A Legendary trio is a term used to describe a group of three closely-related Legendary Pokémon. Legendary trios can be subdivided into two tiers: normal trios and Special trios. Normal trios, which are always the first Legendary Pokémon that appear in any Pokédex order, are allowed into the many Battle Towers and other battle facilities. They are also the only Pokémon with base stat totals of 580, besides the Swords of Justice. Special trios, whose name comes from the fact that all of them are Special Pokémon, are not allowed in the Battle Tower and are found closer to the end of the Pokédex in the generation of their release.
Members of Legendary trios often, but not always, share at least one type, an Ability, and/or a base stat total.
The term fell into official usage from the Shiny Legendary beasts' Wonder Cards.
Special trios
Weather trio
- Main article: Weather trio
The weather trio is a fan term applied to the three ancient Legendary Pokémon from Hoenn legend—Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza. In the games, they are referred to as the super-ancient Pokémon (Japanese: 超古代ポケモン super-ancient Pokémon), and another fan nickname is "elemental trio".
The three Pokémon represent separate elemental spheres, Kyogre having dominion over the hydrosphere, Groudon over the lithosphere, and Rayquaza over the atmosphere. These roles are reflected in their types. The members all have some physiological similarities, with similar symbols on their bodies as well as yellow eyes. The three Pokémon could be references to creatures from Hebrew myth: Leviathan, a sea monster; Behemoth, a land beast; and Ziz, a giant bird.
In their reprised roles in the remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Groudon and Kyogre gained the ability to undergo Primal Reversion and Rayquaza the ability to Mega Evolve. Primal Reversion is said to be a process whereby the Pokémon return to their original power. Meanwhile, Rayquaza is said to be the first Pokémon to have Mega Evolved.
In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the trio's history is revealed. 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 clashes. In the face of their great power, people could do nothing. But 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 rebattle 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.
Creation trio
- Main article: Creation trio
Palkia, Giratina and Dialga at the Spear Pillar (art by
Ken Sugimori)
The Creation trio, also known as the Deity' or Dragon trio, refers to three legendary Pokémon originating from Sinnoh: Palkia, the Spatial Pokémon that represents space, Dialga, the Temporal Pokémon that represents time, and Giratina, the Renegade Pokémon that represents anti-matter. They were created by Arceus to control their dimensions, while Giratina was bannished to the Distortion World as a punishement for it's violent behavior.
In Diamond, Pearl and Platinum only, Dialga and Palkia were referenced as "mythical Pokémon" with a lowercase M, seemingly a subset of rather than a distinct group from Legendary; it should be noted that this was prior to the use of the term Mythical with a capital M from Generation V and onwards, and was a translation of 神話のポケモン mythical Pokémon rather than 幻のポケモン Illusory Pokémon, the latter of which is referenced by the currently-used English term Mythical.
Tao trio
- Main article: Tao trio
The Tao trio is a term used to refer to the three Legendary Pokémon of the Unova Region: Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem. Other fan terms include Tao dragon trio or energy trio. According to Unova myths, the Legendary trio was created during the war plaguing the region.
Each of the members of the trio has control of their own types and sides. Reshiram represents the concept of yang and controls Fire, Zekrom represents the concept of yin and controls electricity, and Kyurem represents the concept of wuji (the absence of yin and yang) and controls Ice; in its alternate forms it can also control Reshiram's fire and Zekrom's thunder to some extent.
Aura trio
Xerneas and Yveltal on the cover of the X and Y official soundtrack
- Main article: Aura trio
Aura trio is a fan term for the legendary trio of Kalos, consisting of Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde, the first two of which are found at the Team Flare Secret HQ in Pokémon X and Y, respectively. They are known under this name due to their signature abilities containing the word "Aura" Xerneas is the Life Pokémon with the Ability Fairy Aura, Yveltal is the Destruction Pokémon with the Ability Dark Aura, and Zygarde is the Order Pokémon with the ability Aura Break, which reverses Fairy and Dark Auras.
Xerneas is the Life Pokémon and has the ability to give life and grant immortality. Yveltal is the complete opposite of Xerneas, instead being known as the Destruction Pokémon and can take away the life force of any living creature around it. Zygarde is much different from Xerneas and Yveltal and has no relation to life or death whatsoever, instead protecting Kalos's ecosystem and comes to end the fights between Xerneas and Yveltal if it has a relation to the ecosystem, much like Rayquaza's method of stopping Kyogre and Groudon.
