Suicune
Encyclopedia
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
and Game Freak
Game Freak
is a Japanese video game developer that currently creates games exclusively for Nintendo. It has developed the Pokémon series of role-playing games and several other games.-History:...
's Pokémon
Pokémon
is a media franchise published and owned by the video game company Nintendo and created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996. Originally released as a pair of interlinkable Game Boy role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, Pokémon has since become the second most successful and lucrative video...
franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori
Ken Sugimori
is a Japanese video game designer, illustrator, manga artist, and director. He is most famous as the character designer and art director for the Pokémon franchise. Sugimori is also credited with the art direction for other titles, including Pulseman. Sugimori drew all of the original 151 Pokémon...
, Suicune first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles, animated adaptations, and printed adaptations of the franchise.
Known as the Aurora
Aurora (astronomy)
An aurora is a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere...
Pokémon, is one of the three "Legendary Beasts" that are featured in Pokémon Gold, Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
, and Crystal. According to legend it's one of the Legendary Beasts reincarnated
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
by Ho-Oh from the spirits of three Pokémon which died in the fire that gave Burnt Tower its name. Suicune is the reincarnation of north wind
North wind
A north wind is a wind that originates in the north and blows south. The north wind has had historical and literal significance, since it often signals cold weather and seasonal change in the Northern hemisphere.-Mythology:...
s.
Design and characteristics
Suicune is a blue quadrepedal creature, with white diamond-shaped spots and a white underside. Suicune has a purple cape or mane that resembles a northern aurora or a flowing river and two white streamer-like tails. It has a hexagonal, aquamarine-colored crest on its forehead, red irises, a protrusion on the underside of its chin and small paws. Its paws have a small white oval on their underside. Suicune has the power to purify dirty water, and can walk across water. Northern winds always seems to blow where ever it shows up. Since Suicune is a member of the Legendary Beast Trio, Suicune races around the land, in search for a pure reservoirReservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
. It is
thought to have been based on many creatures and mythological deities, mainly the Chinese and Japanese Qilin
Qilin
The Qilin is a mythical hooved Chinese chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures, and is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a wise sage or an illustrious ruler. It is a good omen that brings rui . It is often depicted with what looks like fire all over...
, or "Kirin", an Eastern mythical creature that has traits of deer, giraffes, unicorns, big cats, and other beasts. It is able to walk on water and is known to be a powerful and peaceful creature. The crest on Suicune's head matches the description of the beast's antler's, though it is speculated to have been purposely reshaped to resemble the female sign, as a tribute to females, along with the release of Pokemon Crystal version, which was the first game with a playable female character. It also appears that Suicune, unlike its kin, is a herbivore due to its molar teeth, face and eye orientation, which further relates it to the Quilin. The spots of Suicune are also significant, seeming to combine the spots of a leopard
Leopard
The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its...
, taking homage from Fujin
Fujin
is the Japanese god of the wind and one of the eldest Shinto gods.He is portrayed as a terrifying dark demon, resembling a red headed black humanoid wearing a leopard skin, carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders....
, the Shinto god of The North Wind, who wears leopard skin; also some species of leopards are found in Asia and are featured in myths that show it is a widely respected sacred animal like the Qilin. The way it runs and roars in the anime also relates to the leopard. Suicune's anatomy may also be based on the cheetah
Cheetah
The cheetah is a large-sized feline inhabiting most of Africa and parts of the Middle East. The cheetah is the only extant member of the genus Acinonyx, most notable for modifications in the species' paws...
, which is considerable, due to the fact that cheetahs and leopards, both being swift, sleek spotted cats, are often confused with each other and thought to be the same animal. The idea that Suicune is the embodiment of the wind also relates to a Native American belief that cheetahs, or american cheetahs, were the personifications of the wind.
Video games
Suicune first appears in the Game Boy ColorGame Boy Color
The is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
video games Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver
are the second installments of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. The games have dual-mode capabilities allowing them to also be played on earlier Game Boy models. They were first released in Japan in 1999 and to...
. Upon being approached by the player's character, Suicune, along with its counterparts Entei
Entei
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Entei first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles, animated adaptations, and printed adaptations of the...
and Raikou, flee, traveling at incredible speeds across Johto. The three of them will randomly appear on a certain route, fleeing from battle at the first opportunity. In Pokémon Crystal, Suicune is the version mascot, appearing on the boxart, and other related media. It is possible to see Suicune multiple times on the overworld before the actual battle. In these occasions, it will always hop away on being spotted. It will make its last stop in the Bell Tower. The three of them later appear in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
are enhanced remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue video games, which were released in 1996. The new titles were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance and have compatibility with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, which originally came bundled with...
; however, only one of them appears in a single play through. If the player chooses Charmander
Charmander
Charmander, known as in Japan, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Charmander first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed...
, Suicune will appear in a similar fashion to how it appeared in Gold and Silver. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
are enhanced remakes of the 1999 video games Pokémon Gold and Silver. The games are part of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games, and were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS...
