Pokemon Wind and Wave have the perfect candidate to restore the Fire Starter zodiac tradition

I remember it vividly when Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were first announced, and since I instantly fell in love with Fuecoco as a Gen 9 Fire starter, people online were appalled that it was breaking the 26-year-long pattern of Fire starter Pokemon inspired by the Chinese zodiac. I'll be honest – I've always thought the Chinese Zodiac theory was a bit forced. Still, Pokemon has a lot of weird references and unique sources of inspiration across the series, so there might be something to it. When I learned about Pokemon wind and waveWhen I read about one myth appropriate for the setting, I started thinking about the Chinese zodiac tradition and how it suddenly made sense for Gen 10.

Based on leaks Pokemon It will be called Gen 10 Pokemon wind and wavewith games containing the Legendary human box, each representing one of these key elements. The games will reportedly take place in an archipelago inspired by Southeast Asia and Indonesia, which is an interesting location given the series' Japanese, American, or European settings thus far. But why would Gen 10 repeat the tradition of the Chinese zodiac? The answer is simple and it's because there is a perfect folklore creature to match it.

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Everything in Pokemon Gen 10 Teraleak explained

Images and documents related to the Pokemon Gen 10 games, reportedly called Pokemon Wind and Wave, have surfaced online, detailing their new content.

Pokemon's Fire Starter The Chinese Zodiac Theory Explained and How It Broke Down

In case you're out of the loop, the Fire starter theory of the Chinese zodiac states that any Fire starter could fit into one of the 12 animals represented by the Chinese zodiac. These would be:

Gen 1: Charmander is the Dragon of the Chinese Zodiac, which might make sense given Charizard's design and the fact that one of his Mega Evolutions even has Dragon as a type.
Gen 2: Cyndaquil is a rat of the Chinese zodiac, which is fitting because it's called the “Fire Mouse Pokémon.”
Gen 3: Torchic is the rooster of the Chinese zodiac, which makes sense since he's a chicken.
Gen 4: Chimchar is the monkey of the Chinese zodiac, which again is fitting because it really is a monkey.
Gen 5: Tepig is the pig of the Chinese zodiac and this is also easy to see.
Gen 6: Fennekin is the dog of the Chinese zodiac, although this is where the theory started to show its cracks, as Fennekin is clearly a fox (and her evolution proves it).
Gen 7: Litten is the tiger of the Chinese zodiac, and while the starter is a cat, his final evolution is clearly based on a tiger.
Gen 8: Scorbunny is the rabbit of the Chinese zodiac, who once again sits beautifully.
Gen 9: Fuecoco is a real hit because the remaining animals in the Chinese zodiac are snake, horse, goat, and ox, but he's obviously based on a crocodile, something his evolution also maintains.

How Pokemon Wind and Wave Can Revive Chinese Zodiac Theory

Pokemon Scarlet Violet Break Fire Pokemon Zodiac Theory

There is no guarantee that PokemonChinese zodiac theory will return in Gen 10 but if Pokemon wind and wave leaks are true and the games are set in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, it would be a shame not to use the perfect creature for this role model: Sigbin. Sigbin (or Sigben) is a creature from Philippine folklore that resembles a hornless goat.

According to the myths, Sigbin has large ears that clap, a long tail that he can use as a whip, and emits a terrible smell. It becomes active at night and looks for blood, which it sucks from the shadows of animals and people. He is said to walk backwards, reports suggest he places his head between his legs and is able to become invisible. Despite its terrifying appearance and demeanor, this could easily become a Pokemon, possibly the final evolution of a Gen 10 Fire-type starter. Options include:

A fire goat with some of Sigbin's physical characteristics for a pure Fire-type Pokémon.
A goat representing the physical characteristics of Sigbin, but with a focus on invisibility and drawing blood from the shadows, for a potential Fire/Ghost starter. This is unlikely because Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet had a Fire/Ghost starter in Hisuian Typhlosion and Skeledirge.
A goat creature inspired by Sigbin in terms of design, with a focus on foul smell that could be perfect for a Salazzle-like Fire/Poison Pokemon.
A Goat Pokémon that is inspired both physically and behaviorally by Sigbin, mixing some traits for Fire/Dark Pokémon like Incineroar.

Why Goat Fire Starter makes perfect sense in Gen 10

Since Sigbin has several traits that could make for an interesting Pokemon concept, the possibilities are endless for the would-be beginner. Since goats have long been associated with fire as an element due to religious symbols, and since there is no Fire-type Goat Pokemon, this could be a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone and create the myth of a suitable creature based on local legend. This could enrich the setting Pokemon wind and waveand at the same time offers a completely refreshing type of Pokémon as an appetizer.

Finally, since Skiddo and Gogoat are the only true goat Pokemon, it would make sense to have more based around that animal. It could be argued that Cobalion z PokemonSwords of Justice is a goat, but is actually based on antelopes, which have different characteristics than goats. As such, a Sigbin-inspired Pokémon would be perfect for Gen 10 and could revive the Chinese Zodiac theory – at least for a while.