Xerneas and Yveltal facts for kids

Xerneas (ゼルネアス, Zeruneasu, zur-NEE-us) and Yveltal (イベルタル, Iberutaru, ee-VELL-tall) are two legendary Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise, debuting as the version mascots in the 2013 Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon X and Y. Both creatures were jointly designed by Ken Sugimori and Atsuko Nishida over a period of 18 months. Their designs draw inspiration from Norse mythology and are based on the shapes "X" and "Y". Known as the Life and Destruction Pokémon, respectively, Xerneas and Yveltal are powerful creatures said to have shaped the history of the Pokémon world. Xerneas and Yveltal appeared in many other games and media since their debut.

Concept and characteristics

The development of Pokémon X and Y began in 2010, and the games were released worldwide on October 12, 2013. The titles X and Y, representing the x-axis and y-axis—also reflecting different forms of thinking—were chosen early in development. At the request of game director Junichi Masuda, the shapes "X" and "Y" were used as the framework for the boxart legendary Pokémon: Xernas and Yveltal. Following tradition that began with Red and Green, Ken Sugimori was tasked with designing these two legendary Pokémon. Normally, Sugimori designs the legendary Pokémon by himself; however, he suffered from artist's block and required assistance from designer Atsuko Nishida to create Xerneas and Yveltal. Finalization of their designs took about 18 months, 3 times longer than normal.

Xerneas is a large stag-like Pokémon adorned with glowing antlers, and Yveltal is a large y-shaped avian Pokémon with some draconian traits. Part of a Legendary trio, the designs of Xerneas and Yveltal are rooted in Norse Mythology. Xerneas traces to the Eikþyrnir, a stag that stands atop Valhalla, while Yveltal is inspired by the Hræsvelgr, a giant eagle able to make the wind blow by flapping its wings.

Xerneas and Yveltal represent eternity and destruction, respectively. Xerneas can grant eternal life while Yveltal can absorb life energy. Xerneas donned the newly introduced Fairy-type and a new ability called Fairy Aura, which raises the power of all Fairy-type attacks in-battle. Yveltal is a dual Dark- and Flying-type with the unique ability Dark Aura which has the same effect as Xerneas' ability but for Dark-type attacks. Additionally, both Pokémon have unique attacks: Geomancy for Xerneas and Oblivion Wing for Yveltal.

Appearances

In video games

Within the main series games, Xerneas and Yveltal were at first only available in X and Y, respectively, but were made once again available for capture without an in-game event when Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were released in 2017. They serve a pivotal role in X and Y's story, providing the energy necessary for Team Flare to power their super weapon. They must be caught for the story to progress and can only be encountered once. From May 11 to 17, 2016, a shiny Xerneas was distributed via Wi-Fi to players using X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. An identical distribution of a shiny Yveltal took place the following week from May 20 to 28.

Yveltal appears as one of the antagonists in Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, turning numerous characters to stone while under control of the primary antagonist "Dark Matter". During the story's climax, Yveltal is turned to stone by Dark Matter before being saved by the player character. After Dark Matter is defeated, Xerneas appears from the "Tree of Life" and enables to player to evolve any party member. Xerneas and Yveltal also appear in multiple other spinoff titles, including Pokémon Art Academy, Pokémon Rumble World, Pokémon Battle Trozei, Pokémon Shuffle, and Pokémon Picross. Yveltal is featured in the 2015 fighting game Pokkén Tournament as an assist character that can temporarily stop the player's opponent from using their Synergy Gauge. The 2016 mobile strategy game Pokémon Duel features both as EX-level figures. Additionally, Xerneas appears as an assist character and trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, and as a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Other media

Both Xerneas and Yveltal appeared in the seventeenth Pokémon movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction and its manga adaptation. They also made minor appearances in the Pokémon: XY anime, and Yveltal further appeared briefly in Pokémon Generations. The two legendary Pokémon reprise their role from X and Y in the Pokémon Adventures manga during the X & Y chapter. They also made minor appearances in the Let's Play the Pokémon Card Game XY! manga. Furthermore, both appear on multiple cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Pokémon de la sexta generación para niños