The world of Pokémon is vast and varied, filled with creatures of all shapes, sizes, and power levels. Among these, Legendary and Mythical Pokémon stand apart, possessing immense power, unique stories, and often, a pivotal role in shaping the Pokémon universe. This guide aims to explore every Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, delving into their lore and significance. It's impossible to cover every detail for every Pokémon in a single article, but we'll strive to provide a comprehensive overview. We'll also address some frequently asked questions surrounding these powerful creatures.
What Makes a Pokémon Legendary or Mythical?
Before diving into the list, it's crucial to understand the distinction between Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. While both are incredibly rare and powerful, their classifications differ subtly:
-
Legendary Pokémon: Typically appear in groups (like the Legendary Birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) or are significant figures in the narrative of a particular region's mythology. They often play critical roles in shaping the landscape or the history of a region.
-
Mythical Pokémon: Even rarer than Legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon are often described as existing only in legends or stories, rarely appearing in the "real world" of the games. They often have more solitary and mysterious origins.
A Categorized Look at Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
Organizing every Legendary and Mythical Pokémon by generation helps provide context to their introduction and place in the overarching Pokémon story. Remember, this list is extensive, and certain distinctions between Legendary and Mythical can be debated by fans.
Generation I (Kanto):
- Legendary Birds: Articuno (Ice), Zapdos (Electric), Moltres (Fire) – These three are classic examples of Legendary Pokémon, closely tied to Kanto's mythology and often featured prominently in the games' stories.
- Mewtwo: A powerful Psychic-type Pokémon, genetically engineered from Mew. Its story is central to the first Pokémon movie.
- Mew: A Mythical Pokémon known for its genetic diversity and rumored to be the ancestor of all Pokémon.
Generation II (Johto):
- Legendary Beasts: Raikou (Electric), Entei (Fire), Suicune (Water) – Similar to the Legendary Birds, these powerful Pokémon are key figures in Johto's narrative.
- Ho-Oh: A majestic Legendary Pokémon, often depicted as a symbol of hope and rebirth.
- Lugia: A powerful Psychic/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon, closely tied to Ho-Oh and the Legendary Beasts.
- Celebi: A Mythical Pokémon associated with time travel and often found in events related to the past.
Generation III (Hoenn):
- The Weather Trio: Groudon (Ground), Kyogre (Water), Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying) – These Legendary Pokémon control the weather and their conflict is a key plot point in the Hoenn region games.
- Jirachi: A Mythical Pokémon known for granting wishes.
- Deoxys: A Mythical Pokémon with four different forms, each with unique abilities.
Generation IV (Sinnoh):
- Lake Guardians: Uxie (Psychic), Mesprit (Psychic), Azelf (Psychic) – These Legendary Pokémon represent knowledge, emotion, and willpower.
- The Creation Trio: Dialga (Steel/Dragon), Palkia (Water/Dragon), Giratina (Ghost/Dragon) – These Pokémon represent time, space, and antimatter, respectively.
- Manaphy: A Mythical Pokémon with powerful water-based abilities.
- Phione: A Mythical Pokémon, closely related to Manaphy.
Generation V (Unova):
- The Swords of Justice: Cobalion (Steel/Fighting), Terrakion (Rock/Fighting), Virizion (Grass/Fighting) – These three Legendary Pokémon represent justice, courage, and wisdom.
- Genesect: A Mythical Pokémon, a genetically modified prehistoric Pokémon.
- Keldeo: A Mythical Pokémon that is often considered one of the Swords of Justice.
- Landorus, Tornadus, Thundurus: A trio of Legendary Pokémon representing the forces of nature; Landorus (Ground/Flying), Tornadus (Flying), Thundurus (Electric/Flying).
- Victini: A Mythical Pokémon said to bring victory.
Generation VI (Kalos):
- The Legendary Pokémon of Kalos: Xerneas (Fairy), Yveltal (Dark/Flying), Zygarde (Dragon/Ground) – Representing life, destruction, and order, these Pokémon are central to the Kalos storyline.
- Diancie: A Mythical Pokémon, a legendary Pokémon made of diamond.
- Hoopa: A Mythical Pokémon with reality-bending abilities.
Generation VII (Alola):
- The Tapu Guardians: Tapu Koko (Electric/Fairy), Tapu Lele (Psychic/Fairy), Tapu Bulu (Grass/Fairy), Tapu Fini (Water/Fairy) – These Legendary Pokémon are guardians of the Alola islands.
- Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo/Lunala: Cosmog is a Mythical Pokémon, evolving into Cosmoem, then finally into Solgaleo (Psychic/Steel) or Lunala (Psychic/Ghost). They are significant figures in Alola's legend.
- Necrozma: A Legendary Pokémon from Ultra Space, known for its light-absorbing abilities.
- Magearna: A Mythical Pokémon made of artificial steel and flowers.
Generation VIII (Galar):
- The Legendary Pokémon of Galar: Zacian (Fairy/Steel), Zamazenta (Fighting/Steel), Eternatus (Poison/Dragon) – These Pokémon are at the heart of the Galar region’s mythology and story.
- Kubfu, Urshifu: Kubfu is a Mythical Pokémon evolving into Urshifu (Fighting/Dark or Fighting/Water).
Generation IX (Paldea):
- The Legendary Pokémon of Paldea: Koraidon (Fighting/Dragon), Miraidon (Electric/Dragon) – These are the Paradox Pokémon representing the past and future.
- Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly: These were originally thought to be a myth.
- Iron Leaves, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis: These are the Paradox Pokémon representing the future.
- Walking Wake, Iron Leaves: Paradox Pokémon.
- Skeledirge, Meowscarada, Quaquaval: These were originally thought to be a myth.
- Iron Bundle, Iron Crown, Iron Moth: Paradox Pokémon.
- Great Tusk, Sandy Shocks, Scream Tail, Flutter Mane: Paradox Pokémon.
This list encompasses most, if not all, generally accepted Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. The constant evolution of the Pokémon universe means new additions may occur, and the classification of certain Pokémon remains a topic of discussion among fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest Legendary Pokémon?
Determining the "strongest" is subjective and depends on factors like competitive battling strategies and specific movesets. Many Pokémon like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and the Creation Trio are regularly cited as contenders.
How many Legendary Pokémon are there in total?
The total number of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon varies slightly depending on the definition used, but the number exceeds 100. This guide attempts to cover most of them.
Can you catch all Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in one game?
No, many Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are only obtainable through specific events, trades, or in certain versions of the games.
Are there any Legendary Pokémon that are also Mythical?
While the distinction is generally clear, the categorization is sometimes debated by fans.
This comprehensive guide offers a thorough look at the diverse world of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. Remember to explore the individual stories of each Pokémon for a deeper understanding of their significance within the Pokémon universe.
