Legendary Pokémon

"Legendary" and "Legend" redirect here. For other uses, see Legendary (disambiguation).

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Artwork depicting a variety of Legendary Pokémon

Legendary Pokémon (Japanese: 伝説のポケモン Legendary Pokémon) are a group of incredibly rare and often very powerful Pokémon. They are often featured prominently in the legends and myths of the Pokémon world, with some even going so far as to view them as deities.

As of Generation IX, there are currently 72 Legendary Pokémon. No explicit criteria defines what makes a Pokémon a Legendary Pokémon. Instead, the only way to identify a Pokémon as belonging to this group is through statements from official media, such as the games or animation.

Terminology

Main article: Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Mythical Pokémon are a related but separate group of Pokémon, which are usually event-exclusive. In Western language media, Mythical Pokémon were considered to be Legendary Pokémon prior to Generation V; in Japanese and Korean media, the two groups have always been considered distinct.

Special Pokémon are a subcategory of Legendary Pokémon that are restricted or banned from certain official tournaments, battle facilities, and link battle formats. Most Special Pokémon are Legendary game mascots.

In some uncommon cases, the term "Legendary Pokémon" is used to refer to Mythical Pokémon even after the Generation V games, such as in a painting of Arceus in the Lilycove Museum from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, as well as Mew and Shaymin's trophies in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U.

Overview

In the core series games

Various Legendary Pokémon battling by Kazuma Koda

Legendary Pokémon are usually encountered as interactable or roaming Pokémon. Starting in Platinum, Legendary Pokémon will reappear when the player defeats the Champion, if the Pokémon fainted earlier.

Legendary Pokémon are most commonly gender unknown, although many are not. In the core series games, no Legendary Pokémon can breed or hatch from an Egg. Legendary Pokémon usually cannot evolve, although Type: Null, Cosmog, Cosmoem, and Kubfu all can. Many Legendary Pokémon can change forms. Legendary Pokémon are often part of a group of Legendary Pokémon, most commonly a Legendary duo or trio.

Legendary Pokémon typically appear near the end of a regional Pokédex, with Mythical Pokémon immediately after them.

Statistical average

High base stats are shared by most Legendary Pokémon, and they generally have a base stat total of at least 600. These averages consider alternate forms as separate Pokémon.

Stat
HP: 97.10
Attack: 112.73
Defense: 100.85
Sp.Atk: 115.76
Sp.Def: 105.46
Speed: 94.69
Total: 626.59

Multiple Legendary Pokémon

Main article: Population of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Most Legendary Pokémon can be obtained only once per save file; in order to obtain multiple, a player would need to trade Pokémon between games or obtain one through an event. However, in some cases, there are multiple Legendary Pokémon of the same species either found or mentioned in-game, even though they may not be available to the player.

In the spin-off games

Trading Card Game series

Main article: Legendary Cards

In Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!, there are four Legendary Cards, which are central to the plot: Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Dragonite. The latter is not a Legendary Pokémon, but rather a pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

In animation

Pokémon the Series

In Pokémon the Series, Legendary Pokémon typically make their debut in a movie, rather than first appearing in an animated series episode. Many are worshiped as gods by particular groups of people. They are often only seen by special Trainers, usually Ash Ketchum, and by people who have a special connection to them. Ill-intentioned people often seek to possess them, due to their power and rarity. Some Legendary Pokémon exhibit stubborn behavior and a rudely distrust of humans, like Raikou.

Trainers owning Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, or even battling with non-owned Pokémon, are not unheard of. Noland has befriended and fought official battles with an Articuno. Likewise, Brandon owned the three legendary giants in Poké Balls and trained them. Tobias participated in the Lily of the Valley Conference with the Legendary Pokémon Latios. Another Trainer entered the same tournament with a Heatran. A Nurse Joy who visited the Pewter Gym under assignment of the PIA kept a Latias in a Poké Ball. Gladion stole a Type: Null, which he managed to evolve into a Silvally. Goh has also succeeded in catching several Legendary Pokémon, including Eternatus, a Suicune, and a Regieleki. Project Mew members Quillon and Danika both own an Urshifu each, and the former has also caught the three original legendary giants for research purposes. Gary caught a Regidrago as a part of a Project Mew mission, while Horace was later revealed to have caught a Virizion during his own mission. The ancient adventurer Lucius used to travel with a Shiny Rayquaza, Galarian Moltres, and an Entei.

There are some cases in which Legendary Pokémon are implied to breed in the wild, as seen with Lugia in Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver, and Latios and Latias at the end of Pokémon Heroes.

List of Legendary Pokémon

Of the 1025 Pokémon species, 71 are Legendary Pokémon (6.93%). Each released generation has introduced at least three Legendary Pokémon.

