Guardian deities
- Tapu redirects here. For the location, see Tapu Village.
The guardian deities (Japanese: 守り神 guardian deity), also known as the tapu (Japanese: カプ kapu), are a group of Legendary Pokémon from the Alola region who protect the archipelago. Each of the tapu protect one of the four main islands in Alola, with Tapu Koko on Melemele Island, Tapu Lele on Akala Island, Tapu Bulu on Ula'ula Island, and Tapu Fini on Poni Island. Each deity has its own shrine or ruins dedicated to it on their own corresponding island. Island kahunas are each chosen by their island's guardian deity and are known to serve and fight alongside them if necessary.
They all share Fairy as a secondary type, Telepathy as their Hidden Ability, and Land Spirit Pokémon as their category in the Pokédex, as well as have a common move in Nature's Madness and its corresponding Z-Move, Guardian of Alola. Their primary Abilities each create the terrain corresponding to their primary type, with the exception of Tapu Fini's Misty Surge, which terrain corresponds to its secondary type.
The guardian deities can all pull their shells together and hide their bodies inside, creating an impression of a stylized animal. In its closed shell state, Tapu Koko resembles a rooster, Tapu Lele resembles a butterfly, Tapu Bulu resembles a bull, and Tapu Fini resembles a swordfish. When encapsulated in these shells, they are absorbing the energy of nature, with long periods of time causing them to become hard and sturdy. The deities are in this state when they perform their exclusive Z-Move, Guardian of Alola. The attack summons a giant, yellow headless humanoid energy-based entity from the ground. The guardian closes its shell and merges on top of the entity as its head. Each guardian's color corresponds with the island they represent. For example, Tapu Koko is yellow, whilst "Melemele" is Hawaiian for yellow.
Tapu Koko 
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Tapu Lele 
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Tapu Bulu 
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Tapu Fini 
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Terminology
Throughout Generation VII, the island guardians are also referred to by many names such as:
- the tapu (Japanese: カプ kapu)
- the guardians (Japanese: 守り神 guardian deity)
- the sacred guardians (Japanese: 守り神 guardian deity)
- the island guardians (Japanese: 島の守り神 island's guardian deity)
- the spirit guardians (Japanese: 守り神 guardian deity)
- the land spirits (Japanese: とちがみポケモン Land Spirit Pokémon)
- the guardian tapu (Japanese: 島の守り神 カプ island's guardian deity kapu)
- Alola's Guardian Deities[1]
Additionally, the description for Guardian of Alola will use their category of Land Spirit Pokémon (Japanese: とちがみポケモン Land Spirit Pokémon).
History
The tapu debuted in Generation VII in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They make home on each of the corresponding islands they are known to protect, having shrines built for them where the people of Alola may offer prayer. Each of these shrines are also known to be a symbolism of the journey of life. Tapu Koko's shrine is the Ruins of Conflict, where life is tested; Tapu Lele's is the Ruins of Life, where life is born; Tapu Bulu's is the Ruins of Abundance, where life grows; and Tapu Fini's is the Ruins of Hope, where life ends. Many decorations and honoring are made for each of the guardians, and can be found throughout the region, examples being the many tiki statues found throughout Mahalo Trail, as well as the Strange Souvenir item that made its debut in Pokémon X and Y. The island kahunas, who are often chosen by the tapu, are known to serve and fight alongside the them when necessary. According to Olivia, the kahuna of Akala Island, most normal Pokémon typically avoid the guardians unless they're strong enough to face them on their own. The guardian deities, while known for being protective of their land, people and Pokémon, they can be quite destructive when angered. Threatening island life on the Alolan Islands in any way, such as harming Pokémon or nature could bring wrath the people or Pokémon involved.
In Iki Town, Tapu Koko is known to watch the battle at festivals that begin a Trainer's island challenge. Along with grand trials, these along with the festivals are offerings to the guardian deities.
The stamps used to mark a Trainer's success at their grand trial is in the shape of that island's guardian. Additionally, each tapu appears as their own stamp for their individual island Pokédexes.
According to the legends of Alola, the guardian deities serve as protectors of the island each resides in. They also served as leaders of the armies for each of the island's kings. Using their Z-Power in these battles would cause great destruction to the islands, and thus they stopped being involved in human affairs. However, they occasionally fight to see who is the strongest amongst themselves, which led to the creation of the Battle Royal format. The deities will fiercely fight against intruders and harmful bodies in order to protect their islands from invaders, as evidenced by when Ultra Beast appear in Alola. The tapu not only choose the kahuna of their respective island, but are also the ones to provide them with Sparkling Stones which can then be turned into Z-Rings or Z-Power Rings. The reason for this is unknown outside the two groups.
