II
Gold Silver
Roaming Johto
Crystal
Roaming Johto
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Roaming Kanto (if the player chose Squirtle)
Colosseum
Shadow PKMN Lab (Shadow)
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Trade
Platinum
Trade
HeartGold SoulSilver
Roaming Johto
Pal Park
Mountain
Generation V
Black White
Poké Transfer
Relocator (Shiny event Raikou only)
Black 2 White 2
Poké Transfer
Generation VI
X Y
Poké Transporter


In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Trozei! Random Agent Cards
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Lightning Field (30F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Concealed Ruins (B20F)*
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Sky
Southeastern Islands (B12F-B24F; appears on random floor after accepting challenge letter)
Pokémon Ranger Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger:
Guardian Signs
Wireless Tower
Rand's House
Pokémon Rumble Blast Meadow: World Axle - B1F (Post-ending)

In events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Raikou English United States 40Shiny November 22 to 29, 2001;
December 7 to 20, 2001;
June 22 to 28, 2002;
July 5 to 11, 2002;
November 15 to 21, 2002
RSEFRLG Journey Across America Raikou English United States 70 February 25 to July 23, 2006
RSEFRLG Top 10 Distribution Raikou English United Kingdom 70 June 10, 2006;
October 14 to November 19, 2006
RSEFRLG Top 10 Distribution Raikou Italian Italy 70 June 23 to 25, 2006
RSEFRLG Top 10 Distribution Raikou Spanish Spain 70 June 27 to August 27, 2006
RSEFRLG Party of the Decade Raikou English United States 70 August 8, 2006
RSEFRLG Top 10 Distribution Raikou German Germany 70 September 24 to November 5, 2006
RSEFRLG Top 10 Distribution Raikou French France 70 September 26, 2006
Crown Raikou Japanese Japan 30 June 18 to August 31, 2010
Shinsegae Raikou Korean South Korea 30 September 11 to October 24, 2010
Crown City Raikou Korean South Korea 30 December 16, 2010 to January 9, 2011
GameStop Raikou English North America 30 January 3 to 9, 2011
Winter 2011 Raikou English Wi-Fi 30 February 7 to 13, 2011
Winter 2011 Raikou French Wi-Fi 30 February 7 to 13, 2011
Winter 2011 Raikou German Wi-Fi 30 February 7 to 13, 2011
Winter 2011 Raikou Italian Wi-Fi 30 February 7 to 13, 2011
Winter 2011 Raikou Spanish Wi-Fi 30 February 7 to 13, 2011

Held items

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

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
90
150 - 197 290 - 384
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
75
72 - 139 139 - 273
115
108 - 183 211 - 361
100
94 - 167 184 - 328
115
108 - 183 211 - 361
Total:
580
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

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
3/4 ★★★
Skill
4/4 ★★★★
Stamina
3/3 ★★★
Jump
3/3 ★★★
Total
18/19 ★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation VI
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
00Start Extrasensory Psychic Special 08080 100100% 20
00Start Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15
00Start Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25
00Start Leer Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
088 Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30
1515 Roar Normal Status 0000 100100% 20
2222 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30
2929 Spark Electric Physical 06565 100100% 20
3636 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 —% 20
4343 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 15
5050 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 09595% 15
5757 Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15
6464 Extrasensory Psychic Special 08080 100100% 20
7171 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —% 5
7878 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 —% 20
8585 Thunder Electric Special 110110 07070% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation VI
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM04 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 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 Normal Sprite.png TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Ghost Sprite.png TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 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 Rock Sprite.png TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000 —}}—% 10
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 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM60 Quash Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 15
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 Electric Sprite.png TM72 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM78 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 090}}90% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM93 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fighting Sprite.png TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM95 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM01 Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VI
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Raikou in Generation VI
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Raikou in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VI
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
  • A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Raikou can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Raikou cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani243.png 
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
MDP RT 243.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0.1%
Friend Area: Sacred Field
Phrases
51%-100% HP I am the thunderbolt that races through the fields!
26%-50% HP I don't like this... My HP is cut to half?
1%-25% HP This is it... The power of lightning fails here...
Level up I gained a level! May lightning bolts empower me!
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 gained a level! May lightning bolts empower me!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness
,
and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 243.png Body size: 2
Recruit rate: 5%
IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: Electric PA.png
( Electric )
Field move: Recharge fm.pngRecharge fm.pngRecharge fm.png
(Recharge ×3)
Loops: 11 Min. exp.: 500 Max. exp.: 600
Browser entry  
Raikou is a legendary Pokémon that dashes while dropping thunderbolts.
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:
 Electric  Electric Assist.png
( Electric )
Past
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
It creates waves of electricity around it and launches thunderbolts to attack.
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack ●●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack 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

