Due to its nature of living in mostly inaccessible parts of the Arctic Circle, many people still believe that this rarely seen bird is a myth, despite evidence of its existence stretching back centuries.

Alfonso Kanto ensured that his collection of information would include that on what are known as the three Legendary Birds; Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres. Although frequently mentioned in the same breath, the three aren’t closely related by any means, and their only link is their shared Flying type classification, and the fact that they are rarely seen by humans. With an estimated thirty breeding pairs left in the wild, Articuno (Pharomachrus freezer) are almost plentiful compared to some of the other “legendary” Pokémon.

Instantly recognisable with its stunning bright blue plumage, long ribbon-like tail and rhombus-shaped face feathers, Articuno is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Pokémon on the planet, a fact reinforced by anyone lucky enough to see one. Its wings are almost translucent, leading to legends that they are made from ice. Although it doesn’t evolve into or from anything that we know of, its closest extant relatives are Spearow and Fearow, having diverged from them an estimated twenty million years ago. On the rare occasions one has been captured and studied, biologists have recorded heights of up to 1.7 m (5′ 7″) and weights never exceeding 55.4 kg (122.1 lbs).

Found all around the Arctic Circle, they favour inaccessible spots that humans and predatory Pokémon find it hard to reach. Legends surround the bird, and it is said to appear to doomed people lost in icy mountains, intelligent enough to provide help and then disappear into the clouds again before there is an opportunity to be caught. The flapping of its wings is said to stir up moisture in the air in such a way that it freezes the water instantly which falls as snow or hail, apparently depending on its mood. Thus, wherever it flies, snow is usually either present or not far away. Whenever a snowstorm is whipped up that seems to have no meteorological explanation, it is said that this is a group of Articuno meeting for the breeding season or engaging in a territorial dispute, although they are fairly shy and peaceful.

Breeding couples will lay one egg at a time, which takes three months to hatch, usually timed to hatch around early December. Both parents are involved in raising the chick, and will do so for up to five years, before the infant Articuno fly off to find their own territory and mate, at which point the parents will set about laying another egg. This was discovered after years of study by Icelandic breeding expert Ragnar Hjartarson, who is one of the very few people to own a tame Articuno. Attempts to breed this Pokémon in captivity have never met with success.

Due to its beauty and power, Articuno has been the subject of hunts since the time of the Vikings, who worshipped the bird as part of a ritualistic winter ceremony. Historians have noted that at the time, Articuno were far more plentiful, and it was over-hunting by explorers in later centuries that led to the Bird and Beast Protection Agreement of 1808, which outlawed the hunting of the legendary birds, Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres, and the legendary beasts, Raikou, Suicune and Entei.

Occasional grants are permitted for these Pokémon to be held in captivity or by private trainers, but they are exceedingly rare. Helsinki Zoo is the only zoo in the world with a pair of captive Articuno, and there are frequently calls for their release. Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, former King of Saudi Arabia, owned one that he allegedly used to keep his palace cool in the height of summer, an act which caused a lot of outrage. After his death, the Articuno was released. The most notable trainer today with an Articuno is Lorelei White, Canada’s Elite Trainer.

Articuno’s moveset is, naturally focused almost entirely on Ice and Flying moves, with Ice Beam, Blizzard, Sheer Cold and Hurricane being considered its most formidable moves. It has also been shown to make good use of Agility, and by being trained to modify its temperature, it can use Rain Dance, to provide rain to an area rather than snow. In more temperate regions, it has been observed using Sandstorm, and also has rather an impressive Roar when angry, which sends Pokémon scurrying back to safety.

Into the future, it is assumed that Articuno will remain, for all intents and purposes, uncatchable, and the Articuno Population Agency (APA) are currently seeking permission from world governments to build a specific habitat for the Pokémon to breed safely and without risk, in the Arctic Ocean. Theoretically known as Seafoam Island, the man-made island would allow Articuno numbers to grow again and bring it back from the edge of extinction, but so far only a handful of countries have even acknowledged the proposals, let alone agreed to them.