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Eva Sandor's avatar

I'm reminded of Sigmund the Sea Monster. (If that doesn't scream "child of the 70s" I don't know what)

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Robert Walrod's avatar

Believe it or not, this millennial knows what that is!

When I was about 10 or so, the local SoCal PBS station played a block of Krofft Brothers shows on Saturday mornings. So I know Sigmund and Land of the Lost and HR Puffnstuff.

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Eva Sandor's avatar

Looking back on it, those shows were really thoroughly on acid. Though the Kroffts insisted they were not, which makes it even weirder.

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Bob Jacobs's avatar

I heard that Gamefreak wanted the (Kanto) starters to feel like pets or companions kids could imagine finding in their backyards or nearby nature. So the starters, or at least their first evolution, are not meant to evoke mythological creatures but more mundane animals like a toad (bulbasaur), lizard (charmander), and turtle (squirtle). (Though the chosen type and final evolutions are likely influenced by mythology).

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Robert Walrod's avatar

I actually discuss this a bit in the post on Bulbasaur! https://necessarymonsters.substack.com/p/001-bulbasaur

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Vanechka's avatar

Fascinating as always. I knew about kappa a little but never thought of making connection with Squirtle

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HS's avatar

I like this overview and dissection of the kappa legend quite a bit. The kappa has always been my favorite, there's a charm about it despite its often malicious behavior. Maybe that's why I always pick Squirtle when I replay the original set of games.

How thorough your research is impresses me greatly.

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Robert Walrod's avatar

Thanks so much.

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Mary Catelli's avatar

Sounds like they have affinities to Peg Powler and Jenny Greenteeth.

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Robert Walrod's avatar

Yes, definitely.

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