Light trio
- Main article: Light trio
Light trio is a fan term for the Legendary trio of Alola that consists of Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma. Solgaleo and Lunala are available at the Altar of the SunneS/Altar of the MooneM or Mahalo TrailUSUM, while Necrozma is available at Ten Carat HillSM or Mount LanakilaUSUM.
Furthermore, Solgaleo and Lunala evolve from Cosmoem and can create Ultra Wormholes. With the power of both Pokémon, they can create Cosmog. When grouped with their pre-evolutions, they are also referred to as the Cosmog line. Necrozma can create Ultra Wormholes as well. The trio is well known for having brought light into Alola when it was born and the creation of Z-Moves.
According to a book called "The Light of Alola" found in Malie Library, a SolgaleoSUS/LunalaMUM appeared in Alola many years ago through an Ultra Wormhole. The ancient kings of Alola bowed down to the Legendary Pokémon, worshiping it. The Guardian deities battled it, but were defeated by it, who then however gave the Tapunium Z to them as a reward. The Legendary Pokémon then created several Cosmog as heirs for Alola, giving the Guardian deities the task of watching over them until they have fully evolved. In gratitude, the kings of Alola gave their thanks with a song on the Sun and Moon Flutes at the Altar of the SunneSUS/Altar of the MooneMUM, at which point the Legendary Pokémon returned to Ultra Space.
In ancient times, Necrozma was referred to as the "Blinding One" who once shared its light across Ultra Space and Alola. Z-Moves were created from this light along with the aura that surrounds Totem Pokémon. However, the residents of Ultra Megalopolis attempted to gain control of Necrozma in order to recreate the light it shares. As a result, Necrozma was permanently crippled, transforming into a crystalline body while experiencing constant pain. Pieces of its original body rained down onto Alola in the form of Sparkling Stones, which would result in the creation of the Z-Power Ring. Necrozma attempted to return to its original form by stealing all of the light from Ultra Megalopolis, leaving it covered in darkness. In response, the residents locked Necrozma in the Megalo Tower in order to prevent it from escaping.
According to secret notes found in the Malie Library, Necrozma at one point invaded Alola, stealing all of its light, covering the region in darkness as a result. SolgaleoUS/LunalaUM, along with the Guardian deities, fought together against Necrozma at the Tapu Village to recover the stolen light. Necrozma then defeated and absorbed the Legendary Pokémon to become Dusk ManeUS/Dawn WingsUM Necrozma. A youth, along with the Guardian deities, used the power of the Z-Crystals and Sparkling Stones to free SolgaleoUS/LunalaUM from Necrozma, who was then banished from Alola. At as a result of its actions, Necrozma was called the "Pillager of Light" by the ancient king of Alola, who ordered that all books mentioning Necrozma were to be burned to prevent further panic. However, not all was destroyed.
Solgaleo's signature move is Sunsteel Strike, a damage-dealing Steel-type move that ignores the target's ability. Lunala's signature move is Moongeist Beam, a damage-dealing Ghost-type move that ignores the target's ability. For the duration of these moves or when using their special powers, Solgaleo and Lunala change into their Radiant Sun phase and Full Moon phase, respectively. Necrozma's signature moves are Photon Geyser, a damage-dealing Psychic-type move that ignores the target's ability which also varies between physical attack and special attack depending on which of the stats is highest and Prismatic Laser, the highest base power damage-dealing Psychic-type move. When Necrozma merges with Solgaleo or Lunala, it can use the signature move and signature Z-Move of the Pokémon it merged with. When it attacks in its base form, part of Necrozma's body glows white.
All three have a signature Z-Move that ignores the target's ability.
Other Trios
Legendary birds
- Main article: Legendary birds
Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres
Legendary birds (Japanese: 伝説の鳥ポケモン Legendary bird Pokémon) is a collective term used to refer to the trio of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. They are also known as the winged mirages (Japanese: 幻の翼 phantom wings). In the Crown Tundra, their Galarian versions have been referred to as legendary wings.