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

Gen.	Legendary Pokémon	Count
I	↓ ↓	4
II	↓ ↓	5
III	↓ ↓ ↓	8
IV	↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓	9
V	↓ ↓ ↓	9
VI	↓	3
VII	↓ ↓ ↓ ↓	11
VIII	↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓	11*
IX	↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓	11

*: Not counting regional forms of existing species

Generation I

Four Legendary Pokémon were introduced in Generation I, with one trio and one standalone Legendary Pokémon.

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres

Main article: Legendary birds

The legendary birds—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Kanto region. Each of them is based on a mythical bird. Each is also associated with a season (though none of the three are associated with autumn).

In The Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield, each bird gains a Galarian form.

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  Chase and Elaine battling Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres

Mewtwo

Mewtwo is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Kanto region.

Mewtwo is the enhanced clone of the Mythical Pokémon Mew. Mewtwo was too powerful for its creators and escaped from the Pokémon Mansion, wrecking it in the process. Mewtwo then made its home in Cerulean Cave, where all kinds of powerful Pokémon live.

In Pokémon X and Y, Mewtwo gained the ability to Mega Evolve through the use of its Mega Stones, Mewtwonite X and Mewtwonite Y.

In Pokken Tournament, Mewtwo is turned into Shadow Mewtwo by a Shadow synergy stone, which possessed it. It can also Mega Evolve into Mega Shadow Mewtwo X.

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  Mewtwo and its two Mega Evolutions in Cerulean Cave

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  Shadow Mewtwo

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  Mega Shadow Mewtwo X

Generation II

Five more Legendary Pokémon were introduced in Generation II, for a running total of 9. The Legendary Pokémon introduced in this generation down can be separated into a trio and a duo.

Raikou, Entei, and Suicune

Main article: Legendary beasts

The legendary beasts—Raikou, Entei, and Suicune—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Johto region. These legendary Pokémon are based on many different creatures, both real and mythical, as well as mythological deities.

According to legend, three Pokémon were trapped in the Brass Tower when it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, resulting in their death; the trio was revived by the power of Ho-Oh and now roam across the land because of their great power. It is unknown whether the three were already a Suicune, Raikou, and Entei when they died, or whether they were simply three non-Legendary Pokémon, and Ho-Oh reincarnated them as the first Legendary beasts. The legendary beasts of the Johto region are not the only individuals of these species, however; for example, a new Entei is said to be born whenever a new volcano is formed.

In Pokémon Scarlet, a sketch resembling the members of the Legendary Beasts can be found in the Scarlet Book, dubbed "An Imagined Pokémon". Later, in the game's The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, Paradox counterparts of Suicune, Entei and Raikou are discovered in the form of Walking Wake, Gouging Fire and Raging Bolt, that were all brought to Area Zero at some point by Professor Sada through her time machine.

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  Eusine and Lyra discover Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in the Burned Tower, drawn by Kenkichi

Lugia and Ho-Oh

Main article: Tower duo

The tower duo—Lugia and Ho-Oh—are a duo of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Johto region. They are the game mascots of Pokémon Gold and Silver and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. They are a pair of birdlike Pokémon based on the eastern legends of the Fenghuang and Ryūjin.

According to legend in the Johto region, they formerly resided in Ecruteak City atop tall towers; however, when the Brass Tower, the home of Lugia, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, they both flew away. Lugia resolved to make its new home in the Whirl Islands, while Ho-Oh left to search the world for a pure-hearted Trainer.

In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Lugia is turned into a Shadow Lugia by the criminal syndicate Cipher.

Ho-Oh is notably the first Legendary Pokémon that appeared in the animated series (outside of the opening animation, at least), flying over a rainbow as Ash Ketchum started his journey, at the end of Pokémon - I Choose You!. Ash has subsequently seen it several times over the course of his journey, but has never come face-to-face with it. Ho-Oh also featured in I Choose You! in a prominent role.

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  Lugia and Ho-Oh flying over Ecruteak City

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  Shadow Lugia

Generation III

Eight new Legendary Pokémon were added to the roster in Generation III, bringing the total to 17. At this point in the series, Legendary Pokémon began to have a greater role in the storyline of the core series games, with the villainous teams plotting to reawaken the ancient Legendary Pokémon for their own use.

Many of the stories regarding the legendaries were slightly changed, or given a new perspective in the remakes of the first Generation III core series games, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Five of them also received new forms.

Regirock, Regice, and Registeel

Main article: Legendary giants

Regice, Registeel, and Regirock are three legendary giants first discovered in the Hoenn region. They are based on the golems of Hebrew legend. This Legendary trio, as well as its leader, Regigigas, often require solving puzzles to find them in the games; in the Hoenn games, they can only be encountered after solving braille puzzles.