According to a book called "The Light of Alola" in the Malie Library, a SolgaleoSUS/LunalaMUM once came from an Ultra Wormhole and fought against the guardian deities, defeating them easily. As a reward for putting up a good fight, however, Tapunium Z was bestowed upon them. The SolgaleoSUS/LunalaMUM then created many Cosmog for the Guardian deities to protect and watch over until they fully evolve.
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, according to secret notes found in the Malie Library, a "pillager of light" once invaded Alola, stealing all of its light and shrouding the region in darkness. The guardian deities fought against it at Tapu Village to regain the stolen light. Together with the assistance of a youth and the power of Z-Crystals, the guardians were able to banish the invader, restoring Alola's light and freeing SolgaleoUS/LunalaUM. This set of events are known to have been the start of the island challenge that many Trainers go on at the age of 11. The island challenge is another custom done in favor of the Tapu.
In more recent history, Tapu Bulu has gotten upset at the land development and modernization of Tapu Village being built on top of sacred land, causing it to destroy it in a fit or rage, resulting in only a Pokémon Center. The nearby Thrifty Megamart has become a trial site. Many of these trial sites the guardians' favorite places and are guarded by the Totem Pokémon. Mount Lanakila is also considered a sacred area of the guardian deities, and that Alola's Pokémon League was built in respect to have battles dedicated to the Pokémon.
Similar movesets
| Lv. | Tapu Koko Electric Fairy |
Tapu Lele Psychic Fairy |
Tapu Bulu Grass Fairy |
Tapu Fini Water Fairy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quick Attack | Astonish | Rock Smash | Disarming Voice |
| Thunder Shock | Confusion | Leafage | Water Gun | |
| 5 | Withdraw | |||
| 10 | Fairy Wind | Aromatherapy | Disable | Mist |
| Haze | ||||
| 15 | False Swipe | Draining Kiss | Leech Seed | Aqua Ring |
| 20 | Spark | Psybeam | Mega Drain | Water Pulse |
| 25 | Shock Wave | Flatter | Whirlwind | Brine |
| 30 | Charge | Aromatic Mist | Horn Attack | Defog |
| 35 | Agility | Sweet Scent | Scary Face | Heal Pulse |
| 40 | Screech | Extrasensory | Horn Leech | Surf |
| 45 | Discharge | Psyshock | Zen Headbutt | Muddy Water |
| 50 | Mean Look | |||
| 55 | Nature's Madness | |||
| 60 | Wild Charge | Moonblast | Wood Hammer | Moonblast |
| 65 | Brave Bird | Tickle | Megahorn | Hydro Pump |
| 70 | Power Swap | Skill Swap | Skull Bash | Soak |
| 75 | Electric Terrain | Psychic Terrain | Grassy Terrain | Misty Terrain |
| Moves in bold get STAB. Moves in italics do no damage. | ||||
Base stat comparison
| Pokémon | Tapu Koko |
Tapu Lele |
Tapu Bulu |
Tapu Fini | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP |
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| Attack |
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| Defense |
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| Sp. Attack |
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| Sp. Defense |
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| Speed |
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| Total | 570 | 570 | 570 | 570 |
In the core series games
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Tapu Koko plays the largest role within the games' storyline, appearing before the player picks their first partner Pokémon to save them after they fall from a broken bridge with Nebby in tow. Tapu Koko, in recognition of the player's bravery, gives the player a Sparkling Stone, which is later refined by Hala into a Z-Ring. Tapu Koko later appears to defend Melemele Island against the then-unidentified Ultra Beast BuzzwoleS/PheromosaM alongside Hala. After becoming Champion, the player and Lillie visit Tapu Koko at the Ruins of Conflict to give thanks to it, after which the player battles it. The player can choose to lose, win, run or catch Tapu Koko, with different dialogue depending on the outcome. Regardless of outcome, they will receive a Tapunium Z.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
The guardian deities play a near-identical role, however, instead of defending against Buzzwole or Pheromosa, Tapu Koko comes to battle BlacephalonUS/StakatakaUM, and Hala allows Hau to serve as the guardian's partner. Tapu Koko is not battled during the festival in Iki Town after the player becomes champion. All four guardian deities can be approached in their respective ruins after the credits. After catching or defeating their first deity, the player receives a Tapunium Z.
