The world of Pokémon is vast and filled with incredible creatures, but some stand apart: the Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. These powerful beings often hold unique powers, influence the world around them, and frequently play pivotal roles in the overarching narratives of the games. This guide will list them in order of their appearance in the main series games, offering a glimpse into their captivating lore. Note that the order is based on their first appearance in the core series games and not spin-offs or other media. Ordering Mythical Pokémon is trickier, as their introduction often isn't tied directly to game releases. We will address that distinction below.
Categorizing Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
Before we dive into the list, it’s essential to understand the difference between Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. While both are exceptionally rare and powerful, the distinction lies primarily in how they are obtained and their role in the game's story:
- Legendary Pokémon: Typically encountered during significant plot points in the main games, often requiring specific events or challenges to capture. They often have a central role in the game's narrative.
- Mythical Pokémon: Extremely rare Pokémon typically distributed via special events, often not directly obtainable through standard gameplay. Their appearances are often less tied to the overarching storyline than Legendary Pokémon.
The Legendary Pokémon in Order of Appearance
This list covers only the Pokémon officially classified as "Legendary" by the Pokémon Company. It does not include those that are sometimes unofficially considered legendary due to their power or rarity.
(Note: This list is extensive. For brevity, we will only include the names and the generation of their first appearance.)
Generation I (Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow): Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, Mew
Generation II (Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal): Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi (often considered Mythical, but appeared in the story)
Generation III (Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald): Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Deoxys
Generation IV (Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum): Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Regigigas, Manaphy (often considered Mythical)
Generation V (Pokémon Black and White): Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Genesect (often considered Mythical), Victini (often considered Mythical)
Generation VI (Pokémon X and Y): Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Hoopa (often considered Mythical)
Generation VII (Pokémon Sun and Moon): Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma
Generation VIII (Pokémon Sword and Shield): Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus
Generation IX (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet): Koraidon, Miraidon
Mythical Pokémon: A Separate Category
Pinpointing the order of Mythical Pokémon's introduction is challenging due to their event-based distribution. Many were introduced over time and not all at once with a game release. However, here's a list of some prominent Mythical Pokémon:
- Celebi: (Often debated as Legendary due to its appearance in the Gold/Silver story)
- Jirachi: A commonly known and beloved Mythical Pokémon.
- Deoxys: (Sometimes debated as Legendary due to its role in the third generation)
- Manaphy: Another popular and well-known Mythical Pokémon
- Phione: Closely related to Manaphy
- Darkrai: A powerful Mythical Pokémon
- Shaymin: A Mythical Pokémon with unique forms.
- Arceus: Often considered the most powerful Pokémon.
- Victini: A powerful Mythical Pokémon
- Genesect: A Mythical Pokémon created through genetic manipulation.
- Meloetta: A Mythical Pokémon with two forms
- Diancie: A Mythical Pokémon that is also a princess.
- Hoopa: A Mythical Pokémon with unique abilities.
- Volcanion: A Mythical Pokémon with volcanic abilities
- Magearna: A Mythical Pokémon created by humans
- Marshadow: A Mythical Pokémon that embodies shadow
- Zeraora: A Mythical Pokémon based on the legendary electric cat
- Zarude: A Mythical Pokémon associated with the jungle
- Enamorus: A Mythical Pokémon associated with love and beauty
Conclusion
The world of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon is rich and constantly evolving. This list provides a comprehensive overview, but it's important to remember that the lines between "Legendary" and "Mythical" can be blurred, and new Pokémon are constantly being introduced. Further research into individual Pokémon can reveal deeper lore and fascinating details about their abilities, origins, and roles within the Pokémon universe.
This article aims to be a continually updated resource. Please check back for future additions.
