Solgaleo is a legendary Psychic/Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII. It is the mascot for Pokémon Sun and is known as “the beast that devours the sun.” Solgaleo has a distinctive lion-like appearance with a flowing mane and a crescent shaped structure around its head. Given its unique design and status as a legendary Pokémon, some fans have theorized that there may be more than one Solgaleo in existence. In this article, we will examine the evidence for and against the idea that there could be two Solgaleo.
Evidence Supporting Two Solgaleos
Here is the evidence that suggests the potential existence of two Solgaleo:
Differences in Solgaleo Encounters
In the games, Solgaleo is encountered in different locations and circumstances depending on the version. In Pokémon Sun, the player catches Solgaleo at the Altar of the Sunne. In Pokémon Ultra Sun, Solgaleo is encountered in a wormhole after the player catches Lunala. While it could be the same Solgaleo teleporting between locations, it’s also possible these are two separate entities.
Solgaleo’s Rarity
As a legendary Pokémon, Solgaleo is incredibly rare. Having two in existence would better fit its legendary status and help explain how both versions of the game could feature an obtainable Solgaleo.
Multiple Legendary Trios
There are often multiple Pokémon grouped within certain legendary trios/duos, like the three Legendary Birds or Latios/Latias. It would make sense for there to be two Solgaleos as well.
Pokémon Distribution Events
There have been distribution events that allow players to obtain a second version of certain legendaries, like Giovanni’s Mewtwo. A similar event could allow for a second Solgaleo.
Evidence Against Two Solgaleos
However, there are also counterpoints that suggest there is only one Solgaleo:
Pokédex Entries
Solgaleo’s Pokédex entries refer to it as a singular entity and unique being. They also refer to it being the male evolution of Cosmog, implying there is only one.
Story Integration
Having two Solgaleos may overly complicate the game’s story and events. It introduces inconsistencies around which Solgaleo you encounter when.
No Precedent
No other legendary Pokémon has had two canonical versions of itself within the same generation. Solgaleo having two forms would be unprecedented.
Game Balance
Allowing players to obtain two Solgaleos could be seen as unbalancing the games. Solgaleo is already a powerful legendary, so having two may be too exploitable.
Assessing the Evidence
To help visualize the evidence for and against two Solgaleos, here is a summary table:
| Evidence For | Evidence Against |
|---|---|
| Differences in encounters | Pokédex entries refer to one |
| Rarity suits multiple | Story inconsistencies |
| Precedent in legend trios | No precedent in same gen |
| Distribution events | Game balance |
When looking at the evidence in this format, we can see there are reasonable points on both sides of the argument. However, the evidence against two Solgaleos seems more definitive overall.
Conclusion
While an intriguing idea, the evidence suggests there is likely only one canonical Solgaleo within the Pokémon universe. Solgaleo’s characterization as a unique legendary, along with potential story inconsistencies and lack of precedent, points to a singular beast devouring the sun.
Of course, fans are free to imagine alternative scenarios with multiple Solgaleos. And Game Freak could always retcon things later to introduce more. But based on existing information in the games, anime, and Pokédex entries, the standard interpretation is that there is a sole Solgaleo specimen roaming the Pokémon world. Its one-of-a-kind status only adds to its mystique as an elusive and powerful Steel lion.
