Generation V of Pokémon consisted of Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. This generation brought a lot of huge changes to the series. It was the first generation to have a direct sequel to a mainline series. It also introduced full motion sprites which replaced stationary battle sprites. This added a really cool dynamism to battles that was sorely needed at this point.

The region, Unova, is loosely based on the United States. The main hub of this land was Castelia City, a giant metropolis based on New York City. It featured its own unique Pokédex that didn’t include any monsters from the previous generations, something that wasn’t seen before this generation. American exceptionalism, am I right? 

Anyway, the Pokédex for Generation V was a bit odd. It featured Trubbish, a literal bag of trash (also the best Pokémon and I will fight anyone who says otherwise); Vanillish, a literal ice cream cone; and Klink, a gear. Of course, every generation has “lazy” designs like this (Voltorb is a Pokeball and Electrode is an upside-down Pokeball, Grimer is a puddle of goo, etc.), but a Pokédex truly shines through if it has some epic Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.

This Pokédex delivers tons of fantastic Legendaries that all have exciting and rich lore to them. Let’s take a dive into the Legendary and Mythical Pokémon of the Unova region!

Swords of Justice

The first group of Legendary Pokémon is the Swords of Justice. These four protected Pokémon from human land colonization that threatened their homes. They worked together and used their powers to help the Pokémon escape from a forest fire in the Moor of Icirrus. Legends continued to spread about these beasts and how they will always protect the region from ne’er-do-well humans.

The group is based on the Three Musketeers from the Alexandre Dumas book of the same name. Cobalion, the oldest and leader, is Athos; Terrakion is Porthos, the biggest; Virizion, always the romantic, is Aramis; and Keldeo, being the youngest and newest member, is d’Artagnan. Fans sometimes call them the Legendary Musketeers to honor this.

Cobalion | #638

Lore

Cobalion, the Athos of our group, is the leader of the Swords of Justice. It’s composed and stern, able to calm an unruly Pokémon with just a stare. While the other Swords of Justice used their powers to protect the Pokémon from the fire in the Moor of Icirrus, Cobalion used its natural leader abilities to move them to safety. 

Location

Cobalion can be found in Mistralton Cave in Pokémon Black and White. It can be found in the Guidance Chamber, deep in the cave. After defeating/capturing it, Terrakion and Virizion will be available in their respective areas. In Black 2 and White 2, it can be found on Route 13.

Stats

Cobalion is a fast tank. It has an iron-strong Defense stat of 129. Being the Iron Will Pokémon, it makes sense that this Steel/Fighting type would be a strong defender. Also, with it being a defender of weaker monsters, the ability it has makes sense. Like the rest of the Swords of Justice, Cobalion has the ability Justified which raises its Attack stat each time it is hit by a Dark-type move. Couple that with a resistance to Dark types, Cobalion can really take down those ne’er-do-wells!

Terrakion | #639

Lore

Said to be able to destroy a castle wall with one hit, Terrakion is truly the powerhouse of the trio. It makes sense as it is based on Porthos, the biggest and strongest member of the Three Musketeers. While escaping from the fires in the Moor of Icirrus, Terrakion created a pathway from the earth in order to help the fleeing Pokémon escape. Bulbapedia, the Pokémon Wiki, offers this excellent juxtaposition of how Terrakion acts: “Should a small Pokémon be bullied by anyone or anything, Terrakion will crush them without mercy. Terrakion loves Terrakion Treats made by Snacksworth.” 

Ah, the duality of Pokémon.

Location

In Black and White, after battling Cobalion, Terrakion becomes available to catch in the Trial Chamber of Victory Road. In Black 2 and White 2, Terrakion can be encountered on Route 22 after defeating Marlon at the Humilau Gym. If you miss your chance to catch Terrakion in either of those games, it can be encountered again after you enter the Hall of Fame.

Stats

Terrakion is strong. It has an Attack stat of 129. It has moderately high Defense and Special Defense stats at 90 each. Being Rock/Fighting, it has quite a few weaknesses, but it makes up for those in brute strength. Also, fun fact, it is the only Pokémon with this type of combination as of Generation IX.

Virizion | #640

Lore

This handsome fella is Virizion. It is based on Aramis of the Three Musketeers, being the vain and romantic one of the trio. During the fire on the Moor of Icirrus, Virizion used its incredible speed to protect the little monsters from flying debris. The sleek horns on its head are used as swords, attacking opponents with blinding speed leaving them battered and confused. This is another callback to Aramis, being the most skilled swordsman of the trio.

