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A weekly Pokédex Podcast from Bald Man in Japan Luke Summerhayes. A different Pokémon family every week.
I’m Luke Summerhayes, and I love Gothita.
The name Goth originally referred to a group of civilizations which fought with the Roman Empire. When the thinkers of the renaissance judged the post-Roman architecture of the middle ages, they called it “Gothic” in an attempt to insult it and suggest it was barbaric. When tastes came back around and those Cathedrals were beloved again, the gothic aesthetic became romanticized and the name was later given to a genre of dark literature.
Gothic novels led to gothic films, and in post-punk Britain a fashion and music scene also adopted the name Goth. This dark aesthetic and rejection of gender norms was wildly popular, and when Japan in the 80s experienced Lolita, its own new fashion movement which rejected gender norms and embraced Victorian dress, it was a match made in heaven. Eventually, the two were combined into Gothic Lolita.
Gothita is a cute little psychic-type Pokémon which resembles a little baby or doll in a Gothic Lolita dress style, specifically the abundance of black and white ribbons and bows.
Black
Their ribbonlike feelers increase their psychic power. They are always staring at something.
White
They intently observe both Trainers and Pokémon. Apparently, they are looking at something that only Gothita can see.
This idea of Gothita staring like a pet cat at some invisible demon we can’t see is nicely spooky, appropriate for a Pokémon based on a form of horror literature. The name Gothita of course comes from Gothic Lolita, the Japanese fashion niche, while the Japanese name is Gothima, a combination of Gothic with the Japanese word Yochimu, which is a type of precognitive dream.
For now, Gothita seems to be seeing unseen things in our world. Later it will begin to truly see the future when, at level 32, it evolves into Gothorita.
Standing a little taller and with more human proportions, Gothorita exaggerates the Gothic Lolita appearance with a hem like a dress, big hairdo and even more bows, as well as red lips and dismissive eyes.
The dark aesthetic of goths is similar, and sometimes paired with, the modern witch. The concept of the witch is millennia old, even mentioned in the bible, though the modern conception of witchcraft is routed in untrue historical myths from the same self-serving narratives which first coined the term “gothic”. Just as any architecture which wasn’t classic roman was looked down upon, all older societal practices were seen as pagan and heretical. Some of Gothorita’s Pokédex entries resemble shock stories of witchcraft.
Black
They use hypnosis to control people and Pokémon. Tales of Gothorita leading people astray are told in every corner.
Black 2
According to many old tales, it creates friends for itself by controlling sleeping children on starry nights.
White 2
Gothorita’s association with stars doesn’t stop at the aesthetic of a starry sky. While Gothita was seeing unseen things, Gothorita delves further into Lovecraftian cosmic horror.
Shield
On nights when the stars shine, this Pokémon's psychic power is at its strongest. It's unknown just what link Gothorita has to the greater universe.
White
Starlight is the source of their power. At night, they mark star positions by using psychic power to float stones.
The English name Gothorita continues Gothita’s trend, this time combining Goth with senorita, as this is a young lady. The Japanese name is also on trend, with Gothimiru incorporating Miru, the Japanese verb to see.
A senorita is not quite yet a senora, and indeed this Pokémon has one more evolution to go. At level 41 it can become Gothitelle.
Gothitelle is taller and more elegant, resembling a slender woman in a long black dress with an elaborate head crest like an extravagant hairdo tied in many bows.
Black
Starry skies thousands of light-years away are visible in the space distorted by their intense psychic power.
Alpha Sapphire
They can predict the future from the placement and movement of the stars. They can see Trainers' life spans.
This is the realization of Gothita’s promise of a Pokémon that has precognitive visions, as well as Gothorita’s connection to the stars. Using the stars to divine the future has existed for more than two thousand years at least, evolving from the very real practice of using astronomical calendars to predict seasons for agricultural purposes. Famously, the Maya had extremely elaborate astrological calendars which concluded a cycle in 2001, leading many to speculate they foretold an apocalypse.
Modern astrology is often associated with modern witchcraft. Gothitelle, however, does a little more than simply give vague life advice in the newspaper.
Scarlet
Gothitelle unleashes psychic energy and shows opponents dreams of the universe’s end. These dreams are apparently ethereal and beautiful.
Violet
It gazes at the stars to predict the future. It acts somewhat detached because it has seen the end of all existence.
Shield
A criminal who was shown his fate by a Gothitelle went missing that same day and was never seen again.
The name Gothitelle, as well as the Japanese name Gothiruselle, seem to refer to Mademouselle, switching from Spanish to French for this final adult form. As France was the origin of what we now call Gothic architecture, this feels appropriate. The names may also derive from the Pokémon’s ability to foretell.
Sword
It has tremendous psychic power, but it dislikes conflict. It's also able to predict the future based on the movement of the stars.
This is ironic, as Gothitelle has been particularly effective on the competitive scene thanks to the ability Shadow Tag, which prevents enemy Pokémon from escaping battle! Combined with effective moves and strong attacking stats, it’s easy to predict the opponent will faint.
I’ve always been a little too outgoing, and a little too fond of colors, to really be a goth. That said, I love reading Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and HP Lovecraft, and I grew up permanently in sight of two enormous churches with tall, stone steeples covered in statues and gargoyles. I’m embarrassed it took me until now to truly learn what the word “goth” means.
Original music is by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork is by Katie Groves. Funding is provided by listeners at Patreon.com/PodcastioPodcastius. For just a dollar a month, supporters can listen to episodes a week early and also help cover hosting and fees, making it possible for me to keep making episodes every week.
I love hearing from listeners! Get in touch about upcoming Pokémon on twitter or facebook at LukeLovesPKMN. Drop a comment if you’re watching the video, or a review on apple podcasts or spotify. Coming up are Solosis and Ducklett, so please get in touch about those or any other monsters.
Even if you don’t feel like doing any of that, thank you so much just for listening.
I love Gothita And remember, I love you too.