Pokemon - Mythical Edition

[Rapti]

Copied Inspired by this tread http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/what-isnt-a-pokemon-yet-repository-type-combinations.3527229/

This tread is to post about mytical creatures both those which may have inspired an those which aren't pokemon yet, as always and per smogon's rules speculation isn't allowed so don't post possible types, stats or what you would like a pokemon based on these spirits to look like.

This tread will be documenting pokemon that are based on mythical creatures like this:
Kodama -

a spirit that looks like a tree, it can curse people

and mythical creatures which as far as I can have no pokemon based on them like this:

Amikiri - a small snake-like creature with a bird-like head and lobster-like claws

if you disagree on what a certain pokemon is insipired by please post why; also while you're encouraged to post any sort of mythological creature I would recommend we focus on japanese spirits first since Gamefreak bases pokemon on them so much (from Vulpix all the way to Goodra).

from Gazu Hyakki Yagyo or Night Parade of a Hundred Demons

Tengu -

protective, if dangerous, spirit of the mountains and forests, has as an unnaturally long nose

Yamabiko - a spirit that's responsible for echoes in the valleys and mountains, has various contradicting origins

Yamamba -

a monstrous crone with long white hair, takes care of the mountains which she decks with snow (btw the whole ganguro fad is also called yamamba style)

Nekomata - http://data:image/png;base64,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 http://data:image/png;base64,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

a cat whose tail split into two when it grew older, is said to have powers of necromancy

Tsurube-otoshi - a living fireball that lurks in the tops of trees and drops down on unsuspecting humans

Jorogumo - a spider that can change its appearance into that of a seductive young woman

Sazae-oni -

a turban snail monster with a shell in both it's face and bottom, is a harmless creature who does nothing more than rise to the surface of the ocean to dance on the waves

Inugami - a dog spirit with human features, known to be a master of black magic

Kappa -

water spirit with a beak, a shell, and a flat hairless region on the top of the head that is always wet that is regarded as the source of the it's power, likes cucumbers

Yamawaro - hairy cousin of the kappa, lives in the mountains and has a single eye in the middle of it's head
Kamaitachi -

a weasel monster that rides on whirlwind and cuts people using it's sickle hands, it leaves sharp but painless wounds

Ten - a ferret like monster that can shapeshift and create fire

Sogenbi - the flaming ghost head of a monk who stole lamp oil and was punished for it

Kawauso -

an otter spirit that like to prank people, known to shapeshift into humans

Makuragaeshi - a spirit that takes the pillow out from under people's heads while they sleep and places it by their feet instead

Mikoshi-nyudo - a bald-headed creature whose height increases as fast as you can look up at it, it's real shape is of that of a weasel

Jinmenju -

a tree whose fruit looks like human heads, the fruit is constantly laughing, it is said that if the fruit laughs too heartily, it falls from the tree

Nunaryhion -

leader of the Night Parade of 100 Demons, originated in the ocean, taunting fisherman, their bulbous heads floating right below the water, when the fishermen try to catch it, it sinks just out of reach, bobbing back up to tease them some more

Ubume - a crone that asks passerbies to hold her child for just a moment and disappears, the baby then becomes increasingly heavy until it is impossible to hold, it is then revealed to be nothing more than a huge rock

Tenome - a man-like creature with eyes in his hands rather than his skull

Yuki-onna -

appears on snowy nights as a beautiful woman, uses her icy breath to turn travelers into frost-coated corpses

from Cryptozoology

Loch Ness Monster -

reputedly inhabits Loch Ness, speculation among believers is that the creature represents a line of long-surviving plesiosaurs

Kellas Cat - a small black feline that inspired the legends of could Cait Sith a fairy creature that could steal a person's soul

Mokele-mbembe -

looks like an outdated image of sauropod dinosaurs, its diet is said to be entirely made of fruits (questionable if the pokemon was inspired by it)

More to come later, and feel free to post any mythical creatures I missed :D

 

[Cresselia~~]

Great topic.

Yamamba's the fashion trend. The Yokai is called Yama-uba.

I didn't realise that Meowstic has 2 tails!! I thought only Espeon was inspired by that yokai.

