Legendary Pokémon

Artwork depicting a variety of Legendary Pokémon during the Eighth Pokémon generation.

Legendary Pokémon (Japanese: 伝説のポケモン Legendary Pokémon) are types of Pokémon species that appear in every Pokémon video game series are a group of incredibly rare and often very powerful Pokémon, generally featured prominently in the legends and myths of the Pokémon world, with some even going so far as to view them as deities.

Mythical Pokémon are a related but separate group. Special Pokémon are a subcategory of Legendary Pokémon that are restricted or banned from certain official tournaments, battle facilities, and link battle formats. Most Special Pokémon are Legendary game mascots.

No explicit criteria defines what makes a Pokémon a Legendary Pokémon. Instead, the only way to identify a Pokémon as belonging to this group is through statements from official media.

List of Legendary Pokémon

As of the Ninth Pokémon generation, they are total of 71 Legendary Pokémon.

First Pokémon Generation

Pokémon	Description
Articuno	One of the three Legendary birds, Articuno can create blizzards by freezing moisture in the air. In Galar, Its feather-like blades are composed of psychic energy and can shear through thick iron sheets as if they were paper.
Zapdos	One of the three Legendary birds, Zapdos is has the ability to control electricity. It usually lives in thunderclouds. The Pokémon gains power if it is stricken by lightning bolts. In Galar, one kick from its powerful legs will pulverize a dump truck. Supposedly, this Pokémon runs through the mountains at over 180 mph.
Moltres	One of the three Legendary birds, Moltres flaps its flaming wings, even the night sky will turn red. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flare of flames. In Galar, this Pokémon's sinister, flame-like aura will consume the spirit of any creature it hits. Victims become burned-out shadows of themselves.
Mewtwo	Mewtwo is created by recombining Mew's genes. It's said to have the most savage heart among Pokémon. Capable for two Mega Evolutions. Playable in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, including Pokkén Tournament, alongside Shadow Mewtwo. Appeared in five Pokémon movies: Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Mewtwo Returns, The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened and Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.

Second Pokémon Generation

Pokémon	Description
Raikou	One of the three Legendary beasts, Raikou is said to represent the lightning strike which ignited the fire that consumed the Brass Tower. It 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. Raikou got an ancient Paradox counterpart in the form of Raging Bolt.
Entei	One of the three Legendary beasts, Entei is said to represent the flames that burned the Brass Tower. Entei embodies the passion of magma. This Pokémon is thought to have been born in the eruption of a volcano. It sends up massive bursts of fire that utterly consume all that they touch. Entei got an ancient Paradox counterpart in the form of Gouging Fire.
Suicune	One of the three Legendary beasts, Suicune is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Crystal. It is said to represent the rains that quenched the flames of the burning Brass Tower. It travels across the world to purify polluted water. It moves together with the north wind. Suicune is pursued in the anime, manga, Pokémon Crystal, and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver by Eusine. Suicune got an ancient Paradox counterpart in the form of Walking Wake.
Lugia	Lugia is the "guardian of the seas". Lugia is also the trio master of the Legendary birds. It sleeps in a deep-sea trench. If it flaps its wings, it is said to cause a 40-day storm. Lugia is the mascot of Pokémon Silver and Pokémon SoulSilver.
Ho-Oh	Ho-Oh is the "guardian of the skies". Ho-Oh is also the trio master of the Legendary beasts. It now presumably flies through the world's skies in search of a Trainer with a pure heart. Ho-Oh is the mascot of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon HeartGold. Ho-oh is the first Legendary Pokémon to appear in the anime, in case the first episode. It is also the first Generation II Pokémon to be revealed and appear in the anime.