Location

In Black and White, Virizion is only available in the Pinwheel Forest after finding Cobalion. Virizion is located in the Rumination Field of the forest. In Black 2 and White 2, Virizion is found on Route 11.

Stats

Honestly, I’m not sure why this is considered the “speedy” Sword of Justice when it has the same base Speed stat as the others (108). Now, it’s definitely fast, but it matches its teammates. Anyway, this Grass/Fighting type is a Special Defense king with a stat of 129. Otherwise, its stats are comparable with the other two Swords of Justice.

Keldeo | #647

Lore

Keldeo is the Fourth Musketeer in the Swords of Justice. For those familiar with Alexandre Dumas’ novel, Keldeo bears a resemblance to d’Artagnan, the youngest and newest member of the Musketeers. Its tail is also reminiscent of d’Artagnan’s feathered cap. 

As for in-game lore, this Mythical Pokémon was found in the ashes of the Moors of Icirrus, separated from its parents. The Swords of Justice decide to take it under their wings, teaching the orphaned monster all they knew. After growing, it became stronger than the other Swords and left without a word. They reunited later and taught Keldeo its signature move: Secret Sword. Once Keldeo learned Secret Sword, it changed form from the Ordinary Form (on the right) to the Resolute Form (on the left).

Location

Keldeo is only available through distribution events and through trades.

Stats

Keldeo is a Water/Fighting-type with a high Special Attack stat (129). Its stats are similar to Cobalion with the Attack and Special Defense stats swapped. As of Generation IX, Keldeo is the only Pokémon who is able to learn Secret Sword. It’s a powerful Fighting type move that deals Physical damage even though it is considered a Special attack.

Forces of Nature

This is a complete personal bias, but the Forces of Nature are my favorite Legendary group. They’re big birds with mustaches who represent the, well, forces of nature. Along with that, Enamorus has such a silly Therian Forme, how can you not love her? Anyway, onto the lore.

The Forces of Nature have a dynamic similar to the Weather Trio of Hoenn. Tornadus and Thundurus have a sort of Kyogre and Groudon type rivalry. They were in constant battle, trying to be the dominant monster. Enter Landorus. Landorus pulls a Rayquaza and punishes the two creatures. After their punishment, Thundurus and Tornadus went their separate ways, not because they have settled their differences, but because they were scared of Landorus. 

At some point, Landorus and Enamorus flew off to Hisui in order to bring about Spring in that land. Not much is known about Enamorus or where it went after Hisui became Sinnoh. Since we have already talked about Enamorus in the Sinnoh Legendary article, I won’t be bringing her up here.

Tornadus | #641

Lore

Tornadus does not like Thundurus. They’re both extremely dangerous and feared by the people of Unova. Tornadus, as its name suggests, has the power over wind and frost. It can create winds of over 200 MPH, destroying croplands and cities alike. Due to its destructive battles with Thundurus, Landorus punished it, leading the creature to slow its roll and chill out a bit.

As with all the Forces of Nature, Tornadus has two forms: Incarnate Forme (Left) and Therian Forme (Right). Its Therian Forme can only be seen using a Reveal Glass. The Therian Forme is also its true form.

Location

Tornadus is a Roaming Pokémon in Black and can only be traded or gotten from an event in White. In Black 2 and White 2, the Therian Forme of Tornadus can be transferred in from the Dream Radar. The Dream Radar is a 3DS app that allowed players to use AR to catch wild Pokémon. Of course, it’s not available anymore due to the closing of the eshop.

Stats

Tornadus’ Base Stats change depending on the form. The Incarnate Forme is an attacker with high Attack (115) and even higher Special Attack (125). The Therian Forme lowers those stats by 15 and increases Defense and Special Defense by 10. On top of that, its Speed stat increases from 111 to 121, making it incredibly fast. Being a pure Flying type, it has several resistances and very few weaknesses. Tornadus is a great addition to any team.

Thundurus | #642

Lore

Thundurus does not like Tornadus. Thundurus is a destructive force, as indicated by its name. It can create thunderstorms and lightning that can create forest fires or other devastating events. The Pokédex states that it flies around the Unova region, shooting lightning bolts wherever it pleases. Luckily, Landorus put it in its place and it now avoids Tornadus for fear of repercussions. 

The Incarnate Forme is on the left, the Therian Forme is on the right.

Location

Thundurus is a Roaming Pokémon in White and can only be traded or gotten from an event in White. In Black 2 and White 2, the Therian Forme of Thundurus can be transferred in from the Dream Radar.

