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Tapu Lele(JP) is a Pokémon species of the series of the same name. It is a Psychic/Fairy Legendary Pokémon introduced in the seventh generation in Pokémon Sun and Moon. It is one of the Guardian deities and the guardian deity of Akala Island.
Physiology & Behavior[]
Tapu Lele is a vaguely butterfly-like Legendary Pokémon. Tapu Lele has a black upper body and head with a few small white markings. Its eyes are blue with a pink line through the middle of each iris. Below each eye is a curved white line and above each is a curved pink line separated into three segments. On its upper body is another, thicker curved white line. Its thin arms have digit-less hands and puffy pink bracelets on each wrist. On top of its head is a mass of dark pink, tentacle-like hair. Two longer strands of hair frame its face. Encasing its dark pink lower body and on top of its head is a shell resembling an insect.
Tapu Lele's shell is primarily light pink. The portion on top of its head is conical with a white diamond marking in the center and a white half-diamond marking below that. Both diamond shapes are framed with black. The shell around its lower body mirrors these diamond markings and has an additional half-diamond on the back. On each side is a hexagon marking consisting of five dark pink triangles and one light pink triangle all outlined in black. These resemble the compound eyes of many insects. There are also projections on the back of the shell that resemble butterfly wings and a small black bump on the bottom similar to a curled proboscis. When closed, the shell resembles a bug's head with small wings.
This guardian of Akala Island is known to scatter glowing scales, which affect others by stimulating and healing their bodies; however, these scales are also dangerous if too many are touched at once. Some consider it to be cruel for the way it destroys others as it scatters its scales for its own amusement. An old legend says that Tapu Lele ended a war between Alola's islands by healing the tired warriors with its scales, but rumors point to a more disturbing truth behind this story. Its strength comes from the energy stored within its shell. If Tapu Lele finds itself at a disadvantage in battle, it will prioritize not outright losing as opposed to trying for a decisive victory. It is said to gain energy from the scent of flowers.
Appearances[]
Main Pokémon games[]
In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Tapu Lele can be fought in the Ruins of Life on Akala Island after becoming the Champion.
Pokémon Spinoffs[]
In the anime[]
Tapu Lele made it's first appearance in the anime in SM020, where Ash and Pikachu see it floating over the ocean. It scattered it's glowing scales on Ash, healing the wounds he sustained while rescuing a Wimpod that was trapped in a cave, and then took off to the sky. After Ash goes back to Professor Kukui's house, it is identified as a Tapu Lele by Rotom Pokédex.
In Pokémon Adventures[]
In the Sun & Moon chapter, Tapu Lele is first mentioned by Olivia, who notes that there have been several sightings of it around Akala Island.
Origin[]
Tapu Lele appears to be based on a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. When its mask is closed, it resembles a stylized butterfly head. Its overall design is also similar to a tiki statue. It may also be inspired by Kāne, one of the four major Hawaiian gods. Kāne is a creator god, bestowing life into the first human in Hawaiian mythology.
In-game Information[]
Pokédex Entries[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| Seventh Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sun | This guardian deity of Akala is guilelessly cruel. The fragrant aroma of flowers is the source of its energy. |
| Pokémon Moon | As it flutters about, it scatters its strangely glowing scales. Touching them is said to restore good health on the spot. |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | It heals the wounds of people and Pokémon by sprinkling them with its sparkling scales. This guardian deity is worshiped on Akala. |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | Although called a guardian deity, Tapu Lele is devoid of guilt about its cruel disposition and can be described as nature incarnate. |
Game Locations[]
| Title | Location(s) |
|---|---|
| Seventh Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sun | |
| Pokémon Moon | |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | |
| Eighth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sword | |
| Pokémon Shield | |
Stats[]
| HP | 70 |
| Attack | 85 |
| Defense | 75 |
| Sp. Attack | 130 |
| Sp. Defense | 115 |
| Speed | 95 |
| Total | 570 |
Moveset[]
Gallery[]
| Renders | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||
| Legendary Pokémon | |
|---|---|
| Generation I | Articuno • Zapdos • Moltres • Mewtwo |
| Generation II | Raikou • Entei • Suicune • Lugia • Ho-Oh |
| Generation III | Regirock • Regice • Registeel • Latias • Latios • Kyogre • Groudon • Rayquaza |
| Generation IV | Uxie • Mesprit • Azelf • Dialga • Palkia • Heatran • Regigigas • Giratina • Cresselia |
| Generation V | Cobalion • Terrakion • Virizion • Tornadus • Thundurus • Reshiram • Zekrom • Landorus • Kyurem |
| Generation VI | Xerneas • Yveltal • Zygarde |
| Generation VII | Type: Null • Silvally • Tapu Koko • Tapu Lele • Tapu Bulu • Tapu Fini • Cosmog • Cosmoem • Solgaleo • Lunala • Necrozma |
| Generation VIII | Zacian • Zamazenta • Eternatus • Kubfu • Urshifu • Regieleki • Regidrago • Glastrier • Spectrier • Calyrex • Enamorus |
| Generation IX | Wo-Chien • Chien-Pao • Ting-Lu • Chi-Yu • Koraidon • Miraidon • Okidogi • Munkidori • Fezandipiti • Ogerpon • Terapagos |