Third Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Regirock	One of the six Legendary giants, Regirock's body is composed entirely of rocks. Recently, a study made the startling discovery that the rocks were all unearthed from different locations. It was sealed away by people long ago. If this Pokémon's body is damaged in battle, it is said to seek out suitable rocks on its own to repair itself.
Regice	One of the six Legendary giants, Regice's body was made during an ice age. The deep-frozen body can't be melted, even by fire. This Pokémon controls frigid air of -328 degrees Fahrenheit.
Registeel	One of the six Legendary giants, Registeel has a body that is harder than any kind of metal. Its body is apparently hollow. No one has any idea what this Pokémon eats.
Latias	One of the Eon Pokémon, Latias is highly intelligent and capable of understanding human speech. It is covered with a glass-like down. The Pokémon enfolds its body with its down and refracts light to alter its appearance. Its body is covered with a down that can refract light in such a way that it becomes invisible. Capable for Mega Evolution.
Latios	One of the Eon Pokémon, Latios has the ability to make others see an image of what it has seen or imagines in its head. This Pokémon is intelligent and understands human speech. A highly intelligent Pokémon. By folding back its wings in flight, it can overtake jet planes. Capable for Mega Evolution.
Kyogre	Kyogre is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Kyogre is said to be the personification of the sea itself. Legends tell of its many clashes against Groudon, as each sought to gain the power of nature. Capable for Primal Reversion holding the Blue Orb. One of the Super-ancient Pokémon.
Groudon	Groudon is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Omega Ruby. Groudon is said to be the personification of the land itself. Legends tell of its many clashes against Kyogre, as each sought to gain the power of nature. Capable for Primal Reversion holding the Red Orb. One of the Super-ancient Pokémon.
Rayquaza	Rayquaza is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Emerald. It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground. Rayquaza is said to have lived for hundreds of millions of years. Legends remain of how it put to rest the clash between Kyogre and Groudon and one of the Super-ancient Pokémon, serving as its master. Capable for Mega Evolution, if it knows the move Dragon Ascent. Also played a major role in the Delta Episode in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Rayquaza is a boss of Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Fourth Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Uxie	One of the three Lake guardians, Uxie is known as the Being of Knowledge. When it flew, people gained the ability to solve problems. It is said that its emergence gave humans the intelligence to improve their quality of life.
Mesprit	One of the three Lake guardians, Mesprit is known as the Being of Emotions. When it flew, people learned the joy and sadness of living. It was the birth of emotions.
Azelf	One of the three Lake guardians, Azelf is known as the Being of Willpower. When it flew, people gained the determination to do things.
Dialga	Dialga is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond. Dialga possesses the power to control time. It is said that time flows when Dialga's heart beats. It uses its power to travel at will through the past and future. Dialga is part of the Pokémon of Myth. Dialga can transform into its Origin Forme using the Adamant Crystal.
Palkia	Palkia is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Pearl and Pokémon Shining Pearl who is one of the members of the Pokémon of Myth who represents space. It is said that space becomes more stable with Palkia's every breath. Palkia can transform into its Origin Forme using the Lustrous Globe.
Heatran	Heatran dwells in volcanic caves. It digs in with its cross-shaped feet to crawl on ceilings and walls. Heatran's body is made of rugged steel. However, it is partially melted in spots because of its own heat.
Regigigas	The creator and master of the Legendary giants. There is an enduring legend that states Regigigas towed continents with ropes.
Giratina	Giratina is the mascot Legendary for Pokémon Platinum. It was banished for its violence. It silently gazed upon the old world from the Distortion World. Giratina is one of the members of the Pokémon of Myth representing antimatter. Giratina can transform into its Origin Forme using the Griseous Orb (Pt to BDSP) or Griseous Core (LA onwards).
Cresselia	Cresselia said to be able to give dreams and lies in Full Moon Island. On nights around the quarter moon, the aurora from its tail extends and undulates beautifully. Cresselia is based on the full moon and it is a member of the Lunar duo with Darkrai.

Fifth Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Cobalion	One of the Swords of Justice and the group's leader. Cobalion battled against humans to protect Pokémon. Its personality is calm and composed. It has a body and heart of steel. Its glare is sufficient to make even an unruly Pokémon obey it. Cobalion is inspired by Athos from the novel The Three Musketeers. Cobalion got a futuristic Paradox counterpart in the form of Iron Crown.
Terrakion	One of the Swords of Justice. Terrakion came to the defense of Pokémon that had lost their homes in a war among humans. Terrakion is inspired by Porthos from the novel The Three Musketeers. Terrakion got a futuristic Paradox counterpart in the form of Iron Boulder.
Virizion	One of the Swords of Justice. Legends say Virizion confounded opponents with its swift movements. Virizion is inspired by Aramis from the novel The Three Musketeers. Virizion got a futuristic Paradox counterpart in the form of Iron Leaves.
Tornadus	One of the Forces of Nature. Tornadus expels massive energy from its tail, causing severe storms. Its power is great enough to blow houses away. It zooms through the sky at 200 mph. Tornadus is based on Fūjin (Incarnate) and the Vermillion Bird (Therian).
Thundurus	One of the Forces of Nature. Thundurus can shoot thunderbolts from its tail. It is known to be disliked and feared by people and farmers for its destructive rampages which include fierce thunderstorms. It tends to cause forest fires whatever it flies around shooting lightning. Thundurus is based on Raijin (Incarnate) and the Azure Dragon (Therian).
Reshiram	One of the Tao trio and the mascot for Pokémon Black. Reshiram can scorch the world with fire. It helps those who want to build a world of truth.
Zekrom	One of the Tao trio and the mascot for Pokémon White. Zekrom can scorch the world with lightning. It assists those who want to build an ideal world.
Landorus	One of the Forces of Nature. Lands visited by Landorus grant such bountiful crops that it has been hailed as The Guardian of the Fields. When the incarnations of wind and of lightning clash, Landorus arrives to quell the conflict. After the tempests and thunderbolts abate, the land is sure to be blessed with bountiful harvests. Landorus is based on Inari (Incarnate) and the White Tiger (Therian).
Kyurem	One of the Tao trio and the mascot Legendary of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 capable for fusing with Reshiram and Zekrom to become White Kyurem or Black Kyurem. Kyurem generates a powerful, freezing energy inside itself, but its body became frozen when the energy leaked out. It waits for a hero to fill in the missing parts of its body with truth or ideals.

