Sophocles

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
Sophocles
マーマネ Māmane
Sun Moon Sophocles.png
Artwork from Sun and Moon
Age 11-19SM
Gender Male
Eye color Brown
Hair color Orange
Hometown Unknown
Region Alola
Relatives Molayne (cousin)
Trainer class Trial CaptainSMUSUM
Pokémon TrainerUSUM
Generation VII
Games Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
Specializes in Electric types
Anime counterpart Sophocles
Counterpart debut Alola to New Adventure!

Sophocles (Japanese: マーマネ Māmane) is the Trial Captain of Ula'ula Island's Hokulani Observatory. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon. Molayne affectionately refers to him as Soffy (Japanese: マーくん Mā-kun).

In the games

Sophocles is good with mechanics, having invented various machines, and shares a close bond with his cousin, Molayne. However, he is also quite shy. While Captains are typically picked by their respective Island Kahuna, Sophocles was picked by his cousin to succeed him.

In the storyline, the player first meets Sophocles at the Hokulani Observatory on Ula'ula Island, where the Captain reveals he built a machine he calls the "Ping Totem Pokémon 2.0" (Japanese: ぬしポケモンこいこいマーク2 Come Here Leader Pokémon Mark 2). The invention broadcasts sounds audible only to Pokémon to lure the Totem Pokémon to him. He then tells the player that their trial will serve as a test run of his invention. Sophocles activates the Ping Totem Pokémon 2.0, only to cause a fuse to blow, and the trial proper to begin. After completing a series of audio tests and wild Pokémon battles, the player battles and defeats the Totem Vikavolt, and power is restored to the observatory. Sophocles awards the player with an Electrium Z.

During the post-game, Sophocles is one of the possible challengers the player may face at the Pokémon League while defending their Champion title.

The player can also meet Sophocles in Festival Plaza, which he owns. There, Sophocles will introduce the player to the basic mechanics of the facility, reward them when they level up the plaza, and help them install new shops.

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Sophocles's trial involves using a machine known as the Roller (Japanese: くるくるくん Spin Around-kun) to line up a group of nine Charjabug in order to provide electricity to a Vikavolt-shaped device that will power another machine known as the Pinger (Japanese: こいこいちゃん Come Here-chan) capable of luring out the Totem Pokémon. Though the player succeeds in lining all nine Charjabug, the device malfunctions and instead attacks the Charjabug, forcing Togemaru to step in and absorb the electricity with Lightning Rod. When the electricity is too much for Togemaru to handle, it is saved by Totem Togedemaru, who then challenges the player to a battle. After Totem Togedemaru is defeated, Sophocles awards the player with an Electrium Z.

When the player participates in Mina's trial, the player must challenge each of the Trial Captains to receive a flower petal from them. When the player meets with Sophocles, they find him expressing disappointment because Molayane is temporarily leaving. In Ultra Sun only, Sophocles will then challenge the player to a battle. Afterwards, the player will receive a Yellow Petal from him.

In the prologue to Episode RR, he comes to the player's house to warn the player that Team Rainbow Rocket has taken over Festival Plaza and has redesigned the main plaza. Due to the Grunts messing with Festival Plaza's systems, the player is unable to use their on-hand Pokémon and must instead borrow three rental Pokémon from the Battle Agency to battle a Team Rainbow Rocket Grunt. Once the Grunt is defeated, Sophocles hacks Festival Plaza's systems and uses it to remove the Grunts. Once everything has returned to normal, Sophocles allows the player to use Team Rainbow Rocket's design of the main plaza if the player wishes to, as well as giving them an Eject Button.

Like in the original Sun and Moon games, Sophocles is also one of the possible opponents for the Title Defense battle in the Champion's room at the Pokémon League.

Pokémon

Sophocles's Pokémon are kept in Ultra Balls.

Pokémon Sun and Moon



Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Mina's trialUS



Title Defense battle



Battle Agency



At Hokulani Observatory
Togemaru
Togemaru (Japanese: とげまる Togemaru) is a Pokémon that helps around Hokulani Observatory. During Sophocles's trial, the device used to power the Pinger malfunctioned and began attacking the Charjabug. Although Togemaru used Lightning Rod to absorb the electricity fired by the device, it couldn't fully take the attack, forcing Totem Togedemaru to appear and rescue it as well.