243Raikou.png
Unevolved
Raikou
 Electric 



Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
Spr 2g 243.png Spr b 2g 243.png Spr 2s 243.png Spr b 2s 243.png Spr 2c 243.png Spr b 2c 243.png
Spr 2g 243 s.png Spr b 2g 243 s.png Spr 2s 243 s.png Spr b 2s 243 s.png Spr 2c 243 s.png Spr b 2c 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
Spr 3r 243.png Spr b 3r 243.png Spr 3e 243.png Spr b 3e 243.png Spr 3f 243.png Spr b 3f 243.png
Spr 3r 243 s.png Spr b 3r 243 s.png Spr 3e 243 s.png Spr b 3e 243 s.png Spr 3f 243 s.png Spr b 3f 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
Spr 4d 243.png Spr b 4d 243.png Spr 4p 243.png Spr b 4p 243.png Spr 4h 243.png Spr b 4h 243.png
Spr 4d 243 s.png Spr b 4d 243 s.png Spr 4p 243 s.png Spr b 4p 243 s.png Spr 4h 243 s.png Spr b 4h 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
Spr 5b 243.png Spr b 5b 243.png Spr 5b2 243.png Spr b 5b2 243.png
Spr 5b 243 s.png Spr b 5b 243 s.png Spr 5b2 243 s.png Spr b 5b2 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back
243MS.png For other sprites and images, please see Raikou images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

Raikou in Jimmy's Pokédex

Origin

Raikou is particularly based on the Thunder and Lightning gods of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 raijū, a thunder demon of Japanese lore. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of a tiger, monkey, blue wolf wrapped in lightning, and many other animals. Raikou is specifically based on its tiger form, while the Pokémon Manectric is based on its wolf form. In terms of physical build, Raikou is based on the Smilodon fatalis, a well-known but extinct species of wildcat often referred to as a saber-toothed tiger. Its color and pattern scheme are reminiscent of that of a Bengal tiger. The stripes that decorate Raikou's body also can be compared to zigzagging thunderbolts and perhaps even scars from claws. The white ruff around Raikou's face is akin to the Siberian tiger's thick fur around its neck. In the anime, Raikou is shown to be very agile, swift, stealthy, and a powerful attacker, just like a tiger. The gray "plate" atop its head may be similar to Entei's head ornament, being either a helmet or crown that signifies courage and power. The flowing purple mane on its back is likely meant to invoke the image of a cumulonimbus cloud, the cloud type most often associated with thunderstorms.

Name origin

Raikou could be taken to mean 雷光 raikou (lightning), which is also the inspiration for the name of raijū, or it may be a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and 皇 (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 raikō (thunder duke), identical to the name of the Taoist deity Lei Gong.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese ライコウ Raikou From 雷公 raikō, rai, 雷光 raikou, and
France Flag.png French Raikou Same as Japanese name
Spain Flag.png Spanish Raikou Same as Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Raikou Same as Japanese name
Italy Flag.png Italian Raikou Same as Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 라이코 Raiko Transliteration of its Japanese name
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 雷公 Léigōng From 雷公 Raikou. Also a reference to the ancient Chinese god of thunder, Lei Gong.
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese


Related articles

Notes

External links

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Blissey #242: Blissey
Pokémon
#244: Entei Entei


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