Is Mew a Mythical Pokémon? Unraveling the Mystery
Yes, Mew is definitively a Mythical Pokémon. This classification has become firmly established within the Pokémon universe, although its early categorization created some confusion. Originally considered alongside Legendary Pokémon, Mew’s unique distribution method and story significance cemented its place as a Mythical creature. These Pokémon, including others like Celebi, Deoxys, and Arceus, are often shrouded in greater mystery than their Legendary counterparts. This article will explore why Mew earned this classification and what sets Mythical Pokémon apart from Legendaries.
Understanding the Pokémon Classification System
The world of Pokémon is vast and diverse, boasting hundreds of unique creatures. To better organize and understand this abundance, the Pokémon Company International has created categories like “Legendary” and “Mythical” to distinguish between particularly rare and powerful Pokémon. While both types share similarities, the key differentiator lies in their availability and the nature of their existence within the game’s lore.
Legendary Pokémon: Power in Plain Sight (Relatively)
Legendary Pokémon are exceptionally rare and powerful creatures with significant roles in the Pokémon world’s mythology and history. They often possess incredible abilities and unique designs that set them apart from ordinary Pokémon. Most importantly, Legendary Pokémon are usually obtainable within the main series games through specific in-game events, encounters, or quests. While challenging to find and capture, their presence is an acknowledged part of the game’s storyline.
Examples of Legendary Pokémon include the iconic birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, the imposing Mewtwo, the majestic Lugia, and the fiery Ho-Oh. These Pokémon often guard sacred locations, influence the environment, or represent powerful forces of nature. Players can typically encounter them by progressing through the main story or completing optional side quests.
Mythical Pokémon: Secrets Beyond the Game
Mythical Pokémon, on the other hand, represent an even greater level of rarity and mystery. While they share the power and significance of Legendary Pokémon, they are distinguished by their inaccessibility within the standard gameplay experience. Mythical Pokémon are traditionally distributed through special events, promotions, and the Mystery Gift system. This means players can only obtain them by participating in real-world events, using promotional codes, or receiving them as part of limited-time distributions.
Mew perfectly exemplifies this distinction. In the original Pokémon Red and Blue, Mew was not obtainable through normal gameplay. Its existence was largely rumored, with players relying on glitches or special contests to acquire it. This air of mystery and the exclusivity surrounding its distribution solidified Mew’s status as a Mythical Pokémon. Other Mythical Pokémon include Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, Zarude, and many more. Their arrival in the game is celebrated and they become a focal point of the community.
Mew: Bridging the Gap
Mew, due to its unique history, stands at a unique crossroads between Legendary and Mythical classifications. Its initial treatment as a Legendary Pokémon in some non-Japanese media reflects the lack of a clear distinction in the early days of Pokémon. However, its true nature as a Mythical Pokémon became undeniable with the establishment of standardized distribution methods for similar rare Pokémon. It is often considered the “ancestor” of all Pokémon.
Why is Mew a Mythical Pokémon?
Mew is a Mythical Pokémon because it cannot be obtained through normal gameplay. It is only available through special events and promotions organized by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company International. This exclusive distribution method is the defining characteristic of Mythical Pokémon, setting them apart from Legendary Pokémon, which can typically be found and caught within the core game through specific in-game events, encounters, or quests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mew and Mythical Pokémon
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mew and Mythical Pokémon, offering more insight into these enigmatic creatures:
1. What is the difference between Legendary and Mythical Pokémon?
The main difference lies in their availability. Legendary Pokémon are typically found in the main series games through normal gameplay (albeit often involving challenging quests or conditions), whereas Mythical Pokémon are exclusively distributed through special events, promotions, or the Mystery Gift system. It is important to note that both categories include Pokémon with exceptional strength and narrative importance.
2. Is Arceus a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Arceus is a Mythical Pokémon. While it is often referred to as the “God” Pokémon and is incredibly powerful, it has historically only been obtainable through special events and promotions. This places it firmly in the Mythical category, despite its godlike status.
3. Can Mythical Pokémon be traded?
Trading Mythical Pokémon can be complicated. In some cases, it’s possible through the Global Trade System (GTS) or direct trades in certain Pokémon games. However, some Mythical Pokémon are specifically blocked from being traded to prevent exploitation or maintain their exclusivity. For example, Pokémon obtained in Pokémon GO may not be able to be transferred to all main series games, and vice versa. Always check the specific game’s trading rules to verify.
4. Can Mew evolve?
Mew cannot evolve. It is a standalone Pokémon with no evolutionary chain. While Mewtwo is considered a clone of Mew, it is not an evolved form.
5. Why is Mew numbered 151 in the Pokédex?
Mew’s Pokédex number is 151 because it was a secret addition to the original Pokémon Red and Blue games. It was added late in development and was not initially intended for public release.
6. Is Mewtwo a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Mewtwo is a Legendary Pokémon. While incredibly rare and powerful, it can be encountered and captured within the core game through specific conditions, such as defeating the Elite Four and exploring Cerulean Cave in the original games.
7. What are some other examples of Mythical Pokémon?
Other prominent Mythical Pokémon include Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Shaymin, Victini, Keldeo, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, and Zarude.
8. Can Mew learn any move?
In the games, Mew is renowned for its ability to learn almost any move, making it a versatile and unpredictable Pokémon. It can use Technical Machines (TMs) and Technical Records (TRs) to learn a wide range of attacks.
9. How do I obtain a Mythical Pokémon?
Mythical Pokémon are obtained through special events, promotions, and the Mystery Gift system. Keep an eye on official Pokémon websites and social media channels for announcements regarding these events.
10. Is there only one Mew in the Pokémon world?
The lore surrounding Mew is ambiguous. While some interpretations suggest it’s a unique ancestor of all Pokémon, the existence of multiple Mews hasn’t been explicitly ruled out. However, the rarity and special distribution method make it functionally unique for each player.
11. Are Mythical Pokémon stronger than Legendary Pokémon?
Not necessarily. Both Legendary and Mythical Pokémon possess exceptional strength. The power levels vary between individual Pokémon within each category. Mewtwo, for example, is often considered stronger than some Mythical Pokémon, while Arceus is considered one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire franchise.
12. What is the rarest Mew card?
Several Mew Pokémon cards are highly valued by collectors. The 2001 Pokemon Southern Islands Promo Mew Holo #1 is considered one of the rarest, with prices ranging from $50 to $5,000 depending on the condition.
13. Why are Mythical Pokémon so rare?
Mythical Pokémon are rare to emphasize their mystique and importance within the Pokémon universe. Their limited availability creates a sense of excitement and anticipation among players.
14. Is Mew a good Pokémon to use in battles?
Yes, Mew is a versatile and powerful Pokémon in battles. Its ability to learn almost any move makes it highly adaptable to different team compositions and strategies.
15. Can I still get Mew in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Mew is available in Pokémon GO through Special Research tasks. Completing these tasks will eventually lead to an encounter with Mew. It was the first Mythical Pokémon available in the game.
The Enduring Appeal of Mythical Pokémon
Mythical Pokémon like Mew hold a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans. Their rarity, mystery, and connection to real-world events make them highly sought after and contribute to the ongoing appeal of the Pokémon franchise. They embody the spirit of adventure and discovery that lies at the heart of the game. This ties to the educational value of gaming that researchers and educators at the Games Learning Society explore. You can learn more about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding the classification system and the unique qualities of Mythical Pokémon, players can better appreciate the rich and intricate world of Pokémon. Mew will forever remain an iconic representation of these traits.