None of Togemaru's moves are known and its Ability is Lightning Rod.

Debut Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Charjabug (×9)
These nine Charjabug are Pokémon that help around Hokulani Observatory. Though each has its own nickname, only Onejabug (Japanese: デンイチ Denichi), Twojabug (Japanese: デンニ Den'ni), Threejabug (Japanese: デンサン Densan), Sevenjabug (Japanese: デンナナ Den'nana), and Ninejabug (Japanese: デンキュー Denkyū) are named out loud. During Sophocles's trial, the device used to power the Pinger malfunctioned and began attacking the Charjabug. Although Togemaru used Lightning Rod to absorb the electricity fired by the device, it couldn't fully take the attack, forcing Totem Togedemaru to appear and rescue it as well.
Debut Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Quotes

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Quotes from Festival Plaza (subsequent visits/ranking up) and USUM quotes

Pokémon Sun and Moon

Hokulani Observatory
"You're getting close to your goal... I imagine that you must have come here to attempt the trial, huh?"
"So... Uh..."
"Do you like Festival Plaza?"
Yes: "Oh! If that's the case then..."
No: "Hmm. Then I don't know..."
"Fine. Whatever. Let's get started."
Regardless of choice: "Right now, right here."
"You summon the Totem Pokémon and prove your strength to it... That's what every trial boils down to, right?"
"So I thought... Why not just call the totem here from the start? So I tried a bit of this and that, and I think I've whipped up a little device to call the Totem Pokémon. Perhaps you're wondering why I built a machine? Here at the observatory, we also monitor sounds that we detect from outer space. There are some sounds that are inaudible to people but Pokémon can hear just fine. We broadcast the sounds we have gathered terrestrially and monitor the reactions of Pokémon. The machine that summons the Totem Pokémon makes use of this technology... Utilizing other sounds we have gathered, we also developed a security system here... But that was actually Big Mo's invention. Just so you know... This will actually be my first time trying it out, so I'm glad you came. I needed a test subject."
"Ping Totem Pokémon 2.0, engage!"
"Now the totem should—"
"Gyargh?! No way! Did I blow a fuse?! Oww! Did the door close?! Let's see, we'll need to turn off the security system to get the door open... You'll have to pass an audio quiz! I-it's fine. I definitely feel a powerful presence. It's coming now. The Totem Pokémon is coming. So let's get this trial going, OK? My trial is about to begin!"
  • First quiz answered wrongly
"Yeaaarrrrrgh! When you get an answer wrong, the security system kicks in and sends out a shock! Eww, do you smell something burning?! It's all right! I'm OK. I'm a tough kid! I'm a tough kid!"
  • First quiz answered correctly
"Whoa! As soon as the door opened, a Pokémon came through! I'm counting on you, <player>!"
"I knew you could do it, <player>! Oh, and just when I said it, the door closed again! I-it's gonna be OK. The Totem Pokémon is on its way."
  • Second quiz answered wrongly
"Yeaaarrrrrgh! When you get an answer wrong, the security system kicks in and sends out a shock! My whole body is buzzzzing!"
  • Second quiz answered correctly
"Whoa! As soon as the door opened, a Pokémon came through! This one's up to you, too, <player>!"
"I knew you could do it, <player>! Oh, and would you look at that—the door closed again while I was flapping my jaw! I-it's gonna be OK. The Totem Pokémon is on its way."
  • Third quiz answered wrongly
"Yeaaarrrrrgh! When you get an answer wrong, the security system kicks in and sends out a shock! Big Mo, if you don't hurry up, I'm gonna be an Electric type by the time I get out of here!"
  • Third quiz answered correctly
"I-it looks like the door's about to open..."
"I-I knew it! I'm counting on you again, <player>!"
"I knew you could do it, <player>! And then of course the door goes and shuts again! Fool me once, shame on the door. Fool me twice, shame on the security system. Fool me thrice, shame on me, I guess... Here it comes! We're picking up traces of the Totem Pokémon extremely close by!"
  • Fourth quiz answered wrongly
"Yeaaarrrrrgh! When you get an answer wrong, the security system kicks in and sends out a shock! Owww! I feel a shock all through my body! Maybe this will help me burn off a few pounds!"
  • Fourth quiz answered correctly
"Huhn? This sound... This presence I sense..."
"Th-there it is! The Totem Pokémon! This is your time to shine, <player>!"
  • After defeating Totem Vikavolt
"Big Mo!"
"Here, <player>. I'll give you this Electrium Z to reward you for beating the Totem Pokémon."
"You watching?"