Stats

Thundurus is also an attacker, but it focuses on Special Attack (125). In its Therian Forme, it sacrifices Speed (111 to 101) and Attack (115 to 105) to boost its Special Attack to 145. Thundurus is an Electric/Flying type Pokémon with the same ability as Tornadus, Prankster. This gives priority to status moves.

Landorus | #645

Lore

Landorus has had enough of Thundurus and Tornadus’ shenanigans. It stopped the two from fighting, earning it the title “Great Landorus”. It is also considered the Guardian of the Fields. Landorus helped resow the crops that were destroyed in the battles. Along with Enamorus, it helped bring about Spring to the Hisui region. 

The Incarnate Forme is on the left, the Therian Forme is on the right.

Location

Landorus can be found in the Abundant Shrine in Black and White, but only if Tornadus and Thundurus are in your party. In Black 2 and White 2, if you bring Landorus to the Shrine in its Therian Forme, an old man will give you a Reveal Glass. It can be found in the Dream Radar.

Stats

Landorus is a pretty unique type with Ground/Flying. The Ground type removes the Electric weakness that Flying types usually have. Along with that extra boost, Landorus has a high Attack stat (125) that gets stronger in its Therian Forme (145). It’s another great addition to the team. 

Tao Trio

The Tao Trio are representations of the energy of the universe. The yin (Zekrom) and yang (Reshiram) and the absence of either (Kyurem). According to legends, Reshiram and Zekrom were originally one single being. They were instrumental in helping the twin heroes of Unova establish the land. However, there was a schism between the brothers. One wanted to seek truth, while the other wanted to seek ideals, causing the two brothers to battle. As a result, the single dragon separated into the two legendary creatures. 

The brothers battled but found their dragons to be evenly matched. They found an uneasy truce and settled into a peaceful existence. Unfortunately, their children continued to battle, allowing Reshiram and Zekrom to destroy the land with their fire and lightning. They fled afterward.

Kyurem is believed to have come to Earth from a meteor that crashed into the Giant Chasm of Unova. However, this is not confirmed in the lore of the games. Drayden, a gym leader, believes that Kyurem was a third dragon that was created from the split. That would explain why Kyurem can fuse with one of the legendary dragons. 

I’m more inclined to believe that it’s a combination of the two beliefs. The original dragon came to Earth on a meteor and then split into the three dragons from there. If only the first theory was true, it doesn’t make much sense that Kyurem would be able to fuse with those two and only those two dragons.

Reshiram | #643

Lore

Reshiram sided with the older twin after the split. The older brother sought the truth in the world and, therefore, so did Reshiram. It uses fire-based attacks, purging kingdoms who have lost the truth with its cleansing flames. The Pokédex says that the heat from its tail can change the world’s weather. 

Reshiram and Zekrom also represent the concept of Yin and Yang, with Reshiram being the Yang of the duo. In Chinese philosophy, Yang represents light and warmth and is the masculine part of the concept.

Location

Reshiram can only be found in Black and White 2. In Black, it’s initially encountered in N’s Castle. It’s a forced capture in that game. If your boxes are full, Reshiram can be encountered at Dragonspiral Tower. In White 2, it can also be found in Dragonspiral Tower if you have the Light Stone in your bag.

Stats

Reshiram has a unique ability called Turboblaze. This allows moves to target enemies regardless of the opponent’s ability. It’s a good ability, but limited in how useful it is in battle. It’s also the Special Attacker/Defender of the duo with 150 and 120 base stats respectively. Its Dragon/Fire typing gives it a good slate of resistance. Overall, a good pick!

Zekrom | #644

Lore

Zekrom sided with the younger brother after the split and joined the twin’s search for ideals. Like Reshiram, it has the power to level kingdoms that have lost their ideals in their hearts. It uses its tail as a generator, creating lightning as it flies throughout Unova. It is representative of Yin or the dark and cold parts of the concept.

Location

Zekrom can only be found in White and Black 2. In White, it’s initially encountered in N’s Castle. It’s a forced capture in that game. If your boxes are full, Zekrom can be encountered at Dragonspiral Tower. In Black 2, it can also be found in Dragonspiral Tower if you have the Dark Stone in your bag.

Stats

Zekrom has the unique ability Teravolt, which acts like Turboblaze in every way. It can allow attacks regardless of the enemy’s ability. This Dragon/Electric type is the more Physical one of the duo. It has a 150 base stat for Attack and a 120 for Defense. It’s a solid Electric type if you need one for your team.

Kyurem | #646

Lore

Kyurem is interesting. As outlined above, it’s either an alien that eats people and Pokémon alike or it was created from the leftovers of the original dragon that created Reshiram and Zekrom. It can generate ice from its super cold body. The Pokédex in Black 2 and White 2 states that it waits for a hero to fill in the missing parts of its body with truth or ideals. 

