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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 Tapu Lele,
In English, the word Tiki has taken on a broad meaning. A vaguely Polynesian aesthetic, with flaming torches, flowery lei around the necks, coconut bras and wooden masks could be a tiki party. The term Tiki, in New Zealand, refers in modern parlance to a wooden charm worn around the neck.
The word has a long history, previously referring to wooden humanoid figures and before that to the mythical Tiki, the first man created by the gods, similar to Adam in Abrahamic religions. Wooden figures representing Tiki are the origin of the modern usages of the word, and these kinds of wooden ornamentations remain the most common physical representations of Polynesian culture.
Tapu Lele is the guardian deity of Akala island. A psychic and fairy type pokemon, it resembles a long-haired fairy emerging from a decorated cocoon, still wearing the top as a hat. The Lele in its name comes from pulelehua, the Hawaain word for butterfly. The Japanese name, Kapu-Tetefu, comes from tefutefu, an older word for the same insect.
Just as with the other Tapus, Tapu Lele takes inspiration from one of the four primary gods of Hawaii. In this case, Kane, the creator. It doesn’t quite have the power to create man and god, but it does have healing powers.
Moon
As it flutters about, it scatters its strangely glowing scales. Touching them is said to restore good health on the spot.
Ultra Sun
It heals the wounds of people and Pokémon by sprinkling them with its sparkling scales. This guardian deity is worshiped on Akala.
The power of creation is one side of coin, the back of which is the power of destruction.
Sun
This guardian deity of Akala is guilelessly cruel. The fragrant aroma of flowers is the source of its energy.
Ultra Moon
Although called a guardian deity, Tapu Lele is devoid of guilt about its cruel disposition and can be described as nature incarnate.
Tapu Lele felt no guilt after devastating the seventh generation’s competitive scene. Its ability Psychic Surge lays down psychic terrain, boosting already powerful psychic attacks and giving Tapu lele the precognition to avoid priority moves like fake out. With major weaknesses removed, the Pokemons decent speed and excellent special attack ran riot over the competition.
There are a few pink-haired fairies in the world of Pokemon, and none of them are slouches competitively. Tapu Lele managers to shine even amongst this illustrious crowd.
Music for Luke Loves Pokemon was composed by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork for the show is by Katie Groves. Funding is by supporters at patreon.com/podcastiopodcastius.
I love hearing from listeners! Get in touch on youtube, social media or email and let me know about your favorite Pokemon. Coming up next are Tapu Bulu and Tapu Fini, so let me know your thoughts about those or any other monsters.
Even if you don’t feel like doing any of that, thank you so much for listening.
I love Tapu Lele. And remember, I love you too.