Fans of Pokemon often engage in heated debates over various subjects, but one of the longest-running discussions stems from the Legendary Beasts (also known as the Trio of Legends). This trio includes the majestic creatures Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, all of which were resurrected by the legendary Ho-Oh.
As fans of Pokemon create spells and lore surrounding these characters, some have dubbed the Legendary Beasts as Legendary Dogs. This has caused quite a stir within the fan community, as these Pokemon bear a closer resemblance to cats than dogs, prompting some to refer to them as Legendary Cats. Ultimately, the fan base has largely agreed to use the term Legendary Beasts, yet the debate over whether they are dogs or cats continues to this day.
A recent post on Reddit by user Unbekannnt0 reignited interest in this debate with a humorous SpongeBob meme. The Redditor openly shared the amusing observation that Entei, Raikou, and Suicune are dogs, given that every creature has notable feline features.
Of course, this has led to countless humorous responses reaffirming individual beliefs that the trio is indeed dogs and not cats. Despite the plethora of information surrounding the Legendary Beasts, opinions are often subjective. Pokemon frequently draws inspiration from various sources when creating each new creature, rarely relying on a single source of inspiration.
Are the Pokemon Legendary Beasts cats or dogs?
Fans have been trying to pinpoint the source of inspiration for the Legendary Dogs based on the apparent characteristics of Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. Each creature has paws and prominent canine fangs, resembling dogs. Suicune is considered the most dog-like of the trio, with its long muzzle and athletic build giving it a canine appearance.
However, other fans argue that the trio has distinct features that resemble cats more than dogs. Entei has a mane reminiscent of a lion, while Suicune’s markings and strong physique are more akin to that of a tiger. Raikou is often perceived as the most feline-like, with its face and fangs resembling those of a lynx, alongside its darker patterning akin to that of a cat. The original design of Raikou emphasizes a wild feline appearance, showcasing its blue hue and cat-like features.
Muneo Saitou, the Pokemon designer who created the Legendary Beasts, has expressed his design inspirations for the trio. Saitou initially envisioned Entei before designing Raikou and Suicune. The designs did not solidify until Saitou began to work in reverse with existing creatures, creatively amalgamating traits from all three. Thus, Entei took on a lion-like form, with Saitou drawing from various inspirations to make this Pokemon look like a lion. Consequently, he designed Raikou and Suicune by drawing on the external appearance of a tiger and a lynx. Saitou’s insights have confirmed that the Legendary Beasts are indeed inspired by felines and not canines.
Is the debate over Legendary Beasts significant?
Entei, Raikou, and Suicune are Pokemon, not actual dogs. While many Pokemon draw inspiration from a single animal, there are numerous examples of Pokemon that take inspiration from multiple species. Referring to them as cats or dogs is not entirely accurate, as they could represent a blend of various creatures.
Various Paradox forms of the Legendary Beasts have transformed previous versions into dragons, yet this does not imply that they are indeed dragon-like creatures. The essence of these characters is that any Pokemon could potentially embody any creature. Saitou has also mentioned that he wanted the silhouette of the trio to resemble either a cat or a dog.
The Pokemon Generations series depicts the three in a fiery scene, with their silhouettes suggesting they were dogs before being resurrected by Ho-Oh. The debate surrounding their names was initiated by fans. Game Freak originally did not provide any official terminology for Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, prompting fans to come up with their own distinctions to differentiate these three from other Legendary types. Unfortunately, fans find it challenging to definitively classify them, leading to ongoing confusion.
Unbekannnt0 created this meme merely for fun but has since seen the debate spiral out of control. Entei, Raikou, and Suicune are not cats or dogs; they are Pokemon. The term Legendary Beasts is an appealing title for this trio, and there are no longer any reasons to continue the debate.
