Mythical Pokémon

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Mythical Pokémon (Japanese: のポケモン Illusory Pokémon) are a group of rare obtained through special means.もらえるプレゼントを詳しく紹介｜ポケモンスクラップ　オメガルビー・アルファサファイア　幻のポケモンたちをもらおう！　キャンペーン (Japanese, archive) Mythical Pokémon are related to Legendary Pokémon but are a distinct group.
Traditionally, in the core series Pokémon games, Mythical Pokémon were exclusively available via . However, starting with Generation VI, several Mythical Pokémon can also be obtained during normal gameplay.
As of Generation IX, there are currently 23 Mythical Pokémon.
==Terminology==
In Japanese media, Mythical Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon have always been presented as distinct groups. 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 , where they were referred to as Rare Pokémon.
Since Generation V, Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon are presented as two distinct groups in all official media. For example, several games have promoted that every Legendary Pokémon can be obtained in a particular set of games, even though not all Mythical Pokémon can be (Bulbanews)| New features added in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra | Pokémon Sword and Shield Official Website
==List of Mythical Pokémon==
Of the Pokémon species, 23 are Mythical Pokémon (%). Each released generation has introduced at least one Mythical Pokémon.
Mythical Pokémon
Mew
Celebi
Jirachi
Deoxys
Manaphy and Phione
Darkrai
Shaymin
Arceus
Victini
Keldeo
Meloetta
Genesect
Diancie
Hoopa
Volcanion
Magearna
Marshadow
Zeraora
Meltan and Melmetal
Zarude
Pecharunt
===Generation I===
Only one Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation I.
====Mew====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Kanto region. It is believed to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon in its DNA. was created after a series of experiments based on Mew, which resulted a mutated clone of it.
Mew's base stat total of 600 and a stat distribution of 100 to each stat created a trend followed by several Mythical Pokémon released later in the series, including , , , , and .
Faraway Island Mew.png| encountering on Faraway Island
===Generation II===
One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation II.
====Celebi====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Johto region. It is referred to as the guardian of forests, protecting and nourishing them as it travels through time. Celebi shares a special connection with the Ilex Forest in Johto and the Agate Village's in Orre, having the Ilex Forest shrine and the Relic Stone as monuments to honor it in those respective areas.
A plays a major role in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, serving as a friend and ally to .
Celebi Shrine.png| sitting on the Ilex Forest shrine
===Generation III===
Two Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation III.
====Jirachi====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Hoenn region. It is said to able to grant any wishes written on the tags on its head when it wakes up, which it only does for seven days once every thousand years. If in danger, however, it can fight without waking up.
Pokémon Gallery Collection - Jirachi's Shooting Star.jpg| and Wally encountering 
====Deoxys====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Hoenn region. It mutated from a space virus when exposed to a laser beam. It is able to change its , altering its appearance and traits. The crystal on its chest acts as its brain, as well as a defense mechanism.
Although it retained a base stat total of 600, Deoxys was the first Mythical Pokémon to have a base stat distribution other than 100 in every stat. 
While Deoxys originally had little impact on the story of Generation III, introduced the Delta Episode, a mission following the 's first completion of the Hoenn League in which the player must stop a meteor from hitting the planet by destroying it with a befriended , revealing a Deoxys within. This marked the first time a Mythical Pokémon was available in-game without the need to attend an event or use a download code.
File:Ranger 3 Deoxys mission art.png| surrounded by s
===Generation IV===
Five Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation IV.
====Manaphy and Phione====
The sea guardians- and -are a duo of Mythical Pokémon in the Sinnoh region. Manaphy are born on cold seafloors, also swimming great distances to return to their birthplace, and are born with a wondrous power to bond with any kind of Pokémon. Phione live in warm seas, using the inflation sac on their heads to search for food and to drift in packs, always returning to the place of their birth.
Manaphy and Phione have the unique ability among Mythical Pokémon to with in captivity to produce Phione. Phione cannot, however, evolve into Manaphy. is the only game in which Phione can be caught; in all other games, the only legitimate way to obtain one in-game is to breed a Manaphy or another Phione.
