For as long as we can remember, there is a popular theory surrounding each Fire starter Pokémon generation. For the uninitiated or unknown, Pokémon fans have long theorized that the Fire-type starter Pokémon of each generation is based on one of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs.
Since the release of Gen 8’s Pokémon Sword and Shieldfans have been speculating what the Fire starter sequel will be.
Here’s what the trainers match with what Zodiac has so far:
- Mouse – Cyndaquil
- Tiger – Litten
- Rabbit – Scorbunny
- Dragon – Charmander
- Monkey – Chimchar
- Rooster – Torchic
- Dog – Fennekin
- Pig – Tepig
Out of the 12 animals, only four remain without a Pokémon equivalent – Ox, Snake, Horse and Goat.
With notice of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and our introduction to three new beginnings, however, the Chinese zodiac thread looks like it is frayed at the seams.
Fuecoco, Pokémon Fire Croc and starters of the Generation 9 Fire type, at first glance don’t fit the other four animals. He’s a goofy big-mouthed crocodile whose design is based on a pepper. And dragons – another “kind” of lizards – were made. So, what is Fuecoco’s business in disrupting the wildly popular fan theory?
Honestly, this theory has always been a little fragile, and many Pokémon fans have debated its merits over the years. Starting with Gen 2’s Cyndaquil, this little guy’s Pokédex entry describes it as resembling Pokémon Rat, but its evolution Quilava and Typhlosion more closely resemble badger. Alternatively, entire lines could be inspired by echidnas.
Then there’s the line of Fennekin, all of which are foxes and not actual domesticated dogs. However, fox We belongs to the animal family Canidae, the canine family and closely related to dogs.
Finally, the initiator of OG Fire, Charmander. As a flaming lizard, Charmander isn’t technically a dragon – at least until it evolves into Charizard. After all, it flies and breathes fire! So it’s a similar problem with Cyndaquil, except it gets closer to its supposed inspiration than further away as it develops.
However, there is a pretty logical way that the zodiac theory could prove to be true. Count on the art side of the Pokémon community to really shine with some truly stunning Fak Pokémon designs. Artist Bromojumbofor example, has drawn some inspirational interpretations of what he thinks the final developments of the trilogy might look like:
All three of these are quite reasonable. Fuecoco’s potential final evolution, Picolebre, is based on El Cuelebre, a mythical winged snake. There’s also some obvious Quetzalcoatl – the winged serpent god of the Aztec Mesoamerican – that also inspired it.
This design will fit the stereotype for beginners according to the zodiac, and a crocodile evolving into a snake isn’t entirely unreasonable. Especially in a franchise where a fish can grow into an octopus!
The Pokémon Company has never confirmed the zodiac theory, and we never really expected them. We won’t know for sure until the Fuecoco’s final evolution isn’t a snake (or a horse – although the idea of a crocodile-horse hybrid is absolutely terrifying), or until the 12th generation. if it turned out to be true.
What do you think? Is your compatibility with Chimchar because you were born in the year of the Rat? Or do you believe that the Cyndaquil line is all deceitful evil honey badgers? Have your comments below!
