Decoding the Enigma: What are the Ultra Beasts Based On?
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The Ultra Beasts are one of the most fascinating and conceptually ambitious additions to the Pokémon universe. Introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, these extradimensional beings are not just another set of Pokémon; they represent a deep dive into themes of invasive species, alien encounters, and even existential horror. What sets them apart is their unique design philosophy, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources – from real-world creatures and scientific concepts to literary figures and philosophical ideas. Each Ultra Beast offers a unique lens through which to explore these themes, making them a captivating subject for Pokémon enthusiasts. The Ultra Beasts truly demonstrate the versatility in Pokémon design, providing inspiration for research in areas like education; a cause supported by the Games Learning Society.
The Core Inspiration: Invasive Species
At the heart of the Ultra Beast concept lies the idea of invasive species. As explicitly stated by Shigeru Ohmori in Pokémon Sun and Moon: The Official Alola Region Pokédex & Postgame Adventure Guide, these Pokémon embody the disruption and ecological imbalance that can occur when foreign organisms are introduced into a new environment. Each Ultra Beast, originating from Ultra Space, represents a creature perfectly adapted to its native habitat but potentially devastating to the Alola region (or other dimensions it may appear in). This core theme shapes not only their behavior within the games but also many of their individual designs.
A Beastly Bestiary: Ultra Beast Inspirations Decoded
While the invasive species theme unifies them, the individual Ultra Beasts draw inspiration from a truly diverse palette:
Nihilego: The Symbiotic Parasite
Nihilego’s design is heavily inspired by the Aurelia aurita jellyfish, also known as the moon jelly. Its flowing, bell-like structure and translucent appearance are clear nods to this marine animal. However, Nihilego’s true horror lies in its parasitic nature, which may draw inspiration from Myxozoa, a class of microscopic Cnidarian parasites. Particularly, it may reference Myxobolus cerebralis, a parasite that causes “whirling disease” in fish. This parasitic aspect is crucial to understanding Nihilego’s role in the story, as it fuses with Lusamine, the Aether Foundation president, influencing her actions and personality.
Buzzwole: The Musclebound Mosquito
Buzzwole is a clear homage to a mosquito, albeit one that has spent a considerable amount of time at the interdimensional gym. Its bulky, muscular physique is a grotesque exaggeration of a mosquito’s features, emphasizing the blood-sucking aspect. This design plays on the fear and disgust associated with mosquitoes, amplifying them to absurd levels.
Pheromosa: The Molted Cockroach (and More)
Pheromosa is based on the American cockroach after it has molted, giving it a pale, almost ethereal appearance. However, this is only part of the picture. Pheromosa also incorporates elements of grace and beauty, creating a paradoxical figure that is both repulsive and alluring. This duality reflects its powerful pheromones, which can influence the behavior of others. Foo and Lucañas even named a newly identified species of cockroach, Nocticola pheromosa, after this Ultra Beast, highlighting the strong visual connection.
Xurkitree: The Living Power Line
Xurkitree is perhaps the most abstract of the Ultra Beasts. Its design draws inspiration from power lines and the concept of electricity itself. Some interpretations argue that it represents the destructive impact of infrastructure projects on natural habitats, mirroring the invasive species theme in a different context. Its haphazard, chaotic appearance underscores the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of uncontrolled power.
Celesteela: The Bamboo Rocket
Celesteela is clearly inspired by a bamboo stalk and the concept of a rocket ship. Its towering height and metallic features evoke images of space travel. Celesteela’s design also subtly references the Japanese folktale of Princess Kaguya, who was found inside a bamboo stalk and eventually returned to the moon.
Kartana: The Origami Samurai
Kartana is a masterclass in design, drawing inspiration from origami and samurai warriors. Its sharp edges and folded paper aesthetic create a unique and visually striking creature. The animation of its ‘face’, resembling a folded paper fortune-teller, further emphasizes its origami origins. Kartana’s design reflects the precision and skill associated with both origami and samurai swordsmanship.