Phione Legends Arceus.png|A and three in Seaside Hollow
====Darkrai====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Sinnoh region. It chases people and Pokémon away from its territory by causing them to experience deep, nightmarish slumbers. However, it is merely protecting itself and means no harm. It is particularly active on moonless nights.
Darkrai Newmoon Island.png| using on Newmoon Island
====Shaymin====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Sinnoh region. Shaymin live in flower patches and avoid detection by curling up to look like a flowering plant. Shaymin are able to dissolve toxins in the air to transform ruined land into a lush field of flowers. When sensing gratitude, the flowers all over its body burst into bloom. When exposed to the blooming Gracidea flower during the daytime, Shaymin becomes Shaymin. Shaymin will revert to its Land Forme at night, while or, before Generation VII, when deposited into the Pokémon Storage System.
File:Platinum Flower Paradise-1.jpg| in the Flower Paradise
====Arceus====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Sinnoh region. According to mythology, Arceus emerged from an Egg before the universe even existed and then shaped the world with its 1,000 arms. Arceus's signature Ability, , allows it to and type depending on which Plate it holds. This will also change the type of its signature move, .
As the creator of the lake guardians and the Pokémon of Myth, it is often viewed by fans as the leader of both trios. It is unique in this regard, as it is the only Mythical Pokémon to be considered the master of a Legendary trio, and the only Pokémon to be considered the master of two.
File:Masters Arceus Arc Arceus.png| in the Arceus Arc of 
===Generation V===
Four Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation V.
====Victini====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Unova region. It is said that this Pokémon brings victory. It creates an unlimited supply of energy inside its body, which it shares with those who touch it.
Victini is notable for appearing before the first partner Pokémon of its debut generation, giving it the Unova Pokédex number #000, a first in the Pokémon series.
Victini-Liberty Garden Island.png| on Liberty Garden
====Keldeo====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Unova region. Keldeo is also the fourth member of the Swords of Justice. In Black 2 and White 2, Keldeo gained a , its Resolute Form. After triggering an event in the Pledge Grove, the other Swords of Justice—, , and —will teach Keldeo . It will remain in its Resolute Form as long as it knows Secret Sword.
File:Keldeo event art.png| using 
File:Keldeo M15 Resolute.png| Keldeo in Pokémon the Series: Black & White
====Meloetta====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Unova region. Meloetta has two different : Aria Forme and Pirouette Forme. Legend says that it once played a song and danced so lightly, it filled people's hearts with joy. However, when sorrow darkened the world, it lost the melody. Using changes its form.
File:Meloetta TCG Art Life.png|'s in TCG, drawn by nagimiso
File:Meloetta Pirouette TCG Art Life.png|'s in TCG, drawn by Mizue
====Genesect====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Unova region. Originally an ancient insect Pokémon who was feared as the strongest of hunters more than 300 million years ago, Team Plasma revived it from a Fossil in an attempt to create the strongest Pokémon in existence. However, after learning of the project, N had it canceled along with P2 Laboratory shut down because he felt that Pokémon, who he thought to be perfect beings, would lose their beauty if modified by science. A named Dudley secretly kept working on it, angry that N denied his talent. This scientist reconstructed Genesect and installed the cannon on its back. Genesect uses special Drives to make variations to its signature move, .
Genesect Plasma Blast.jpg| from Plasma Blast
===Generation VI===
Three Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation VI.
====Diancie====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Kalos region. While never shown in the games, it is said to be the result of a that underwent a mutation. It can create diamonds to protect itself.
It is the only Mythical and Generation VI Pokémon with the ability to Mega Evolve, which allows it to transform into Mega Diancie.
