The REAL Hisui Zoroark Folklore Origins! 🦊👹 - Gaijin Goombah 

Thanks for watching everyone! WE'RE SO CLOSE to getting the Lil' G plush funded! Just 37 more sales! It's got 11 days left before it's gone so please check it out if you haven't yet! www.makeship.com/products/gaijin-goombah-plush

I've got another explanation for the red marks on the Hisuan Zorua and Zoroark. Frostbite. If frostbite wounds are rewarmed to quickly, or repeatedly thawed and refrozen, they will raise BLOOD BLISTERS. Those marks could be a reflection of how the Zorua died - struggling and failing to survive against the harsh Hisuan winters.

The lore of this Pokémon is that Zorua and Zoroark that migrated to the Hisui region were unable to adapt and _all died._ That is why they have the Normal/Ghost typing, they are literal ghosts as in _normal ghosts_ in the Pokémon franchise.

"I hope you're happy everyone, a man had to die to give you a new variant." I'm cool with it.

Man thanks Nintendo, can't just make a Pokémon that isn't buck wild or really depressing/questionable.

"could those be wounds?" "its a nintendo game so i doubt it" umm you have seen pokedex entries right?

"that connect zorua and zoro-whack to japanese kitsune..." lol made me think of zorua and marowak fusing.

1:11 Now this is how content creators should handle their videos. Who cares about it being relevant, all they should focus on is making videos as good and researched as possible. It's no wonder that your uploads aren't that frequent. I'm still waiting for videos on the other new monsters of Monster Hunter Rise. However, with how much research goes into your videos, I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.

Turns out the red is in fact its own blood. According to Zoroark's pokedex entry, its malice is so powerful that its attacks lacerate its own body. So those red spots are in fact open wounds.

I love this new version of Zoroark. Ghost/Normal covers so many of the others weakens and only leaves one super effective move type against them, that being Dark.

with the evolution becoming look more humanoid I guess the same applies to Digimon's Renamon who is a humanoid fox who's final evolution Sakuyamon is a human woman clad in armor.

I didn't know that no Edo period art of kitsune had no red lines or swirls on there face I didn't know it was a morden thing. This is why I love you man keep doing your amazing work but not to hard you know

These origins also help explain the two sole locations you can find these Pokémon in, *a giant pit located in the freezing cold, and a dark, decrepit cave*

I always thought Hisuian Zorua/Zoroark's red markings were from that picture of the Kuuko @ 4:08 of having red hair but after hearing that Onryou inspiration I can't help but notice how the red markings aren't just red, they _fade_ into red, like if they were soaked in blood...

I can’t lie, I even mistaken this Yokai for something even way dark. I want thank you for taking your time and learn a ton more!!!!

"Wait, doesn't that Kanji mean Vengful Ghos- Oh, I get it..." - Why did I laugh so hard at this?

The day the plushies sell out. Goombah: “Finally, inner peace”

Love these connections. When I made my own video, one of the things that I came across in my research is the bibs that are given to ojizo-sama and kitsune statues. Particularly with ojizo-sama, because these bibs tend to fade over time from deep red, to pink to white, as the red dye slowly drains over time. That is something that seems to be mirrored in the Zorua and Zoruark designs. In addition, the normal-typing and hikimaru leads me to think that, originally, Zorua and Zoruark were the pokémon married to humans from the Sinnoh folk tales. The Sinnoh folk tales are often misinterpreted to say that 'pokémon and humans married each other', but that's not accurate; It actually calls out pokémon who did this, implying that they were still the exception. One of the most common myths of Kitsune is that a human man unknowingly marries a kitsune in the form of a human woman. When the kitsune are discovered, it usually ends in tragedy. What I think happened with the Zorua and Zoroark is that, once upon a time, they lived in harmony with humans, but then people started to view pokémon as something separate from humanity and they were kicked out. And, kind of like abandoning unprepared animals that are raised by humans into the wild; It doesn't go well for them. I think that this is meant to have coincided with the Legendary Beasts, rather than being close to a millenium ago in the pokémon world, but these themes do tend to bleed across time periods and syncretizing multiple stories into one is kind of the beautiful alchemy that is Pokémon. My second-ever video is about the idea of Zorua having once been universally accepted as part of Johto culture until they are othered.

