Did Ash Ketchum Ever Catch Eternatus? A Comprehensive Look
No, Ash Ketchum has never caught Eternatus. In the Pokémon anime, it was Goh who ultimately caught the Gigantamax Pokémon, after Ash and Goh, aided by the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta, defeated it. Following its capture, Eternatus was entrusted to Professor Magnolia for safekeeping, thereby preventing it from falling into the wrong hands or causing further chaos.
The Eternatus Saga: A Recap
The story of Eternatus is closely tied to the Galar region and the Dynamax phenomenon. This extraterrestrial Pokémon arrived on Earth approximately 20,000 years ago. Its reawakening 3,000 years prior to the events of Pokémon Sword and Shield caused the Darkest Day, a cataclysmic event where Pokémon began Dynamaxing uncontrollably.
In the anime, Ash and Goh played a crucial role in confronting this threat. They teamed up with Zacian and Zamazenta, wielding the Rusted Sword and Shield, to battle Eternatus. Their combined efforts led to its defeat and subsequent capture by Goh. The decision to leave it in the care of Professor Magnolia underscored the potential danger Eternatus posed, even when contained within a Poké Ball.
Ash’s Legendary Encounters: A Missed Opportunity?
While Ash Ketchum is renowned for his strong bonds with his Pokémon and his undeniable talent as a trainer, he has never officially caught a Legendary Pokémon. Melmetal, a Mythical Pokémon, is perhaps the closest he’s come, highlighting his capacity to connect with even the rarest of creatures. His interactions with other Legendary Pokémon, such as Solgaleo, were more of a mentorship nature rather than ownership.
The choice to have Goh capture Eternatus, rather than Ash, served specific narrative purposes. It showcased Goh‘s role as a researcher and collector, emphasizing his goal of catching every Pokémon. It also allowed the anime to explore the responsibility that comes with handling such a powerful and potentially dangerous creature, even for someone as experienced as Ash.
Eternatus and its Power
Eternatus isn’t just any Pokémon; it’s an alien being of immense power, responsible for the Dynamax phenomenon that is central to the Galar region. It is the source of the Dynamax energy that causes Pokémon to grow to gigantic proportions, and it is also capable of assuming its own Eternamax form, which makes it immensely powerful.
The decision to entrust it to Professor Magnolia highlighted the understanding that even the most skilled trainers may not be equipped to handle such an entity. By placing it in safekeeping, the characters acknowledged the potential risks and the responsibility that comes with controlling a force of nature like Eternatus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why didn’t Ash catch Eternatus?
The narrative choice of Goh catching Eternatus aligned with his character arc as a Pokémon collector and researcher. It also highlighted the immense responsibility of handling such a powerful creature, a task better suited to someone with a research focus.
2. Who caught Eternatus in the games?
In the Pokémon Sword and Shield games, the player character catches Eternatus before battling Leon, making it a crucial asset in the final showdown and subsequent post-game challenges.
3. Is Eternatus a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Eternatus is classified as a Legendary Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon are typically rarer and more elusive, often distributed through special events, while Legendary Pokémon are generally tied to the lore of a specific region.
4. Can Eternatus Dynamax?
No, Eternatus cannot Dynamax in the traditional sense. It has a unique form called Eternamax, which is even more powerful than Gigantamax forms. The reason it can’t Dynamax is that the energy needed far exceeds what a Dynamax Power Spot can provide.
5. What is Eternatus’s origin?
Eternatus is an alien Pokémon that arrived on Earth inside a meteorite approximately 20,000 years ago. Its reawakening caused the Darkest Day and the uncontrolled Dynamaxing of Pokémon.
6. What are Zacian and Zamazenta’s roles in the Eternatus story?
Zacian and Zamazenta, the Warrior Pokémon of the Galar region, play a pivotal role in battling Eternatus. Wielding the Rusted Sword and Shield, they help Ash and Goh defeat the rampaging Pokémon.
7. Where is Eternatus now?
After being caught by Goh, Eternatus was entrusted to Professor Magnolia for safekeeping. Its Poké Ball is sealed away in a safe, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
8. Is Eternatus stronger than Arceus?
In terms of in-game stats, Gigantamax Eternatus has a higher total stat than Arceus. However, the lore and fan base recognizes Arceus as the God of all Pokémon, suggesting it holds power beyond raw numbers.
9. Does Leon use Eternatus in battles?
No, Leon does not use Eternatus in battles, including his battle against Ash in the Pokémon Master’s Eight.
10. Why does Eternatus look so unusual?
Eternatus‘s skeletal appearance is believed to be a result of its exposure to Dynamax energy and its extraterrestrial nature. Its body has been eroded over time, giving it a distinct and somewhat unsettling appearance.
11. What are the best counters against Eternatus in Pokémon GO?
The best counters for Eternatus in Pokémon GO include Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, Mega Alakazam, Mewtwo, and Mega Gardevoir.
12. What is Dynamax Cannon?
Dynamax Cannon is a Dragon-type move that deals double damage to Dynamaxed or Gigantamaxed Pokémon. It is the signature move of Eternatus and a testament to its ability to harness and manipulate Dynamax energy.
13. What is the Darkest Day?
The Darkest Day is a cataclysmic event caused by Eternatus reawakening and releasing massive amounts of Dynamax energy. This event led to Pokémon uncontrollably Dynamaxing and wreaking havoc across the Galar region.
14. Where does Eternatus get its energy from?
Eternatus absorbs energy from various sources to sustain itself, particularly the Dynamax energy that permeates the Galar region. It uses this energy to power its Eternamax form and to maintain its existence.
15. Who is Professor Magnolia?
Professor Magnolia is a Pokémon Professor who specializes in the Dynamax phenomenon. She is the grandmother and mentor of Sonia. After Goh catches Eternatus, he leaves Eternatus with her for safekeeping and further research.
Beyond the Catch: The Significance of Eternatus
The story of Eternatus serves as a potent reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. It highlights the potential consequences of tampering with forces beyond our understanding and the importance of responsible stewardship. Even though Ash did not capture Eternatus, his role in defeating it underscores his commitment to protecting the world and its Pokémon.
The Pokémon universe continues to evolve, captivating fans with its rich lore and dynamic characters. Whether it’s exploring the mysteries of Legendary Pokémon or the bonds between trainers and their partners, the adventures never cease. To delve deeper into educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org to explore how games can be used for learning and development.