Tapu Fini, while not physically seen, plays a small role in the story as well, granting Hapu the title of island kahuna after her grandfather, the previous kahuna, passed away. Afterwards, the player and Lillie go to the Ruins of Hope to see Tapu Fini, hopes of finding an answer to help Nebby.
The other three tapu are seen heading towards their own islands with the same Ultra Beast invasion during the games' climax, most notably Tapu Fini and Tapu Lele. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, after Necrozma has opened Ultra Wormholes, the Tapu are seen headed towards their respective islands in protection against threat with each kahuna being seen at each of the guardian deities' shrines during the sequence, implying they have fought alongside them as Hau and Hala do with Tapu Koko. The player can battle and catch the remaining guardian deities (and Tapu Koko if they failed) after the credits roll.
If Tapu Bulu is in the player's party, the Pokémon can be interviewed by a Reporter, who is interested in the destruction of Tapu Village.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
In The Crown Tundra DLC expansion of Pokémon Sword and Shield, the guardian deities can be found in the Max Lair during Dynamax Adventures, having come through an Ultra Wormhole created by a member of the light trio. The result has ended with them Dynamaxing.
In the spin-off games
Pokémon Masters EX
Each of the guardian deities forms a sync pair with a Trainer from Alola during the Alola chapter of the Villain Arc in Pokémon Masters EX. These guardians are said to not be the ones from the game's world and are speculated to have arrived on Pasio through an Ultra Wormhole.
| Dex | Trainer | NDex | Pokémon | Type | Weakness | Role | EX role | Base potential | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #054 | 
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Sygna Suit Hau |
#0785 | 
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Tapu Koko  |
Electric
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Ground
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★★★★★☆EX | Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout |
| #056 | 
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Sygna Suit Mina |
#0788 | 
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Tapu Fini |
Fairy
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Poison
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★★★★★☆EX | Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout |
| #063 | 
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Sygna Suit Acerola |
#0787 | 
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Tapu Bulu |
Grass
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Flying
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★★★★★☆EX | Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout |
| #129 | 
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Sygna Suit Lana |
#0786 | 
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Tapu Lele |
Psychic
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Steel
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★★★★★☆EX | Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout |
In animation
Pokémon the Series
- Main article: Guardian deities (anime)
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon
Tapu Koko first appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, where it gave Ash a Z-Ring. In the next episode, it challenged Ash and Pikachu to a battle, where it taught them how to use the Z-Move Gigavolt Havoc before fleeing. In Trial and Tribulation!, it briefly appears to return Ash's Electrium Z after his battle with Hala. In A Guardian Rematch!, it has a rematch with Ash in front of the students at the Pokémon School, and rescues both him and Pikachu after they fall off a cliff during the battle.
Tapu Lele made its first appearance in Partner Promises!, where it was briefly spotted by Ash at nighttime and healed a scratch he suffered while rescuing a Wimpod trapped in a cave.
In A Dream Encounter!, the four guardian deities were all alerted to the creation of Cosmog.
They all appeared again in Family Determination! and Revealing the Stuff of Legend!, where they performed a ritual by singing to activate the Altar of the Sunne to evolve Nebby into Solgaleo. They also upgraded Ash's Z-Ring to a Z-Power Ring to allow him and Nebby to perform Searing Sunraze Smash to open an Ultra Wormhole.
The deities proceeded to make further appearances in later episodes. In Some Kind of Laziness!, Tapu Bulu assisted Ash in training his Lycanroc. In Run, Heroes, Run!, Tapu Fini put Kiawe through a trial that required him to face Tapu Lele in order to save Ash. In the following episode, Tapu Fini approved Hapu as the new island kahuna of Poni Island. In A Recipe for Success!, Tapu Koko gave Mallow a Grassium Z after she had passed a trial set up for her by Oranguru.
In Securing the Future!, the guardian deities joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with Z-Power to allow it to reassume its true form.
In Battling the Beast Within! and Parallel Friendships!, a Shiny Tapu Koko appeared as the guardian of the Melemele Island of the Ultra Ruin dimension.
In Z-Move Showdown!, the guardian deities appeared to help stop the Guzzlord invasion at Manalo Stadium.
