Articuno
Articuno is a legendary Pokémon known as the Freeze Pokémon. It is one of the legendary birds trio, along with Zapdos and Moltres. Articuno is an Ice/Flying-type Pokémon renowned for its graceful appearance and icy powers. It is said to appear to travelers who are lost in icy regions, guiding them safely to shelter.
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Articuno is a majestic Pokémon with several distinctive physical characteristics. It stands at approximately 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches) tall and weighs around 55 kilograms (121 pounds).
Its eyes are a piercing shade of red, adding to its striking appearance and giving off an aura of power and mystery.
It has a predominantly blue body with a snowy white chest, head crest, and tail. Its wings are large and pale blue, resembling icy feathers. Articuno’s overall appearance evokes an image of a graceful, icy bird.
Its wingspan extends significantly, reflecting its ability to soar through the skies with ease. The exact wingspan measurement varies but is estimated to be around 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) or more. Articuno features a prominent crest on its head, resembling a crown or tuft of feathers. Additionally, it has a long, flowing tail that trails behind it as it flies. Articuno has a large, translucent ice crystal on its chest, which serves as a symbol of its affinity for icy powers. This crystal may also contribute to its ability to control and manipulate ice.
Galarian Form
In the Galar region, Articuno sports a unique appearance. Its body features a lavender hue with a prominent black marking across its chest. Its feet showcase a striking black color with lavender talons.
Notably, its crest boasts three longer, fused feathers that fold backward, matching the purple tones of its beak and tail. Its eyes emit a soft light blue glow, partially closed within a black facial disc resembling a mask.
When using its psychic abilities, both its mask and the feather-like blades at the edges of its wings shimmer in the same blue hue as its eyes.
Overall, Articuno exudes an aura of elegance and grace, befitting its status as a legendary Pokémon associated with ice and winter. Its sleek design and majestic demeanor make it a captivating sight to behold in the Pokémon world.
Behaviour
Articuno, as a legendary Pokémon, is often depicted as majestic and elusive, with behaviors that reflect its icy nature and mythical status.
Articuno is typically portrayed as a solitary creature, preferring to dwell in remote, icy regions far from human civilization. Its reclusive nature adds to its mystique and makes it a rare sight for trainers and researchers.
In some Pokémon lore, Articuno is believed to be a guardian of the skies, watching over the frigid landscapes it inhabits. It may patrol its territory from high above, keeping a vigilant eye out for any disturbances or threats. Despite its solitary tendencies, Articuno is fiercely protective of its territory and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards intruders or those who threaten its domain. It may unleash powerful ice-based attacks to ward off perceived threats.
Articuno is said to embark on mysterious migrations, traveling across vast distances in search of ideal habitats or to fulfill its role as a guardian. These migrations may coincide with changes in seasons or celestial events, adding to the Pokémon’s enigmatic allure.
As a master of ice, Articuno may exhibit behaviors related to its control over this elemental power. It may create intricate patterns of ice crystals in the air or unleash blizzards and snowstorms to assert its dominance or defend its territory.
Encounters with Articuno are rare and often fleeting, with the Pokémon swiftly disappearing into the icy wilderness after making its presence known. Trainers who catch a glimpse of Articuno are considered fortunate, as few are granted the opportunity to witness its beauty firsthand.
Articuno’s behaviors are steeped in legend and mythology, with tales of its majestic flights and icy powers captivating the imaginations of those who hear them. Its elusive nature and awe-inspiring presence make it a symbol of mystery and wonder in the Pokémon world.
In the Galar region, Articuno harnesses its psychic prowess to stay aloft, seldom relying on its wings. Its wing blades can effortlessly slice through iron, while its eyes emit psychic beams, immobilizing foes akin to freezing. This avian adeptly conjures mirages to deceive and elude adversaries, despite its graceful movements betraying a cold demeanor. Known to roam globally, it occasionally gathers with other birds at the Dyna Tree in the Crown Tundra every few decades. Notably, Galarian Articuno masters the exclusive move Freezing Glare.
Evolution
As a Legendary Pokémon, Articuno does not have any evolutionary line. It exists as a singular entity and does not evolve from or into any other Pokémon. Its status as a Legendary Pokémon means that it typically remains unchanged throughout its existence and does not undergo any evolutionary transformations or changes. Articuno is known for its majestic appearance and powerful ice-based abilities, making it a formidable presence in the Pokémon world.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Articuno (M02)
In “The Power of One” Articuno made its debut as Lawrence III pursued it, along with the other two legendary birds, and their master, Lugia, for his private collection.
Articuno (Johto)
Articuno made its first appearance in the main series during “Moving Pictures” where it was spotted flying in the distance. In the following episode, Todd sought Articuno in the Johto region to capture its photograph for his album. Eventually, in “Freeze Frame” he succeeded in taking a snapshot of it at Snowtop Mountain.
Noland’s Articuno
In “Numero Uno Articuno” and “The Symbol Life” Frontier Brain Noland was shown to have formed a bond with a wild Articuno, employing it against challengers. When Ash challenged him, Articuno faced Charizard in battle, ultimately succumbing to defeat.