The legend of the giants is told in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald and Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Long ago, an ancient Pokémon, Regigigas, was said to have moved the continents into their present positions by pulling them with ropes. After it was finished, it created three Pokémon in its image: Regirock, from clay; Regice, from ice; and Registeel, from magma. Ancient people, seeing that the Pokémon was so powerful, sealed it away in the Snowpoint Temple, while those it had created were separated from it and taken to the Hoenn region, sealed in three chambers, and left in the hopes that one day, someone would unlock the chambers and be able to tame the three so as to tame Regigigas.

In The Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield, the trio becomes a quintet with two more introduced members: Regieleki and Regidrago.

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  Regice, Registeel, and Regirock in Pokémon Adventures

Latios and Latias

Main article: Eon duo

The eon duo—Latias and Latios—are a duo of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Hoenn region.

Only one of the duo is normally available in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald as well as Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, with Latios being a roaming Pokémon in Ruby and SoulSilver, and Latias doing the same in Sapphire and HeartGold. In Emerald, after the player has defeated Wallace, their mother will ask if the Pokémon mentioned on TV was red or blue, and depending on that, one of the two will be roaming Hoenn. The other member of the duo will be found on Southern Island, accessible by Eon Ticket, in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald; and in Pewter City, through the Enigma Stone event, in HeartGold and SoulSilver.

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Latias and Latios gained the ability to Mega Evolve through the use of their Mega Stones, Latiasite and Latiosite respectively.

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  Latias and Latios flying around Brendan and May

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  May and Brendan soaring on Mega Latias and Mega Latios

Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza

Main article: Super-ancient Pokémon

The super-ancient Pokémon—Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Hoenn region. They are the game mascots of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The trio represents the three major components of the Earth: the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, and the atmosphere.

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, all three gained new forms. Kyogre and Groudon can undergo Primal Reversion to become Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon through the use of the Blue Orb and the Red Orb. Rayquaza can Mega Evolve without the need of a Mega Stone. only need to know the move Dragon Ascent.

According to legend, thousands of years ago, during the primal age, the world was overflowing with natural energy. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre fought over that energy in endless furious clashes. In the face of Primal Groudon and Kyogre's great power, people could do nothing. However, Rayquaza intervened, and its power overwhelmed that of the two Primal Pokémon, and peace returned to the world. A thousand years later, a meteoroid hit the earth, causing cracks in the ground that unleashed natural energy, causing Groudon and Kyogre to re-battle each other. Humans had a collective memory of how Rayquaza saved their race long ago, and that wish combined with the power of the Meteorite allowed Rayquaza to Mega Evolve for the first time and calm the two from quarreling.

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  The cataclysmic battle between Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza, drawn by Ken Sugimori

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  Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Mega Rayquaza in Pokémon the Series: XY

Generation IV

Nine more Legendary Pokémon were introduced in Generation IV, bringing the total to 26 Legendary Pokémon. Many of the Legendary Pokémon of this generation have little connection to the plot of the games, instead being minor, post–Hall of Fame sidequests for the player to go on. Three of the newly introduced Legendary Pokémon (four prior to the Pokémon Platinum expansion of the Pokédex) are not in the Sinnoh regional Pokédex, appearing only in the National Pokédex.

Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf

Main article: Lake guardians

The lake guardians—Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. They each represent the spirit of consciousness, with Uxie embodying knowledge, Mesprit embodying emotion, and Azelf embodying willpower. According to legend, having been created by the Original One, the trio have the power to tame the powerful dragons it also created.

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  Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf at the Shrouded Ruins

Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina

Main article: Pokémon of Myth

The Pokémon of Myth—Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. They are the game mascots of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Each represents an aspect of universe: Dialga represents time, Palkia represents space, and Giratina represents antimatter.

In the Sinnoh-based games only, Dialga and Palkia are referred to as "mythical Pokémon" (Japanese: 神話のポケモン mythical Pokémon). The use of this term in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum predates the official term "Mythical Pokémon" in English. The term has a different name to "Mythical Pokémon" in all languages other than English.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Dialga and Palkia gained Origin Formes like Giratina, through the use of the Adamant Crystal and the Lustrous Globe.

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  Dialga and Palkia confronting Origin Form Giratina at Spear Pillar

Heatran

Heatran is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. Heatran is said to be the embodiment of the planet's boiling core and is often found in volcanic areas.

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  Ben and Summer battling Heatran, drawn by Kouki Saitou

Regigigas

Regigigas is a Normal-type is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. Regigigas the master of the legendary giants, having created them in ancient times. It is said to have moved the continents in place, pulling them by rope.

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  Regigigas

Cresselia

Cresselia is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region. This Legendary Pokémon represents the crescent moon, a sign of hope and good dreams.

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  Palmer and his Cresselia in Pokémon Adventures

Generation V

Nine additional Legendary Pokémon were introduced in Generation V, totaling 35 Legendary Pokémon in all. Reshiram and Zekrom played a large role in the storyline of Pokémon Black and White, with the respective mascot Pokémon being a necessary and unavoidable capture to progress to the end of the game.

Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion

Main article: Swords of Justice

The Swords of Justice—Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. The Mythical Pokémon Keldeo is also sometimes considered part of the Swords of Justice. The trio are based on the titular characters of the 1844 French novel The Three Musketeers, while Keldeo is based on their apprentice d'Artagnan. They are also based on hooved mammals such as deer, antelopes, oxen, goats, and horses.

According to legend, they protect Pokémon from having their habitats destroyed by humans and have been known to have attacked human castles during the Middle Ages. Keldeo, was rescued and raised by the trio after its home was destroyed by fire. All four of them can use their horns like swords, and learn Sacred Sword (which was originally the group's signature move).

In Pokémon Violet, a sketch resembling the members of the Swords of Justice can be found in the Violet Book, dubbed "An Imagined Pokémon". Later, in the game's The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, Paradox counterparts of Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion are discovered in the form of Iron Leaves, Iron Boulder and Iron Crown, that were all brought to Area Zero at some point by Professor Turo through his time machine.

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  Terrakion, Cobalion, and Virizion in a forest

Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus

Main article: Forces of nature

The forces of nature—Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. They are based on kami: Fūjin, god of wind; Raijin, god of thunder and lightning; and Inari, a fertility deity. Together the three represent the heavens and the nourishing effect the sky has upon the earth.

In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, they gained the ability switch between their default, Incarnate Formes and their alternate, Therian Forme through the use of the Reveal Glass.

According to a folktale retold by children at the Abundant Shrine, Landorus punished Tornadus and Thundurus for destroying the land with gales and thunderstorms, and a shrine was built in honor of him.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the trio becomes a quartet with one more introduced members: Enamorus.

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  Incarnate Form Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus in Pokémon the Series: Black & White

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  Therian Form Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus in Pokémon Adventures

Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem

Main article: Tao trio

Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Reshiram and Zekrom are the game mascots of Pokémon Black and White, while Black Kyurem and White Kyurem are the mascots of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Zekrom and Reshiram represent balance through the aspects of Yin and Yang, respectively.

According to legends, originally, they were a single dragon that helped found the Unova region's nation, but fighting between the two brothers who founded the nation split them into two halves; despite this, the two Pokémon do not willingly fight each other.

Kyurem is related to Reshiram and Zekrom and represents wuji, which is the absence of yin and yang. Using the DNA Splicers, Kyurem can be fused with Reshiram or Zekrom into White Kyurem or Black Kyurem, respectively; with the same item, the fusion can be undone.

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  Reshiram and Zekrom confronting Kyurem and its Black and White Forms

Generation VI

Three additional Legendary Pokémon were introduced in Generation VI, totaling 38 Legendary Pokémon. This is the first generation to introduce fewer Legendary Pokémon than the generation before it.

Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde

Main article: Aura trio

Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Kalos region. Xerneas and Yveltal are the game mascots of Pokémon X and Y. Xerneas and Yveltal represent life and destruction, respectively, while Zygarde is said to monitor the balance of the ecosystem and reveal its power when the ecosystem is disrupted. Xerneas has the power to share eternal life, while Yveltal absorbs the life force of everything around it. Xerneas sleeps in the form of a tree, while Yveltal sleeps in the form of a cocoon. Xerneas and Yveltal have the Abilities Fairy Aura and Dark Aura, respectively, while Zygarde's Aura Break reverses the effects of these Abilities.

Xerneas has two forms, appearing in Active Mode in battle and Neutral Mode otherwise; Yveltal has no form differences. Zygarde appeared only as Zygarde 50% Forme in Pokémon X and Y, but had two other forms and two further components introduced in the animated series and in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Zygarde's other forms are Zygarde 10% Forme, a dog-like form that includes 10% of Zygarde's full power, and Zygarde Complete Forme, whose power is said to exceed that of Xerneas and Yveltal. Its further components are Zygarde Cells, tiny cell-like creatures that make up Zygarde's body, and Zygarde Cores, cell-like creatures said to be its mind.

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  Xerneas healing a forest, drawn by Yusuke Ohmura^{[citation needed]}

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  Yveltal destroying a city, drawn by Yusuke Ohmura^{[citation needed]}

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  50% Form Zygarde in Pokémon the Series: XY

Generation VII

Generation VII introduced eleven Legendary Pokémon, totaling 49 Legendary Pokémon. For the first time, Legendary Pokémon capable of evolution are introduced—six of these Pokémon are part of evolutionary chains.

Type: Null and Silvally

Main article: Beast killer project

Type: Null and its evolved form Silvally are a pair of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region.

They were originally created by the Aether Foundation for the beast killer project under the direction of Aether President Lusamine, which aimed to create a Pokémon to fight against the Ultra Beasts.

