Pokémon

Like its pre-evolved form, Growlithe, Arcanine is a fiercely brave and loyal Pokémon. It can run 6,200 miles in 24 hours, with a speed and grace reminiscent of flight. This magnificent, regal Pokémon has long been admired for its beauty and speed, and anyone who hears its majestic bark will grovel before it. The source of its power is a flame blazing wildly inside its body. There are so many old tales about Arcanine that it’s sometimes called a ‘Legendary Pokémon’, but there are more of them around than you might think.

Arcanine is bigger, fluffier, and more wild-looking than Growlithe, conveying the idea that, whereas its pre-evolved form is commonly kept as a pet in the Pokémon world, Arcanine is truly a creature of the wilderness. Arcanine, like Growlithe, is based on Japanese guardian statues such as the shisa and komainu, often called ‘lion-dogs’. Arcanine is indeed reminiscent of a big dog, but it also has tiger-like colours and markings. The orange colouration broadcasts Arcanine’s Fire-typing, while its lighter tufts of unruly fur evoke flames.

Arcanine also incorporates aspects of a Chinese mythical beast called the Pixiu. The Pixiu is a powerful lion or tiger-like creature that is fiercely protective of its owner. Myths often portray the Pixiu as a guardian, and there is sometimes confusion between Pixiu and lion-dog guardians because of their similar appearances. Legends detailing the Pixui’s origin can be traced back to the Han dynasty in China, over 2,000 years ago. Emperor Wu was said to use a Pixiu to obtain and guard his gold. He declared that the Pixiu would always be known as the ‘Treasure of the Emperor’ and forbade anyone outside the royal family from owning one. The connection between the Pixiu and ancient Chinese monarchy explains why Arcanine is described as ‘regal’ and ‘majestic’ in the Pokédex and why some regard it as a Legendary Pokémon.

In Chinese legend, the Pixiu is said to have defied a deity and, as punishment, had its rectum sealed. It was then forced to consume only gold, silver, and jewels. Figurines depicting Pixiu represent these stories by making the tail downturned, covering the Pixiu’s rear end. Arcanine’s bent tail could be based on these depictions.

In the Hisui region, Arcanine has a slightly different look due to the volcanic activity in the environment it inhabits. This Pokémon uses its fangs while engulfed in flames to snap at its foes. Despite how deceivingly bulky Hisuian Arcanine is, it moves around nimbly like a dancer. This allows it to lead opponents on a merry chase while avoiding them at the same time. Like Hisuian Growlithe, this Pokémon’s stone-grey fur is made of igneous rock components and is permanently ash-stained.

Hisuian Arcanine has a couple more horns on its head, which, like its pre-evolved form, are probably based on komainu statues. Its ankle fur and bushy, curly tail resemble plumes of smoke. On its front legs, there are fur embellishments that look a bit like tiny wings. These don’t seem to be based on any particular statue, but they do tie into the fact that OG Arcanine was said to have such speed and grace when it’s running across the grassland that it almost appears to be flying.

In short, this new regional variation of Arcanine is still recognisably Arcanine, but it looks even more majestic and statuesque than before. With its thick eyebrows and the ‘clouds’ on its tail and rolling down its back, I think Hisuian Arcanine matches the style of Japanese guardian statues better than any other member of its evolutionary family.