"I was fine when the power was off. Geez... Now that you can see me, I feel all nervous... I'm not sure what to say. Thanks? Or, uh, congratulations? You passed my trial."
"I was really nervous..."
"So somehow I ended up captain..."
"But you were really great, <player>."
"Maybe next time we can battle..."
  • If talked to again
"Big Mo has taught me a lot. He always gives me a real fight for my money, whether we're having a Pokémon match or playing video games. So I really want to help Big Mo complete his research someday..."
Pokémon League
First challenge
  • Before battle
"I came to keep my word about us having a battle next time, as I said after my trial at the Observatory."
  • Upon being defeated
"I couldn't get it done... Don't worry about it, my precious Pokémon..."
  • After being defeated
"You're great, <player>! You understand Pokémon so well and know so much about Pokémon battles. I see that thinking up this and that to try to defeat the Champion is the highest form of fun!"
Subsequent challenges
  • Before battle
"Playing games with Big Mo... Maintaining Festival Plaza... Checking the anime I've recorded... They're all fun but not the same as a battle with you, <player>. I worked out a plan with Ilima against you, <player>, to try to win."
  • Upon being defeated
"I couldn't get it done... Don't worry about it, my precious Pokémon..."
  • After being defeated
"You're way too strong, <player>... "Ping Totem Pokémon 2.0" is running smoothly, so next I'm thinking that I should put together Sophocles's enhanced program."
Festival Plaza
Intial visit
  • Before meeting Sophocles at Hokulani Observatory
"Welcome to Festival Plaza! I'm Sophocles."
  • After completing Sophocles's trial
"<Player>. Long time no see. Welcome to Festival Plaza!"
"This is a secret place where you can come to play using communication features. We're holding a festival where Trainers can interact right now. We need someone to welcome those who have come here to play."
"... You kinda seem like someone who will play a lot using communication features! There's something you can do for me! Help me liven up this festival!"
No: "Say whaaat? You're the only one who can do this. I've gotta ask you once again, so you've gotta give me an answer."
Yes: "All right! Thanks!"
"OK, so you gotta help me out right away! Someone has come to play now, right? Go have a chat with them!"
  • If talked to again
"Someone has come to play now, right? Have a chat with them! Come back here when you're done."
  • After talking to the first guest
"You crushed it! If you respond to the request of someone who has come to play, they'll give you Festival Coins as token of their appreciation. Festival Coins are sometimes called FC so try to remember that. You can use FC at the facilities in Festival Plaza. Oh right! I better tell you about the facilities in this Festival Plaza!"
  • Any four of them (initial visit)
"At a lottery shop, you can get a most excellent prize if you win."
"At a bouncy house, your Pokémon can train while it plays."
"At a dye house, they can change the color of your fashion items."
"At a food stall, they can give your Pokémon delicious food to rapidly raise it."
"At a goody shop, you can get items for good value."
"At a haunted house, you can get items if your Pokémon reaches the goal."
"At a fortune-teller tent, you can learn your fortune for the day."
"There are still a bunch of other facilities so you can look forward to those."
"Once again, people have come to play. Respond to their requests and you'll get Festival Coins!"
  • After rank 2
"You crushed it! If you get a lot of Festival Coins, that means you've livened things up by entertaining those who have come to play, so your Festival Plaza Rank will go up. ...Oh right! Let me give you a reward as thanks for raising the Rank."
"Let's build a new facility in this open spot! It's run by a/an <Trainer class>! It's a <shop name and rank>."
"Whenever your Festival Plaza Rank goes up, I'll give you a cool reward. Respond to requests and get a lot of Festival Coins!"
"Oh yeah! Inside the castle are staff who will help you. Check it out later!"
"Finally, let me tell you something important. When you're in Festival Plaza, you connect to other players via local wireless communication or the Internet. I'll set everything up, so give it a try! Sorry, I've got something to do right now, but Festival Plaza is in your hands."
  • After ranking up and going inside the castle (initial visit)
"<Player>, you're doing your best! I'll introduce a new facility to you today. It's a <shop name and rank>. It's run by a/an <Trainer class>!"
Nothing: "Are you sure you don't want to host the facility?"
Check: "Were you able to picture it?"
Host: "OK! Let's host <shop name and rank>!"
"Very good. Keep it up!"

