Thread: On the Origin of Species: Charmander: Investigating the inspirations behind Pokémon

Originally Posted by Bikini Miltank

Does this remind you of anything?

Hello, Pokabu-evolution!

Anyways, this was a great article, as always.

Yes, another great article. I love reading On the Origins of Species. I always thought Charmander was based on a lizard, like it's evolutions. Continue the great work!

Wait. So everything you've been telling us is a big pack of LIES?!?! DX

Haha. Spectacular as always.

I figured it would be based on a salamander, but still, great job!

I really liked the article. They have always been interesting.

Originally Posted by Ranger Jack Walker

I thought it was going to be Psyduck this time.

That last line. Does it mean that what you've been writing is all LIES!!!

What a monster. ;____;

This was great. I love Charmander, and I was very excited to read this, and to find out that i'm not the only one who knows about that stupid Salamander myth... I wanted a Psyduck article though. I have even since before it was mentioned, I love Psyduck.

Originally Posted by Torisho

Never thought its origin was that deep. :3

Of course, like I always argue, I don't think the developers thought that deeply into the origin of the creatures. The most they probably did was look up the salamander's biology for its habitat description. It's still interesting nonetheless, how perhaps some of the unconscious relations and nuances can be researched.

Also, where's the Raptor Rants footer?

Ah, yes, the Salamander. Always a favorite mythic creature of mine.


Fun fact: The first Asians to trade with Europeans tricked them into buying clothing made of asbestos by claiming that the material was actually salamander skin.

Originally Posted by Zekurom

Also, where's the Raptor Rants footer?

The what now?

I think you have me confused with someone else...

Originally Posted by Bikini Miltank

The what now?

I think you have me confused with someone else...

Ah, yes that's right, I do. I'm sorry for the mixup. I mistook you for the guy who writes the Looking Forward column.

A very interesting read, although I was a bit confused as to how you didn't also refer to Paracelsus as an alchemist. After all, wasn't the Salamander a pretty important Alchemic Symbol?

That's true. You know the character Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist? The flame alchemy circle on his gloves has a small silhouete of a salamander in it.

Here: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1131/1387904596_bd4a459df7.jpg

Look at the bottom. See the salamander?

Originally Posted by fullmetalwooper

That's true. You know the character Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist? The flame alchemy circle on his gloves has a small silhouete of a salamander in it.

Here: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1131/1387904596_bd4a459df7.jpg

Look at the bottom. See the salamander?

Have you seen the amount of Alchemical Research Hiromu Arakawa had to do for FMA? She kept on getting confused due to contradictions. I myself had to write a report on it.

Yeah... I feel sorry for her... It was hard enough for me just to find out what a Flamel is actually called. I used to call it "That twisty cross thingy" xD

Getting back on topic, my mom, who is pagan, says that there are elementals called Salamanders that are very different from the animal, and that the animal may have been named after the elementals.

Another great article. I also liked the Paracelsus reference, though I feel simply referring to him as an "occultist" is a bit narrow. Many of the old-time doctors and scientists dabbled or excelled in many fields of study, a fact which I feel many people (though probably not you) are unaware of.