Pokemon Wind and Wave have the perfect candidate to bring back the Fire starter’s zodiac tradition

by

I clearly remember the announcement of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and I instantly loved Fuecoco, the Fire-type starter for the ninth generation. Many fans were surprised that it didn’t follow the 26-year tradition of Fire starters being based on the Chinese zodiac. To be honest, I always felt the zodiac connection was a bit of a stretch, but Pokemon often draws inspiration from unusual places, so it was possible. After learning details about Pokemon Wind and Wave, I began to consider the zodiac tradition, and it suddenly clicked when I read about a particular myth connected to the game’s setting.

According to recent leaks, the next generation of Pokemon – Generation 10 – will be titled Pokemon Wind and Wave. The legendary Pokemon featured in the games will reportedly have a human-like appearance and embody either wind or water. The games are said to take place in a tropical archipelago inspired by the cultures of Southeast Asia and Indonesia, a fresh setting for the series which has previously been based in Japan, America, or Europe. Fans have been wondering why this generation might revisit the tradition of basing Pokemon on the Chinese zodiac, and the answer seems to be a creature from local folklore that perfectly fits the theme.

Pokemon’s Fire Starter Chinese Zodiac Theory Explained, and How it Came Crashing Down

Okay, so there’s this cool theory going around in the Pokémon community – it’s about how each Fire-type starter Pokémon seems to line up with one of the animals from the Chinese zodiac. Basically, people think there’s a connection, and here’s how it breaks down…

  • Gen 1: Charmander is the Chinese zodiac’s Dragon, which could make sense given Charizard’s design and the fact that one of its Mega Evolutions even has Dragon as a type.
  • Gen 2: Cyndaquil is the Chinese zodiac’s Rat, which fits since it’s called the “Fire Mouse Pokemon.”
  • Gen 3: Torchic is the Chinese zodiac’s Rooster, which makes sense because it’s a chicken.
  • Gen 4: Chimchar is the Chinese zodiac’s Monkey, which again fits since it’s indeed a monkey.
  • Gen 5: Tepig is the Chinese zodiac’s Pig, and this too is easy to see.
  • Gen 6: Fennekin is the Chinese zodiac’s Dog, though this is where the theory started showing its cracks, because Fennekin is clearly a fox (and its evolutions prove it).
  • Gen 7: Litten is the Chinese zodiac’s Tiger, and while the starter is a cat, its final evolution is clearly based on a tiger.
  • Gen 8: Scorbunny is the Chinese zodiac’s Rabbit, which again fits nicely.
  • Gen 9: Fuecoco is the true dealbreaker, as the remaining animals in the Chinese zodiac are the Snake, Horse, Goat, and Ox, but it’s clearly based on a crocodile, something its evolutions also keep.

How Pokemon Wind and Wave Can Revive the Chinese Zodiac Theory

While it’s not certain the Chinese zodiac-based Pokemon will reappear in the next generation of games, if the leaks about Pokemon Wind and Wave are accurate, and the games take place in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, it would be a missed opportunity not to feature the Sigbin. The Sigbin is a creature from Philippine folklore, described as a goat-like animal without horns.

Legends describe the Sigbin as a creature with large, clapping ears, a whip-like tail, and a truly awful smell. It’s a nocturnal hunter that supposedly drains blood from the shadows of both animals and people. People say it walks backwards, sometimes tucking its head between its legs, and can even disappear from sight. Despite being frightening, the Sigbin would make a fantastic Pokémon – perhaps the final evolved form of a Fire-type starter in Generation 10. Here are some ideas for what that could look like:

  • A fiery goat with some physical characteristics of the Sigbin for a pure Fire-type Pokemon.
  • A goat presenting physical characteristics of the Sigbin, but with a focus on invisibility and sucking blood off of shadows, for a potential Fire/Ghost starter. This is unlikely because Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet had a Fire/Ghost starter in Hisuian Typhlosion and Skeledirge.
  • A goat-like creature inspired by the Sigbin in terms of design, with a focus on the nauseating smell, which could be perfect for a Fire/Poison Pokemon akin to Salazzle.
  • A goat Pokemon that is inspired both physically and behaviorally by the Sigbin, mixing some traits up for a Fire/Dark Pokemon, like Incineroar.

Why a Goat Fire Starter Makes Perfect Sense in Gen 10

The Sigbin’s unique characteristics would make it a compelling Pokémon, and it could even be a fantastic starter choice. Goats have historically been linked to fire in mythology, yet there isn’t a Fire-type goat Pokémon currently. This presents a perfect opportunity to create a Pokémon inspired by local folklore that fits the world of Pokemon Wind and Wave and offers players a completely new starter experience.

Considering Skiddo and Gogoat are the only Pokémon clearly based on goats, it would be great to see more goat-inspired designs. While some might think Cobalion resembles a goat, it’s actually based on antelopes, which are different animals. A Pokémon inspired by the Sigbin would be a fantastic addition in Generation 10, and could even bring back interest in the idea that Pokémon are linked to the Chinese zodiac.

Read More

2026-01-17 03:07