The Psychic Powers of Ekanstaerg: the Horned Serpent

The Psychic Powers of Ekanstaerg: the Horned Serpent

written by Mathias_Greyjoy

In this Fall edition of the Quibbler I wanted to write in to the Department of Magical Plants & Creatures to share with you a wondrous new discovery! I have gotten together with a friend and fellow Redditor to showcase a unique depiction of the mysterious Horned Serpent. A magical snake found in several regions of the world, but was most common in North America. The Horned Serpent plays an important role in the story of Isolt Sayre, and the founding of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Designed by me, and drawn by the user El-psy-congroo-01, this depiction actually comes from a fan made Pokémon game some friends and I are working on. It is set in the region of Ryuku, which refers to Hoenn as it was known during discovery and settlement, in a historical period about a century before the modern era of Pokémon games in Hoenn: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire etc. It is inspired by Legends: Arceus in its scope and tone!

We wanted to create a Fakémon based on, and inspired by the Horned Serpent found in many Native American mythologies, and Wizarding world acclaim. For those unaware, Fakémon are fake Pokémon, and refer to non-canonical Pokémon created by fans of the popular Japanese franchise. Our Fakémon is a regional form evolution of the Pokémon Ekans. A regional form, also known as a regional variant, is an alternate form of a Pokémon species that is found in a specific Pokémon region. These forms differ from those found in the region where the Pokémon was introduced, even in most cases so far, to the point of having a different type. I’m sure those of you who are veteran Pokémon fans will remember Kantonian Ekans and Arbok. We decided to create a regional form of Ekans, and a new split evolution named Ekanstaerg.

The name Ekans is of course derived from the backwards spelling of snake, while Arbok is derived from cobra spelled backwards. We wanted to be consistent with the naming theme of the Ekans line, so we went with Ekanstaerg, which Is Great Snake backwards, another name used by Native Americans for the Horned Serpent.

Our regional form of Ekans is a Poison/Water type, based on a sea krait: a type of venomous sea snake. We went with the Water/Psychic typing for its evolution for several reasons. Its eyes have a hypnotic power to them, and this creature has been described across mythology and Potter lore as living in bodies of water such as lakes and rivers, being very mystical, and very Psychic!

The physical inspiration for Ekanstaerg came from a few different places, namely the mythologies of North American Indigenous cultures. Details vary among tribes, with many of the stories associating the mystical figure with water, rain, lightning and thunder. They are typically described as dragon-like serpents with Stag horns and long teeth. Horned serpents also appear in European and Near Eastern mythology. To the Muscogee people, the Horned Serpent is a type of underwater serpent covered with iridescent, crystalline scales and a single, large crystal in its forehead. Both the scales and crystals are prized for their powers of divination. The horns, called chitto gab-by, were used in medicine. Ekanstaerg was also inspired by the Japanese Mizuchi. A type of Japanese dragon or legendary serpent-like creature, either found in an aquatic habitat or otherwise connected to water. Some commentators perceived it to have been a water deity.

- Ekans PokéDex Entry -

This is Ekans as it appears in the Ryuku region. Its Ryukuian form is a threatened Pokémon that has been over hunted by poachers for Its highly prized skin and medicinal venom. This rare form has become better adapted to aquatic life than the previously discovered form of Ekans. It swims silently and stealthily, but is clumsy on land when it goes ashore to lay its eggs in caves, or to hunt its favourite foods. Ekans is a gluttonous Pokémon. It loves to eat the eggs of birds such as Taillow and Wingull, whole. In the sea it catches fish with its paralysing venom. Its jaw can detach to swallow large prey, but such a meal can make Ekans too heavy to move or become stuck and cause it to faint. It grows longer as it ages. When first born, it has no poison, so its bite is painful, but harmless. Ryukuian Ekans appear to be active both day and night. In the morning, and sometimes late in the afternoon, they can be seen at the surface basking in the sunlight, and they dive when disturbed. When they need to sleep they will wrap their long body around driftwood or coral to rest.

- Ekanstaerg PokéDex Entry -

Ekans in the Ryuku region can evolve into this Pokémon. Evolution occurs when Ekans are exposed to a special stone. Ekanstaerg do not get along with Milotic or Gyarados, so they choose to live at the bottom of large empty lakes, or in rivers flowing through the forest. This intelligent Pokémon is able to understand human speech. Ekanstaerg's presence is rarely seen, but often felt by those connected to the mystical energy of the lake. It is considered a highly special event if one chooses to reveal itself to you. This Pokémon's eyes have a hypnotic power to them, which it uses to transfix its prey with powerful psychic energy, freezing them in place. It is said Ekanstaerg's eyes can pierce through the foggiest mists and even the murky dark depths of the lake. It has a powerful tail capable of propelling itself rapidly through the water. The striking pattern on its tail is often depicted on carved wooden paddles.