They are the first Legendary trio in existence and set the standards for future trios; that is, they all share similar attributes and—in the case of most of the future trios—are considered equal among themselves. Like the other trios later would, the Legendary birds share a master in Lugia (in the anime and some games, at least), as well as two common traits: their Flying-type and their Ability, Pressure.
In The Crown Tundra, all three Legendary birds received a Galarian form. They all still share the Flying type, but they each have different Abilities and their respective primary type is changed.
Legendary beasts
- Main article: Legendary beasts
Raikou, Entei, and Suicune
Legendary beasts (Japanese: 伝説の獣ポケモン Legendary beast Pokémon) is a collective term used to refer to the trio of Raikou, Entei and Suicune.
They seem to be a direct counterpart to the Generation I trio. The beasts find their master in Ho-Oh, who revived them when Ecruteak City's Brass Tower burned. They are said to embody the three events that happened to the tower: the lightning that struck the tower, the fire that burned in the tower, and the winds and rain that put it out. It is implied in [[Pokémon Generations that they weren't the Pokémon that they are today before Ho-Oh revived them.
Of the three beasts, Suicune has been the most prominent, appearing as a game mascot on the box art of Crystal, and taking an expanded role in that game. Suicune also appears in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest as a protagonist, while Entei was the first of the three to have a movie appearance (albeit as an illusion), in Spell of the Unown: Entei. Raikou was delegated to a more minor role, appearing as the central character in The Legend of Thunder!, where Jimmy encountered it. However, Misty's Togepi and a Houndoom did see the silhouette of a Raikou in Houndoom's Special Delivery. The Legendary beasts made their first group appearance in the thirteenth movie, Zoroark: Master of Illusions, albeit in Shiny form. By transferring the Shiny Legendary beasts given away by promotional events to Pokémon Black and White, players are able to battle and capture the Pokémon Zoroark, who will transform into a member of this trio during the battle.
Lake guardians
- Main article: Lake guardians
The lake guardians (Japanese: 湖の神々 lake gods), or lake trio, is a term used to describe the Legendary trio residing in the three lakes of Sinnoh: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. They are meant to represent knowledge, emotion, and willpower, respectively. They are based on the Imperial Regalia of Japan: the Yata no Kagami (wisdom), Yasakani no Magatama (benevolence), and Kusanagi (valor). Parts of their names come from fantasy creatures: pixies, sprites and elves, respectively. The other parts of their names come from personal pronouns: you (Uxie), me (Mesprit), and us (Azelf). They are sometimes reffered to as legendary fairies, although this has also been used to refer to a group of other Pokémon
They were created by Arceus to calm and control Dialga and Palkia whenever they started quarling. According to one of Azelf's Pokédex entries, all three of them were born from the same Egg.
As mentioned in their respective Pokédex entries, the Lake Guardians taught humans the ability to feel emotions, knowledge, and willpower. The Lake guardians are said to reside in three lakes in Sinnoh; Lake Acuity, Lake Verity, and Lake Valor. As mentioned in "A Horrific Myth", the Lake Guardians are known to drive humans away from them by either erasing their memories, losing emotions within three days, or losing willpower.
Forces of Nature
The Forces of Nature, each in their Incarnate Forme
The Forces of Nature, each in their Therian Forme
- Main article: Forces of Nature
The Forces of Nature (Japanese: 大自然の力 forces of nature) is a collective term to refer to the all-male Legendary trio of Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus. They are also known by fans as the kami trio, cloud trio, or Legendary genies.
The Reveal Glass will switch them between their Incarnate and Therian Formes. In Therian Forme, they are accessible from the Pokémon Dream Radar and downloadable onto Black 2 and White 2.
According to a folktale, "Great Landorus" allegedly punished two other Legendary Pokémon (Tornadus and Thundurus) for wreaking massive destruction across the land with their ferocious gales and fierce thunderstorms. As such, the thankful inhabitants of the land—saved from the danger posed by the Cyclone and Bolt Strike Pokémon—constructed a shrine in honor of Landorus.
In Black 2 and White 2, it is revealed that the Forces of Nature were in their Therian Formes in the time period depicted in the myth. A man suggests that he is unsure whether the Therian Formes or Incarnate Formes are the true Formes of the trio.
Former Legendary trios
The Legendary titans were previously a legendary trio until the introduction of Regieleki and Regidrago.
Trivia
- Some of the Legendary trios have unique distinctions:
See also