I just had the best timing happen lol Right after "Dorsnt that mean "Vengeful Ghost"?" And then at that moment,a ghost busters add. Freakin fantastic

Oh no… “You may not like it, but this is what the ideal kitsune form looks like.”

The more I continue to learn more about Hisuian Zorua/Zoroark, the more I continue to love it even more!

This is by FAR the best breakdown of Hisui Zoroark I have seen!

Doubting that the red marks might be referring to wounds? It seems you forgot just how terrifying the Pokémon series can get, and I'm not just talking about the dex entries. Every single main series entry has has some form of horror in it, some more obvious than others. Ghost pokémon in general are connected to disturbing events.

They try to reject, but hard resist the siren call, Or should I say. The new Hisuian Zoroark

Ghost/Normal is such a good typing! It gets rid of Normal's weakness to Fighting and Ghost's weakness to itself meaning you only have to worry about Dark moves

I think Lil' G is experiencing with that plushie exactly what it feels like when ninja use the "Shadow clone technique" in an unorthodox method: spooking the target by dressing up as them, making it appear like their target is multiple places at once, driving the target crazy with the number of people who spot one of the ninjas and mistake them for the real deal.

I'm really glad you uploaded this video. While I initially thought the Hisuian variants of Zorua and Zoarark were mainly following kitsune references, the inclusion of yurei folklore tied more conclusive than simply just being kitsune. Also, the Kaihatsu history inclusion was incredibly informative. Great content as always, keep on creating!

Hey, GG, have you heard of a game called Golden Sky Stories? It's a Japanese TTRPG where you play as Henge-Yokai. Super cute and dripping with culture, so I figured I'd point it out to you. ^_^

I know that this isn’t the point of the video, but I can’t wait to see what these guys look like shiny! I really hope that they get shinies as go as the original forms. All of the Fox Pokémon have great shinies. I am always willing to wait for more through analysis of Pokémon but watch other reactions are fun.

And this is why I prefer your videos than any other’s. Slow and steady wins the race. (Plus not only is this video very informal and have very accurate information, but it is very entertaining)

The placement of red on the ears, tail, and hair may also be connected to frostbite seeing as they were forced into colder habitats. And vengeful ghosts were mentioned to bring natural disasters. A loose connection but still in theme.

Thanks for having me on the show, Gaijin!

If anyone wants to get an example of what Onryou can do... Watch Grudge. Samara/Sadako from Ring is one thing. But I would NEVER want to deal with Kayako!

Honestly, after hearing all of this.. it makes me even happier to have one as a friend or ally in battle. All they wanted was to be safe, have a home, and be accepted and as a pokemon trainer, im able to do all three for my partner Zoruark

Oh gosh I'm so glad you brought up the Ainu people. I've seen so many videos on Sinnoh and almost never see any mention of them. I've been learning about them since about 2019. The culture is so interesting. I own nearly 40 books, ranging from reproduction prints from the 1860s to academic books written in 2010. I actually own an original 1884 printing of one book! It's such a shame more people don't know about them, but there seems to be increasing awareness of them in the West as of the past several years.

As always love learning more about kitsunes and other Yokai but dang, the Hisui Zoroark line is darker than any dark type in Pokemon.

I noticed something else on Zoroark's design! If you look closely to its body, there are white marking on its fur, and they kinda resemble scars. Smallpox as cause of dead seems plausible, but they might have also suffered attacks from native pokemon

Ngl, I would still try to pet a wild Hisuin Zorua/Zoroark. If I die, then I died doing what I loved: petting dogs

Bruh, i didn’t even know this was a thing. Good on ya Goombah.