Other appearences include episodes “The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon” where Mirage Master briefly summoned a Mirage Articuno, and “Battling in the Freezing Raid!” where Ash, Goh, Gary, and Horace encountered an Articuno during a Raid Battle at the Seafoam Islands.
Anime Minor Appearances
In “An EGG-sighting Adventure!” Team Rocket imagined encountering an Articuno. Articuno also appeared in the opening sequences of “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, “The Rise of Darkrai” and “Zoroark: Master of Illusions”.
It also featured in fantasies in “An Electrifying Rage!” and “Healing the Healer!” as well as in the ending credits of “I Choose You!”. Additionally, a shadowed Articuno was glimpsed in “This Could be the Start of Something Big!”.
Manga Appearances
Ash & Pikachu
One Articuno appeared in ”One Half Of A Poké Ball” and another one owned by Noland, the Frontier Brain in charge of the Battle Frontier’s Battle Factory, appeared in ”Off To The Battle Frontier!!”.
Movie adaptations
Articuno was featured in the manga adaptation and the graphic novel version of ”The Power of One”.
Magical Pokémon Journey
In “The Legendary Articuno!”, Articuno resides on a mountain near a ski resort. Contrary to rumors, it runs a Snowcone shop instead of endangering travelers. Pikachu, Clefairy, and Jigglypuff join a Snowcone-eating contest at Articuno’s shop. Additionally, Articuno aids an injured Hazel.
Pokémon Adventures
In “You know… Articuno!”, Articuno was pursued by Team Rocket Grunts at Seafoam Islands. Despite defeating their Muk, it was captured by them and held by Team Rocket Commander Koga. Later, it fought against Blue and Red at Silph Co., freezing them. However, Blue’s Charizard thawed them, leading to Koga’s defeat. Articuno was then merged with Zapdos and Moltres into a combined Pokémon, but they were ultimately defeated by Red, Blue, and Green, causing them to split.
Green later overcame her fear of birds and caught Articuno before the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc, using it to battle Lugia and Ho-Oh in Ilex Forest. A Galarian Articuno made its debute in PASS36.
Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master!
One Articuno was seen in the first chapter of this manga, ABM01.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
In “The Legendary Pokémon Appears!”, during Gold’s Gym battle against Falkner at the Violet Gym, Articuno intervened on the Gym Leader’s side. With the aid of a Pikachu from a time tunnel, Gold managed to weaken the legendary bird, forcing it to retreat and concede defeat.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
In this manga Articuno appeared in GDZ24 and GDZ52 (owned by Nagi).
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji’s Rescue Team
An Articuno was seen in ”Battle in a Bitter Cold Land!!” and ”Why I Became a Pokémon. The Answer Finally Revealed!!” where it reappeared in a flashback.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Articuno made its debut in “Will You Risk Your Life To Play The Magic Game?!”, where it was captured by Red in the following chapter. Additionally, another Articuno was featured in “Get Lugia!”.
Pokémon Zensho
In the sixth chapter of this manga, PZ07, An Articuno’s silhouette was seen. And in the seventh chapter, PZ08, Satoshi assisted Blaine in capturing an Articuno.
Game data
Stats
Location
Game version | Location |
---|---|
Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Seafoam Islands |
Pokémon Yellow | Seafoam Islands |
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Time Capsule |
Pokémon Crystal | Time Capsule |
Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Seafoam Islands |
Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
Pokémon XD | Citadark Isle |
Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Trade |
Pokémon Platinum | Roaming Sinnoh |
Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Seafoam Islands |
Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Poké Transfer |
Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Poké Transfer |
Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Sea Spirit's Den, Roaming Kalos |
Pokémon Omega Rubya and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Trade |
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Ultra Space Wilds |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Seafoam Islands |
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Trade |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | Trade |
Pokémon Shining Pearl | Ramanas Park |
Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade (Kantonian Form), Pokémon Home (Galarian Form) |
Articuno's origin name
English: Articuno’s English name is derived from a combination of “Arctic” and “uno,” the Spanish word for “one,” possibly signifying its status as the first member of its trio. In other languages:
Japanese: Its Japanese name is “フリーザー” (Furīzā), derived from “freeze.”
French: In French, it’s known as “Artikodin,” combining “Arctique” (Arctic) and “odin” (a reference to the Norse god Odin).
German: Its German name is “Arktos” which is a direct reference to the Arctic region.
Spanish: In Spanish, it’s referred to as “Articuno” similar to its English name, retaining the reference to the Arctic.
Italian: The Italian name is “Articuno” also mirroring the English name.
Korean: Known as “프리져” (Peurijyeo) in Korean, similar to its Japanese name.
Chinese (Simplified): In Simplified Chinese 凤王 (Fèngwáng) combines “凤” (Fèng), meaning “phoenix” and “王” (Wáng), meaning “king,” implying its regal status.
Chinese (Traditional): In Traditional Chinese 凰王 (Huángwáng), which also means “phoenix king” maintains the same connotation as the simplified version.
These names emphasize its association with the cold and Arctic regions, reflecting its Ice/Flying typing and icy abilities.