Salamence

Species          Quote “Salamence came about as a result of a strong, long-held dream of growing wings. It is said that this powerful desire triggered a sudden mutation in this Pokémon's cells, causing it to sprout its magnificent wings.” — Salamence's Pokédex entry[src]     C Salamence   [Edit]   [Talk]

Salamence<sup>(JPJapanese: ボーマンダ

Romaji: Bohmander)</sup> is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a Dragon/Flying Pseudo-legendary Pokémon that was introduced in the third generation. It is the final evolution of Bagon. Salamence has the ability to mega evolve into Mega Salamence using the Salamencite. Its ancient Paradox counterpart is Roaring Moon.

Physiology and Behavior[]

Salamence is a quadrupedal, draconic Pokémon with a long, tapering tail. It is primarily blue with a gray lower jaw and thickly scaled underside. There are red markings on its throat, the underside of its tail, and stripes on the inner surface of its legs. Additionally, there are raised red ridges above its eyes. Three flat fins protrude from either side of its head, possibly acting in the same manner that a Canard would on an aircraft. It has two pairs of pointed teeth, one in the upper jaw and one in the lower. Each of its short legs has three claws.

Salamence is considered an unusual Pokémon due to its evolution being triggered from a constant desire to fly. Its wings were created from cells mutating from wishing. This Pokémon's powerful desire to fly triggered a mutation that allowed it to grow large, red wings. As an expression of joy, it flies around and releases blasts of fire. Salamence only stops flying when it gets exhausted and needs to sleep. If enraged, it loses all sense of self and flies into an uncontrollable rampage, destroying everything around it until it tires itself out. It lives in rough terrain, and it competes with Garchomp midair for food.

Mega Salamence[]

As Mega Salamence, its wings meld together into a single huge, crescent-shaped wing. According to the anime, the hard, yet very flexible properties of its wings allow them to be used as blades in mid-air battles. Its face, neck, body and tail are narrower, and its tail is noticeably shorter in length. The ridges above its eyes are now far less prominent, and it no longer possesses the thick, gray scaling over its lower jaw. Instead, the smooth red flesh underneath has been left exposed, increasing its streamline appearance. The upper pair of fins resting on the sides of its head are now elongated and tapered. The lower pair has not changed much. However, the middle set now take the form of quarter-arches, spanning towards the bridge of the nose. The remnants of its shelled underbelly have been drastically transformed into a segmented, more aerodynamic, vest-like armored frame. This frame encases its chest and shoulders with the pieces interlocking whenever Mega Salamence tucks in its front forelegs.

The stress of Salamence's vaunted wings becoming misshapen in its Mega Evolution aggravates it to the point of rampaging. This fuels its already brutal nature and makes it likely to turn against the Trainer who raised it. Because of this, Mega Salamence is feared as "the blood-soaked crescent". Anything and anyone in Salamence's path gets sliced in two by its bladelike wings, posing no interruption to its flight.

Appearances[]

Main games[]

Pokémon spin-offs[]

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, Salamence is a member of Munna's gang, working for Kyurem to stop any humans called upon by Hydreigon from destroying the Bittercold. He aids his companions in pursuing the player and their partner, but are outmaneuvered by Hydreigon. Salamence, along with two Chandelure, later attempt to stop the player and their allies from reaching the Glacier Palace, but are defeated.

In the anime[]

In the manga[]

Origin and inspiration[]

Salamence seems to be based on the archetypal European dragon. It may also be based on a salamander, most likely the Hida salamander or Anderson's salamander; this is backed up by Salamence featuring three prominent finlets on either side of its head, which can be interpreted as external gills. These external gills are typical for many species of amphibians. Alternatively, it might take inspiration from the mythical animal of the same name, which is often conflated with dragons or treated as a dragon, as evidenced by its ability to learn numerous Fire-type moves by leveling up, and its Pokédex entry describing its propensity for breathing fire.

Salamence may be a combination of salamander and menace, vengeance, vehemence, violence, or immense.

In-game information[]

Pokédex Entries[]

Mega Salamence[]

Game Location[]

Evolution[]

Bagon	Reach level 30.	Shelgon	Reach level 50.	Salamence

Base Stats[]

Normal[]

Mega[]

Moveset[]

Main article: Salamence/moveset

Form change[]

Salamence	Mega Evolve with Salamencite	Salamence Mega Form

Gallery[]

Sprites[]

Sprites
Ruby Sapphire File:PKMNRS373-S.png Emerald File:PKMNE373.gif File:PKMNE373-S.gif Fire Leaf File:PKMNFRLG373.png File:PKMNFRLG373-S.png
Diamond Pearl File:PKMNDP373.png File:PKMNDP373-S.png Platinum File:PKMNP373.png File:PKMNP373-S.png Heart Soul File:PKMNHGSS373.png File:PKMNHGSS373-S.png
Black White File:PKMNBW373-S.png Black 2 White 2 File:PKMNBW2373.png File:PKMNBW2373-S.png X Y File:PKMNXY373-S.png
Sword Shield File:PKMNSS373-S.png Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl File:PKMNBDSP373.png File:PKMNBDSP373-S.png Scarlet Violet File:PKMNSV373-S.png

Trivia[]

• Salamence is the shortest pseudo-legendary Pokémon, at 4'11" (1.5 m).
• Salamence is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon who is not known to be owned by a member of the current Masters Eight in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
• From Generations IV through VII, Salamence is unable to learn Iron Defense from a Move Tutor, while its pre-evolution can.

See also[]

• Roaring Moon