As someone who's struggling just to keep things rolling with a starting channel, I can say that the allure of "trending" is tempting, but from what I've experienced, chasing it won't lead to the end of the rainbow. Just do what you love and people will love that. Passion draws the passionate, and that's a beautiful thing! It's why this whole internet thing is worth it in the first place. 4:10 What I'm hearing is, "Anthro design is culturally accurate. Eat it anti-furs." Hooray for culture!

Hell yeah ghost fox lore

Hey, Gaijin, have you been watching Digimon: Ghost Game? The show is leaning heavily into Yokai spooky stuff. It's pretty cool, and I think you'd really like it.

*Lillie get injured in middle of a battle* Lillie: “You thought you seen me in my final form!!!!” *She goes from Snowy / Kitsune form to immediately skip Hisuian Zoroark* Lillie: “I’m going get revenge!!!! Look out you tanuki!!!!”

Just from a simple look i love that it looks like blood in the snow! Like they perished fighing in the harsh envirement! Its dark

Can't believe I only just discovered you. As someone who is fascinated by Japanese Ghost and Supernatural Lore I think I've found a new channel to follow

*teaser has audio of the guy running away screaming "....a man had to die for this reveal"

Finding out about my 2nd favorite pokemon being exiled by humans, perishing due to the shear cold, being riddled with a deathly disease, and becoming absolute vicious monsters to any living thing makes me incredibly saddened. Part of me wants to comfort those pokemon, but the other part wants to steer clear out of fear. Man GameFreak, you guys are a legion of tortured souls for coming up with these vastly dark pokedex entries.

Rest in pieces, oh brave Pokémon researcher. Thank you, I am very happy for his sacrifice to give some of my favorites new forms.

I'll take your videos over someone who just trend surfs. This series, among your many others, are a big reason I follow and watch them. My personal favorite is Which Ninja because it helps me learn what a ninja truly was and inspires me to make a variant of my own for D&D and other RP purposes. As for this video, YEESH that grim backstory. Vengeful spirits aren't something to mess with nor want to encounter.

Fun Fact: You Are Loved By So Many People Because Of How Awesome You Guys Are! 😉❤

Oh this is perfect for my book *furiously taking notes*

Oh hey. Little G got a makeover. Good for them

Gaijin I know this is totally unrelated but I LOVE the cherry blossom sweater!

This was great! I love the thorough investigative work!

Damn, now I want to hug them more...

My own interpretation of Hisui Zorua and Zoroark's red tendrils is that they represent kitsunebi (fox fire). Despite having 'fire' in their name, they're more related to mysterious ghost lights than actual fire, a lot like will-o-wisps. While Hisui Zorua and Zoroark's tendrils don't glow, the way they move reminds me of smoke, really wispy. Kitsunebi's association with the supernatural also matches with the two pokemon's typing!

This is the first time I have seen this channel in so long I 100% forgot it existed.

8:27 and now I want you to talk about Bleach’s Hollows. You mentioning this reminded me of the circumstances behind a Hollow’s creation, that of regret, anger and hatred corrupting their souls and preventing them from passing on until they mutate and become monsters bent on devouring everyone around them. Either from sheer hatred for the living or from the endless hunger Hollows are afflicted with

The red wavy tips on hisui zorua line, especially zoruark, Remind me of the endless tendrils on carnage from spider-man and venom

Something to add: Zoroark no longer has the sphere it supposed to hold its power/soul. It's a Bake Kitsune without its Hoshi no Tama.

Ok so the red is infact wounds as the pokedex entry says that it lacerates its own body when attacking and this Is the game where a 15 year old is told they will be banished to the wilds to die if they don't pull their weight

8:45 "This is still a Nintendo game that we're talking about." That never stopped Gamefreak. :P

What I've inferred thus far is that the Normal/Ghost Typing, with three immunities (two of them mutual), Husuian Zoroark don't normally engage in intraspecific combat. However, the biggest weakness of this dual type is Dark, the same as the modern Unovan Zoroark; i.e. Sending a Unovan Zoroark back in time to Husui gives it a massive advantage over the 'ancient' offshoot of the ancestral Zoroark.

