Introduction
Introduction: The Enigmatic Eternatus
Have you ever paused to consider the dietary habits of a colossal, world-altering Pokémon? The Galar region’s monstrous Eternatus, a being of immense power and cosmic origins, is a Pokémon shrouded in mystery. But beyond its destructive capabilities and imposing presence, lies a curious question: what does Eternatus consume? This seemingly simple query unveils a fascinating exploration into the nature of a legendary creature and the very essence of energy that fuels its existence. In this article, we will delve into the enigmatic feeding patterns (or lack thereof) of Eternatus, piecing together clues from in-game lore, character design, and the intriguing landscape of fan theories. While Eternatus may not dine in the conventional sense, its source of power and potential ‘sustenance’ are nothing short of extraordinary.
Introducing Eternatus
Eternatus, introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, is a Pokémon that transcends the boundaries of typical creature classifications. It is a Poison and Dragon-type Pokémon, a combination that immediately speaks to its otherworldly nature. Initially, in its Eternatus form, it appears as a massive, skeletal form. However, it can transform into Eternamax Eternatus, a colossal, serpentine being of immense power, surpassing almost every other Pokémon in terms of sheer size and destructive force.
Origins and Purpose
Its origins are not terrestrial. Eternatus is theorized to have arrived on Earth from space, a cosmic entity that brought the mysterious phenomenon known as Dynamax energy to the Galar region. This energy is what empowers the Galar region’s Dynamax and Gigantamax transformations, turning Pokémon into titans capable of reshaping the battlefield. But what fuels this immense power? And what, if anything, does Eternatus consume to maintain its overwhelming energy?
Understanding Eternatus’s Nature
The Link to Dynamax Energy
Understanding Eternatus requires delving into its connection with the Dynamax phenomenon. Dynamax is a temporary transformation that allows Pokémon to grow to colossal sizes and gain access to enhanced power. This energy is directly linked to the red light that emanates from the Galar region, a light that initially originated from Eternatus. The Pokémon absorbed this red light, and Dynamax energy, to achieve these forms. When a Pokémon Dynamaxes or Gigantamaxes, it harnesses this potent energy, which alters its size, stats, and access to unique moves.
In-Game Clues & Evidence
Eternatus’s Absence of Conventional Diet
While the Pokémon franchise often depicts Pokémon eating berries, food pellets, or other consumable items, the reality is that Eternatus does not follow this trend. There are no depictions in-game or in the anime where Eternatus consumes food.
Insights from the Pokédex
The Pokédex provides us with some valuable insights into Eternatus. Its entries often refer to its connection to energy, especially the Dynamax energy. For example, the Pokédex states that Eternatus arrived in Galar from space and possessed the ability to absorb energy. Furthermore, it discusses the red light’s connection to the Dynamax phenomenon.
Observational Evidence and Wishing Stars
Observing Eternatus’s behavior in the game and the anime also yields clues, albeit subtle ones. We witness it drawing immense amounts of energy from the Wishing Stars, the glowing particles of energy that fall from the sky, as well as the red light that permeates the region. Eternatus’s actions do not suggest the consumption of traditional food. Instead, it appears to harness and manipulate the very fabric of energy in the environment.
The Role of Red Light
The game itself often highlights the relationship between the Wishing Stars and Eternatus’s presence. These wishing stars seem to provide a vital source of energy, which is necessary for the Pokémon to perform powerful attacks, such as its signature move Eternabeam.
The origin and nature of the red light are also crucial. The red light spreads across the Galar region through the effects of the Eternamax, and this is essential for the Pokémon to draw energy.
The in-game lore, through the Pokédex and other sources, provides concrete evidence that Eternatus functions differently from other Pokémon. The game does not portray it consuming anything in the conventional sense. Its existence is intricately linked to the absorption and manipulation of energy. This makes it possible to assume that Eternatus feeds on this energy, rather than on a conventional food source.