File:GO sticker pgoFest2023 Diancie.png| from Pokémon GO Fest 2023, drawn by Taiga Kasai
File:Diancie Mega Evolution.png|Mega 
====Hoopa====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Kalos region. Hoopa has two : Confined Form and Unbound Form. It is said to be able to use its gold rings to warp space in order to take things it likes and carry them away into alternate dimensions. Using an item known as a Prison Bottle, Hoopa Confined can transform into Hoopa Unbound and remain so for three days, after which it transforms back to Hoopa Confined. It will also transform back if deposited in the PC.
File:UNITE Hoopa.png| in Pokémon UNITE
File:XY7 Booster Hoopa Full Art.png| from Ancient Origins
====Volcanion====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Kalos region. It uses steam from arms on its back to disappear in fog and blow away mountains. It lives in mountains uninhabited by humans. According to the editor of the , Volcanion may have an organ unique to it inside its body that is hot enough to instantly vaporize water into steam to use in attacks. There is also a report that suggests that Volcanion may have used its power to destroy a mountain range where Kalos was founded.
XY11 Booster Volcanion Art.png| from Steam Siege
===Generation VII===
Five Mythical Pokémon were introduced in Generation VII.
====Magearna====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Alola region. It is an artificially made Pokémon created by a scientist for a king's daughter 500 years ago. Its body contains tricky machinery and acts as a vessel for the secret hidden inside its chest. Its core, known as a , is its true body, an artificial soul. Magearna has the ability to understand emotions and feelings with people. Magearna has a known as its Original Color form, which is purely cosmetic. This form is stated to be its original appearance when it was presented to the king's daughter.
Art Life 20230828 Magearna.jpg| serving tea, drawn by Megumi Mizutani
====Marshadow====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Alola region. Its very existence is the stuff of myth, as very few people have ever seen it. Marshadow is known to travel through the shadows of humans and Pokémon in order to become stronger by copying the power of movements within said shadows. It has a second form known as Zenith Marshadow, which is triggered when its fighting spirit starts burning.
Marshadow Z Move artwork.png|Zenith using its exclusive Z-Move, 
====Zeraora====
 is an Mythical Pokémon in the Alola region. Zeraora was first introduced in . Zeraora can channel a powerful magnetic field trough the electric currents located in its paw-pads. The magnetic field allows it to levitate and fly through the sky and travel as fast as a lightning strike.
Fula City Zeraora.png| using 
====Meltan and Melmetal====
 and its evolved form are a pair of Mythical Pokémon in the Kanto region. the pair were introduced in the core series in , although it first appeared in , by way of large numbers of disguised as Meltan. Later, it was revealed that Meltan can evolve into .
Meltan is known to be curious and expressive. It is instinctively drawn to metal that it could dissolve and absorb, including other Meltan. This behavior allows them to combine and evolve into Melmetal. Melmetal was worshiped in ancient times for creating metal. After it lifespan reached its end 3000 years ago, it turned into several Meltan, however its worshipers stored the Meltan in Mystery Boxes where they can be kept safe until they can fuse into a Melmetal once again. 
Melmetal and Meltan.png| and multiple 
===Generation VIII===
One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation VIII. Unlike previous generations, there were no new Mythical Pokémon in the game data or code of when the games were released. However, a new Mythical Pokémon was added to the game in update 1.2.0.
====Zarude====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in the Galar region. It can use the vines from its body for a variety of purposes, such as healing. It is known to live in packs, residing in dense forests. Zarude has a quick wit which it uses in battle along with its claws and other means of attacking.
Forest of Okoya Zarude.png| stretching its vines
===Generation IX===
One Mythical Pokémon was introduced in Generation IX. Like the previous generation, there were no new Mythical Pokémon in the game data or code of when the games were released. However, a new Mythical Pokémon was added to the game in update 3.0.0 and was officially released in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Epilogue: Mochi Mayhem.
====Pecharunt====
 is a Mythical Pokémon in Kitakami. It produces Binding mochi, which it feeds to other Pokémon and humans. The mochi draws out one's desires and potential abilities, but those who taste it become chained to Pecharunt's will. 