Sixth Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Xerneas	The mascot Legendary of Pokémon X, legends say Xerneas can share eternal life. It slept for a thousand years in the form of a tree before its revival. It is a member of the Aura trio with Yveltal and Zygarde.
Yveltal	The mascot Legendary of Pokémon Y, when its life comes to an end, Yveltal absorbs the life energy of every living thing and turns into a cocoon once more. It is a member of the Aura trio with Xerneas and Zygarde.
Zygarde	The third Legendary of the Aura trio, Zygarde appears and reveals its secret power when the Kalos region's ecosystem falls into disarray. In its 10% Forme, it runs across the land at speeds greater than 60 mph. In its Complete Forme, It has enough power to overwhelm even Xerneas or Yveltal and it uses force to neutralize those who harm the ecosystem. It is said this Legendary Pokémon is a guardian of the ecosystem.

Seventh Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Type: Null	Due to the danger that this synthetic Pokémon may go on a rampage, Type: Null wears a control mask to restrain its power.
Silvally	Silavlly's trust in its partner is what awakens it. This Pokémon is capable of changing its type, a flexibility that is well displayed in battle. Upon awakening, its RKS System is activated. By employing specific memories, this Pokémon can adapt its type to confound its enemies.
Tapu Koko	This guardian deity of Melemele Island. Tapu Koko is brimming with curiosity. It summons thunderclouds and stores their lightning inside its body.
Tapu Lele	This guardian deity of Akala Island. Tapu Lele heals the wounds of people and Pokémon by sprinkling them with its sparkling scales.
Tapu Bulu	The guardian deity of Ula'ula Island. Tapu Bulu is a powerful but, lazy Pokémon with command over the growth of plants as well as incredible strength. It seizes its energy from the growing vegetation.
Tapu Fini	The guardian deity of Poni Island. People say Tapu Fini can create pure water that will wash away any uncleanness. The dense fog it creates brings the downfall and destruction of its confused enemies. Ocean currents are the source of its energy.
Cosmog	In ages past, Cosmog was called the child of the stars. It's said to be a Pokémon from another world, but no specific details are known.
Cosmoem	Cosmoem is the evolution of Cosmog. Motionless as if dead, its body is faintly warm to the touch. In the distant past, it was called the cocoon of the stars.
Solgaleo	The mascot Legendary of Pokémon Sun, Solgaleo was known by the name the beast that devours the sun, this Pokémon has intense light it radiates from the surface of its body can make the darkest of nights light up like midday.
Lunala	The mascot Legendary of Pokémon Moon, Lunala was known by the name the beast that calls the moon, this Pokémon devours light, drawing the moonless dark veil of night over the brightness of day.
Necrozma	Necrozma is the reminiscent of the Ultra Beasts who is the mascot Legendary of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon nicknamed The Blinding One, it is capable for fusing with Solgaleo and Lunala to become Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma. Once it absorbs enough light, Necrozma can undergo a process called Ultra Burst to reclaim its true form: Ultra Necrozma.

Eighth Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Zacian	The mascot Legendary of Pokémon Sword, Zacian wields a sword to strike to fell even Gigantamax Pokémon.
Zamazenta	The mascot Legendary of Pokémon Shield. Zamazenta can shrug off impressive blows, including the attacks of Dynamax Pokémon.
Eternatus	Eternatus was inside a meteorite that fell 20,000 years ago. There seems to be a connection between this Pokémon and the Dynamax phenomenon. If Eternatus absorbs a massive amount of energy at once, it will enter its Eternamax form, which is said to be its true appearance and is far larger. Infinite amounts of energy pour from this Pokémon's enlarged core, warping the surrounding space-time. Eternatus is the tallest known Pokémon.
Kubfu	Kubfu trains hard to perfect its moves. The moves it masters will determine which form it takes when it evolves.
Urshifu	Inhabiting the mountains of a distant region, Urshifu races across sheer cliffs, training its legs and refining its moves. It's believed that this Pokémon modeled its fighting style on the flow of a river—sometimes rapid, sometimes calm. Has two forms: Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style and is capable for Gigantamax.
Regieleki	One of the six Legendary giants, this Pokémon is a cluster of electrical energy. It's said that removing the rings on Regieleki's body will unleash the Pokémon's latent power.
Regidrago	One of the six Legendary giants, its body is composed of crystallized dragon energy. Regidrago is said to have the powers of every dragon Pokémon.
Glastrier	Glastrier has tremendous physical strength, and the mask of ice covering its face is 100 times harder than diamond. Glastrier emits intense cold from its hooves. It's also a belligerent Pokémon—anything it wants, it takes by force.
Spectrier	It probes its surroundings with all its senses save one—it doesn't use its sense of sight. Spectrier's kicks are said to separate soul from body. As it dashes through the night, Spectrier absorbs the life-force of sleeping creatures. It craves silence and solitude.
Calyrex	Calyrex is known in legend as a king that ruled over Galar in ancient times. It has the power to cause hearts to mend and plants to spring forth. Capable for fusing with Glastier and Spectier to become Ice Rider Calyrex or Shadow Rider Calyrex.
Enamorus	Enamorus is one of the Pokémon debuted in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the only female member of the Forces of Nature. When it flies to this land from across the sea, the bitter winter comes to an end. According to legend, this Pokémon's love gives rise to the budding of fresh life across Hisui. Enamorus is known as the Herald of Spring and God of Spring. Enamorus is based on Ugajin (Incarnate) and the Black Tortoise (Therian).