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  Gladion's Type: Null in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

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  Gladion and his Silvally changing its typing to Fire, by Hitoshi Ariga

Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini

Main article: Guardian deities

The tapu—Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini—are a quartet of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. They serve as the guardian deities of each of Alola's four main islands: Tapu Koko on Melemele Island, Tapu Lele on Akala Island, Tapu Bulu on Ula'ula Island, and Tapu Fini on Poni Island.

Alola's island kahunas are each chosen by their island's guardian deity. Grand trials are often done in favor and praise of the Tapu. The Tapu are known to be very kind in certain situations, lending gifts, but they can also be very cruel, destroying certain locations or harming others when feeling angered.

According The Light of Alola, a book found in the Malie Library, the tapu fought off against a beast from another dimension and lost. They were rewarded with the Tapunium Z, their signature Z-Crystal. The beast then created multiple Cosmog for the tapu to take care of and protect as they grow up before returning to Ultra Space.

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  Tapu Koko, Tapu Fini, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Lele at the Altar of the Sunne in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

Cosmog and Cosmoem

Main article: Light trio

Cosmog and its evolved form Cosmoem are Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon first discovered in Alola. They are the pre-Evolutions of Solgaleo and Lunala.

Ultra Wormholes can be created using gasses extracted by Cosmog, but more can be created in heavier doses using the Pokémon as a whole. Cosmog evolves into Cosmoem under extreme stress, causing the Pokémon to condense into a smaller immobile form resembling a cocoon. With the help of the Sun and Moon Flutes being played during certain times of the day, Cosmoem can evolve into either Solgaleo or Lunala when brought to the Altar of the Sunne^SUS or the Altar of the Moone^MUM.

According to Alolan legend, Cosmog were given to the guardian deities by Solgaleo and Lunala as heirs of the region, with the tapu watching over the Cosmog until they could grow up and evolve.

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  Nebby as a Cosmog with Lillie, drawn by Megumi Mizutani

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  Nebby as a Cosmoem in Lillie's hands in Pokémon Evolutions

Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma

Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Alola region. Solgaleo and Lunala are the game mascots of Pokémon Sun and Moon, while Dusk Mane Necrozma and Dawn Wings Necrozma are the mascots of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. They are said to have come from Ultra Space.

Solgaleo and Lunala have form like-transformations known as Radiant Sun phase and Full Moon phase respectively when using their powers. Necrozma has three additional forms (all introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon): Dusk Mane Necrozma, Dawn Wings Necrozma, and Ultra Necrozma. It transforms into Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma when it has absorbed Solgaleo or Lunala, respectively. Either of these two forms can transform into Ultra Necrozma after absorbing enough light to restore its true form.

All three have their own unique Z-Crystals: Solganium Z, Lunalium Z and Ultranecrozium Z. Necrozma, while transformed into either Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings, can make use of the other two's Z-Crystals. Z-Power comes from light produced by Necrozma, while Z-Crystals and Sparkling Stones (and Z-Ring/Z-Power Rings by extension) are pieces of Necrozma that channel Z-Power in order to produce Z-Moves.

According to The Light of Alola, a book in the Malie Library, they gave light to the Alola region when it was first created. According to legends, when Solgaleo and Lunala appeared from an Ultra Wormhole, the ancient kings of Alola bowed down to them and worshiped them. The guardian deities battled them and lost, with the duo gifting the tapu the Tapunium Z after their defeat. In legends in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Necrozma is referred to as "The Blinding One", as it once shared light across Alola and Ultra Space, before an unknown injury caused Necrozma to lose its true form. This resulted in Necrozma becoming extremely vicious and constantly in pain, which made it steal light from other worlds, and even from Solgaleo and Lunala, in order to sustain itself and regain the form it once had.

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  Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma

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  Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings Necrozma

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  Ultra Necrozma

Generation VIII

In Generation VIII, 11 Legendary Pokémon were introduced, bringing the total to 60. Of these, three were introduced in the base game of Pokémon Sword and Shield, two were introduced in The Isle of Armor, five were introduced in The Crown Tundra, and one was introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Additionally, The Crown Tundra introduced regional forms of three Legendary Pokémon from Generation I.

Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres

Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are the Galarian forms of the legendary birds. They were first discovered in the Crown Tundra of the Galar region. The Galarian forms have Flying as their secondary type, but they have a different primary type to their Kantonian counterparts.

Every few decades, they migrate to the Dyna Tree at Dyna Tree Hill in the Crown Tundra. The trio battles one another each time they meet, although their rivalry does not seem as intense as that of their Kantonian counterparts. For some time, the Galarian legendary birds were believed to be the same as the Kantonian legendary birds due to their similar characteristics to Ice, Electric, and Fire, respectively.

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  Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres at the Dyna Tree Hill

Zacian and Zamazenta

Main article: Legendary heroes

The legendary heroes—Zacian and Zamazenta—are a duo of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Galar region. They are the game mascots of Pokémon Sword and Shield.

