The Sundering of Legends: Unraveling the Split of Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem
The core reason Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem split is a tale deeply rooted in the ideological conflict of two brothers in the Unova region’s ancient past. The Original Dragon, a single, powerful Pokémon serving as a guardian and symbol of unity, was torn apart by the diverging paths of these siblings. The elder brother sought truth, while the younger brother pursued ideals, and their inability to reconcile these perspectives led to a rift that shattered the very essence of their bond and, consequently, the dragon they shared. This fracturing resulted in the creation of Reshiram, embodying truth, Zekrom, representing ideals, and Kyurem, the empty husk left behind.
The Genesis of Conflict: Brothers Divided
Before the split, there was only the Original Dragon, an immensely powerful being that aided twin heroes in establishing the Unova region. This dragon was not merely a powerful entity; it was a symbol of balance and shared purpose. However, as the brothers matured, their perspectives on how to guide and govern the region began to diverge sharply.
The older brother, a proponent of truth, believed in understanding the world through objective observation and unwavering adherence to facts. He sought to illuminate the realities of existence, even when uncomfortable or challenging. The younger brother, on the other hand, championed ideals. He envisioned a better future and believed in striving towards aspirational goals, even if they seemed unattainable in the present.
These differing philosophies weren’t merely academic; they shaped their actions and decisions, leading to escalating disagreements and eventually, open conflict. The Original Dragon, intrinsically linked to their shared spirit, couldn’t withstand the growing animosity. It resonated with the disharmony and, unable to reconcile the conflicting energies, was forced to divide. This violent separation birthed three distinct entities: Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem.
The Birth of Reshiram and Zekrom: Embodiments of Ideology
Reshiram, the Vast White Pokémon, emerged from the Original Dragon, representing the pursuit of truth. Its fiery tail burns with intense heat, and its majestic form embodies the unwavering pursuit of understanding. Reshiram sides with those who seek truth and justice, often appearing to those who embody these principles.
Zekrom, the Deep Black Pokémon, came into being as the embodiment of ideals. Its powerful electrical tail generates immense energy, symbolizing the force of ambition and the drive to create a better world. Zekrom aligns itself with individuals who champion ideals and dreams, offering its power to those who strive for a brighter future.
After a period of intense conflict between the two brothers, and consequently, Reshiram and Zekrom, both dragons transformed into stones. Reshiram became the Light Stone, and Zekrom became the Dark Stone. These stones would later awaken and choose new heroes to continue their respective quests.
Kyurem: The Empty Husk and its Eternal Hunger
Unlike Reshiram and Zekrom, Kyurem, the Boundary Pokémon, is not an embodiment of any positive trait. Instead, it represents the emptiness and loss resulting from the sundering. It is a husk, a chilling reminder of what was lost when the Original Dragon was divided.
Kyurem is said to have landed in the Unova region inside of a icy meteorite! Upon landing it formed an area called the Giant Chasm.
Kyurem craves completion. Driven by an insatiable hunger, it seeks to reunite with Reshiram or Zekrom, attempting to fill the void within itself by absorbing their power. This process results in the creation of Black Kyurem (fusing with Zekrom) and White Kyurem (fusing with Reshiram), powerful forms that demonstrate the raw potential of the Original Dragon, but also highlight the inherent imbalance caused by its division.
The Legacy of the Split: An Enduring Symbol
The story of Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem is more than just a tale of legendary Pokémon; it is a potent allegory for the destructive consequences of ideological division. It highlights the importance of balance and understanding between different perspectives and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked conflict.
The Unova region continues to be shaped by the legacy of this ancient split. The ongoing search for balance and harmony between truth and ideals remains a central theme, reminding trainers and scholars alike of the importance of unity and understanding.
The complexity of the Unova region’s lore and the fascinating character of Kyurem have made the Gen 5 games some of the most popular in the franchise. To delve further into the educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the split of Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem, providing additional insights into this pivotal event in Pokémon lore:
1. Was Kyurem the original dragon?
Yes, according to lore presented in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Kyurem is what remained of the Original Dragon after it split into Reshiram and Zekrom.
2. Why is Kyurem considered a villain?
Kyurem’s portrayal as a villain stems from its insatiable hunger and its attempts to forcibly fuse with Reshiram or Zekrom. Its actions are driven by a need to fill the void within itself, often causing destruction and chaos in the process. In most of its appearances, it is portrayed as a villain.
3. Are Reshiram and Zekrom brothers?
No, Reshiram and Zekrom are not brothers. They are parts of the Original Dragon that split due to the conflict between two human brothers who sought truth and ideals, respectively.
4. What is the gender of Zekrom and Reshiram?
While officially genderless in the games to prevent breeding, some fans and even game designers unofficially associate genders with them. Reshiram is sometimes associated with femininity, and Zekrom with masculinity, aligning with Yin and Yang.
5. Who is stronger, Reshiram or Zekrom?
Both Pokémon are incredibly powerful, but they excel in different areas. Zekrom is a physical attacker, boasting high Attack stats, while Reshiram is a special attacker, with superior Special Attack stats.
6. Why is Kyurem frozen?
Kyurem’s frozen state is a result of the immense power it possesses. It generates freezing energy inside itself, but its body became frozen when that energy leaked out. It is speculated that this frozen state reflects its incomplete nature.
7. What do Reshiram and Zekrom represent?
Reshiram represents truth, while Zekrom represents ideals. They are the embodiments of these abstract concepts, influencing their actions and motivations.
8. Why did the original dragon split into two Pokémon?
The Original Dragon split due to the irreconcilable differences between two brothers who sought truth and ideals. Their conflict created such disharmony that the Dragon could no longer remain whole, splitting to represent their opposing views.
9. What is the story behind Kyurem crashing to earth?
As it drifted, it crashed into an icy meteorite containing a strain of the space virus that created Deoxys. The virus inhabited the husk, reanimating it and turning it into Kyurem. The meteorite continued on its course, finally crashing to earth near Lacunosa Town, where the impact created the Giant Chasm.
10. What happened to Reshiram and Zekrom after the brothers battled?
After the brothers battled, Reshiram and Zekrom transformed into the Light and Dark Stones, respectively. They remained dormant in these forms until new heroes worthy of wielding their power emerged.
11. Why is Kyurem Black and White banned in some competitive formats?
Kyurem-Black and Kyurem-White are banned in many competitive formats due to their overwhelming power and versatility. Their high stats, wide movepools, and ability to break through walls make them difficult to counter, leading to their restriction in competitive play.
12. What are the types of Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem?
- Reshiram is a Dragon/Fire-type.
- Zekrom is a Dragon/Electric-type.
- Kyurem is a Dragon/Ice-type.
13. What role did the original dragon play in the Unova region’s history?
The Original Dragon helped the twin heroes bring the Unova region into being. It served as a guardian and a symbol of unity, contributing to the region’s prosperity and development.
14. What is the significance of the Light and Dark Stones?
The Light and Dark Stones are remnants of Reshiram and Zekrom, respectively. They represent the potential for these legendary Pokémon to awaken and choose new heroes to champion their respective ideals.
15. Does Ash Ketchum ever encounter Reshiram or Zekrom?
Ash Ketchum encounters Zekrom in the first episode of the Best Wishes series, “In the Shadow of Zekrom!”. He also sees Reshiram later in the series, playing a significant role in the Unova region arc.
This detailed exploration of the split between Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem provides a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal event in Pokémon lore. The story serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of balance, understanding, and the potential consequences of ideological division.