Pokémon 10 Things You Never Knew About Sinnoh

TheGamer

Something New

Pokémon 10 Things You Never Knew About Sinnoh

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum feature the Sinnoh Region, which is home to many secrets that explain a lot about the Pokémon world. Flashback to the mid-2000s: The highly anticipated release of Diamond and Pearl on the Nintendo DS was met with critical acclaim, and fans were treated to a whole new region, Pokédex, and storyline. Though beloved by the majority of Pokémon fans, Sinnoh still has its fair share of hidden trivia and lore. One of the biggest impacts Sinnoh has had on the Pokémon series is its mysterious nature, not to mention its addition to the overall lore of the Pokémon world. It's truly no surprise why so many fans are clamoring for Sinnoh remakes despite there being lots of To tide you over in the meantime, here are 1o facts you may not know about the Sinnoh Region. THEGAMER VIDEO OF THE DAY

Sinnoh Was The First Region To Ever Come Into Existence

Sinnoh did a lot for the Pokémon mythology, particularly introducing the universe's creation story. Arceus was born from an egg that appeared at the heart of the universe's turmoil and chaos. From there, it gave life to three creatures, Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina, from which Space, Time, and Antimatter (and the Distortion World) began to take shape. Arceus further took life from itself to create the three Lake Spirits, Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie, who reside within the three lakes of Sinnoh. This indicates that Sinnoh was the very first region to ever come into existence in the world. Having given life to all present and future humans and Pokémon, it then went into an eternal slumber, only to be awakened by the Player's arrival at the Hall of Origin. How's that for an origin story?

The Region Is Named After Its Myths and Mysteries

According to Game Freak founding member, Junichi Masuda, Sinnoh's name is based on the Japanese term "神奥," which can be translated to "mysterious." This is due to the many myths existing within the main story arc, and the encompassing lore of the region itself. With the player being able to capture Palkia, controller of space, or Dialga, controller of time, the Sinnoh games brought the very reasons why the Pokémon world exists right to the forefront of its story. This, in addition to the , truly embodies "mysterious" in a way no other region does.

Sinnoh s Geography Is Based On Japan

It's no secret that all of the regions draw inspiration from real life. With the latest Pokémon titles, Pokémon Sword & Shield, taking place in the UK-based , it begs the question of which real-world location other regions are based on. The mainland of Sinnoh has confirmed to be based on Hokkaido, which is the second-largest main island of Japan. Hokkaido is known for not only Mount Yōtei (which may have inspired Mt. Coronet), but also for its ski areas, which undoubtedly inspired the snowy northern routes of Sinnoh. Hokkaido's hot springs are also well-known, which could be why lakes play such a pivotal role in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

The Battle Zone Was Inspired By A Russian Island

While the mainland of Sinnoh draws inspiration from Hokkaido, the Battle Zone actually has ties to a different country, though still connected to Japan’s history. It has been said that the Battle Zone was inspired both by the south of Sakhalin, a Russian island, and Kunashir, an island under Russian control that Japan also lays claim to. Home to almost 500,000 people, Sakhalin’s population consists of the Ainu, Oroks, and Nivkhs, as well as Russian and Korean communities. Almost two-thirds of the island is mountainous, which explains the rocky terrain of the Battle Zone, particularly Stark Mountain. Kunashir is the southernmost island of the Kuril Islands, with there being 56 islands in total. The climate consists largely of volcanoes that form the ring of tectonic instability known as the Ring of Fire, and is inhabited by a population of roughly 20,000 people.

A Sinnohan Folk Story Explains Why Pokémon Appear In Tall Grass

In the seaside port known as Canalave City, there is a massive library documenting the many histories and myths of the Sinnoh Region. One book titled "Sinnoh Region's Mythology," tells the story of why Pokémon appear in tall grass. When Sinnoh had just been created by Arceus, Humans and Pokémon lived separate lives, akin to how many humans and animals do on earth. However, Pokémon and humans helped each other by supplying goods and offering support, which led to one Pokémon suggesting that their species should "always be ready to help humans". This promise exists to this day, as humans can find Pokémon "if we venture into tall grass".

Sinnoh Has More Shiny Pokémon Than Any Other Region In The Anime

The Sinnoh Region spanned several seasons of the Pokémon anime, including Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon: DP Battle Dimension, Pokémon: DP Galactic Battles, and Pokémon: DP Sinnoh League Victors. During these four seasons, the Sinnoh Region managed to include more shiny Pokémon than any other region has, with seven different shiny Pokémon featured. Featured above is a still from the episode "Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!" where Ash and friends meet Pokémon trainer Marina. Marina has a pair of Dittos, a Pokémon that can transform into its opponent, and one happens to be shiny. Lucky her! The other six shiny Pokémon in the Sinnoh anime are Ariados, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Dustox, and Metagross.

The Lake Spirits Gave Humans Knowledge Emotions And Willpower

Ever wonder how humans attained higher thought in the Pokémon world? Arceus’ creations are the reason behind it. The three lake spirits, Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, are each responsible for giving humans the abilities of knowledge, emotions, and willpower, respectively. They continue to exist as the guardians of Sinnoh’s three major lakes: Lake Acuity, Lake Verity, and Lake Valor. Not only are the trio based on the Imperial Regalia of Japan, but their names also reference pixies, sprites, and elves. Their names also incorporate personal pronouns: Uxie is you, Mesprit is me, and Azelf is us. Truly fitting for a generation all about creation, history, and mystery.

Sinnoh s Lore Reveals Humans Used To Marry Pokémon

Within Canalave City’s large library are many myths and folk stories about Sinnoh, but none more surprising than “Sinnoh Folk Story 3”. This story shows how people and Pokémon were once so similar that they existed as equals, with no “catching” or “owners” at all. The official English translation describes how Pokémon and humans ate at the same table as peers, but the original Japanese text shares a much different and more intimate history. The literal translation details how people and Pokémon would marry each other long ago, as “people and Pokémon were the same”. This not only seems to imply Darwinian evolution exists in the Pokémon world but that humans and Pokémon also shared similar genetics and lived alongside each other seamlessly.

Pokémon Platinum s Resort Area Contains A Hidden Ruler

A welcome addition to Sinnoh in Pokémon Platinum was the revamping of the Resort Area, where you can own a villa (rumored to previously belong to Steven Stone) and decorate it with expensive furniture. Another new aspect of the Resort Area is a swimmer residing in the pool near the Ribbon Syndicate, who tells you of the "hidden ruler" of the Resort Area. He urges the player to use to fish for the hidden ruler, meaning the player should use their Super Rod in the small pond nearby. This "hidden ruler" actually turns out to be Magikarp, as they can be found up to level 100 by fishing in the Resort Area. Unable to evolve, and unable to become any stronger: truly a tragic life for Magikarp.

Sinnoh s Poffins Are Famous Around The World

Any player who explored the variety of features in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum will know about Poffins, Sinnoh's version of Pokéblocks. Poffins (a portmanteau of Pokémon and muffin) are utilized in Pokémon Contests to enhance Smartness, Coolness, Beauty, Toughness, Cleverness, or Cuteness in a competing Pokémon. Poffins are a Sinnohan specialty, but are popular all throughout the Pokémon world, as referenced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. In the Thrifty Megamart on Royal Avenue, a variety of Poffins are shown to be for sale, though the player, unfortunately, cannot purchase any. Perhaps one day, Sinnoh remakes will finally let us get our hands on Poffins again.