Pokemon Legends Hidden Folkstories! 🎎🔥🦀 - Gaijin Goombah

[@silverfordston6ify]

I got so excited when I stumbled upon the Yuki-onna quest in the Icelands. I’m still learning a lot of Yokai legends but the Yuki-onna is definitely my favorite.

[@Loron20]

This. I found the first part of the quest and just went "Did they really include that!" It is almost the Yuki-onna story I know verbatim.

[@WilliamSchmidNetwork]

You mean the quest involving Frosslass?

[@silverfordston6ify]

@@WilliamSchmidNetwork indeed I do

[@dexieon]

I was so excited when I recognized that the quest was about the Yuki-onna or at least referencing it.

[@MrSailing101]

@@dexieon as soon as I read 'Kimono" i was thinking "i'm gonna fight a frosslass"

[@DialE4Eggs]

Wow, I never knew Geodude was so culturally significant

[@WilliamSchmidNetwork]

Now that I’ve seen them side-by-side, Geodude does kind look like the Ishigani. Chock another Pokémon based on Yokai.

[@Loron20]

Playing through Pokemon Legends, the thing that first got me thinking "Does Gaijin have any insight on this" was the architecture of the buildings in the main village (and latter the clan villages but to a much lesser extent). Specifically the blending of more Japanese style buildings and the western style buildings (mostly the brick guard house at the entrance). Then as the game progressed more buildings got built and we got lamp posts (sometimes right next to paper lanterns) and what looked to be even older Japanese style housing. And not to spoil too much, but the mochi dealer felt like they might get talked about... our character does consume A LOT of potato mochi.

[@DirectorOfChaos9292]

Beni's twist kind of came out of nowhere. And the fact that he wants to KILL you is messed up

[@Loron20]

@@DirectorOfChaos9292 I was trying to be subtle...

[@DirectorOfChaos9292]

@@Loron20 Theres no subtlety needed. The guy flat out states that his mission was/is to do the commander's dirty work.

[@Loron20]

@@DirectorOfChaos9292 Yes. But not everyone has finished the story. And you get NO indication of that before that point.

[@brilliantsableye2591]

9:17 That does make me wonder: why does Geodude have perfectly humanoid hands, while it's evolutions have less complex ones?

[@ChristianNeihart]

I think it's because Arceus is a dick.

[@Syiepherze]

I noticed that the English website for PLA got updated and added the starters' Hisuian forms, and the description for Hisuian Typhlosion mentions its 108 ghost flames. Definitely not a coincidence lol

[@RRed19]

Leads me to believe that Hisuian Typhlosion were one of the Pokémon that helped corral and seal the initial Spiritomb.

[@coreymyers5321]

I actually remembered the culture shock episode for the Mii origin during the Pokeshi doll event. Never thought I would need that information, but it makes everything just a bit more interesting.

[@Sungura_Kaiser]

It took me until the end of the Spiritomb quest to realize that Vessa's name sounds like "vessel"...

[@sargentgullible2794]

Fun fact: If you tried to give Radisha a Alpha Geodude, she'll deny it fearing it would crush those pickles too much.

[@spring_drain18]

When I first came across the Spiritomb side quest, and the character mentioned the number of wisps, 107 (I already knew there was going to be a 108th one), the Suikoden fan in me was like "No way, there's a refence to the actual Chinese legend?? That's so cool!" I'm a huge fan of the Suikoden video games (Suikoden II is my favorite), so I can't wait until (possibly) all 5 games are covered on this channel! I'm pretty excited for Eiyuden Chronicles as well!!

[@HavocPrime8989]

Seriously looking forward to a deep dive into the Suikoden series (the original was my personal favorite) and hopefully Eiyuden Chronicles when it comes out.

[@spring_drain18]

@@HavocPrime8989 I know a 'prequel' of sorts for EC is coming out this April, I believe. And I know it'll be available on Steam, and I think the Switch as well! Though I'm very curious to see how and when he'll cover all 5 Suikoden games. I just finished watching an LP of Suikoden 3 today and I saw the true ending when you get all 108 Stars of Destiny and I'm still processing the ending a little bit. I didn't expect a side party character that didn't have much to do in 2 could cause so much interest during the events of 3. Interested to see what 4 and 5 will show me (I already kinda know about the rocky reputation of Suikoden 4).