According to legend, 3000 years ago, a cataclysmic event known as the Darkest Day was caused by Eternatus's awakening. Zacian and Zamazenta worked together to defend the region with the help of two human heroes. Together, they managed to take Eternatus down, forcing it back into another slumber, with Eternatus's defeat and the Darkest Day stopped, the two Legendary Pokémon retreated to the Slumbering Weald to return to their slumber, turning into statues while the two human heroes became Galar's new kings.

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  Hero of Many Battles Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

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  Crowned Sword Zacian and Crowned Shield Zamazenta in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Eternatus

Eternatus is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Galar region.

According to legend, it is an extraterrestrial Pokémon that crash-landed 20,000 years ago. 3,000 years ago, it awakened for the very first time, threatening to destroy the whole region with its power, in the event known as the Darkest Day, but it was stopped by Zacian, Zamazenta, and two humans.

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  Eternatus in Pokémon Evolutions

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  Eternamax Eternatus atop Hammerlocke Stadium in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Kubfu and Urshifu

Kubfu and its evolved form Urshifu are a pair of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Isle of Armor of the Galar region. They were introduced in The Isle of Armor DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Urshifu has two different forms, with its form depending on how it evolved: Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style. Kubfu evolves into Single Strike Style Urshifu when trained from a Scroll of Darkness, such as the one located at the Tower of Darkness; it evolves into Rapid Strike Style Urshifu when trained from a Scroll of Waters, such as the one located at the Tower of Waters.

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  Kubfu and two Urshifu in their Rapid and Single Strike Styles, drawn by HYOGONOSUKE

Regieleki and Regidrago

Regieleki and Regidrago are a pair of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Crown Tundra of the Galar region. They are members of the legendary giants who were introduced in The Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield.

They are said to be have been created by Regigigas, using pure Electric energy and crystallized Dragon energy. They are seen as the most powerful of the giants, with Regieleki being capable of creating the electricity of a whole region, while Regidrago is said to possess the power of every Dragon Pokemon.

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  Regieleki and Regidrago in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier

Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier are three Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Crown Tundra of the Galar region. They were introduced in The Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Calyrex can take on one of two alternate forms by combining with Glastrier or Spectrier using the Reins of Unity. When riding Glastrier, it becomes Ice Rider Calyrex; when riding Spectrier, it becomes Shadow Rider Calyrex.

According to legend, Glastrier or Spectrier had been terrorizing Freezington, ruling the area as the "lord of the tundra". One day, Calyrex was nursed back to health by Freezington's citizens. To repay the citizens, Calyrex defeated Glastrier/Spectrier and gained its loyalty, making the Pokémon its loyal steed. Afterwards, Calyrex ruled over the Crown Tundra—known as the King of Bountiful Harvests, it helped spread vegetation and supported the harvest every year with its loyal steed. It was renowned for its graceful and regal movements.

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  Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier

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  Ice Rider and Shadow Rider Calyrex

Enamorus

Enamorus is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Hisui region. It was introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus as the fourth member of the forces of nature.

In Hisui, it and Landorus were worshipped as the gods of field and spring who brought life to the region and signaled the end of winter, hence its title as the "Herald of Spring". According to legend, while it is known to be kind with its love, it will not hesitate to punish those who disrespect life.

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  Incarnate Form Enamorus

Generation IX

In Generation IX, 11 Legendary Pokémon were introduced, bringing the total to 71. Of these, six were introduced in the base game of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, four in The Teal Mask, and one in The Indigo Disk.

Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu

Main article: Treasures of ruin

The treasures of ruin—Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu—are a quartet of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Paldea region. They have been referred to as cursed treasures and Pokémon of Ruin. All of them are Dark-type.

According to legend, these four Legendary Pokémon were once four ancient treasures, but were corrupted by negative human emotions. They came into the possession of an ancient king of Paldea. Eventually, the king's greed awakened them and unleashed disasters, resulting in these berserk Pokémon destroying the kingdom. All four were later sealed away in shrines by ancient Pokémon wielders after a fierce battle.

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  Chi-Yu, Chien-Pao, Wo-Chien, and Ting-Lu

Koraidon and Miraidon

Main article: Paradox duo

Koraidon and Miraidon are a duo of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in the Paldea region. They are the game mascots of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They are Paradox Pokémon, being past and future relatives of Cyclizar, respectively. Both are far more aggressive and powerful than their contemporary counterpart.

They can change into various forms to better facilitate travelling: Sprinting Build, Swimming Build, and Gliding Build for Koraidon; and Drive Mode, Aquatic Mode, and Glide Mode for Miraidon. While low in power, Koraidon and Miraidon assume the Limited Build and Low-Power Mode, respectively, while at their full strength, they battle in Apex Build and Ultimate Mode, respectively.