Interpretations and Theories
Energy Absorption as the Primary Source
This interpretation leads us to believe that the legendary Pokémon is fueled not by traditional food but by an otherworldly energy. It doesn’t need to hunt, forage, or receive sustenance in the manner of other Pokémon. Instead, it seems to exist as a being of pure energy, drawing sustenance from the very environment surrounding it, absorbing Dynamax energy and Wishing Stars.
Contrasting with Other Pokémon
This contrasts sharply with the dietary habits of other Pokémon. Many Pokémon are seen consuming berries, specialized food items, or even other Pokémon. These foods are vital for their growth, health, and overall survival. Eternatus, however, appears to operate outside these established norms, drawing its strength from the planet itself, or rather, from the energy that swirls around it.
Dynamax Energy as Fuel
The most plausible theory, supported by in-game evidence, is that Eternatus absorbs the Dynamax energy, the very energy that makes it and other Pokémon in Galar more powerful. This energy manifests as a red light, which initially pours out of Eternatus itself. This means that Eternatus’s power isn’t derived from something it can consume, but from the energy that courses through the land.
The Core of Eternatus’s Being
Dynamax energy as a fuel serves as a more accurate interpretation. It is the very basis of its existence. This opens up a whole new perspective on the world of Pokémon, where some of the most powerful beings may not have any need to consume traditional sustenance.
Fan Theories
The fan community has also explored the question of Eternatus’s diet. Some fan theories suggest that Eternatus feeds on the energy released from the Ultra Wormholes, linking it to other dimensions and cosmic entities. Others propose a connection to the very core of the planet, suggesting it draws upon the energy of the Earth itself. However, these ideas are, for the most part, based on speculation.
While these theories are fascinating, the primary narrative established by the game points toward the absorption of Dynamax energy as Eternatus’s primary means of sustenance.
Analysis & Discussion
Philosophical Implications
The concept of energy absorption also poses a significant philosophical question: is Eternatus truly alive in the same way as other Pokémon? Does its existence transcend the limitations of organic life, existing as a being of pure energy, sustained not by biological processes but by a fundamental force? This changes the conventional definition of life as it is known.
Thematic Contrasts
Considering the world of Pokémon, there is a clear thematic contrast between Eternatus and other Pokémon. Most of the time, Pokémon are depicted consuming berries, specialized food items, or even other Pokémon. These foods are vital for their growth, health, and overall survival. Eternatus, however, appears to operate outside these established norms, drawing its strength from the planet itself, or rather, from the energy that swirls around it. The fact that it can absorb energy from the land may suggest how it came to be.
Eternatus’s Role
This theme is reinforced by its role in the game. Eternatus’s presence threatens to overwhelm the Galar region with excess energy, causing a dangerous power imbalance. The trainers must work together to subdue it, preventing the destruction of the planet. This highlights the danger of unbalanced energy and how crucial it is to maintain a balance.
Eternamax and Energy Needs
The Eternamax form of Eternatus raises further questions regarding its energy needs. In this form, Eternatus becomes a skyscraper-sized entity, wielding unimaginable power. This massive increase in size and power necessitates an even greater energy source, making it clear that Dynamax energy is the fuel for Eternatus. This massive size and capacity could mean that Eternamax consumes or absorbs massive amounts of energy.
Conclusion
The Answer to the Question
So, what food is Eternatus? The answer isn’t a traditional food source, but the energy that permeates the Galar region. It is a being of pure power, sustained by a cosmic force that also grants power to the other Pokémon in the area. Its diet consists not of berries or protein, but of the very essence of existence itself – energy. Eternatus’s existence pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a Pokémon, showing how its power isn’t derived from something it can consume, but from the energy that courses through the land.
Final Thoughts
This revelation about its dietary habit, or lack thereof, is just one of many elements that make Eternatus a fascinating character. It stands as a testament to the imagination of the Pokémon universe, challenging us to consider the possibility of beings that transcend the limits of traditional sustenance. From its origins in space, its capacity for power, and its role as a threat to the Galar region, Eternatus forces us to look beyond the familiar and dive deeper into the mysteries of the Pokémon world. Its true sustenance remains a captivating puzzle, reminding us that not everything in the Pokémon universe works the same way.
