Unraveling the Myth: Ash's Unbelievable Encounter with an Ultra-Rare Pokémon

The existence of Mythical Pokémon is highly doubted due to their extreme rarity. However, Ash Ketchum has managed to catch one for the very first time. After 26 years of the incredibly popular franchise, Ash has successfully captured his inaugural Mythical Pokémon, which is the most elusive category of Pokémon. Therefore, it came as a shock to the spectators in the "Final Rivals!" episode of Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon Ultra Legends when Ash unveils his first fighter, Melmetal.

For those casual fans who may be questioning if Melmetal is a Legendary Pokémon, the answer is no. In fact, it is even more scarce, and there exists a distinct difference between Mythical and Legendary Pokémon. Although Ash has encountered numerous Legendary Pokémon throughout the series, he has never managed to capture one, despite forming strong connections with a few in the wilderness. Melmetal took Ash by surprise; he had previously captured its pre-evolutionary form, Meltan, without any expectation that it could evolve into something greater. For fans of Ash's earlier adventures who may be curious about what Mythical Pokémon are and why Ash's Melmetal caused such a sensation within the fandom, continue reading for a comprehensive understanding of Ash Ketchum's first Mythical Pokémon.

Mythical Pokémon Are Even Rarer Than Legendary Pokémon

Legendary Pokémon are typically quite rare to capture, but they often receive significant screen time and interaction with Ash. On the other hand, Mythical Pokémon are rarely showcased, enhancing their mystique through their infrequent appearances. One notable Legendary Pokémon is Mewtwo, which debuted in the 1996 Pokémon Red and Blue games. Over time, various species of Legendary Pokémon have made their way onto the screen, and there are several reasons why Ash has never managed to capture one. Some proved too hazardous to train, while others preferred their freedom over being captured.

Interestingly, Ash did not actively pursue the capture of this particular Mythical Pokémon. During the eve of the Alola League tournament, he ended up capturing Meltan. Meltan emitted a signal to its fellow Meltan, gathering them together to perform a dance and chant. As they merged, Meltan underwent evolution into Melmetal. Among the Mythical Pokémon, Meltan is the only one capable of evolving, and as a result, Ash has been permitted to use him in the tournament battles. Fortunately, Meltan's personality remained relatively unchanged throughout its evolution. Melmetal is now less timid than its previous form but remains faithful to its companions, including Ash and Rowlet. While Ash still claims ownership of Melmetal, he has temporarily entrusted its care to Professor Kukui in Alola.

Mythical Pokémon Were Added In Black and White

There is a lot of confusion surrounding Mythical Pokémon: their origins, abilities, and how they differentiate from Legendaries. This confusion is particularly prevalent among older and casual Pokémon fans, as the vibrant and nostalgic franchise has a large following. The concept of Mythical Pokémon was introduced in the 2010 games Pokémon Black and White, representing a group of "secret" Pokémon that naturally appeared. Legendary Pokémon such as Mew, previously classified as Legendary, were reclassified as Mythical to highlight their rarity. In the games, Mythical Pokémon are not readily available to catch and are mostly obtained through infrequent special events, making them highly desirable for collectors. For Ash to encounter one by chance is incredibly fortunate, not to mention capturing and evolving it.

Over time, the category of Mythical Pokémon has expanded to include 21 species. Although they have become slightly easier to obtain throughout the years, they are still considered some of the most elusive. Among them, Melmetal is the only one capable of evolving, making it an ideal choice for Ash. Despite not capturing a Legendary Pokémon, his ownership of Melmetal, combined with his long-awaited World Champion victory, establishes him as one of the top-tier trainers in the Pokémon anime.