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  Apex Build Koraidon and Ultimate Mode Miraidon

Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti

Main article: Loyal Three

The Loyal Three—Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti—are a trio of Legendary Pokémon first discovered in Kitakami. They were first introduced in The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

In Kitakami, they were believed to have protected Kitakami from Ogerpon, whose appearance frightened the villagers, causing them to be worshiped as heroes. In truth, the Loyal Three traveled to Kitakami after hearing of Ogerpon and its partner's masks, snuck into the cave Ogerpon settled in, and stole the Wellspring, Hearthflame, and Cornerstone Masks, leaving only the Teal Mask behind. Upon returning to its cave, an enraged Ogerpon donned the mask and went out to the village, cudgel in hand, to search for its friend. Upon meeting the Loyal Three, gloating over their stolen masks, Ogerpon attacked and defeated them, before leaving. The villagers, misunderstanding the situation, believed that the Loyal Three were protecting the village, creating a shrine and festival to celebrate their perceived heroism.

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  Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti alongside their leader, Pecharunt

Ogerpon

Ogerpon is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in Kitakami. It was introduced in The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

It has four forms: Teal Mask, Wellspring Mask, Hearthflame Mask, and Cornerstone Mask—each form possessing a unique Terastallized state.

According to legend in The Teal Mask, it is said to have terrorized the land of Kitakami before being stopped by the Loyal Three: Okidogi, Munkidori and Fezandipiti. However, in reality, it defeated the trio for stealing three of its masks and hurting its human companion, but the villagers watching it assumed it had come to attack the village, seeing it as a terrible ogre. Only the mask maker who made Ogerpon's masks knew the true story, with this story being passed down to his descendants.

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  Teal Mask Ogerpon wielding its cudgel

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  Ogerpon without any mask

Terapagos

Terapagos is a Legendary Pokémon first discovered in Paldea. It was introduced in The Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Terapagos has three forms: Normal Form, Terastal Form, and Stellar Form.

It is the origin of the Terastal phenomenon and was seen as only fiction by many in the Scarlet Book^S/Violet Book^V, the only ones knowing about its existence being Heath and Professor Sada^S/Professor Turo^V. Around two million years ago, Terapagos lived on the surface of Paldea during ancient times, until seismic shifts caused it to fall underground. There, it remained asleep for many years as the Great Crater of Paldea formed, along with Area Zero and the Area Zero Underdepths.

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  Normal Form Terapagos in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

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  Terastal Form Terapagos

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  Stellar Form Terapagos

Trivia

• Zacian and Zamazenta are the only Legendary Pokémon to have their base stats reduced between generations.
• There have been Legendary Pokémon of every type except Bug type (excluding Silvally holding a Bug Memory).
• Every Special and Mythical Pokémon in the Alola Pokédex is marked by a special golden background in its Pokédex page instead of a regular blue one; other Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts are marked by a special green one.
• Heatran, Kubfu, Urshifu, and Terapagos are the only Legendary Pokémon that can be either gender.
  • Heatran and Terapagos have an equal chance of being either gender, while Kubfu and Urshifu both have a 7:1 chance of being male.
    • While Terapagos is coded to have an equal chance of being either gender, the Terapagos caught in The Indigo Disk will always be male.
• In an interview promoting the launch of Pokémon Black and White, Junichi Masuda stated that Legendary Pokémon are the most difficult to design names for because Game Freak strives to make sure that the names of Legendary Pokémon are universal across the different translations, so extra work must be put into their names to make sure that they work universally in all languages. This is consistent with the relatively small number of Legendary Pokémon that have had their names changed significantly outside of Japan (currently 21: the legendary birds, the lake guardians, the forces of nature, Type: Null, Silvally, the guardian deities, Eternatus, Kubfu, Urshifu, Glastrier, Spectrier, Calyrex, and—in Chinese only—the Mew duo).
• Each member of the Legendary beasts and the Tao trio has its own remix of each trio's designated battle theme:
  • In HeartGold and SoulSilver, Suicune's theme uses bells, Entei's theme uses an electric guitar, and Raikou's theme is synthesized.
  • Reshiram's theme employs a burning fire effect, Zekrom's theme employs a crackling thunder effect, and normal Kyurem's theme features an extra slapped bass part playing in the background.
• The Generation I games and their later remakes are the only core series games where:
  • The main plot does not involve any Legendary Pokémon.
• Prior to Generation VI, the core series games which serve as region debuts did not have any Legendary Pokémon from previous generations available without trades, transfers, or events.
  • From Generation III onwards, all upper versions, sequels, and remakes in the core series have Legendary Pokémon from multiple generations available without trades, transfers, or events.
• The legendary birds are the Legendary Pokémon that have been available in the wild in the greatest number of core series games, each being able to be caught in twenty core series games (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, LeafGreen, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, X, Y, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!, Sword, Shield, Shining Pearl, Scarlet, and Violet).
• Every Legendary Pokémon has slow leveling rate.
• In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, the Adventure Log lists recruiting Unown as an accomplishment. The Adventure Log otherwise only lists Mythical and Legendary Pokémon recruits, with the exception of Rotom.
• Rotom happens to be the only non-Legendary Pokémon to have the battle music of a Legendary Pokémon during at least one of its encounters, this encounter being in the Old Chateau in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl.
  • In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, Rotom has only one exclusive item that is found behind a locked door in a specific dungeon. It and Spiritomb are the only Pokémon that are neither Legendary nor Mythical that do this.
• So far, there is at least one Legendary Pokémon directly or indirectly related to each "battle gimmick" introduced in their respective regions:
  • The Aura trio (specifically Xerneas and Yveltal) are theorized to be indirectly responsible for creating Mega Evolution in the Kalos region, while Rayquaza is believed to be responsible for Mega Evolution occurring in the Hoenn region.
  • The Light trio and Guardian deities are directly related to Z-Moves.
  • Eternatus is directly responsible for Dynamax and Gigantamax.
  • Terapagos is directly responsible for the Terastal phenomenon.