Basically, the following website is very detailed and accurate.
http://www.tofugu.com/2014/10/31/whos-that-pokemon-yokai-edition/

 

[Rapti]

Yokai tend to have many names, Yama-uba is also called Yamamba
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/kintaro-the-wonder-boy-and-his-ghost-mother

nice article (even if it got to Exeggutor before I did ohwait)

Jinmenju -

a tree whose fruit looks like human heads, the fruit is constantly laughing, it is said that if the fruit laughs too heartily, it falls from the tree

I do disagree with a lot of it's conclusions tough, saying something is a tsukomogami is waaaaay too general and Banette seems inspired mostly by a voodoo doll than anything else, Ghastly is in no way a sogenbi (if anything is like a generic ghostly light like will-o-whisps or hitodama if it even emmits light) and I'm not even gonna touch Celebi

it does mention nunaryhion which I will add like right now tough o3o

Nunaryhion -

leader of the Night Parade of 100 Demons, originated in the ocean, taunting fisherman, their bulbous heads floating right below the water, when the fishermen try to catch it, it sinks just out of reach, bobbing back up to tease them some more

 

[Codraroll]

Why are you using blown-up menu sprites when there are so many high-quality sprites out there?

 

[Rapti]

Why are you using blown-up menu sprites when there are so many high-quality sprites out there?

?
What do you mean? The spites look fine on my end
What browser are you using? Mine's chome

 

[Codraroll]

In Firefox, the sprites look way too large compared to their quality.

I mean, don't you see the difference between, say:

and

?

On my end, the first image is nearly four times as large as the second, but the quality is blurry and pixelated.

 

[HelenTheHero]

You can't forget one of the most obvious Mythical/Legend inspired Pokemon.

Nessie says hi.

Besides likely being based on plesiosaurs, Lapras is probably also inspired by The Loch Ness Monster. Just compare it when surfing to one of the most famous (although fake) pictures of Nessie.

 

[Pikachu315111]

I see you went ahead with your thread idea, awesome!

Just wanted to suggest a few things I think would help improve the thread:

1. I agree with Codraroll, lose the menu sprites. I suggest either using the images that the Smogon's dex uses or, if you want non-animated ones ones, Serebii's dex. Or you could use the Gen V battle sprites for Pokemon that have it. It'll not only look better format wise but also let us see the Pokemon and make immediate comparisons with the mythical creature easier. Also you may want to post an image of the mythical creature if you can find one reasonably sizeable.

2. I think you should separate the mythical creatures into ones which have a Pokemon counterpart and ones who don't. The ones who don't sort of get overtaken by the ones which do.

3. Go more indepth. Honestly this really isn't any different than me just listing the mythical creature's names. Instead of a quick sentence or two how about a paragraph? You don't have to go into all the details, but enough so that we can form a better image and understanding of the mythical creature (and how much it relates to its Pokemon counterpart if it has one).

4. I think you could lay things out better as well. Like here's an example of what I would have done:

Ones with a Pokemon Counterpart

Mythical Creature: Kodama
Pokemon Counterpart: Celebi, Phantump, & Trevenant

Origin: Japanese
Description: Spirits that reside in trees, though the name could also apply to the inhabited tree (or the tree itself is the Kodama). It's believed different kinds of Kodama have preferred species of trees. If someone cuts down a tree that's associated with a Kodama they'll become cursed, so what trees are Kodama are passed down through generations and protected by marking them with shimenawa ropes. When cut down the trees are thought to bleed. They're also linked to a phenomenon called "yamabiko", when sounds make a delayed echo in mountains and valleys. They're also thought to be mountain or tree gods and closely related to yokai. They can shapeshift into ghostly lights, animals, or even humans. Villages have formed rituals to worship and pay their respects to them, such as praying to them before cutting down a tree or holding a festival for trees cut down.

Ones without a Pokemon Counterpart

Mythical Creature: Amikiri

Pokemon Counterpart: None
Origin: Japanese
Description: A small snake-like with a bird's head and lobster claws. Their name means "net-cutters" and, as the name applies, love to cut any kind of net (fishing nets, screen doors, mosquito nets) with their claws. They fly through the air like they're swimming. They don't interact with humans much and, while not harmful, aren't benign either as their net cutting can cause problems such as cutting a fisherman's nets which could ruin their livelihood or cutting screen doors letting bugs into the house, especially mosquitoes.

That's all I really have to say for now. Don't forget my list contains many mythical creatures that haven't been turned into Pokemon.

 

[Rapti]

In Firefox, the sprites look way too large compared to their quality.

I mean, don't you see the difference between, say:

and

?

On my end, the first image is nearly four times as large as the second, but the quality is blurry and pixelated.

