Solgaleo is based on a lion with a sun motif, a fairly common motif in many Western and Middle-Eastern cultures. In particular Solgaleo might reference the alchemical lion, being described as “devouring the sun”, as well as connected to metals via its Steel-type. Finally, being the emissary rather than personification of the sun as well as being able to pass through different dimensions, Solgaleo might lend some inspiration from the eye of Ra, a goddess usually described as a lion that is the sun’s protector in Egyptian mythology as it travels through the underworld.
No: 791
English Name: Solgaleo
Japanese Name: Sorugareo
Generation: 7
Type: Psychic, Steel
Species: Sunne Pokémon
Abilities: Full Metal Body
Evolution: Cosmog > Cosmoem > Solgaleo > Lunala
Solgaleo is a large, white Pokémon resembling a white lion. It has a blunt muzzle with a blue-gray nose and pale blue eyes. The top half of its face is a deep blue area that shows a constantly changing starscape. Four yellow spikes frame Solgaleo’s head like a crown and two more pairs of spikes adorn either side of its lower jaw, and each spike separates large tufts of Solgaleo’s mane. Solid ridges—red nearest Solgaleo’s head and yellow farther away—poke out of each tuft along the middle, except on the tufts on its cheeks and chin, with the topmost part wrapping around the tip of the tuft. Overall, its mane creates the impression of a stylized sun. Around each leg is a dark orange band, and there is a black spot on each foot. It has three black toes on each foot with long yellow claws. At the tip of its tail is a large black spot with a thin yellow rim.
When Solgaleo enters its Radiant Sun phase, a light blue symbol similar to a compass rose appears on its forehead and the starscape turns to streaks of light. The fur on its body glows a pale yellow and all other parts of its body except its nose turn bright yellow.
Known as the “beast that devours the sun,” Solgaleo has long been honored as an emissary of the sun. Its body is capable of holding a vast amount of energy and glows when active. Solgaleo can create Ultra Wormholes to travel to and from Ultra Space. Solgaleo along with its counterpart Lunala can create Cosmog.
Solgaleo is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Sunsteel Strike.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon SUN: It is said to live in another world. The intense light it radiates from the surface of its body can make the darkest of nights light up like midday.
Pokemon MOON: This Pokémon is said to be a male evolution of Cosmog. At the activation of its third eye, it departs for another world.