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Sprites

VSSophocles.png
VS model from
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
Sophocles SM OD.png
Overworld model from
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon

In the anime

Main article: Sophocles (anime)
Sophocles in the anime

Sophocles made his debut appearance in Alola to New Adventure!. He is a student at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island and one of Ash's classmates.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Sophocles in Pokémon Adventures

Sophocles debuts in the Sun & Moon arc. He and Molayne are first seen helping innocent civilians escape from the Ultra Beasts that had escaped from Po Town to wreak havoc on Ula'ula Island. They manage to evacuate the people to Hokulani Observatory, but with the beasts still on the loose, they worry that it may eventually get attacked as well. To circumvent this problem, Sophocles decided to use an invention designed to call Totem Pokémon in order to guide the beasts away from the observatory.

Pokémon

Sophocles's Togedemaru
Togedemaru
Main article: Sophocles's Togedemaru

Togedemaru is Sophocles's only known Pokémon. It was first seen with its Trainer watching people be evacuated to Hokulani Observatory.

Debut Sun & Moon chapter

In the TCG

Main article: Sophocles (Burning Shadows 123)
File:SophoclesFacingNewTrial57.jpg
Full Art print of Sophocles

Sophocles was introduced as a Supporter card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game during the English Sun & Moon Series (the Japanese SM Era). It was first released in the Japanese Tapu Bulu-GX Enhanced Starter Set before debuting in English in the Burning Shadows expansion, with an illustration based on the Ken Sugimori artwork of the character. It was later released as both a regular and Full Art cards in Facing a New Trial and Burning Shadows, with an illustration by Sanosuke Sakuma. It allows the player to discard 2 cards from their hand and draw 4 cards.

Trivia

  • In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Sophocles is the only Trial Captain not to give the player a set of Poké Balls after clearing their trial.
  • Sophocles's shirt has a symbol very similar to the one that is seen next to a Pokémon if the Pokémon was transferred via Poké Transporter.

Names

Language Name Origin
Japanese マーマネ Māmane From māmane (Hawaiian for Sophora chrysophylla) and possibly 麻痺 mahi (paralysis)
English Sophocles From Sophora chrysophylla
French, German, Italian Chrys From Sophora chrysophylla
Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese Chris From Sophora chrysophylla
Korean 마마네 Mamane Transliteration of Japanese name
Chinese (Mandarin) 馬瑪內 / 马玛内 Mǎmǎnèi Transliteration of Japanese name
Chinese (Cantonese) 馬瑪內 Máhmáhnoih Mandarin-based transliteration of Japanese name
Finnish Sofocles Similar to his English name
European Portuguese Sófocles Similar to his English name
Russian Софоклис Sofoklis Transcription of English name
Vietnamese Mamane Transliteration of Japanese name

Soffy

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 小馬 Síu Máh
Mandarin 小馬 / 小马 Xiǎo Mǎ
France Flag.png French Chry-chry


Related articles

Trial Captains and island kahunas of the Alola region
Verdant Cavern
VSIlima USUM.png
Ilima
Brooklet Hill
VSLana USUM.png
Lana
Wela Volcano Park
VSKiawe.png
Kiawe
Lush Jungle
VSMallow.png
Mallow
Hokulani Observatory
VSSophocles.png
Sophocles
Thrifty Megamart
VSAcerola.png
Acerola
Seafolk Village
VSMina 2 USUM.png
Mina
Melemele Island
VSHala USUM.png
Hala
Akala Island
VSOlivia USUM.png
Olivia
Ula'ula Island
VSNanu USUM.png
Nanu
Poni Island
VSHapu.png
Hapu


Project CharacterDex logo.png This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.