On chrome the first image looks smaller than the first and is not pixalated, but Ok for people with other browsers I'll change them o3o you want to change to Chome, Google owns your soul, Googleeeee, CHROOOOOOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Pikachu315111 I'm not separating between mythical creatures that have inspired pokemon and those which haven't mostly because I'm trying to separate them acording to mythology, see while I didn't state this the purpose of this tread is to have an idea of what kind of mythical creatures Gamefreak might turn into pokemon next
and Gamefreak is heavily biased towards certain souces
as for going more in-depth maybe later (mythologies have this tendency to demand a lot of explanation) also more than likely I won’t be adding images of mythical creatures since many don’t give you an accurate representation of their myth, like most images of sirens you’ll find are of mermaids or (more to the point of this tread so far) a nunaryhion is depicted as an old man with a big head that enters houses and demands food from its owners, but earlier versions of the myth clearly refer to it as aquatic and a type of umi bozu; this earlier version is the one in which jellicent is based on, not the ghostly mooch one (Ok so it’s both but mostly the first one) so adding their images might get confusing

 

[Menshay]

Sogenbi - the flaming ghost head of a monk who stole lamp oil and was punished for it

Isn't this basically Gastly? Bulbapedia lists this as a possible origin; and, speaking of Bulbapedia, there's always their On the Origin of Species column which lists mythical origins for at least Mawile, Castform, Shuppet/Banette and Absol. Mythical but non-yōkai origins also incluse Jirachi and Bronzor/Bronzong.

 

[HelenTheHero]

I can't believe we forgot Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde.

Quoting Bulbapedia on Xerneas;
"It may incorporate elements of Eikþyrnir and the four stags Dáinn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr and Duraþrór. Eikþyrnir resides in Valhalla eating the foliage of Læraðr with glowing horns that drip with dew. According to the Poetic Edda, the four stags resided in the trunk of the World Tree Yggdrasil and ate its branches and fresh shoots. Xerneas's tree form may be based on Yggdrasil itself."

Yveltal is likely based on Hræsvelgr, AKA Corpse Swallower who takes the form of an eagle and flaps his wings at the end of the world to create wind. It could also be the unnamed eagle resided at the top of the world tree Yggdrasil, with Veðrfölnir sitting between its eyes.

Zygarde is the Nidhog ( Níðhöggr if you didn't learn about it from Age of Mythology like me.) or the sea serpent Jörmungandr.


Also throwing in Lucario that seems to have very heavy Anubis inspiration.

 

[Swagodile]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raijū

Raijū (雷獣,"thunder animal" or "thunder beast") is a legendary creature from Japanese mythology. Its body is composed of lightning and may be in the shape of a cat, fox, weasel, or wolf. The form of a white and blue wolf (or even a wolf wrapped in lightning) is also common. It may also fly about as a ball of lightning (in fact, the creature may be an attempt to explain the phenomenon of lightning).

Cat -

(its name is even similar)
Wolf -

 

[Karxrida]

Many Hoenn Legendaries seem to be based off of creatures found in Hebrew legends.

The Regis are Golems, artificial beings made up of inanimate matter brought to life with magic. They have writing on their heads and serve higher beings.

Groudon is the Behemoth, a creature mentioned in Job 40:15-24 that is said to have been destroyed by God (I think; the writing is metaphor-heavy and it's kind of late). Jewish legend morphed it into a powerful beast that rule the land. Its depictions varied between several animals, such as a boar or elephant.

Kyorge is the Leviathan, a sea monster also mentioned in Job and a counterpart to Behemoth. It is said by the Jewish Aggadah to be the ruler of fish and, like Behemoth, morphed into a powerful and destructive creature thag ruled the sea instead of land. I think it was usually depicted as a sea serpent.

Rayquaza is the Ziz, ruler of the sky. It's only mentioned in passing in Psalms, while legend make it out of be the sky ruler. It's improtant to note that the Ziz is usually depicted as a griffon/bird, so Rayquaza obviously had heavy inspiration from Eastern dragons in its design.

The information is obviously more complicated than that, so I suggest you look them up on Wikipedia. It's pretty interesting.

Latios and Latias appear to be unrelated to anything Biblical.

 

[Mad Ram]

Latios and Latias appear to be unrelated to anything Biblical.

They're based on Gnostic Aeons. They exist in groups of two, one male and one female, and exist as emanations of the "Monad" or God. Just look it up on Wikipedia for the specifics.