Kyurem can fuse with Reshiram or Zekrom, becoming White Kyurem or Black Kyurem respectively. This gives it the power to use either Fire or Electricity, depending on the fusion. This is a big plot point in Black 2 and White 2. Ghetsis, leader of Team Plasma, tricks N into flying to the Giant Chasm where he intends to fuse Kyurem with his dragon. This leads to a forced fight where you battle Black or White Kyurem.

Location

Kyurem is located in the Giant Chasm in Black and White. In Black 2 and White 2, it can only be encountered in the Giant Chasm after the player fights the dragon at the top of Dragonspiral Tower. If it gets defeated, you can try again after entering the Hall of Fame.

Stats

It has a very balanced set of base stats with 130 Attack and Special Attack and 90 Defense and Special Defense. However, when fused, it gains the stat boosts that Reshiram or Zekrom have. White Kyurem gets a boost to its Special Attack and Black Kyurem gets a boost to its Attack, turning it all the way up to a staggering 170 base. This Dragon/Ice Pokémon is nothing to sneeze at!

Mythical Pokémon

Unova boasts four Mythical Pokémon: Victini, Keldeo, Genesect, and Meloetta. In this section, we will talk about all of them except Keldeo, which was covered in the Swords of Justice section.

Victini | #494

Lore

Victini is said to bring victory to any trainer who befriends it. It’s name is an obvious nod to this fact as they share the same first syllable. It can also create an infinite amount of energy in its body. This aids in defeating any foe that its trainer encounters. It is the only Pokémon to have a regional Pokédex number of #000 and is director and composer Junichi Masuda’s favorite Pokémon.

Location

As with most Mythical Pokémon, Victini requires a special event item. After obtaining the Liberty Pass from a distribution event, you can set sail from Castelia City to Liberty Garden, a small island right off the coast. Liberty Garden is similar to the real-life Ellis Island, as Castelia City is analogous to New York City.

Stats

Victini is a Fire/Psychic type with a 100 base stat in each category. Its unique typing gives it a good slate of resistances. Otherwise, not much to write home about with this one.

Meloetta | #648

Lore

Meloetta is essentially a muse but in the Pokémon universe. It inspires artists and the creation of art while also making beautiful music and dances of its own. It has the ability to change the emotions of those who hear its song. There are two forms: Aria Forme (Right) and Pirouette Forme (Left). The Aria Forme allows it to sing wonderful songs (Aria also being a type of song). The Pirouette Forme gives it the ability to dance (Pirouette being a dance move).

Location

Like many of the Mythical Pokémon we’ve talked about, Meloetta is only available through distribution events.

Stats

Meloetta has a total base stat of 600, like most Mythicals. However, due to the different forms, it has two stat layouts. In its Normal/Psychic Aria Forme, it is more of a Special fighter with a 128 in both Special Attack and Special Defense stats. These flip while it is in its Normal/Fighting Pirouette Forme, making it deal stronger Physical attacks with 128 Attack and Speed. This one Mythical Pokémon can fill two separate spots on your team. 

Genesect | #649

Lore

Over 300 million years ago, Genesect was an apex hunter. Unfortunately for it, but fortunately for others, it became extinct. Team Plasma resurrected it and used their technology in an attempt to make the most powerful Pokémon ever. Even though they knew how strong it was before adding their exoskeleton, the geniuses in Team Plasma decided to attach a giant cannon to its back to make it even MORE overpowered. The giant cannon has a slot for Drives to be inserted. These Drives change the Type of its signature move, Techno Blast. 

Location

Another Mythical, another event distribution.

Stats

Genesect is a glass cannon. It is very strong (120 in both Attack stats), very fast (99 Speed), and has high Defense (95 in each). However, it has low HP (71) and, as a Bug/Steel type, it has a quad weakness to Fire. Of course, its resistances do make up for its shortcomings. The Drive mechanic can also help make up for that Fire weakness.

Scarlet and Violet Paradox Pokémon

Generation IX’s Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced Paradox Pokémon. These are monsters from the distant past or the far future. We’ve seen these before with the Legendary Beasts in Johto being prehistoric beasts. Unova also got the Paradox treatment for the Three Musketeers but as future types. 

These three are Iron Leaves (#1010), Iron Boulder (#1022), and Iron Crown (#1023). They are futuristic versions of Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion respectively. All three have had their Fighting type replaced with Psychic. They have some minor stat changes as well. They can only be found in the Indigo Disk DLC.