Pokémon of the Day #0483
Name: Dialga
Pronunciation: Dye-Yahl-Gah
Etymology: Diamond or Dia (Spanish for “day”) or Dial (Used to track time, e.g. sundial) + Ga (Japanese for “tough”)
Type: Dragon / Steel
Design Origins:
Dialga, as well as Palkia, is based on the Shinto legend of Izanami and Izanagi, who are credited with the creation of the Japanese islands by creating one island with a spear and erected a pillar on it, (hence why they appear at Spear Pillar) and expanding out from there. Dialga is known as the creator of time, and there are references to time in its design, such as the turquoise pattern on its body resembling clock hands. Its steel typing may be metaphorically linked as time is often described as rigid and unbendable, it may also link Dialga to one of the three states of matter, solids. Visually, it resembles a short-necked sauropod such as the camarasaurus.
Origin Forme Dialga is designed to more closely resemble Arceus. It gains more equine features, which may possibly be a reference to the Qilin or the Longma from Chinese mythology. In their Origin Formes, both Dialga and Palkia gain a design aspect which suggests that their ability to use their signature move has been repressed; Dialga’s Roar of Time is suppressed by the large object in its throat.
Primal Dialga is a form exclusive to the Mystery Dungeon Explorers games. It gains a darker colour pallet with glowing red-orange streaks. It loses its ability to control time.
Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:
“This Pokémon is revered as a deity in Hisuian legend. The birth of Dialga was what caused the vast river of time to begin flowing in our world.” - Legends Arceus
“Radiant light caused Dialga to take on a form bearing a striking resemblance to the creator Pokémon. Dialga now wields such colossal strength that one must conclude this is its true form.” - Legends Arceus (Origin Forme)
Most Recent Competitive Standings:
Smogon:
Gen 9: Ubers
[Origin Forme]
Gen 9: Ubers
VGC:
London Open 2022 (21/8/2022) - 49th
World Championships 2022 (20/8/2022) - 11th
[Origin Forme]
Santiago Regionals, USA (17/5/2025) - 28th