 

[Pikachu315111]

Looking through all the Pokemon, here's a list of what I found/think are based on mythical creatures:

Gen I

Charmander & Charmeleon: Legendary Salamanders
Charizard: European dragon (I also remember some people saying it has some relation to the Jersey Devil, but I think that's stretching things but it's worth mentioning)
Wartortle: Minogame
(Ekans family: Them being in the Dragon Egg Group could be a reference to the Basilisk, though I don't think its a basis to their design)
Clefairy family: Fairy (though I do wonder if they're slightly based on the Japanese Moon Rabbit due to having said to come from the Moon and having some resemblance to a rabbit like a bobbed tail, stout body, and long ears)
Vulpix family: Kitsune (Ninetails is specifically a Kyubi no Kistune)
(Jigglypuff family: Similar to the Clefairy family, it possibly have some basis on fairies and even the Moon Rabbits)
Oddish: Mandrake (which naturally means Gloom and Vileplume also has some basis on Mandrakes, but moreso with Oddish)
Meowth: Maneki Neko & Bakeneko
(Persian: The jewel on its forehead could be a reference to Latin-American's Carbuncle)
Golduck: Kappa
Growlithe family: Shisa & Komainu
(Machamp: The four arms does bring to mind the Hindu Gods Shiva & Vishnu)
(Victreebel: Possibly partially based on mythical Man-Eating Plants)
(Geodude family: They're probably based on some kind of rock monster but not sure which one. Golem is also possibly based on a World Turtle)
Ponyta family: Many mythologies have fire horses (Horses of Helios, Skinfaxi, Ashvins and his horses). Also Rapidash is a Unicorn.
Slowbro & Slowking: Sazae-oni (though only partially)
(Grimer & Muk: Like the Geodude family, they're probably based on the concept of a slime monster but not sure which one)
Gastly family: Ghosts (specifically, Gastly seems to be based on Will-o'-the-wisps or the Japanese Sogen Bi. Though Haunter's description matches the Filipino Dila, a ghost with deadly licks, I think that's just a coincidence. Gengar also resembles the description of a Shadow Person)
(Onix family: Probably has some basis on a Wyrm, they do learn some Dragon-type Moves)
Drowzee family: Baku (spirit)
Exeggutor: Jinmenju
Hitmonlee: Many mythologies have headless men (Medieval's Blemmyes, Hindu's Kabandha, Chinese Xing Tian); though I do question if that could just be coincidence.
(Koffing family: Possibly some basis on disembodied head monsters (Sogen Bi, Rokurokubi, Lang Suir))
(Tangela: Possibly some basis on Medusa & Green Man; though this could be coincidence.)
(Goldeen family: The horn could have come from an Avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, Matsya, shown as a horned fish)
Jynx family: Yama-uba & Yuki-onna (Smoochum could also be based on the legend of Kintaro).
Electabuzz family: Oni (Electivire also might be based on the Yeti due to how shaggy it is)
Magmar family: Legendary Salamander & Karura
Magikarp family: Based on the legend of a carp (Magikarp) leaping over the Dragon Gate becoming a dragon (Gyarados). The type of dragon Gyarados is seems to be a Sea Serpent or an Asian Dragon (though its design is based on a koinobori).
Lapras: Loch Ness Monster
(Ditto: Like with the Grimer family, probably some kind of slime monster)
(Vaporeon: While most likely just a combination of aquatic creature traits, it does bring to mind Mermaids and similar aquatic mythical creatures (Undines, Telchines, Merlion, water Nymphs).)
(Jolteon: Possibly partially on a Raiju.)
(Articuno: Possibly on the Norse's Roc.)
Zapdos: Thunderbird
Moltres: Many mythologies have fire birds (Phoenix, Suzaku).
Dratini & Dragonair: Sea Serpents (maybe with some basis on Asian Dragons). Dragonair specifically shares aspects of the Korean's Imugi. Also Dragonair's Japanese name means "White Dragon" and is the same name as a dragon in Journey to the West which the main character, Xuanzang, rides on.
Dragonite: Seemingly a European Dragon with aspects of Asian Dragons (which were depicted as water deities).

