Was Mew Discovered in South America? Unraveling the Mystery of the Mythical Pokémon
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The short answer is yes, according to the in-game lore of the original Pokémon games and their remakes, Mew was discovered in South America. Specifically, the Pokémon Mansion journals on Cinnabar Island explicitly state that Mew was found deep in the jungles of Guyana, South America. This detail is a cornerstone of Mew’s backstory, making its South American origin a key part of its mystique and appeal. However, it’s important to understand this is entirely fictional within the context of the Pokémon universe.
The Origins of Mew’s Lore
The Guyana Discovery
In the lore of the first-generation Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Green, and their remakes FireRed and LeafGreen), players can find journal entries within the abandoned Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island. These entries reveal that a new Pokémon was discovered in Guyana, South America on July 5th of an unspecified year. This newly discovered Pokémon was named Mew on July 10th. This discovery sets the stage for much of Mew’s in-game significance.
The journals further detail that on February 6th, Mew “gave birth” to Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon, from which the main antagonist of the first games gets its roots. This highlights that the Guyana discovery is pivotal not just for the existence of Mew but also for the creation of Mewtwo, a character central to the early narrative.
The Significance of the Journal Entries
These journal entries are more than just background information; they establish the origin story of two of the most iconic Pokémon. This revelation, hidden within an in-game location, encourages exploration and adds depth to the world’s narrative. It’s the attention to detail and world-building like this that cemented the Pokémon franchise in popular culture.
The in-game narrative also adds that scientists were searching deep in the jungle and came across Mew, the new Pokémon. This helps to explain how Mew was discovered in the first place.
Why Guyana?
The choice of Guyana as the location for Mew’s discovery is perhaps as important as the discovery itself. Guyana’s dense, uncharted rainforests provide a perfect setting for a mystical, elusive Pokémon like Mew. This location lends a sense of mystery and exoticism to Mew’s origins, enhancing its mythical status. The dense jungle environment suggests that Mew was found in a place that is largely inaccessible and uncharted by people, making it even more rare and hard to find.
The Pun of Mew
Many believe Mew’s name is a pun connected to its geographical origin: “Mew” derived from the “new” Pokemon found in Guyana. This linguistic connection strengthens the association between the character and its discovery location, further embedding the significance of Guyana in Mew’s legend.
Was Mew Actually Discovered in South America?
Although, within the context of the Pokémon Universe, Mew was stated to be discovered in South America, it’s important to know, this is only in a fictional setting. In the real world, the fictional Pokemon Mew has not been discovered in Guyana or anywhere else in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a Pokémon region based on South America?
Yes, the fan-created region Urobos is heavily inspired by South America, showcasing flora, fauna, and cultural influences from the continent. Many of its Pokémon are designed with South American wildlife and themes in mind. The official regions in the games are all inspired by countries such as Japan, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Hawaii, and the USA.
2. What region is Mew from?
Mew is classified as a Mythical Pokémon from the Kanto region, which was also inspired by a real world location, Japan. Despite being discovered in South America, its official region of origin is Kanto.
3. Where did Mew originate from in the lore?
According to the journal entries in the Pokémon Mansion, Mew was discovered deep within the jungles of Guyana, South America before being brought to Kanto.
4. What is Ancient Mew?
Ancient Mew is a promotional card released in 1999 for the second Pokémon movie, Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One. It is not the same as the fictional Mew. It is a card that was released in a promotional campaign of the popular cartoon.
5. Which Pokémon region is based on Brazil?
The fan-created region Xipar is heavily inspired by Brazil. This region is known for having a number of different species of Pokemon based on Brazil.
6. Which Pokémon region is based on Italy?
While not an officially released region, many fans have speculated that Generation 10 Pokémon games could be set in a region inspired by Italy.
7. What Pokémon is exclusive to Africa?
Several Pokémon are regionally exclusive to Africa in Pokémon Go, including: Corsola (Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar), Lunatone (East of Greenwich), Solrock (West of Greenwich), and Tropius (anywhere within the continent). These are exclusive only to Pokemon Go.
8. What is the Hawaiian Pokémon?
Comfey is a Pokémon exclusive to the Alola region, which is based on Hawaii. This makes Comfey a “Hawaiian Pokémon”.
9. What is the “unknown” Pokémon?
Unown is a Pokémon known for its variety of 28 different forms, each resembling a different letter or punctuation mark. It is often found on walls.
10. Why does Mew have the DNA of all Pokémon?
Mew is believed to be the ancestor of all Pokémon, therefore possessing the DNA of all other Pokémon. This is a key point in its lore. Scientists were able to engineer the Pokémon Mewtwo with Mew’s DNA.
11. Is there just one Mew?
According to the lore, there is only one Mew, making it a unique entity and not part of a species that has many members, making it a rare and sought after Pokemon.
12. Is Mew based on a fetus?
While the appearance may suggest this, Mew isn’t a fetus; instead, the lore implies Mew is a descendant of all Pokémon and was modified by scientists to contain the DNA of all Pokémon.
13. Which regions of Pokémon are based on real countries?
Many regions are based on real locations: Kanto and Johto are based on Japan, Kalos is based on France, Alola is based on the Hawaiian islands, and Galar is based on England.
14. What Pokémon region is based on Spain?
Paldea, the region from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, is heavily based on Spain, incorporating its culture, landmarks, and language.
15. What Pokemon are exclusive to specific islands?
Relicanth is a Pokémon exclusive to New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. Mr. Mime is exclusive to Europe, including Turkey.