In Fiery Surprises! and From Z to Shining Z!, Tapu Koko took over as Professor Kukui's final Pokémon during the Manalo Conference exhibition match. In the latter episode, the guardian deities recharged Ash and Kukui's Z-Rings to enable them to use an additional Z-Move each. The match ended with Pikachu finally triumphing over Tapu Koko, making Ash the winner of the exhibition match.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Tapu Koko made one more brief appearance in Helping the Hometown Hero!, wishing Ash good luck in the upcoming Masters Eight Tournament.
In the manga
Pokémon Adventures
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc
The guardian deities were first seen in a fantasy in The Delivery of Rotom and the Girl, where Hala, Olivia, and Nanu each discussed that all four deities were spotted by people on their respective island. As the guardian deities were normally reclusive, the kahunas assumed that something must have angered the four Pokémon. In The Final Match and a Surprising Finale!, Sun was given the task of delivering a special Mirage Berry to each guardian deity as a way of calming them down.
Tapu Koko first appeared in The Delivery of Rotom and the Girl, attacking Sun and Moon. After a short battle, it escaped, leaving behind a Sparkling Stone for Sun. In The Decision and the Tournament of Six, Tapu Koko appeared at Mahalo Trail, where it saved Moon and Nebby after the latter broke the Plank Bridge to escape from a group of Spearow that attacked it.
Tapu Lele first appeared in True Identity and the Totem Pokémon of Brooklet Hill, where it fought against a Xurkitree that tried to escape from an Ultra Wormhole and lost. It was saved by Moon, who fired a Poké Ball-tipped arrow at Xurkitree, forcing it to retreat back to where it came from. Afterward, it returned to the Ruins of Life to recuperate, only for Gladion to arrive and try to capture it. After being defeated by Sun, Gladion gave up on Tapu Lele, claiming that it was too weak to fight against the Ultra Beasts. Once Gladion left, Sun successfully delivered the Mirage Berry to Tapu Lele. As thanks, Tapu Lele decided to test the abilities of Sun and his friends by battling them. Though it proved to be powerful, Tapu Lele left satisfied after Sun managed to land a hit on it with his newly-evolved Torracat, Dollar.
Tapu Bulu first appeared at Po Town, where it rescued Sun, Moon, and Anabel from an attacking Blacephalon. Sun was initially reluctant to give a Mirage Berry to Tapu Bulu, as he felt that it had no reason to help humans as one was responsible for the appearance of Ultra Beasts in Alola to begin with. Moon argued that if humans were the cause, then they should take responsibility by fixing the mess as well. Sun and Moon then give the Mirage Berry to Tapu Bulu, which it readily accepts.
Tapu Fini first appeared at Seafolk Village, where it watched Hapu battle a group of wild Crabrawler led by a Crabominable. Tapu Fini watched the battle to see if Hapu was worthy of succeeding the title of kahuna of Poni Island. After Hapu successfully defeated the wild Pokémon, Sun had her deliver the Mirage Berry, as he was too injured by Crabominable's attacks to do so himself. Hapu then received a Sparkling Stone from Tapu Fini, confirming that it accepted her as the next kahuna.
The guardian deities appeared before Sun in Play the Melody That Echoes in the Altar, where they took him and Moon to Poni Altar to awaken Solgaleo and Lunala. In Destroy!! Results of the Training!, the guardian deities appeared at Mount Lanakila, where they scattered the Ultra Beasts to their respective islands to battle them.
Trivia
- The guardian deities are the only Pokémon to have an interpunct in their Japanese names.
- Strange Souvenirs is said to depict a mysterious Pokémon that has been venerated as a guardian deity for an extremely long time in the Alola region. Which of the four is unknown however.
- The guardian deities share similarities to the treasures of ruin:
- They are a quartet of Legendary Pokémon situated in a region.
- Both quartets share a base stat total of 570.
- Each quartet has a shared type: the guardian deities share the Fairy-type, while the treasures of ruin share the Dark-type.
- The respective quartets' signature moves, Nature's Madness and Ruination, are differently typed variations of each other, both being moves that deal damage equivalent to half the target's remaining HP.
- Both quartets also share variations of given Abilities: the guardian deities all share Abilities that summon a different type of terrain upon entering battle, while the treasures of ruin all have variations of Abilities that lower a stat of all other Pokémon on the field when they are present.
In other languages
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References
Related articles
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