[@OkamiPrincess15]

I’m a bit envious you got to play 2, I played all the other ones but never got my hands on 2. Wish they’d do a remaster of it.

[@HavocPrime8989]

@@OkamiPrincess15 Copies of 2 are practically holy relics, and cost a ton. The only way I got to play it was the fan base nagging until it was released on PSN for the PS3 and PSP. I PS3 network is still in service, and it was only $9 on there last I checked.

[@spring_drain18]

@@OkamiPrincess15 Oh no no no, sorry, I didn't make that part clear. 😅 I've actually never played 2 for myself, but I've seen a really good LP of 2 thanks to Lucahjin! I must've watched 5-6 times in the past 8-9 years it's been around. It's one of my comfort series that I go back to once a year or so.

[@alexcoffey8804]

A little but more about the pokéshi dolls in relation to pokémon lore: They're clearly based on clefairy, just like pokédolls in the main games. The reason why they look like clefairies is that clefairy was designed to be pokémon's mascot before pikachu became more popular.

[@shinigamimiroku3723]

This was really interesting to watch! I knew a little bit about the Spiritomb origins, but not nearly that much! And the pickling stone and Pokeshi Doll quests were also really interesting to learn about. Excellent work as always!

[@massimodalessandro108]

I know you're probably very tired of Pokémon right now but I do hope there are more Legends Arceus videos, because I love seeing the hidden cultural inspiration behind this game set in the past... Thank you for the great content!

[@madnessarcade7447]

How can they be tired of Pokémon if they barely do Pokémon content

[@trayhl]

Here is my favorite tidbit from the game. It's not really a spoiler but i'll write after the fold anyway: On Coronet highlands, the mountain region, on the botton-left corner there is a waterfall. It's a little above the Fabled Spring area. At the botton of that waterfall there is a magikarp spawn point, at the top of the waterfall there is a Gyarados spawn point. The Magikarp line is based on a story about a carp that climbed a waterfall and became a dragon. I guess we just found that waterfall !:D

[@4ncientGu150]

About the pickling stone, funny thing. When you give a pokemon to a villager it actually displays that pokemon. So if you give a alpha or shiny, they'll be a alpha or shiny permanently. Knowing this I held off on completing this until I eventually found a alpha geodude. I gave it to her only to have her reject it because it was so big she was scared it would crush the jar. Gave her a normal one after.

[@AjoraJade]

Hi! Overseas Chinese guy here. I think you pronounced "Nai An" and "Shui Hu Zhuan" perfectly :) "Shi" was slightly off. But hey, 5 out of 6 is pretty good :D

[@raptoriansketches]

My favorite one so far was the Froslass side mission. I wondered why you couldn't catch it and then later I realised "OH. It's HER." And the fear in me made me avoid the area for a solid 48 hours

[@sonicwma0105]

Had a feeling even before you mentioned it that the 108 spirits would relate to the 108 Stars of Destiny. Loved reading Shui Hu Zhan. Too bad I lost my copy and now have to track down a new one.

[@mattwo7]

108 is a sacred number in _ALL_ the Dharmic religions. Not just Buddhism. It's also tied to Hisuian typhlosion, who may also be based on Water Margin.

[@KageDarkAngel]

This game was fun. Lots of legends on Yokai and some cultural facts from the sidequests and even some interesting reveals and theoretical answers to certain Pokemon based legends themselves. Like the one book from Canalave Library that talks of a Pokemon whom you should never look into its eyes, touch, or harm for to do so would cost you your memories, emotions, and body? I think it refers to three pokemon, not one and those three would be the lake trio. The Hisui Pokedex entries for them are... quite disturbing despite how helpful those three are in the game.

[@coreymyers5321]

Pokémon Legends is “legendary” with the depth of the folklore it has.

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

5:26 Fun fact the Suikoden games are inspired by this story and GG mentioned it so now I'm just lookingforward to the day he covers that series Also Arceus is one of my favorite pokemon of all time with his mix of eastern and western creator deity in both backstory and design

[@nox1910]

This is really cool, I knew a few of these, but I completely forgot about Spiritomb's stuff! I hope that they do more Pokémon Legends games, and do more side quests with cool cultural roots. Speaking of new games, Yugioh Master Duel has several Solo questlines, with one of which being based on the Karakuri deck, which looks to be based on karakuri dolls. That might be an interesting thing to discuss if you decide to do a video on Yugioh cards like you did for Magic?

