sonofmew

Daily Pokémon Origin Basis: #037, #038

#037 - Vulpix, like Ninetales, are based on foxes. However, in Japan there are certain legends concerning foxes, or kitsune, as they are known there. One such legend which relates to Vulpix the most is how many-tailed foxes can breathe fire, create illusions, and have extremely long lifespans. After living a long time, these creatures take on spirit forms, which may be the reason why these two related Pokémon can learn Ghost-type moves.

#038 - Ninetales, like Vulpix, is based on a fox. However, in Japan there are certain legends concerning foxes, or kitsune, as they are known there. One such legend which relates to Ninetales the most is how many-tailed foxes can breathe fire, create illusions, and have extremely long lifespans. After living a long time, these creatures take on spirit forms, which may be the reason why these two related Pokémon can learn Ghost-type moves. In particular, Ninetales is based on the 九尾の狐, the nine-tailed kitsune, which is a kitsune of advanced age whose fur has turned silver-gold, and upon gaining its ninth tail, have gained powers equivalent of a deity, bearing omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience.

Daily Pokémon Origin Basis: #029, #030, #031, #032, #033, #034, #035, #036, #173

 #029 - Nidoran♀ appears to be based on a porcupine, rabbit, mouse, hamster, or some combination thereof.

#030 - Nidorina appears to be based on a porcupine or a rabbit, mouse, or even a hamster.

#031 - Nidoqueen shares traits of rhinoceroses, gorillas, rabbits and porcupines. The coverings on its chest and its lower abdomen collectively resemble a two-piece bikini worn by human females.

#032 - Nidoran♂ appears to be based on a porcupine, rabbit, mouse, or a hamster, as seen by their aggressive nature towards one another.

#033 - Nidorino appears to be based on a rhinoceros, porcupine, rabbit, mouse, or even a hamster, as seen by their aggressive and independent nature.

#034 - Nidoking shares traits of rhinoceroses, gorillas, rabbits and porcupines.

#035 - Clefairy seems to be based on a fairy, being a magical, somewhat humanoid, winged creature, lending credit to its name.

#036 - Clefable seems to be based on fairies and pixies, being a magical, humanoid, playful, winged creature.

#173 - Cleffa is possible that it's based on fairies and pixies, just like its evolutions.

Sorry I didn't get to post anything yesterday, so I'm going to double up today.

Daily Pokémon Origin Basis: #025, #026, #175, #027, #028

#025 - Pikachu has physical aspects resembling several species of rodents. Its species name suggests that it is based on a mouse. Despite its name, it bears little resemblance to the pika. Its ears do bear similarity to those of other lagomorphs, however.

Pikachu was designed by Atsuko Nishida, a female member of the core design team at Game Freak.

#026 - Raichu's legs and long tail are like those of a kangaroo rat.

#176 - Pichu draws inspiration from mice, squirrels, and various other rodents.

#027 - Sandshrew is based on the pangolin, a mammal that curls up into a ball, has sharp claws, and lives in desert regions. Both Sandshrew and Sandslash are mentioned to have poisonous claws, similar to how some species of the shrew are poisonous. Sandshrew also closely resembles an armadillo.

#028 - Sandslash shares various physical traits with the pangolin. It also draws from hedgehogs, porcupines, and echidnas due to its coloration and having spikes instead of scales. Both Sandshrew and Sandslash are mentioned to have poisonous claws, similar to how some species of the shrew are poisonous.

Daily Pokémon Origin Basis: #023, #024

#023 - Ekans appears to be based on a boa and rattlesnake, and its facial markings resemble the spectacled cobra's. However, its lack of teeth, ability to swallow large prey, preying on Pokémon eggs, and its reaction to threats are more akin to an egg-eating snake. The yellow band around its neck may refer to the ring-necked snake.

#024 - Arbok is likely that its design was based upon a cobra. However, it is also possible that there is a reference to the legendary basilisk because Arbok and its pre-evolution, Ekans, were originally the only Pokémon to learn Glare. The basilisk was a poisonous serpentine dragon (Arbok is also in the Dragon Egg Group) that would paralyze and kill people with its stare.

Daily Pokémon Origin Basis: #021, #022

#021 - It has been suggested that Spearow resembles a falcon of some sort rather than a sparrow. Its stocky appearance is more sparrow-like, however.

#022 - Fearow doesn't seem to be directly based on any particular bird species, instead taking inspiration from many soaring, predatory birds. It has traits similar to raptors such as hawks and vultures, as well as similarities with storks. Its physical appearance may be vaguely based on a cormorant or an anhinga, despite the fact that they are water birds. It also shares characteristics with chickens and snipe, most notably its comb and long beak, respectively. Its coloration and size also resembles the Goliath Heron, whose feathers when ruffled look superficially like a cockscomb.