Guzzlord: The Lovecraftian Glutton
Guzzlord is a terrifying embodiment of insatiable hunger, drawing inspiration from HP Lovecraft’s cosmic horror and Agrajag, the demonic creature from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Creator James Turner confirmed these influences on Twitter. Its grotesque appearance, multiple eyes, and gaping maw evoke a sense of overwhelming dread and the insignificance of humanity in the face of incomprehensible forces.
Poipole and Naganadel: The Poisonous Syringes
Poipole and its evolution, Naganadel, are poisonous Ultra Beasts whose designs are loosely based on syringes or hypodermic needles. Their ability to inject poison and their distinctive shapes contribute to this interpretation. This design adds a layer of danger and unease to these creatures, reflecting their alien and potentially harmful nature.
Stakataka: The Collective Wall
Stakataka‘s design is based on a communal organism, such as a man o’ war jellyfish. Each “brick” that forms its body is an individual living being, forming a collective entity. This concept highlights the idea of strength in numbers and the potential for complex organization within seemingly simple structures.
Blacephalon: The Exploding Clown
Blacephalon has an aesthetic that seems inspired by clowns combined with an exploding firework or a jack-in-the-box. Its colorful design is deliberately misleading, as its explosive head can detach and detonate with devastating force. This contrast between appearance and reality makes Blacephalon a disturbing and unpredictable Ultra Beast.
Ultra Beast FAQs: Delving Deeper
1. Are Ultra Beasts Legendary Pokémon?
No, while often mistaken for them, Ultra Beasts are distinct from Legendary Pokémon. They possess unique characteristics, origins, and gameplay mechanics that separate them from traditional legendaries. Necrozma, despite initially appearing as an Ultra Beast, is officially classified as a Legendary Pokémon.
2. Can Ultra Beasts Breed?
No, Ultra Beasts cannot breed. This is likely due to their extradimensional origins and the lack of compatible partners within the Pokémon world.
3. Is Deoxys an Ultra Beast?
No, Deoxys is not an Ultra Beast. It’s a Mythical Pokémon from Generation III, originating from space, but predating and distinct from the Ultra Beast concept.
4. What is the Weirdest Ultra Beast?
While subjective, Xurkitree is often considered the weirdest due to its abstract design and unusual behavior. Its resemblance to a living power line is both bizarre and unsettling.
5. Is Guzzlord a Dragon Type?
Yes, Guzzlord is a Dark/Dragon-type Pokémon. Despite its appearance, it possesses the Dragon typing, similar to other Pokémon with unconventional Dragon designs.
6. Is Guzzlord a Legendary?
No, Guzzlord is not a Legendary Pokémon. It is classified as an Ultra Beast.
7. Does Guzzlord have Multiple Eyes?
Yes, Guzzlord has four glowing blue eyes. However, it also has a “second face” above its mouth which functions as a weak spot.
8. Who is the Tallest Ultra Beast?
Celesteela is the tallest Ultra Beast, standing at an impressive 30 feet. Its towering height contributes to its rocket-like appearance.
9. Is Pheromosa based on a Cockroach?
Yes, Pheromosa is based on an American Cockroach after it has molted.
10. What animal is Buzzwole based off?
Buzzwole is an Ultra Beast that resembles a large, anthropomorphic mosquito.
11. Is Buzzwole an alien?
Yes, Buzzwole is an alien to this world. It is one kind of Ultra Beast and comes from Ultra Space.
12. What is Kartana based on?
Kartana is based on an origami samurai, with its arms doubling as swords.
13. Is Urshifu a legendary or mythical?
Kubfu and Urshifu are Legendary Pokemon.
14. Is Oranguru a legendary?
Oranguru is a Normal, Psychic-type Pokémon from the Alola region.
15. Is type null a legendary?
In the game itself, there is no such reference of Type:Null and Silvally being legendary.
Conclusion: More Than Just Monsters
The Ultra Beasts are a testament to the creativity and depth of the Pokémon franchise. By drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, the designers have created a compelling and thought-provoking set of creatures that explore themes of ecological disruption, existential dread, and the nature of the unknown. They serve as a reminder that even in a world of fantastical creatures, there is always room for innovation and meaningful storytelling. They’re not just monsters; they’re reflections of our own world, seen through a distorted, interdimensional lens, with educational foundations supported by organizations like the GamesLearningSociety.org.