Gen II

(Togetic: Possibly some basis on a Fairy.)
(Xatu: Matches the description of North American Pueblo's Kachina, though that's probably coincidental.)
(Ampharos: Possibly some basis on Chinese Dragons.)
(Hoppip family: Possibly some basis on Mandrakes.)
Espeon: Nekomata (possibly also a Carbuncle)
(Umbreon: Possibly some basis on Moon Rabbit. Also has traits matching Egypiton Gods Bastet and Anubis, but that's probably coincidental.)
Murkrow: Witches
Misdreavus family: Banshees. Misdreavus may also have some basis on spirits that are disembodied heads (Sogen Bi, Rokurokubi, Lang Suir).
Dunsparce: Tsuchinoko (possibly also Mesoamerican's Feathered Serpents).
Snubbull family: Possibly on Cu Sith of Celtic mythology.
Sneasel family: Kamaitachi (Weavile may have some basis from Egyption god Bastet &/or Sekhmet)
(Slugma family: Matches the description of Chilean's Cherufe, though that's probably coincidental.)
Delibird: Santa Claus
Skarmory: Many mythologies have metallic birds (Stymphalian Birds, Gagana, Alicanto).
Houndour family: Hellhound. Houndoom also has traits of the Devil.
(Kingdra: Possibly Ryujin &/or Asian Dragons. Also matches the description of Greek's Charybdis but that's probably a coincidence).
Raikou: Raiju
Entei: Chinese Guardian Lions (maybe also Indonesia's Barong).
Suicune: Qilin (maybe also basis from Japan's Fujin).
(Larvitar family: Matches the description of France's Tarasque, though that's probably coincidental.)
Lugia: Ryujin
Ho-Oh: Similar to Moltres, fire birds of mythologies. Also the Fenghuang.
Celebi: Kodama & Fairy

Gen III

(Torchic family: Possibly some basis on Japan's Basan, Karura, and/or Taimatsu-maru.)
Zigzagoon: Mythical Tanuki
(Linoone: Possibly Japan's Kamaitachi. Also matches the description of Spain's Ramidreju, though that's probably coincidental.)
Lombre & Ludicolo: Kappa
Nuzleaf & Shiftry: Tengu
(Gardevoir: Has traits of Guardian Angels)
(Shedinja: Has traits of Angels)
Sableye: Hopkinsville Goblin
Mawile: Futakuchi-onna
Aron family: Possibly on the Korean's Pulgasari.
Electrike family: Raiju
(Roselia & Roserade: Possibly some basis on Fairies.)
(Flygon: Takes on some Dragon-like traits)
Altaria: Peng
Whiscash: Namazu
Milotic: Sea Serpent (possibly some basis on Sirens)
Duskull family: Chochin-obake (possibly some basis on Grim Reaper, Bogeyman, Namahage, &/or Yamawarawa)
Absol: Bai Ze (possibly some basis on the Sphinx, Grim Reaper, &/or Guardian Angel)
Snorunt: Yukinko & Zashiki Warashi
Glalie: Oni
Salamence: European Dragon
Regirock, Regice, Registeel, & Regigigas: Golems of Hebrew legend
Latios & Latias: Aeons in Gnosticism
Kyogre: Leviathan
Groudon: Behemoth
Rayquaza: Ziz
Jirachi: Genie

Gen IV

Grotle & Torterra: World Turtle
Infernape: Sun Wukong (possibly some basis on Hindu's the Vanara, specifically a Vanara named Hanuman)
(Floatzel: Possibly some basis on Kamaitachi.)
Bronzor family: From the legend "Of a Mirror and a Bell".
Spiritomb: Jibakurei
(Gible family: Has some traits of European Dragons.)
(Riolu family: Possibly Egyptian god Anubis.)
(Hippopotas family: Possibly some basis on Arabian's Bahamut.)
Snover family: Yeti
Froslass: Yuki-onna
(Rotom: Possibly some basis on Gremlins &/or Poltergeists)
Uxie, Mesprit, & Azelf: Partially on Faeries (they're named after specific kinds, but it holds no basis on their design)
(Dialga & Palkia: Possibly some basis on Shinto gods Izanami & Izanagi)
(Giratia: Possibly some basis on Japan's Seta, a Basilisk, &/or a Serpent.)
(Cresselia: Possibly some basis on Philippines' Sarimanok.)
(Darkrai: Possibly some basis on Bogeyman)
Arceus: Many mythologies have creator deities (Shinto first gods Kunitokotachi & Amenominakanushi, Chinese first god Pangu). Visually a Qilin (and some basis from Buddhism's Avalokitesvara's various forms).