It's always so cool all the inspirations that goes into each pokemon's designs.

This video first introduced me to the Ainu. I researched them more and fell in love with the culture so much I wrote a short story set in 9th century Hokkaido. It’s called ‘White Fox’, about an Emishi boy (who may or may not be a shapeshifter) who’s taken in by an Ainu family. The story was runner-up in a historical fiction prize. I wanted to say, thank you Gaijin! You’re videos are so inspiring.

Excellent analysis and explanation. You can never know enough about Pokemon's designs and origins.

8:42 Nintendo will never outright state something or make something obvious, but I don't think they'd *not* have something dark like that.

Now knowing their tragic story, I will make it my mission to catch as many of these restless spirits as possible. I’ll do my best to bring them peace and happiness so they can finally stop suffering and move on in the afterlife.

Oh man, that explains the full Tamers Digivolution line. They all transforms in to a human form for their Mega form.

Omg, I remember watching you constantly years back. I remember you not even having 100k subs. It's crazy how much you have grown, keep up the good work man

Zoroark out here like: You may not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like.

My man, you are so funny and entertaining, not to mention how much I love watching every video where you explain the cultural inspirations in video games. It killed me when Lil G explained what the kanji for onryou means and immediately got the point you were going to make.

I love that these regional variants are dual type normal/ghost and not mono type ghost, because the body IS the actual spirit, not a spirit inhabiting an object. Nice little touch for the first normal/ghost Pokémon.

8:54 yknow, the first thing I thought when I caught glimpses of hisuian zoroark was that it looked like an angry plague zombie, as if it were covered in raging sores and was tottering towards you. Guess I was right ouo

Please do some videos on Jujutsu Kaisen! I want to know about Nobara's curse technique!

There's actually some mentionings on the posts from the Pokemon Facebook about how Hisuian Zoroark won't attack those it considers family.

Lore: Something Horrible, Probably associated with death Me: FLUFFY

You know what's messed up, since Hisuian Zorua and Zorark attack even Pokémon indiscriminately there's probably a good bit of them that were killed by their own kin. Just like the Chozo Ghosts from Metroid Prime.

I have been thinking the red spots make Zoroark look sick.

Loving lil G’s new design, he looks so clean

Me: “sees a RU-vidr plushie for sale” A fine addition to my collection!

"A man had to die to give you this variant!" ... Is it wrong that I'm okay with that?

Appreciate the extra effort man. Quality over speed.

This was amazing video!!! So much good info ☺️, you guys are amazing with your research. Keep it up! It was very helpful that you showed the those books, I've been try to find good ones about the yokai, thank you!

Dude that hoodie is DOPE as hell!

So hyped to see Kaihatsu hop on! Awesome video!

12:13 that would make an interesting ground/bug type spider pokemon actually

Zoroark: you may not like it. But this is what (nearly) peak performance looks like.

I love pokémon but you're the only youtuber I trust to get this stuff right. Thanks for the info!