[@danieldishon688]

You should make this a series. Each video could explain the culture behind 3 more side quest. Unless there's not enough side quest in Legends to make a interesting culture dive. E people arguing about Burmy, a woman afraid of pichu that's making noise in her room, a guy wanting a Parasect for his mushroom business.....those all seem normal like there's nothing more to them.

[@XerxesTexasToast]

The first Spiritomb you catch is not guaranteed to be female, for the record. Mine is male. I still named him Vess though

[@LaceNWhisky]

Hey Gaijin, just wanted to say I appreciate these videos. I know Pokémon in general borrows a lot from folklore, so it's great to see the references explained.

[@tailsofpearls]

I got so excited at the Yuki onna quest! It took me by surprise when it directly quoted the legend and the interesting implication that the quest giver is mostly human but part froslass. (You don't need to cover it though, It's fairly obvious and I think you've already done a video on froslass before?)

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

The minute you mentioned Suikoden, I immediately grinned. So glad you're aware of the series and might cover it in the future.

[@WelshGiraffa]

I’m loving some of these yokai themed quests just finished the Froslass and the old diary quest and oh the themes and inspirations are songood

[@Kankan_Mahadi]

Oh em gee, Hisui Goodra looks so adorable in its shell!

[@nicodalusong149]

Fair enough, the main story that isn't the post game section isn't as strong. Heck, most of the real important lore is only at the ending or in the post game and the side quests. Good video. I learned some new stuff. Thanks.

[@VitaeOS]

I'm really late to this one, but I really love how in depth you get with your videos. Its always great to learn, the only gripe I have was the misreading of "Odd Keystone" as "Old Keystone" but I'm always excited to see another video on Pokémon!

[@gamerkingdom1442]

NICE! I knew you’d eventually give this game a shot! Just the town of Jubilife OOZED Japanese Culture! Lets see what ya got!

[@starstudios2959]

I've been waiting patiently for this day

[@acemcwolf5445]

A video I'd like to see in the future is if there's any cultural references in the Hisuian regional forms.

[@GaijinGoombah]

One vid on that is done. Another is coming.

[@-K_J-]

I've been so hype for this video since you made the first few. Never clicked a notification so fast

[@zaeriz3458]

I got really excited the deeper I got into this game... Because of things I learned from you and Linfamy and other people who talk about Japanese culture and stuff. Like, I had that jittery feeling of "OH HEY!" and being able to predict where things were going based on the reference rather than just the Pokemon it was about. (Esp with Froslass, tho I knew it was gonna be froslass, I also knew the exact yuki ona story they were referencing lmao.)

[@edywhalley4169]

actively watching the unexpectable No.27 as this came out. lol

[@shawnheatherly]

This is exactly what I want to see on Legends.

[@superspider64]

seeing Goodra just hiding in its shell poking its little head out just melted my heart

[@galaxy-eyesgarchomp9478]

Wow, I learned something new about Spiritomb in this video.

[@Pelicanhorrorvideoshow69420]

My cousin lived in Japan for a bit when she was little and she actually has some kokeshi dolls from her stay there! It's really neat to learn about them here lmao

[@rickbenavidez7368]

Wow! I had no idea that that was the origin for the mii’s or the pickling Geodude story lines. Thanks sir and looking forward to more of your fun videos.

[@Shadic102354]

Hey Gaijin, have you ever though about doing a culture shock about Shaman King? The reboot is on Netflix and it is raining with a lot of different culture references of shaman.

[@GaijinGoombah]

Anime is sadly too risky.

[@MuttonTheDragon]

Hoo boy was I waiting to see this one!

[@mckay7965]

Ok, first off, Chris Farley reference, so that's a thumbs up from me. Secondly, as soon as I saw that thumbnail, I knew exactly what was coming, amazing video. Keep up the great work!

