5 Pokemon concepts seemingly inspired by American folklore and culture

One of the most enriching parts of the Pokemon franchise is the world-building. The regions in the mainline series and even some of the spin-off games are inspired by different real-life countries and places. This shows in more than just the region design, as many characters and creature designs are filled to the brim with cultural influences.

One of the most apparent cultures present in the franchise is that of the Western world. With the Pokemon games having so many players in the United States, it should not come as a surprise that a lot of the franchise's unique and interesting ideas hark on the country's influence. So, what are some of these highlights?

Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer

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Pokemon's 5 best callbacks to American culture and folklore

1) Sawsbuck and Deerling

Sawsbuck as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Although not necessarily exclusive to the states, deer have a significant impact on the culture in rural sections of the country. Being that the two creatures were introduced in Unova, a region designed after the United States, it is likely that these two Pokemon were designed after the White-Tailed Deer.

These species of deer are commonly hunted in the US, with many states even going as far as to close schools and certain businesses down for the first day of hunting season. With this time of year coming in the fall, which is the time of the year when leaves begin to drop from the branches on Sawsbuck's head, the species of Pocket Monsters could be a callback to this American tradition.

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2) Sableye

Sableye alongside the Hopkinsville Goblin (Image via The Pokemon Company/Wikipedia)

Sableye has been a beloved member of the franchise ever since its first debut in the third generation. Right away, many American fans noticed the monster's similar features to that of the Hopkinsville Goblin, a cryptid that was believed to have been spotted in Kentucky in 1955. This can be seen in Sableye's long limbs, beady eyes, and pointed ears.

Although many were quick to write off the encounter as a paranoid wanderer's misinterpretation of a Great Horned Owl, it still remains to many as one of the most well-known sightings of alleged aliens in the Western world.

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3) Sigilyph

Sigilyph alongside a water-drinking maiden (Image via The Pokemon Company/Wikipedia)

Sigilyph has a very interesting origin. Native to the Unova region, many trainers may have been taken aback by its bold design, but it can be appreciated a lot more under an analytical lens. Sigilyph is based on wind chimes, totem poles, and a kachina, all very important parts of Native American culture.

The kachina is a crucial spirit in native religions and is said to bring good fortune, fertility, healing, and protection. This fits the creature well, as it was notorious in the fifth generation for being one of the best supporting monsters in the game's OU tier of play. Thanks to its ability to set up defensive screens and deflect an opponent's status ailments, Sigilyph holds true to its benevolent inspiration.

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4) Scraggy and Scrafty

Scraggy as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Scraggy has been an obvious callback to youth culture and hip-hop music ever since its debut in the fifth generation. The evolution of Scraggy, Scrafty, sports a giant mohawk, pierced tail, and darkened eyes.

Both monsters also carry an air of urban gang culture with them, given their Pokedex entries. Scraggy is an incredibly territorial creature that will attack whatever locks eyes with it relentlessly. On the other hand, Scrafty carries a fearsome energy and is aggressive, but it also takes care of its family, friends, and home.

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5) Alder

Alder as seen in Pokemon Evolutions (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Alder is arguably one of the least appreciated characters in the franchise for seemingly no reason. The champion of the Unova region in the first Black and White titles, Alder is a wise mentor character who follows the player throughout their journey, giving words of encouragement and life advice to the young, impressionable cast. In fact, Alder's influence is one of the reasons why Cheran became a Gym Leader.

Alder's design takes heavy inspiration from Native American culture. His long hair, aged expression, and loose poncho give him an appearance to match that of the great Native American Chiefs in history. His endless wisdom, love of nature, and respect for the creatures that inhabit the land echo this origin as well, making for some of the best representations of the indigenous people in modern media.