Mankey and Primeape are iconic Gen 1 Pokémon, with the latter made more popular in the anime. Primeape is a member of Ash’s Pokémon team, infamous for stealing his hat and for being full of personality.
But, what really sets Primeape apart from other Fighting types, is its Gen 8 Pokédex entry:
“It has been known to become so angry that it dies as a result. Its face looks peaceful in death, however”
Well, come to Gen 9, and yes, Primeape dies and… becomes Annihilape! 😈
Look at that! And yes, it’s a Fighting/Ghost type!
But what’s happening here?
Evolution of Primeape to Annihilape
Primeape has anger issues… severe anger issues. In fact, its rage and associated health issues are well-documented, and they often end their life, the only time they feel peace in their hearts.
That said, not all dead Primeape… stay dead.
Those who are unable to control their anger, RIP.
But those who do control their boiling rage and let it run amok in their minds and hearts gain access to a devastatingly powerful attack known as Rage Fist. This move taps into the rage stored in the heart as a form of fuel and when used at least 20 times against opponents, Primeape masters it. At this stage, the rage in their hearts skyrocket to an unbelievable degree, so much that their physical bodies are no longer able to contain it.
The transformation has begun and Primeape is sort of a nuclear reactor going haywire. With its physical limitations exceeded, even the shackles on Primeape’s hands crack and break, unleashing their wrath like an uncaged animal… like a nuclear explosion… like something unseen by trainers before… Annihilape!
Annihilape embraces its death and the consequent spiritual powers, and they seem to be docile and calmer than Primeape at least, only to contain out-of-the-box rage and powers.
This rage contained within Annihilape is akin to a nuclear power plant (no longer a nuclear explosion, phew). The effect is so prevalent, that the Pokémon itself looks like its letting out smoke.
Additionally, Annihilape’s origins based on Primeape outdoing the concept of rage, or wrath (one of the seven deadly sins) point towards a soul reaper, a guide to rising above death, or a shinigami!
It also draws inspiration from vengeful spirits… spirits so upset or angered by something or someone who wronged them in their life, that they cannot pass on after death. So, they stick around as ghosts, seeking revenge.
One such common vengeful spirit is the Japanese Onryo, often depicted with long tendril-like hair or flayed clothing. Akin to Annihilape’s new hairdo.
That’s not all as being found in Paldea, a region based on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), there’s a reference closer to home as well. This is the Basajaun, a huge, hairy, apelike giant from Basque myths, known for their brute strength and the “lord of the woods” moniker.
Now that we’re all good with Annihilape’s origins and lore, let’s crack into what really happens with Primeape in a biological sense, triggering its evolution to Annihilape.
When Primeape gets furious, its blood circulation gets boosted and its muscles become stronger.
Like all emotions, anger is a chemical reaction happening inside the body as hormones are released. In this case, when anger is triggered, it sends a signal to the gonads and adrenal glands to create more testosterone, cortisol, and adrenaline.
In other words, anger induces the body’s “fight or flight” reaction, in order to survive whatever challenge or threat faced. This process gives the burst of energy and muscle efficiency needed to run away from a threat or put up a fight.
When it comes to a Primeape, it craves violence and always chooses it. During this outburst, Primeape’s blood vessels tighten to increase the efficiency of oxygen delivery through its veins, with the brain shunting blood away from the gut and towards the muscles in anticipation of intense physical exertion.
As a result, its heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and respiration increase. Additionally, blood gushes to the sensory organs and brain, aiming to increase the mind’s focus and sharpen it.
If this is the case, why does Primeape’s other Dex entry state this:
“When it becomes furious, its blood circulation becomes more robust, and its muscles are made stronger. But it also becomes much less intelligent”
😕
Various psychological studies have established that people process information less thoroughly, and judge others more harshly during anger. You see, it’s all about what part of the brain the sharpening effect happens.
One study found that when in a heightened state of rage, activity in the front of the brain and the entire right hemisphere is reduced. On the other hand, the left hemisphere experiences a surge in activity.
In short, the parts of the brain inclined toward movement, reflexes, and short-sightedness get activated. This is the reason why professional fighters often report feeling particularly clear-headed in the ring. Here, there is nothing else to think about except their own body and their opponents. All of this, courtesy of anger.
However, despite its short-term benefits, recurring anger leads to numerous health issues. The constant flood of stress chemicals and the many metabolic changes associated with untamed rage cause harm to several body systems, being linked to digestive problems, eczema, headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and even death.
At this point, Primeape can channel its anger through the Ghost type move, Rage Fist, where the user converts rage to energy to launch fierce attacks. The more times the user has been hit by attacks, the greater the move’s power, as it continuously increases the overall anger.
Note that being hit, especially during a fight, is a surefire way to increase someone’s wrath as well. When hit, the affected nerves send a pain signal to the brain and alert it of the presence of potential damage. This leads to a dose of endorphins to the area in response.
Wait a minute… aren’t endorphins a pain reliever and associated with having a positive effect on the mood?
Why would this make a Primeape MORE furious?
Well, that’s because endorphins only have this positive effect in a non-rage state as when a heightened amount of adrenaline is already in the body, the hypothalamus in the brain may misread the endorphin cue. Then, rather than alleviate the anger, it makes it all worse!
Primeape being hit repeatedly is clearly a sign that it’s not getting ahead in the fight, eh? So, it gets more ticked off with each passing moment and Rage Fist gets stronger and stronger as it concentrates its rage into tighter and tighter units of energy in its fists.
This goes on until Primeape is physically incapable of continuing with this move. It runs out of Power Points (PP) and even if the trainer tries to use an Ether to restore PP, there’s a surprise awaiting…
Primeape is no longer responding to ‘Primeape’ because this rage-filled monstrosity is now Annihilape.
Because it’s all about fists and fury, one of the shackles on its fists cracks while the other, just breaks open. In fact, this shackle-less arm is capable of freakishly increasing in size while delivering punches, showing how limitless this Pokémon has become in terms of its physical constraints.
Annihilape is truly a wonder of a Pokémon and a fitting evolution to Primeape!
If you’re interested in reading more lore, design, and science articles covering some of the most popular and iconic Pokémon, then check these out:
Dragapult | Morpeko | Cresselia | Mega Salamence | Dialga & Palkia Origin | Garchomp | Baxcalibur | Hydreigon | Zygarde| Druddigon | Naganadel | Gardevoir | Drampa | Enamorus | Wooloo & Dubwool | Houndoom
Have fun, trainers!