Pecharunt is the master of the Loyal Three; it met , , and on separate occasions, using its Binding Mochi and s to not only tame them, but also transform them into the Legendary Pokémon known in the present day, granting them their wishes; strength, cleverness, and beauty respectively, and turning them into its retainers. It led the trio to Kitakami to steal 's masks for its caretakers back home. After heavily injuring Ogerpon's partner and stealing three of their masks, Ogerpon became enraged and engaged the trio in combat, defeating and slaying them. Unable to defend itself, Ogerpon defeated Pecharunt as well, but it managed to survive by retreating into its shell, rolling deep into the forest.
Pecharunt TUSPt.png| with its caretakers in The Untold Story of Pecharunt
==In the core series games==
Mythical Pokémon are regarded as among the rarest in Pokémon world mythology. Some are seemingly unknown to most people, while others are worshiped as deities. They typically receive minimal exposure during normal gameplay, usually alluded to in vague hints. They are then revealed to players months or years after the debut of their respective generation. Upon being revealed, they are celebrated across the numerous media, often starring in s and being featured prominently in .
Mythical Pokémon can typically only be obtained by Mystery Gift, either directly, or through use of an event item. Mystery Gift distributions of Mythical Pokémon are often held on special occasions, such as screenings of Pokémon movies, events in retail stores, online distributions, etc. Some Mythical Pokémon can be obtained via that feature special connectivity.
All Mythical Pokémon are gender unknown. Almost all Mythical Pokémon cannot evolve, with the sole exception of . Almost all Mythical Pokémon cannot , except and , who can be bred with to produce Phione s. Some Mythical Pokémon are part of a group of Legendary Pokémon.
Much like how first partner Pokémon appear at the beginning of each regional Pokédex and their generation's portion of the National Pokédex, Mythical Pokémon typically appear at the very end, and Legendary Pokémon immediately before them. The Mythical Pokémon is the only exception, which appears at the start of the Unova Pokédex as #000, coming before the region's first partner Pokémon.
Mythical Pokémon are not required to complete the Pokédex for rewards such as the diploma, except in and in , which are available as part of the story.
===Availability===
Originally, Mythical Pokémon were exclusively available via event distributions, or other special means such as spin-off games. Over time, however, several Mythical Pokémon have become available within the core series games themselves during the course of regular gameplay. In Generation VIII, several Mythical Pokémon are obtainable in-game by having save files from other Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch.
The following Mythical Pokémon can be obtained in the core series games, without requiring access to a limited time event:
* , in 
* (can be ), in the Virtual Console release of , which is no longer available for purchase
* , in and 
* , in 's The Crown Tundra 
* , in (if save data from is detected)
* , in (if save data from is detected)
* (can be ), in (if save data from that has completed all 27 s is detected in patch 1.3.0 or later)
* in 
* and in 
* , in (if save data from is detected)
* , in (if save data from is detected)
* , in : The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 2, The Indigo Disk
* , in : The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Epilogue, Mochi Mayhem
The following Mythical Pokémon can be obtained from side-series games, without requiring access to a limited time event:
* via Hayley's trades in My Pokémon Ranch after storing 999 Pokémon in the Ranch and trading her an Egg
* via the Japanese 
* (can be ), via the American , or the European versions of , which can be transferred to 
* (can be if traded and hatched in a game other than the original recipient's game) via the menu in , , and by entering a password, completing a Mission, and transferring the Egg to any Generation IV game. Since this data can't be erased, transferring another Manaphy from the same copy of a Pokémon Ranger game is impossible. Also, the Wii U's Virtual Console version can't transfer Manaphy at all.
