So I’ve been on a history kick as of late and a theory popped into mind.
Regarding Swampert line they are clearly Axolotls creatures originally discovered and named by Aztec culture and Axolotl was named after Xólotl an Aztec name roughly translating to “Water Monster” which fits Swamperts very well.
Next with Blaziken I was thinking about some sort of fire bird that fights. Upon digging into it I presume it could be based off the god Quezalcoatl. Now I should mention that Quezalcoatl is a serpent. But it is also described as being the boundary between earth and sky. A land bound fire bird doesn’t sound so bad to show that.
Finally with Sceptile I don’t have a specific god in mind however in Aztec mythology lizards and iguanas symbolized fertility and vegetation. Put two and two together and Grass Lizard is an obvious example of that.
So while yes not all 3 starters are based on gods, I feel as this theory should make some sense considering the inspiration behind the hoenn starters.
by Unusualitys