The Dark Mythological Origins Of Several Varieties Of Pokemon

Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri has cited bug collecting and entomology as his inspiration for the world of pocket monsters he created, but not all Pokemon are based on bugs, or animals for that matter.

There’s the Porygon which is based on the polygon, Jigglypuff which seems to be based on bubblegum, karaoke and happiness, and the powerful yet ridiculous looking Magnemite, which is based on a magnet, just to name a few.

And then there are those Pokemon which are based on dark creatures from Japanese mythology, which have to be given a PG makeover because their original tales are terrifying!

Take the somewhat cutesy looking Mawile for instance- this Fairy type Pokemon is based on the tale of Futakuchi-onna, the woman with two mouths.

According to the legend, a miserly farmer was thrilled when his wife didn't need to eat any food, but baffled at the way his rice stocks were depleting more rapidly than usual.

One night, when his wife was sleeping, he brushed back her hair to discover the hidden ravenous mouth that had been voraciously devouring his supplies. Tendrils of hair were reaching into the cupboards like tentacles and putting rice directly into the ever-hungry teeth.

I don’t think anyone wants to catch that!

See These Creepy Japanese Myths Will Change The Way You See Pokemon Forever!