In other languages

Language Title Japanese 伝説のポケモン Legendary Pokémon Chinese Cantonese 傳說的寶可夢 Chyùhnsyut-dīk Pokémon * 傳說中的寶可夢 Chyùhnsyut-jūng dīk Pokémon * 傳說寶可夢 Chyùhnsyut Pokémon * 傳說中的小精靈 Chyùhnsyut-jūng dīk Síujīnglìhng * 傳說中的寵物小精靈 Chyùhnsyut-jūng dīk Chúngmaht-Síujīnglìhng * 傳說小精靈 Chyùhnsyut Síujīnglìhng * 傳說的小精靈 Chyùhnsyut dīk Síujīnglìhng * 傳說的寵物小精靈 Chyùhnsyut-dīk Chúngmaht-Síujīnglìhng * 傳說寵物精靈 Chyùhnsyut Chúngmaht-Jīnglìhng * Mandarin 傳說的寶可夢 / 传说的宝可梦 Chuánshuō-de Pokémon * 傳說中的寶可夢 Chuánshuō-zhōng de Pokémon * 传说中的精灵宝可梦 Chuánshuō-zhōng de Jīnglíng Pokémon * 傳說中的神奇寶貝 Chuánshuō-zhōng de Shénqíbǎobèi * 傳說的神奇寶貝 Chuánshuō-de Shénqíbǎobèi * 傳說神奇寶貝 Chuánshuō Shénqíbǎobèi * 傳說中神奇寶貝 Chuánshuō-zhōng Shénqíbǎobèi * 令人遐想的小精灵 Lìngrén Xiáxiǎng-de Xiǎojīnglíng * Czech Legendární Pokémon Danish Legendarisk Pokémon Dutch Legendarische Pokémon Finnish Legendaarinen Pokémon Tarupokémon* French Pokémon légendaire German Legendäre Pokémon Greek Θρυλικό Pokémon Thrilikó Pokémon Hebrew האגדיים hagdiim Hindi लीजेंडरी पोकेमोन Legendary Pokémon * प्रसिद्ध पोकेमोन Prasidh Pokémon * मशहूर पोकेमोन Mashoor Pokémon * लीजेंडरी पोकेमोन Legendary Pokémon * Hungarian Legendás Pokémon Icelandic Þjóðsagnakenndum Pokémon Indonesian Pokémon legendaris Italian Pokémon leggendari Korean 전설의 포켓몬 Jeonseol-ui Pokémon Malaysian Pokémon legenda Norwegian Legendarisk Pokémon Polish Legendarny Pokémon Portuguese Pokémon Lendário Romanian Pokémon legendar Russian Легендарный Покемон Legendarnyy Pokémon Spanish Pokémon legendario Swedish Legendarisk Pokémon Thai โปเกมอนในตำนาน Pokémon naitamnan Turkish Efsanevi Pokémon Vietnamese Pokémon huyền thoại

Related articles

Mythical Pokémon Event Pokémon Special Pokémon Pseudo-legendary Pokémon Ultra Beast Paradox Pokémon

Myths and legends involving Legendary and Mythical Pokémon Terminology of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon Sinnoh myths History of the Pokémon world Episodes in which a Legendary Pokémon appears Trainers with Legendary Pokémon Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Legendary Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Mythical Pokémon

Groups of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Duos

Mew duo

Tower duo

Eon duo

Lunar duo

Sea guardians

Legendary heroes

Paradox duo

Trios

Legendary birds

Legendary beasts

Super-ancient Pokémon

Lake guardians

Pokémon of Myth

Tao trio

Aura trio

Light trio

Loyal Three

Quartets

Swords of Justice

Forces of nature

Guardian deities

Treasures of ruin

Quintets

Legendary giants