* (can be ), via breeding Manaphy obtained from Pokémon Ranger
* (can be during certain events), from via the Mystery Box
* , by evolving Meltan in GO
* Original Color , from Pokémon HOME as a obtained upon completing the National Pokédex up to (though this includes event-exclusive Mythical Pokémon)
* Melmetal with the Gigantamax Factor, from Pokémon HOME as a gift obtained upon transferring a Pokémon from GO to HOME for the first time using the GO Transporter
===History===
Despite the first Mythical Pokémon, Mew, being added to the original games right before release, the concept of "illusory monsters" (Mythical Monsters) already existed in Satoshi Tajiri's pitch for Capsule Monsters. They were said to be hard to encounter, hard to catch, or be impossible to catch if the player missed their chance. For example, there would be a "Green Dragon" that could only be found rarely in a specific area of a dungeon, and it would have taken around two hours to find and catch.GlitterBerri's Game Translations » Early Concept Art
===Statistical average===
Considering alternate forms and Mega Evolutions as separate Pokémon, but only counting once.
===Multiple Mythical Pokémon===
The is able to acquire multiple Mythical Pokémon of the same species by trading or transferring them from multiple games, or by using multiple events. There are also some instances of multiple Mythical Pokémon of the same species.
==In animation==
===Pokémon the Series===
Mythical Pokémon typically make their debut in a , rather than first appearing in an episode. Most are held in very high regard in all forms of canon, though their status varies between the and animated series-related media.
In the animated series and related media, they are often only seen by special s, such as Ash Ketchum and people who have a special connection to them. Ill-intentioned people often seek to possess them, due to their power and rarity. The first seen owning a Mythical Pokémon in an animated series-related release was the Iron-Masked Marauder, the antagonist of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest, who managed to catch the titular with a Dark Ball, until it was later freed from his control. In the TV series, holds the distinction of being the first person seen to own a Mythical Pokémon, using a to easily defeat most of his opponents in the Lily of the Valley Conference, with Ash being the only Trainer in the tournament to have succeeded in defeating it. , an inhabitant of the Ultra Ruin, befriended the Mythical Pokémon with a bond so close that it allowed him to command it in battle. Ash owns a Mythical Pokémon, , which he as a in the episode Got Meltan? after it befriended his .
==Trivia==
*In the Alola Pokédex, Mythical Pokémon and other Special Pokémon are marked by a special golden background in their Pokédex page instead of a regular blue one.
* is the only Mythical Pokémon that is capable of evolution.
* is the only Mythical Pokémon that has a Gigantamax form.
* is the only Mythical Pokémon that is capable of Mega Evolution.
* and Original Color are the only forms of Mythical Pokémon that were made obtainable in later generations than the Pokémon themselves. 
**Fairy-type Arceus is the only Mythical Pokémon form introduced in a later generation than the Pokémon itself, as Magearna's Original Color form was present in Generation VII but was unobtainable.
*Excluding 's alternate forms, there are no -, -, or -type Mythical Pokémon.
* is the most common type among Mythical Pokémon, with seven of them being either pure or part Psychic type.
*All Mythical Pokémon only have one possible Ability in each form.
* is the only Mythical Pokémon to have never been made available in a Cherish Ball.
*Pokédex entries for state that it was believed to be a Mythical Pokémon until it was caught by a .
* and were treated similarly to Mythical Pokémon in the core series Generation III games and . They cannot be obtained through normal gameplay in these games, nor are they required to complete any Pokédex. Lugia and Ho-Oh have been treated the same as other Legendary Pokémon in all games starting with .
*The core series Pokémon game with the most Mythical Pokémon obtainable without events is , with five unique Mythical Pokémon species and the ability to catch indefinite .
*The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series does not follow Mythical Pokémon being gender unknown. Several Mythical Pokémon are referred to by gender pronouns, such as Celebi in Explorers of Time and Darkness being called female, and Keldeo and Victini in Gates to Infinity being called males.
*In the internal data of , is defined as a Mythical Pokémon instead of . 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).https://twitter.com/Sibuna_Switch/status/1613414136079323137
== In other languages==
Rare Pokémon
==References==
==Related articles==
*Legendary Pokémon
*Event Pokémon
*History of the Pokémon world
*Sinnoh myths
*Myths and legends involving Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
*Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
*
*
*Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
Category:Lists of Pokémon
Category:Pokémon world
Category:Terminology
 
Category:Pokémon groupings
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ja:幻のポケモン
zh:幻之宝可梦