10 Pokémon Inspired By Real-World Mythological Creatures

If you see a Ninetales, run. They're intelligent enough to understand humans and are known to hold grudges for, oh say 1,000 years. Because the flame-throwing firefox needs an evolutionary stone to grow into its most powerful and final form, Ninetales isn't common in the wild. However, a new form of the bright white beast has joined the Pokédex. Quite the opposite of its flaming familiar, Alola Ninetales are Ice and Fairy-type known for rescuing humans from mountainsides.

Fox-like creatures appear in folklore from cultures around the globe. They’re typically manipulative tricksters who truly enjoy messing with others. That being said, if foxes are so non-unique, how can you determine Ninetales’ exact inspiration?

Much like the fiery Gen I monster, the kitsune also have a penchant for tricking others. The most distinct parallel between the two is their tail game. Kitsune lore dictates each monster grows an additional tail every 100 years until it caps out at—drum roll please—nine tails. Once these cunning creatures reach 900 years old, they're said to have infinite wisdom and unbelievable power, which, for whatever reason, turns their red coat into a shiny platinum mane, which explains both the appearance of Ninetales and its first form, Vulpix.