The Pokémon anime series hides many intriguing and exciting details that not all fans know about. From small easter eggs to loving references to other entries in the franchise, this beloved show has many amazing surprises for viewers who take the time to examine it carefully. One of the most significant and memorable moments can be found at the end of the first episode of the series.
As Ash prepares to embark on his epic journey, the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh makes its debut in the anime by flying in the distance. For decades, this moment has been a cause of debate among fans, as the reason for depicting this mighty creature at such an early stage of the series was never revealed. Yet, now that Ash’s time as a protagonist is over, Ho-Oh’s sudden appearance could have finally been explained.
Ho-Oh Believed in Ash’s Potential
The Young Trainer Helped Him Remember the Best of Humanity
In episode #227 of the Pokémon anime series, the amazing lore of the legendary Ho-Oh was revealed. This powerful creature used to hold a close friendship with humanity, living in what today is known as the Burned Tower. When war struck the Johto region and humanity tried to capture the bird to use its power, Ho-Oh decided that it was time to abandon his home and remain in exile. For more than 300 years, this imposing creature avoided being seen, with only a handful of trainers having witnessed its glory. One of them was the protagonist, Ash.
The legendary bird appeared in front of the trainer and his beloved Pikachu after the former risked his life by fighting a flock of Spearow to protect his partner. According to Ho-Oh’s Pokédex entry, the only humans to whom it appears are those who possess a pure heart. It is likely that, in search of someone who could help him restore his lost fate in humanity, Ho-Oh noticed Ash’s selfless act and decided to study him. Making him known to the trainer was done to let him know that a deity was expecting great things from him.
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This can be proven by the fact that Ho-Oh and his loyal Legendary Dogs follow Ash throughout his journey around the world. Despite the protagonist not encountering the bird often, he did come across his creations on various occasions, making it seem as if he was being surveyed. Ho-Oh wished to see how Ash would evolve as a trainer, as we wished to see if trainers with no evil still existed among humans. By the end of the series, the deity must have been beyond impressed with its target’s performance and fortitude.
Ho-Oh’s Blessing Helped Ash on His Journey
Ash Was Encouraged to Find His Happiness
Another important legend surrounding the figure of Ho-Oh in the Pokémon universe is that anyone who comes across the guardian deity will be granted eternal happiness. When this was revealed, many fans believed that its encounter with Ash was a good omen for the protagonist's dream of becoming the best trainer in the world. Nonetheless, the series does not seem to share this same idea, as Ho-Oh’s blessing seems to have helped Ash differently.
It might be true that the hero encountering the legendary creature gave him a boost in luck, but it did not have a major effect on his journey. Every one of Ash’s accomplishments and failures as a trainer was the result of his actions. The protagonist did not rely on the magic of a mythical bird to become the best in the world, as it was his determination and strength that helped him reach the top. Once again, it seems as if Ho-Oh’s encounter with Ash could be better interpreted as the legendary bird encouraging his dreams.
Ash and Ho-Oh’s Final Encounter Helps Everything Make Sense
Ash Proved to the Legendary Pokémon That Humanity Was Still Good
During episode #136 of the Pokémon Journeys anime, Ash and Go encounter Lugia, one of the most powerful legendary creatures in the anime, which shares a deep connection with Ho-Oh. At some point in the episode, the deity of the sea offered the heroes a ride on its back, a privilege that not many trainers had the chance to experience. While in the sky, another legendary beast made itself known, revealing itself to be none other than Ho-Oh. The creature did not stay long, as it simply looked Ash directly in the eyes and left to not be seen again.
This memorable experience occurred only days after the protagonist crowned himself as the winner of the Masters 8 tournament, officially becoming the best trainer in the world. Although this accomplishment alone would already be worthy of grabbing the legendary Pokémon's attention, how Ash achieved it must have truly pleased Ho-Oh. The relationship that Ketchum had with his Pokemon was unlike anything fans had ever seen before. For Ash, his companions were much more than just pets or tools for battle. He saw them as valuable members of his family, always treating them with respect and love.
Ho-Oh’s final appearance on his journey could be interpreted as the legendary creature congratulating him for helping it see the best of humanity. For the bird, Ash’s victory was more than just an acknowledgment of his might and skill as a trainer, it was a reminder of why it used to love being around humans. Ash became the best, not because he was the strictest or because he held the most strength among all trainers. He did so because his love and dedication to his Pokémon helped him raise them as some of the most powerful in the world.
The official reason behind Ash's fortuitous encounter with Ho-Oh might never be revealed to Pokémon fans. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that the legendary bird saw something special in the trainer, something that pushed it out of its self-imposed exile. Their unique and mysterious relationship might never be fully understood by viewers, but it is still an iconic part of this beloved series.
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Pokémon
Ash Ketchum, a ten-year-old from Pallet Town, embarks on an adventure to become a Pokémon Master. With his first Pokémon, Pikachu, Ash sets out to capture and train Pokémon while battling other trainers in Pokémon Gyms to earn badges. Joined by his friends Brock and Misty, Ash consistently thwarts the plans of the nefarious Team Rocket, all while making new friends and encountering Pokémon across various regions.
Release Date March 7, 1992
Main Genre Adventure
Network TV Tokyo , TV Osaka , TV Aichi , TVh , TVQ , TSC
Creator(s) Naoko Takeuchi
English (US) ·