Heatran is most likely based on volcanic remains. Its Steel type references how the Earth’s inner core is made of […]
Tag: Fire
Magmortar (Buban)
Magmortar seems to be a buffed-up version of its pre-evolution’s inspiration, the karura. It also has features of a duck […]
Ponyta (Ponita)
Ponyta and its evolution are based on fiery steeds in mythology, such as those belonging to the Greek god Helios, […]
Rapidash (Gyaroppu)
Rapidash’s horn shows it may have been inspired by unicorns, but it more closely resembles a regular horse. Rapidash and […]
Growlithe (Gadi)
Growlithe is most likely based on Japanese dog statues called 獅子 shisa. They may also originate from Chinese 獅 shī […]
Arcanine (Uindi)
Arcanine is based on the Ryukyuan シーサー shisa, or 狛犬 komainu, mythical creatures inspired by lions, tigers, and dogs. Statues […]
Ninetales (Kyukon)
Ninetales is based on a fox, particularly the kitsune of Japanese legend, which have many tails, extremely long lifespans, and […]
Vulpix (Rokon)
Vulpix is based on a fox, particularly the kitsune of Japanese legend, which have many tails and can breathe fire. […]
Charizard (Rizadon)
Charizard resembles a European dragon, certainly one of many forms told and rendered in legends. Charizard is a portmanteau of […]
Charmander (Hitokage)
Charmander appears to be predominantly reptilian in origin, and may have been partially inspired by the mythical salamander (as opposed […]
Infernape (Gokazaru)
Infernape is based on a monkey. The gold elements in its design as well as its Japanese name are most […]
Charmeleon (Rizado)
Charmeleon resembles a small dinosaur with remnants of Charmander’s salamander-like appearance. Although its nomenclature suggests commonality with the chameleon, Charmeleon […]
Monferno (Mokazaru)
Monferno may be based on a golden snub-nosed monkey or a mandrill, a creature similar to a baboon. It also […]
Chimchar (Hikozaru)
Chimchar appears to be based on a young chimpanzee. However, the markings on its rear without the flame, (plus facial […]
Reshiram (Reshiramu)
Reshiram and its counterpart Zekrom are based on the concept of yin and yang in Taoism, directly referenced by Reshiram’s […]