[@ksoundkaiju9256]

Imagine if that spiritomb side quest actually had consequences Like if you don’t gather all of the spirits within a specific timeframe they’ll form into some horrible monster you have to fight

[@Aderon]

I find it interesting how the vast majority of Ghost-type pokemon fit into one of two archetypes: Plenty are just purple specters a la Oni-Bi, with Gastly serving as a prime example. Most ghost types fit this bill and tend to focus more on the 'evil' connotations of spirits. Then there's the other almost half of Ghost-type Pokemon that are seemingly just filled with Tsukumogami inspirations, though there are plenty of other Tsukumogami Pokemon that don't have the ghost typing.

[@MarkBelain]

@theIntroOfThisVideo Yeah, I gotta admit as much as I feel lazy or "needy baby," the MOMENT anything gaming that could have folklore in it comes out, one of my FIRST thoughts is "I wonder what Gaijin Goombah would find in this." I've been seeing the world that way for at least 6 years. You're THE source of much of my folklore knowledge, ESPECIALLY when it comes to Japan. Step #1 of virtually all my folklore digs is "is this covered by Gaijin Goombah?"

[@vertiathegreen9858]

I always learn something new from your videos. If you do any more for the side quests in Legends, could you talk about the notebook you get from Froslass? That one stood out to me, but it was over so fast.

[@peacorptv6502]

I think Radisa is a pun for Radish. Because pickled radishes

[@evilkittie13]

I really liked Pokemon Legends Arceus, and while its not entirely based off of Ainu culture (as I kind of was hoping for because it seemed interesting), it was still fascinating because Pokemon have decided to do something new. As a fan of the franchise, I hope they continue exploring new territory like this and progress further. Btw, I adore Hisuian Zorua/Zoarark as one of my favorites. I'm glad you did this video, while the main story was more along the lines of, well mainstream pokemon, the sidequests were definitely more interesting, particularly the payoff of the Spiritomb quest.

[@AndrewTraver]

Imma need a culture shock overload video on the 36 heavenly bodies, the 72 earthly fiends, and the connection to Taoism XD

[@15098D]

That pickling stone is absolutely horrifying

[@mattwo7]

I mean Pokemon Legends Arceus is basically "Monster Hunter Stories Rise but it's Pokemon" lol.

[@WarmLillie]

Gijiah Goomba, What do you think about me? Don’t be afraid now. I’m not a spiritomb or am I now… Lol. *She holds a keystone*

[@galaxy-eyesgarchomp9478]

This was a great watch and informative, excellent work.

[@gameseeker18]

I LOVE YOU GAIJIN GOOMBAH!!! Thank you for doing Pokemon Legends Arceus!!!

[@logandaley1544]

This was fun, it’s cool to see how many stories get references in Legends Arceus.

[@championty3714]

I was hoping you make videos of the Pokémon and some Pokémon are actually Yo Kai like Sneasler is the Kamaitachi

[@Caterfree10]

Whoo more Legends Arceus content! Didn’t know the stuff behind the Geodude quest, so that was a delight to learn! Even if also terrifying. :D

[@angelsinthewindow]

I was curious if later on, and I mean in your own time (I am not going to try to force you to do this), could you talk about the little boat thing that your pokemon use when you put them out on the water to fight? I have looked around to see if that was anything but I can't seem to find much on it myself (of course I don't know how to start looking for it). Maybe lump it in with some other stuff too that wouldn't have to be just pokemon themed maybe..... I don't know if you can make a whole video out of a little easteregg style thing like that. I do really really love this video as well, as I love pretty much every single episode you do. It's always amazing the amount of details you put into these.

[@seich-of-lacan-getter514]

Vessa must've been the most dominant of the 108 spirits, thats why she had a physical body... OH GOD, THATD MAKE SUCH Q AWESOME PLOT OR SUBPLOT, LIKE THE SHINKON JEWEL SHARDS IN INUYASHA, WHICH ADDS ANOTHER SIMILARITY TO THIS GAME AND THAT ANIME, THE WISPS EITHER POSSESS OR GET USED BY DIFFERENT POKEMON!

[@zigzackb2036]

I would love to see a video on Arcanine, he's always been my all time favorite!

[@GaijinGoombah]

Soon tm.

[@danthiel8623]

Sheeeesh!

