The Mystery Behind Mewtwo's Number
For decades, Pokémon trainers and fans have been captivated by the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo. Its immense power, tragic origin story, and iconic status in the Pokémon universe are undeniable. But a lingering question has always been: why is Mewtwo number 150 in the National Pokédex, and not the highly sought-after number 151, which belongs to Mew?
Understanding the National Pokédex
The National Pokédex is essentially the ultimate encyclopedia of all known Pokémon. It lists them in a specific numerical order, generally following their order of discovery or introduction within the games. This order is crucial for understanding the Pokémon world, from the smallest Pidgey to the most formidable legendary creatures.
Mewtwo's Origins: A Scientific Experiment Gone Wrong
To understand Mewtwo's number, we must delve into its lore. Mewtwo was not born; it was created. Scientists, specifically those at Cinnabar Island's Pokémon Mansion and later the fictional Team Rocket laboratories, genetically engineered Mewtwo from the DNA of the mythical Pokémon, Mew. This process was intended to create the ultimate Pokémon, a living weapon.
The creation process was experimental and, as the story unfolds, incredibly tragic for Mewtwo. It was born with immense psychic powers and a profound sense of confusion and anger about its existence. This existential crisis led to its escape and a burning desire to prove its superiority over humans and other Pokémon.
Mew: The Ancestor, The Original
In stark contrast to Mewtwo's artificial creation, Mew is depicted as a rare, mythical Pokémon, believed to be the ancestor of all Pokémon. It's said to possess the DNA of every Pokémon, allowing it to learn any move. Mew is the original blueprint, the source from which Mewtwo was derived.
The Numbering Convention: Order of Discovery and Creation
The numbering in the Pokédex isn't always strictly chronological in terms of in-game lore as if trainers just stumbled upon them one by one. Instead, it often reflects the order in which Pokémon were conceptually introduced or programmed into the games, and sometimes, it reflects a logical progression related to their origins.
Here's the key breakdown:
- Mew (151): Mew was originally intended to be a hidden, mythical Pokémon that players could obtain through special events or glitches. Its existence was a closely guarded secret in the early days of Pokémon Red and Blue. Because it is considered the "original" and the source, it occupies the final, most coveted spot in the original 151.
- Mewtwo (150): Mewtwo, on the other hand, was created *from* Mew. In the narrative of the games, Mewtwo's creation and subsequent rampage happened before Mew was widely known or understood as the progenitor. Therefore, in the Pokédex's order, Mewtwo is placed just before Mew, representing its status as a derived, albeit incredibly powerful, Pokémon that was "discovered" or encountered by trainers after many other Pokémon, but crucially, before the true nature of Mew as the ancestor was fully grasped.
Think of it like this: Mew is the ancient, foundational fossil (number 151), and Mewtwo is the incredibly advanced, genetically engineered clone or descendant that was brought to life and encountered by the scientific community (number 150). The numbering reflects this relationship of origin and creation.
The Significance of the Numbers
The numbers 150 and 151 are deeply ingrained in Pokémon history. They represent the pinnacle of the original generation of Pokémon. Mewtwo's position as 150 highlights its status as a formidable, artificially created powerhouse that challenged the very notion of what a Pokémon could be. Mew's position as 151 cements its status as the ultimate enigma, the mythical progenitor of all Pokémon.
The decision to place Mewtwo at 150 and Mew at 151 was a deliberate design choice that reinforced their narrative roles within the Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow games. It adds a layer of intrigue and storytelling to the Pokédex itself.
In essence, Mewtwo is 150 because it was created from Mew, and in the narrative and Pokédex ordering, the creation often follows or is juxtaposed with the original. Mew, as the ultimate, mythical ancestor, holds the final, legendary spot at 151.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Mewtwo created?
Mewtwo was genetically engineered by scientists using the DNA of the mythical Pokémon, Mew. This was a highly experimental process, intended to create the ultimate Pokémon, but it resulted in a powerful and emotionally conflicted creature.
Why is Mew considered the ancestor of all Pokémon?
Mew is believed to be the ancestor of all Pokémon because it is said to possess the DNA of every Pokémon. This allows it to learn virtually any move in the Pokémon world, signifying its fundamental and primordial nature.
What is the significance of Mewtwo being #150?
Mewtwo being #150 signifies its status as a powerful, artificially created Pokémon that was discovered or encountered by humans. It comes just before Mew, highlighting its derived nature from the original Pokémon.
Why did Mewtwo escape from its creators?
Mewtwo escaped from its creators due to its immense power and the resulting existential crisis it faced. It was filled with anger and confusion about its existence and purpose, leading it to seek control and prove its superiority.