For years ever since I first discovered Pokémon and laid eyes on the very first Pokémon I ever saw being the Piplup in the Sinnoh Anime episode The Thief that Keeps on Thieving who belonged to a trainer with same name as me being Tyler, I have never felt such a close connection with any Pokémon at first sight. Seeing the sweetness and beauty and cuteness and grace and power and love behind it launching all of those attacks just for the sake of it's Trainer who loves it. I felt like I was right there watching that battle in the forest by the lake. And now 10 years later after I started my first Journey in Pokémon Black when I was 11, I never thought I'd see or let alone feel the same thing happen again. The day that trailer for Legends Arceus came out, I was sick and at the worst point in my cold. I was so excited to see it yet I had almost no energy to stay awake that day. I'll admit I had trouble breathing and felt like my head was in a fog. When the video played of Lucas/Rei recording with the Arc Phone, it felt like I was actually there. Everything he said about the landscape and his reactions to the wildlife were exactly how I react to seeing animals and nature in real life. The will to learn and understand the vast world around me and to protect and preserve all of nature and be connected to all forms of life. Then I felt that sense panic and wonder, awe and fear, amazement and dread when that ominous, shadowy, ethereal, cloudy beast leapt out from behind that Zorua and straight towards the camera as it pounced. I have felt that sense of immersion . . . only once before, all those years ago. And then when that Zorua slowly stepped forward to check and see if the viewer was alright that figure in the background appeared. And as the two of them left, I know saw that Zoroark look back not at the camera lying on the ground, but at me the viewer. Those piercing Golden Yellow eyes like both twin suns and moon's shining so bright seeming to cut through and dig into every fiber of my being as if silently observing me. Curious yet wary, suspicious and not trusting yet amused and fascinated by such a strange creature not fighting back despite the potential threat they might pose to their young. And after reading the information on the Pokémon Legends Arceus website, all of my suspicions were confirmed. A tragic story of life and innocence lost to no fault of their own. The fear and reality of persecution by those who deemed them as dangerous simply because they look and act differently than others want or expect them to. Being hunted like prey despite being seen as the dangerous one despite that the real predators are ones hunting you down simply because they fear your difference and potential to make a difference in the world. Because you bring change, they push back and hound you down to the ends of the Earth, until you have no more faith, no more hope, no more energy to give. And the last things you feel is despair. The dread, the anger, burning hatred forever fueled by hate that you have received from those who see no reason why you exist other than to be picked on and beaten over and over until you break. That hopeless feeling inside your chest of spine and core collapsing in on itself, as if you're being crushed from the inside out. That single moment that lasts an eternity. And you want nothing more than to make those who made you feel this way, feel the exact same amount of pain and torture that they've put you through. And sometimes, that's the last thing people feel before they die. Whose to say that animals can't or don't feel the same about us when we humans hunt them down until they collapse. It's not our place to decide whether or not they can feel that. But I know that feeling all too well. And it's a terrible feeling. Arguably the worst. And then all that burning spite and malice and hatred suddenly gives out and then you only feel cold. So cold and alone and useless. As if you never got a chance to prove anything you were capable of. All your hopes and dreams taken away from you by others who are just truly evil and filled with nothing but hatred and greed and cowardice. I have a feeling that if Pokémon we're real, I would have a Hisuian Zoroark as my partner and potentially my one and only Pokémon. And I would be surprised if one day I was reincarnated as one. Or at least a Hisuian Zorua who would eventually evolve into one. 🌫️🦊🌫️ 🌫️😔🌫️

7:57 "wait doesnt that mean vengeful gho- ohhhhhh" XD

I can’t wait for him to cover more of Pokémon Legends Arceus after the game has been out a few months.

You know sometimes I wonder how wild Zorua and Zoroark were driven out of Unova (new york) to places like Galar, Alola, Hoenn (ORAS) and Hisui regions. To which I specifically think of ancient times where Arceus is set in. Because modern day Unova, Zorua and Zoroark are not something you can find anywhere in the wilds of Unova. Which is why I wonder about this. Given the fact they mostly fear humans.

Gotta love Yokai Hunters. Teaching me more about my favorite Pokemon and its new Hisuian form.

9:00 Okaaay, kinda alarming that smallpox was apparently a thing in the Pokémon world’s equivalent of the Meiji period.

Gaijin: "So this is a Nintendo game..." Me: "So yes." Keep in mind Nintendo put Dead Hand a creature seemingly covered in Blood in Zelda and a lot of Pokédex entries for ghost Pokémon involve murder. I would not put it past them to reference death wounds on a Pokémon.

The red tips could also be referential to welsh mythology, where white dogs with red ears are a powerful fey omen.

Kitsune being one of my favorite yokai, I REALLY do enjoy your videos on them. I've watched them several times just to learn every bit of info you present and where to find it. Thank you very much for your hard work.

9:00 Did you saw those white stripes where the ribs are? That Zoroark was also starving to death.

"I hope you're happy everyone, a man had to die to give you a new variant." I don't even think he died. I feel it's implied he dropped the camera and ran for his life.