[@misshollyannh6773]

I hope you do more, there's so much more in the game to look at.

[@missingLEGACY]

I need that Suikoden video you were talking about. I absolutely love that series, and it doesn't get enough love on youtube.

[@silversonic1]

Pretty much saw through the whole ghost girl thing when I met her. I mean, it's a Pokemon game. Of course there's a ghost girl.

[@sb6196]

I got it as soon as I was given the odd Keystone and she said to get 107 wisps not 108

[@windsmith4048]

6:10 hm, maybe that's why the green and yellow orbs on spiritomb kind of look like stars, and circle it's face.

[@adhambarbour]

I would love to try and make a Kokeshi doll, they look so cute.😍

[@FoamBot]

GG!! Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits please!!

[@DarkLordGanondorf190]

Yay :D I have been so exited for this one!

[@WarmLillie]

What have we learn? 108 is a very powerful number.

[@moonrose100]

I love the side quest! I really hope this game is a hint that Pokemon's branching out in game play

[@TheCreepypro]

to think this game would have so much culture I never thought there would be a reference to suikoden

[@hrpang]

I actually named my Braviary Kamui because of your videos. Thanks Gaijin for the good work.

[@m2pt5]

There's also a very notable appearance of kokeshi in Mother 2 (but it was localized into the Iron Eraser statue in Earthbound. The Japanese joke was that the statue was a kokeshi and it was removed with a statue eraser, or a kokeshi keshi.)

[@JazGalaxy]

I don’t play Pokémon and don’t generally like Pokémon videos, but I always like yours.

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Keep it up on your work and this video and channel

[@Jerrysteward59]

Kokeshi doll was the neatest find in this video.

[@kupaakaleo137]

7:15 "most pokemon fans already know what she's looking for" bro I've been playing since I was an actual fetus and I don't even know what a pickling stone is

[@mathieuleader8601]

its amazing where folklore takes us

[@jacobaobert]

my biggest question is: what are those weird vase like things at the table during your potato-mochi dinners with the professor and his assistant?

[@nidohime6233]

You mean the brown and green cups? Those are yunomi cups for drinking tea.

[@jacobaobert]

@@nidohime6233 no the other ones, looks like they got big round lids on top.

[@SpecRose]

Another interesting bit about Spiritomb actually is Hisuian Typhlosion. with some new bits on them recently coming out, we learn that Hisuian Typhlosion attacks with "108 Ghost Flames"--an oddly specific number, And the exact same number of spirits related to Spiritomb. Any idea what's going on there? Maybe there's something with that and it being said to purify wayward spirits that it eats, returning them to where they belong.. hm.

[@impudentstrumpet2655]

I reeeeaaaaaaallyyyyyy hope Pokémon Legends becomes a series 🙏

[@Areebiannight]

As usual, bless your deep dives into culture!

[@deanospimoniful]

I was waiting for this when I first heard about this game.

[@EvyDevy]

Huh, learned a cool fact about Miis as a bonus.

[@imalltheragex2000]

0:35 I kind of expected that you do this vid... But not for a while, feel sorry for ya that ya had to deal with so much spam.

[@WarmLillie]

I’ll take your deal, if anything that what I want and love.

[@livayatanm]

We'll be going back to those purple flames in the Magnamalo episode

[@jadziawynter9241]

Can you do Jujutsu Kaisen! I would love to know more about Nobara curse technique!

[@pandoramagnifica6125]

that first one just cleared up Hero 108. Like, it makes way to much sense

[@Mightymajin]

I'm excited for more videos on Arceus and also I named My Rowlet "Greakles"

[@shinobimanexe]

been waiting for this one XD

[@gsafian]

MugMug" MUGMUG!! Smash" Chargers at passionate Pokémon fans" "Gshadow: Mugs he's joking of being frustrated" "Facepalm" Wow I never thought it could be link to suikoden

[@OkamiPrincess15]

As a big Suikoden fan since the PS1 days, now I HAVE to get Spiritomb.

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Thanks you for your video and channel

[@TriaMaxwell]

As soon as I heard 108, I knew Suikoden would come into place

[@rantuoftheshadows]

3:30 its the 108 desires one must conquer in budissm representad by the 108 beads in a prayer chain held by monks