Pokemon

Whilst playing through Pokemon, I've come across some designs that I think are inspired by urban legends and myths around the world.
This is a Pokemon called Lucario - his design (or at least his head) looks like it was influenced by the Egyptian god Anubis. Although Lucario is not associated with the dead or embalming in Pokemon he does have strange, almost god-like powers (reading the auras of others). It could be argued that Lucario is just modelled on a dog/jackel but his colouring and the jet-black stripes down and across his face tell me otherwise. This is a good example of how mythology can still be used in a game/cartoon for a younger audience. Lucario is also a popular Pokemon (see here).

Another Pokemon that is inspired by myth is Frosslass (below). Her design and demenour immediately made me think of a geisha (her red bow is commonly seen on a Japanese kimono) and as she is a Ghost/Ice type Pokemon that maybe her origin is something based in Japanese myth. After some research, my hunch was right - she is based on Yukki-onna a female spirit in Japanese folklore. Again, it seems even cartoons have their origins somewhere in myth.