Zoroark is likely based on kitsune of Japanese folklore, a shape-shifting mythical fox that would trick unsuspecting travelers for fun. This is similar to Ninetales, another Pokémon based on kitsune. Its facial markings draw from Kabuki and Noh theatre makeup. It also resembles a werewolf, due to the fact that it is an anthropomorphic canid, like most werewolves. Its large claws are also werewolf-like.
Zoroark may be a combination of zorro (Spanish for fox) and dark, 悪 aku (evil), or arch- (prefix for “top” or “chief”).
No: 571
English Name: Zoroark
Japanese Name: Zoroaku
Generation: 5
Type: Dark
Species: Illusion Fox Pokémon
Abilities: Illusion
Evolution: Zorua > Zoroark
Zoroark is a bipedal, gray-brown, fox-like Pokémon with crimson and black accents. It has a pointed snout and ears with red insides. It also has some red rimming its eyes and mouth. It has a large, red, voluminous mane with black tips, which somewhat resembles a ponytail, as a teal bangle down its length separates a mass of the mane from the lower portion. It has a black ruff on its upper body, pointed at the shoulders from which its arms extend. Its upper arms are thin, whereas its lower arms, while still slim, are bulkier. The arms have spiky extensions of fur at the elbows, and it has red claws on its hands and feet. Zoroark’s eyes are red-rimmed with light blue irises.
Zoroark can create illusions that are indistinguishable from reality, deluding many people simultaneously. It can even create illusory landscapes in the forests where it dwells, to hide its territory and protect its den. However, Zoroark is incapable of physically changing itself into another form; it is merely capable of casting illusions. When a Zoroark takes the form of a human, it is capable of human speech. It can make convincing illusions of attacks, and these illusions are extremely realistic, enough to fool even cameras and make one believe they’re being physically affected, though the illusion does not have any direct physical effect.
Zoroark lives in groups, where unity is strong. It is extremely protective of those it cares about and will go to any lengths to keep them safe, including risking its own life, and it can hold grudges on those who harm its loved ones. Zoroark will hide its Zorua young in its mane to protect them and carry them around. There are stories that say Zoroark punishes those who attempt to catch it by trapping them in an illusion.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Black: Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
Pokemon White: Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
Pokemon Black 2: Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished.
pokemon White 2: Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished.
Pokemon X: Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
Pokemon Y: Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
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