In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs, their culture, and their historical allusions to British culture. Today, we’re looking at the new Gen VIII Pokémon Indeedee.
Indeedee
Indeedee is the Emotion Pokémon, a Psychic and Normal-type that is the seen in every Pokémon Center in Galar. They are the regional cleric. Their name is a extension of the word “indeed”, a word of affirmation that comes from Middle English. It may also relate to the exaggerated form of the word, indeedy.
Their design inspirations seem to come from common British household staff, namely butlers and maids. Male Indeedee have a dark torso similar to where a butler may be wearing a suit, with a corresponding white area on their fur akin to an opening where their dress shirt may appear with a tie. On the other hand, female Indeedee have a larger and rounder torso with white coloration, similar to a maid’s loose white apron over a dress. It also has a short tail behind it that resembles the tie of an apron’s drawstrings.
In Victorian England, domestic servants were common. Census data from the mid-nineteenth century show it was the second or first-most common occupation. The butler and the housekeeper were the top of a sizable hierarchy of positions, and their jobs were to maintain the operations of the house for the estate owners and guests.
While domestic servants are no longer as commonly employed, they do appear frequently in historic fiction. They will have inside knowledge of their estate’s affairs and possess strong loyalty to the house. Butlers may be one of the heads of the house, while maids often cared for the children of the estate. There are many cultural tropes based on these characters, and they are often portrayed by British actors.
Their horns and short stature may be based on the concept of a satyr or a faun, a half-goat person based on Greek and Roman mythology.
It uses the horns on its head to sense the emotions of others. Males will act as valets for those they serve, looking after their every need.
Through its horns, it can pick up on the emotions of creatures around it. Positive emotions are the source of its strength.
Male Indeedee
These intelligent Pokémon touch horns with each other to share information between them.
They diligently serve people and Pokémon so they can gather feelings of gratitude. The females are particularly good at babysitting.
Female Indeedee
The gender differences between the two go beyond just visual appearance. Their stats also change. Male Indeedee are slightly more offensive and faster while female Indeedee have more bulk. Male Indeedee can learn Extrasensory as an egg move while only Female Indeedee can learn Heal Pulse and Psycho Shift as egg moves.
Male Indeedee follow the butler’s role as a valet, anticipating the needs of the estate before they are asked about it. Female Indeedee act as nannies, caring for the children and ensuring they grow up to take over the estate. Their horns act as a source of psychic power, allowing for telepathy between them and those they serve.
Conclusion
It seems like Indeedee are not necessary as much in domestic households in present day. Still, Pokémon Centers seem to welcome the help. Indeedee may not be the first choice when it comes to battle, but they do seem like great companions. In a region based on Great Britain, Indeedee is a great choice for a Pokémon design.
Let us know your own thoughts about Indeedee in the comments or in the Discord server!