Unveiling the Captivating Origins of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Polteageist: Delve into the Rich Japanse Folktale Behind it

Highlights

The Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will soon bring a fresh wave of exciting Pokemon to the Paldea region. This eagerly anticipated expansion will feature a wonderful mix of both new and familiar Pokemon, including the enchanting tea-inspired creature, Poltchageist.

Poltchageist, a Grass/Ghost-type Pokemon, originates from Kitakami and is influenced by the renowned Japanese folktale "Bunbuku Chagama."

In addition, the Teal Mask DLC introduces Pokemon that take inspiration from the legendary Japanese figure Momotaro. Furthermore, there may be additional Pokemon inspired by Japanese folktales or traditional festival delicacies.

The upcoming DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, called Teal Mask and Indigo Disk, will introduce a mix of new and returning Pokemon. Players will have the opportunity to explore further into the Paldea region and uncover hidden secrets in Area Zero. Recently, a new Pokemon called Poltchageist was revealed for the Teal Mask DLC. This tea-themed critter draws inspiration from a popular Japanese folktale and showcases behaviors and history related to Japanese matcha tea.

Poltchageist is a Grass/Ghost-type Pokemon that is native to the Kitakami area. It belongs to a group of regional fake or convergent evolution critters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, similar in appearance to Sinistea. However, it is not connected to Sinistea through evolution, much like Diglett and Wiglett or Tentacool and Toedscool. It is highly likely that Poltchageist will have an evolution that has not yet been revealed. Taking the form of a caddy of green matcha tea, it gained life after being owned by a strict and ill-tempered tea master. Now, it enjoys playing tricks on individuals who do not show proper respect for tea and tea-serving utensils. On the other hand, it is respectful and kind towards those who show it proper respect in return.

Poltchageist and the Legend of "Bunbuku Chagama"

The "Bunbuku Chagama," also known as "The Wonderful Teakettle" or "The Lucky Teakettle," is a famous Japanese folktale and children's story. It revolves around a raccoon dog, known as a tanuki, who transforms into a teakettle. Initially owned by a temple abbot who mistreats it, the teakettle misbehaves in response. Frustrated, the priests decide to sell it to a merchant who treats the tanuki kindly. In gratitude, the tanuki-kettle showcases various tricks like tightrope walking and flips. These tricks bring the merchant great wealth, while the temple remains impoverished.

In contrast, the Poltchageist is a spirit, not a tanuki, but its behavior closely resembles that of the "Bunbuku Chagama." The spirit values respect and kindness towards tea and tea utensils. In its reveal trailer, this Grass/Ghost-type Pokémon punishes a woman who breaks a teacup by draining her energy using its matcha powder. However, when properly approached, it uses its power to restore cracked and broken objects. This ability appears to be inspired by kintsugi, a Japanese art form that involves using liquid gold to fill in cracks, transforming broken items into something beautiful.

Kitakami's Pokemon Honor Japanese Folklore

Poltchageist is not the only Pokemon in the Teal Mask DLC that draws inspiration from a popular Japanese folktale. The central conflict of the Teal Mask revolves around the presence of Ogerpon, a Pokemon resembling an oni (demon), who is opposed by three protectors: Munkidori, a monkey-like creature, Okidogi, a canine companion, and Fezandipiti, inspired by a pheasant. These four Pokemon originate from the Japanese legend of Momotaro (Peach Boy), a heroic figure who emerges from a giant peach and battles oni with the help of his dog, monkey, and pheasant allies. Momotaro is a widely recognized and well-known tale in Japan.

It is uncertain whether there will be additional new Pokemon introduced in the Teal Mask DLC, although Poltchageist is likely to have an evolved form. However, if more Pokemon do appear, they might be based on other Japanese folktales. Another possibility is that the "Teal Mask" storyline may incorporate Pokemon inspired by Japanese festival foods, such as Dipplin, a potential evolution of Applin resembling a candy apple. Moreover, Poltchageist's evolution could further draw inspiration from "Bunbuku Chagama," a folktale where the tanuki only reveals its true nature to those who treat it with kindness and respect. Hopefully, more information about this Pokemon's evolution will be revealed in the future.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask DLC will release on September 13, 2023 for the Nintendo Switch.