Raikou may be particularly based on the Thunder and Lightning gods of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 raijū (lit. thunder beast), a thunder demon of Japanese lore and is said to be Raijin’s companion. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of a tiger, monkey, blue wolf wrapped in lightning, and many other animals. Raikou is specifically based on its tiger form, while the Pokémon Manectric is based on its wolf form.
In terms of physical build, Raikou may be based on the Smilodon fatalis, a well-known but extinct species of wildcat often referred to as a saber-toothed tiger. Its color and pattern scheme are reminiscent of that of a Bengal tiger. The stripes that decorate Raikou’s body also can be compared to zigzagging thunderbolts and perhaps even scars from claws. The white ruff around Raikou’s face is akin to the Siberian tiger’s thick fur around its neck. In the anime, Raikou is shown to be very agile, swift, stealthy, and a powerful attacker, just like a tiger. The gray “plate” atop its head may be similar to Entei’s head ornament, being either a helmet or crown that signifies courage and power. The flowing purple mane on its back is likely meant to invoke the image of a cumulonimbus cloud, the cloud type most often associated with thunderstorms.
Raikou could be taken to mean 雷光 raikou (lightning), which is also the inspiration for the name of raijū, or it may be a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and 皇 kō (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 raikō (thunder duke), the on’yomi reading of Lei Gong, a Taoist/Daoist deity.
No: 243
English Name: Raikou
Japanese Name: Raiko
Generation: 2
Type: Electric
Species: Thunder Pokémon
Abilities: Pressure, Inner Focus (hidden ability)
Evolution:-
Raikou is a quadruped, yellow, tiger-like Pokémon with black stripes and a white underside. It has a thin, light blue tail with sharp angles and a spark-shaped formation at the end. Most of its face consists of thick, white fur and shorter yellow fur around its red eyes. Raikou’s muzzle is a light blue “X” and it has a black faceplate with two bumps that covers its forehead, nose, and ears. Raikou has two long fangs that make its appearance similar to the saber-toothed cat. Its large claws each converge to form a single point and never retract. Extra fur hangs off its body in front of its thighs. Raikou has a mane across its back that resembles dull purple rain clouds and allows it to shoot bolts of lighting.
As seen in the anime, Raikou is able to fly by creating storm clouds. It is shown to be distrustful of humans, though it may form some friendship with those who help it. Raikou tends to appear during thunderstorms and when other Electric-type Pokémon are in danger. Raikou races across grasslands while barking cries that sound like thunder.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Gold: The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokemon Silver: A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Pokemon Crystal: This rough Pokémon stores energy in its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity.
Pokemon Stadium 2: The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokemon Ruby: Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down.
Pokemon Sapphire: Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down.
Pokemon Emerald: Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. Its roars send shock waves shuddering through the air and ground as if lightning bolts were crashing down.
Pokemon FireRed: This Pokémon races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Pokemon LeafGreen: The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokemon Diamond: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokemon Pearl: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokemon Platinum: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokemon HeartGold: The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokemon SoulSilver: A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Pokemon Black: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokemon White: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokemon Black 2: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
pokemon White 2: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokemon X: The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokemon Y: This rough Pokémon stores energy inside its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down.
Pokemon SUN:-
Pokemon MOON:-
