Lapras

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Lapras
File:Lapras.png
National Pokédex
Gyarados - Lapras (#131) - Ditto
Johto Pokédex
Blissey - Lapras (#219) - Omanyte
Japanese nameLaplace
Evolves from(none)
Evolves into(none)
GenerationFirst
SpeciesTransport Pokémon
TypeWater / Ice
Height8 ft 2 in (2.5 m)
Weight485 pounds (220 kg)
AbilityWater Absorb, Shell Armor

Lapras (ラプラス, Rapurasu, Laplace) is a fictional character of the Pokémon franchise.

Lapras' name seems to be a corruption of its Japanese name, Laplace. The name may be a reference to Pierre-Simon Laplace, a mathematician who wrote several books on the mathematical properties of the sea and tides. Its English name was originally going to be Ness, which is clearly derived from the Loch Ness Monster. Its name could also be derived from "lap", as in waves lapping against a beach, and the ras being a feminine sounding suffix. Lapis may also have been a source of influence with its deep blue color.

Appearance

Lapras has a Sauropterygian appearance. It has a tough, light blue skin and a tan underbelly. Its ears are curled, has a small horn which seems to serve no true purpose on its forehead, a dark grey spiked shell on its back, and four flippers.

Biology

Lapras is an endangered species. The reasons for this are many: Lapras provide a comfortable and swift method of transportation across water by riding on their backs, and they are all too willing to serve humans in such a way. They also become entangled in fishing nets often. Furthermore, they have a gentle, pleasant personality and intelligence high enough to understand the meaning of human speech (mind reading may be involved in this. Then again, in the video games all Pokémon understand and so do most Pokémon in the cartoons.). When in a good mood, Lapras even sings in a charming cry. As a result, Lapras is a highly-sought after Pokémon.

The high demand for Lapras has led to their overhunting in the Pokémon world. Due to their peaceful nature, Lapras rarely fight back, posing little challenge to trainers and poachers despite their large size and mass would give them an advantage (it is possible that wild Lapras rely on their size and potentially aggressive looks to keep attackers away rather than fight back). The continuous capture of Lapras over time has caused its numbers to dwindle, driving it to the brink of extinction. Now, a Lapras is far more likely to sing in a plaintive, mournful cry, as it tries in vain to find others of its kind. Preservation efforts seem to exist, but their effectiveness is unknown.

In the video games

In Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, the player receives Lapras as a gift after beating the Rival in the Silph Co. Saffron City headquarters. In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen it is also encountered in the Icefall Cave (1% chance).

In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, one Lapras appears every Friday (according to the game's internal clock) in Union Cave. If caught or defeated, another will appear next Friday.

In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness one could be snagged from Cipher Admin Eldes at Citadark Isle.

Lapras has above average stats, especially in terms of Hit Points and Special Defense. The good stats of Lapras are complimented by a very wide range of powerful and useful attacks, both of offensive (Surf, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Body Slam) and defensive (Confuse Ray, Sing, Heal Bell, Safeguard) nature. Lapras also learns the one hit KO attack Sheer Cold. It also sports the highly-valued Water Absorb trait. For this reason, Lapras is often considered a "team player."

In the animé

File:Lapras anime.jpg
Lapras in the anime

Lapras first appeared in episode #65 (Holiday Hi-Jynx), where it enlisted Ash and his friends on behalf of Santa Claus to find one of his lost Jynx. This Lapras showed the extraordinary trait of communicating telepathically in human language, despite not having any psychic powers. This ability may have been due to its relationship with Santa Claus. Ths episode is no longer shown on American TV however due to portrayal of Jynx, which some interepreted as mocking African-Americans using a style similar to blackface.

The Lapras species was featured much more prominently during Ash's travels around the Orange Islands region. Shortly after arriving, Ash found a small Lapras which had been accidentally left behind by its pod and rescued it from some unscrupulous trainers and Team Rocket.

Afterwards, Lapras joined the protagonists and transported them all around the Orange Archipelago until they found its family. It was also used in some of Ash's Orange League battles. Lapras was finally reunited with its fellow Lapras and left Ash. They met up again in Johto (episode #259-Lapras of Luxury) where Lapras rescued its entire pod from Team Rocket and became its leader.

Later, Lapras is used in the Kanto Grand Fesitval by Saroi, one of May's rivals, who wins the Fesitval.

In the trading card game

Lapras, despite being of the first generation of Pokémon, has appeared only five times as Basic Water-type Pokémon in the Fossil, Southern Islands, Aquapolis, EX Ruby & Sapphire (as Lapras EX) and EX Legend Maker sets.

References

Publications
  • Barbo, Maria. The Official Pokémon Handbook. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0439154049.
  • Loe, Casey, ed. Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ISBN 130206151.
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 193020650X
  • Mylonas, Eric. Pokémon Pokédex Collector’s Edition: Prima’s Official Pokémon Guide. Prima Games, September 21 2004. ISBN 0761547614
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon Emerald Version Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., April 2005. ISBN 1930206585
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