Gen V

(Victini: Possibly some basis on Greek/Roman's goddess Nike/Victoria.)
Tepig family: Zhu Bajie
(Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, & their families: Possibly some basis on the Three Wise Monkeys.)
Munna family: Baku (spirit)
(Blitzle family: Possibly some basis on Greek god Helios's steeds, though that's probably coincidence.)
(Roggenrola family: Similar to Geodude family, could have some basis on a rock monster but not sure which one.)
(Timburr family: Possibly some basis on Ogres)
Throh & Sawk: Oni
Whimsicott: Vegetable Lamb of Tartary & Fairy
(Darmanitan: Its Zen Mode could have some basis on the Three Wise Monkeys.)
Yamask: Egyptian god Ba
(Archen family: Possibly some basis on Mesoamerican's Feathered Serpents.)
(Trubbish family: Possibly some basis on trolls.)
Zorua family: Kitsune (specifically their ability to cast illusions and shapeshift)
(Reuniclus: Possibly some basis on Homunculus.)
(Frillish family: Possibly some basis on Nurarihyon &/or Kurage no Hinotama.)
(Tynamo family: Possibly some basis on Skyfish.)
Litwik family: Hitodama
(Cryogonal: Possibly some basis on Norse's Jotunn.)
Druddigon: Gargoyle & European Dragon
Golett family: Golem of Hebrew Legend
(Pawniard family: Possibly some basis on Kaijin.)
Deino family: Many mythologies have multi-headed dragons (Yamata no Orochi, Zmey Gorynych, Lernaean Hydra).
(Volcarona: Possibly based on a Solar Deity &/or Seraph.)
Tornadus: In Incarnate Forme the Kami, Fujin (and possibly a Genie). In Therian Forme possibly the Vermilion Bird (and possibly Aztec god Huitzilopochtli).
Thundurus: In Incarnate Forme the Kami, Raijin (and possibly a Genie). In Therian Forme possibly the Azure Dragon and/or Black Tortoise (and possibly Aztec god Quetzalcoatl &/or an Asian Qiling).
Landorus: In Incarnate Forme the Kami, Inari (and possibly a Genie). In Therian Forme possibly the White Tiger (and possibly Aztec god Tezcatlipoca &/or Tepeyollotl).
Reshiram: Wyvern
Zekrom & Kyurem: European Dragon
Keldeo: Kelpie (and possibly a Qilin)
Meloetta: Greek's Muse; specifically Aria Forme is Euterpe & Pirouette Forme is Terpsichore.

Gen VI

Braixen & Delphox: Kitsune (specifically them being spellcasters).
Greninja: Jiraiya
Flabebe family: Fairy (& possibly a Nymph)
(Skiddo family: Possibly based on Greek gods Pan &/or Faunus.)
Meowstic: Nekomata
(Sylveon: Possibly some basis on a Fairy.)
Carbink & Diancie: Carbuncle
Goomy family: Lou Carcolh &/or Shussebora
Klefki: Fairy
Phantump family: Kodama (Trevenant may also have some basis on Cyclops &/or Yamawarawa)
Noivern: Wyvern (and possibly a Gargoyle)
Xerneas: Stags of Norse mythology
Yveltal: Eagles of Norse mythology
Zygarde: The Children of Loki in Norse Mythology (10% is Fenrir (&/or possibly Niohoggr), 50% is Jormungandr (&/or possibly Garmr), & Perfect is Hel (&/or possibly Loki himself)).
Hoopa: Genie (and possibly Hindu deity Shakti, Greek's Gegenees, &/or Taoism diety Nezha)
Volcanion: Shisa &/or Komainu

Also many of the object Pokemon (Magnemite family, Voltorb family, Chimecho family, Drifloon family, Bronzor family, Trubbish family, Klink family, Litwick family, Honedge family) could be a Tsukumogami, an object brought to life (though usually from having "lived" for 100 years).

 

[Menshay]

A couple notes about those:
- Jirachi seems to be based about generic wish-granting entities, but its paper strips most likely reference the Japanese Tanabata festival which was inspired by a Chinese folk tale
- Xatu's resemblance to elements from Native American folklore is also most likely not coincidental
- the Darmanitan line is based on Daruma dolls. Bulbapedia conjectures the three monkeys as an inspiration for Pansage/Panpour/Pansear, though
- if ancient civilizations and not only folk tales are counted, Sigilyph is an obvious reference to the Nazca lines
- About Latias/Latios: their Japanese classification is むげん (mugen), which Wiktionary translates either as "infinity" or "fantasy" (Bulbapedia uses the former), so "eon" is used just in the translation (this doesn't fully disprove the Gnostic connection, however).