For each evolution from the anime, we'll examine inspirations from mythology (includes Japan, China, Scandinavia, Singapore, Aztec, and Greek mythology) and science (includes biology, nature, animal adaptations, and a touch of astronomy).

I teach a lot of Pokemon science classes. I also teach a lot of Pokemon mythology classes! When I went to tackle the evolutions of Eevee, I realized that these "Eeveelutions" deserve a discussion of both the possible science AND mythology behind them. We'll use Pokedex entries and video clips to explore the possible origins of each evolution.

For Eevee, we'll talk about the connection to dogs, cats, foxes, and other animals in the order Carnivora in modern taxonomy. We'll compare Eevee to the Gulon from Scandinavian folklore.

Vaporeon is next. Vaporeon has a lot of characteristics of fish, and the Pokedex says it has gills...but what about when it's out of the water? We'll discuss how it might breathe when it's on the surface. The possible mythical inspiration we discuss for Vaporeon is the Merlion from Singapore.

Next, we'll compare Jolteon to real-life electric animals, and to the Raiju from Japanese mythology.

Flareon has a lot of similarities to the red fox, and is also probably inspired by the Tuliketu from Finnish mythology.

Umbreon is a good example of an animal affected by the moon. What real-life animals are also affected by the moon. And could Umbreon be inspired by the Tezcatlipoca of Aztec mythology?

Leafeon gets all of its energy from photosynthesis. Guess what?Some real-life animals can some some of their energy from the sun, too! We'll also discuss Leafeon's similarity to dryads from Greek mythology.

Sylveon's "feelers" are a bit similar to the "feelers" of the animal kingdom - antennae. But Sylveon's real connection lies with the jade rabbit of Asian mythology.

Glaceon is probably based on the arctic fox, with probably a bit of inspiration from Japan's Yuki-onna.

Finally, it's Espeon's turn to shine, with references to real-life animal whiskers, and the mythology from both Japan and South America.