Ninth Pokémon generation

Pokémon	Description
Wo-Chien	The grudge of a person punished for writing the king’s evil deeds upon wooden tablets has clad itself in dead leaves to become Wo-Chien. One of the Treasures of Ruin, known as the Tablets of Ruin.
Chien-Pao	Chien-Pao can control 100 tons of fallen snow. It plays around innocently by leaping in and out of avalanches it has caused. One of the Treasures of Ruin, known as the Sword of Ruin.
Ting-Lu	Ting-Lu slowly brings its exceedingly heavy head down upon the ground, splitting the earth open with huge fissures that run over 160 feet deep. One of the Treasures of Ruin, known as the Vessel of Ruin.
Chi-Yu	Chi-Yu controls flames burning at over 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit. It casually swims through the sea of lava it creates by melting rock and sand. One of the Treasures of Ruin, known as the Beads of Ruin.
Koraidon	Koraidon is the version mascot for Pokémon Scarlet. Koraidon is known as the Winged King and said to be a burlier and more ferocious ancestor of Cyclizar. It is powerful enough to break the land with just its bare fists.
Miraidon	Miraidon is the version mascot for Pokémon Violet. Miraidon is known as the Iron Serpent and is said to be much more ruthless and powerful than its ancestor Cyclizar. It is powerful enough to use its lightning to turn the land into ash.
Okidogi	Okidogi is a ruffian with a short temper. It can pulverize anything by swinging around the chain on its neck. After all its muscles were stimulated by the toxic chain around its neck, Okidogi transformed and gained a powerful physique. One of the Loyal Three.
Munkidori	Munkidori keeps itself somewhere safe while it toys with its foes, using psychokinesis to induce intense dizziness. The chain is made from toxins that enhance capabilities. It stimulated Munkidori's brain and caused the Pokémon's psychic powers to bloom. One of the Loyal Three.
Fezandipiti	Fezandipiti owes its beautiful looks and lovely voice to the toxic stimulants emanating from the chain wrapped around its body. It beats its glossy wings to scatter pheromones that captivate people and Pokémon. One of the Loyal Three.
Ogerpon	Ogerpon is the mascot of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's The Teal Mask, appearing in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. This Pokémon's type changes based on which mask it's wearing. It confounds its enemies with nimble movements and kicks. This mischief-loving Pokémon is full of curiosity. It battles by drawing out the type-based energy contained within its masks. Ogerpon has four forms, depending on the Mask it's wearing, which also changes its typing.
Terapagos	Terapagos is the mascot of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's The Indigo Disk, appearing in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. It is the origin of the Terastal Phenomenon and was seen as only fiction by many in the Scarlet Book/Violet Book, the only ones knowing about its existence being Heath and Professor Sada/Professor Turo. Around two million years ago, Terapagos lived on the surface of Paldea during ancient times until seismic shifts caused it to fall underground. There it remained asleep for many years as the Great Crater of Paldea was formed along with Area Zero and Area Zero Underdepths.

Trivia

• There have been Legendary Pokémon of every type except for the type.
• The First Pokémon Generation games and their later remakes are the only mainline games where:
  • The main plot does not involve any Legendary Pokémon.
• Every Legendary Pokémon has slow leveling rate.
• In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, the Adventure Log lists recruiting Unown as an accomplishment. The Adventure Log otherwise only lists Mythical and Legendary Pokémon recruits, with the exception of Rotom.
• Rotom happens to be the only non-Legendary Pokémon to have the battle music of a Legendary Pokémon during at least one of its encounters, this encounter being in the Old Chateau.

See also

• Legendary group
• Mythical Pokémon
• Ultra Beasts
• Paradox Pokémon
• Special Pokémon