, Suicune makes many appearances through the storyline, like in Crystal, but is instead makes its last stop outside of Bill's Sea Cottage after roaming throughout Johto and Kanto. To promote the release of Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black and White
are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. They are the first installments in the fifth generation of the Pokémon series of role-playing games...
, players can download the shiny Entei, Raikou, and Suicune from GameStop
GameStop
GameStop Corporation is an American video game and entertainment software retailer. The company, whose headquarters is in Grapevine, Texas, United States, operates 6,500 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New...
stores on various weeks in January and February 2011, which will activate the Zoroark event in the games. In Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee, known in Japan as , often abbreviated as SSBM or simply as Melee, is a crossover fighting game released for the Nintendo GameCube shortly after its launch in . It is the successor to the Nintendo 64 game Super Smash Bros., and the predecessor to the Wii game Super Smash...
and Brawl, when released from a Poké Ball, Suicune unleashes a blast of Icy Wind that causes high levels of damage.
In other media
Its first appearance is in the episode Don't Touch That 'dile when AshAsh Ketchum
Ash Ketchum, known as for all appearances in Japan, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise owned by Nintendo. He was created by, and named after, Satoshi Tajiri as the protagonist of the anime and manga series, as well as on various merchandise related to the franchise...
, Misty
Misty (Pokémon)
Misty, known as in Japanese versions, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise. She has appeared as a Gym Leader in the Pokémon video games, several seasons of the Pokémon anime, The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga, the Ash & Pikachu manga, toys, books, and other media.-Design:Misty's...
, and Brock
Brock (Pokémon)
Brock, known as in Japanese versions, is a video game character in the Pokémon franchise. In the Pokémon video games, he is the Gym Leader of Pewter City and mainly uses Rock -type Pokémon; in the anime series, he left his position as a Gym Leader to travel alongside Ash Ketchum and become a...
spot Suicune in the middle of a lake near New Bark Town. When it spots the group, it runs off. Its first significant appearance is in the episode For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll, where it appeared in Ecruteak City after one of the Crystal Bells from the Bell Tower was destroyed. The first lengthy appearance of Suicune is in Celebi: Voice of the Forest. In the course of the movie, it demonstrated its ability to purify water, as well as doing battle with Dark Celebi
Celebi (Pokémon)
is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, they first appeared in the video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and subsequent sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise...
. Suicune also appears in Sinnoh in Drifloon on the Wind!. It was a friend to two young Joys named Marnie and Paige. Suicune saved Ash and Paige's lives. Suicune will be appearing alongside Celebi and the other members of its trio in Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions.
In the Pokémon Adventures
Pokémon Adventures
Pokémon Adventures, released in Japan as , is a Pokémon-related manga based on the video games. Satoshi Tajiri once stated that the Pocket Monsters Special series is closest to what he imagined the Pokémon world to be:...
manga, Suicune was awakened by Yellow along with its two counterparts, and the three raced around looking for trainers to help them defeat the Masked Man to free Ho-Oh. Suicune, in particular, personally challenges nearly every single Gym Leader. During its travels, it encounters both Eusine and Crystal, both of which become obsessed with capturing it. Crystal acquires the Crystal Bell, but is still unable to capture Suicune. Suicune later chooses Misty
Misty (Pokémon)
Misty, known as in Japanese versions, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise. She has appeared as a Gym Leader in the Pokémon video games, several seasons of the Pokémon anime, The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga, the Ash & Pikachu manga, toys, books, and other media.-Design:Misty's...
as its partner, but then pairs up with Crystal anyway after Misty becomes injured.
Promotion and reception
Since its appearance in the PokémonPokémon
is a media franchise published and owned by the video game company Nintendo and created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996. Originally released as a pair of interlinkable Game Boy role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, Pokémon has since become the second most successful and lucrative video...
series, Suicune has received generally positive reception. It has been featured in several forms of merchandise, including figures, plush toys, the Pokémon Trading Card Game
Pokémon Trading Card Game
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a collectible card game based on the Pokémon video game series, first introduced in Japan in October 1996, then North America in December 1998...
', and others.
In an interview, Tsunekazu Ishihara, President of The Pokémon Company
The Pokémon Company
is a corporation responsible for marketing and licensing the Pokémon franchise and is affiliated and owned by Nintendo. It began operating in 1998 and adopted the moniker "Pokémon Ltd." in 2000. The company is headquartered in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Roppongi Rokuchome, Minato, Tokyo...
, described Suicune as well as the other two Legendary Beasts Raikou and Entei as appealing and exciting to both new and old players; he states that they would evoke memories for old players, while new players would be surprised by the random appearance of them. Suicune was included by MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
's Multiplayer Blog as one of the nominees in the "Greatest Canine In Video Game History" article, along with Raikou and Entei, despite the fact that they are not actually meant to be dogs. In the end, however, none of them were chosen by readers or by the panel of judges. GamesRadar
GamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
called Suicune one of its favourite Pokémon, along with Celebi. In a poll conducted by IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
, it was voted as the 16th best Pokémon, where the staff commented on how "weird and cool" it is, describing it as being "totally based on Japenese[sic] unicorns".