Does Ash Catch Legendary or Mythical Pokémon in the Pokémon Anime?

In the Pokémon anime series, Ash Ketchum, the protagonist, has embraced a journey filled with incredible encounters with numerous Pokémon, many of which are legendary or mythical. However, catching these powerful creatures is much rarer and more special compared to the regular Pokémon in his travels.

Legendary Pokémon Caught by Ash

While Ash has not caught many legendary Pokémon, he has had encounters with some. These legendary Pokémon include:

Lugia

Ash caught Lugia in one of the movies, though such rare moments are exceptions to the norm. Lugia’s presence signifies a significant and memorable event in the anime series.

Zapdos

Ash encountered Zapdos in one of the anime episodes, though he did not catch the mythical Pokémon. The episode focuses on the importance of respect and cooperation with nature.

Mythical Pokémon and Ash’s Journey

Mythical Pokémon are slightly more common in Ash's encounters, though he has not caught many of them either. One of the notable examples is:

Meltan and Melmetal

Ash did not catch Meltan, but he caught it during his journey in the Alola Region. Meltan evolved into Melmetal, another mythical Pokémon, making both Ash’s collection and the journey more interesting.

Cosmog and Cosmoem, while not caught by Ash, are worth mentioning. He befriended Cosmog and watched over it until it evolved into Cosmoem, which then evolved into Solgaleo. Although Ash did not directly catch Cosmog, his impact on its journey was significant.

Other Notable Encounters with Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Beyond Meltan and Melmetal, there are other instances where Ash encountered or helped mythical and legendary Pokémon:

Ultra Beasts

During his adventures, Ash also encountered and helped Ultra Beasts, powerful creatures with legendary abilities. Some Ultra Beasts he caught include:

Buzzwole

Naganadel

Stakataka

Pheromosa

These Pokémon were encountered to rescue them from peril, and in some cases, they were released back into their habitat. Poipole, an Ultra Beast, completed its evolution into Naganadel, but it, too, was subsequently released.

Conclusion

Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokémon world is a testament to the great variety of Pokémon he encounters. While catching many of these legendary and mythical Pokémon is rare, Ash's interactions with them are cherished moments for both the audience and the characters themselves. From Lugia to Meltan, and the Ultra Beasts, each encounter brings a unique adventure and learning experience, shaping Ash's bond with these powerful creatures.