Pokémon has remained one of the most popular franchises of all time. Whether it’s the countless games, diverse comics, or adored anime series, Pokémon continues to be a significant cultural icon. The protagonists, Ash and Pikachu, are very much associated with the series, and even those not acquainted with Pokémon, in general, are familiar with Pikachu.
Ash received Pikachu from Professor Oak. Professor Oak is one of the first characters fans see in the amazing wide world of Pokémon, introducing himself with a quirky charm that holds him firmly in our hearts. In spite of his numerous appearances in the Pokémon series, only little is known about Professor Oak.
However, he might be more important in the series than fans might think. According to a theory, Professor Oak did not incidentally give Pikachu to Ash but had a reason behind it. He wanted Ash to have Pikachu so that the world could be saved from being destroyed.
Theory Suggests Professor Oak Wanted Ash to Have Pikachu
According to a theory posted by @wentworthbros, Professor Oak did not simply hand over Pikachu to Ash at random. The cosmology of the Pokémon universe would have collapsed if he hadn’t given Ash this specific Pikachu. It is all related to the fourth Pokémon movie. Pokémon 4Ever, presents the fabled Pokémon Celebi.
Celebi is a special species that possesses time-traveling powers. As it faces off against a Pokémon hunter in the film, Celebi meets Sammy, a boy. Celebi goes across time in an attempt to escape the hunter, taking Sammy with him where his journey intersects with Ash’s.
Sammy becomes close to Ash and Pikachu, and the three form a friendship. Sammy is sent back in time to his original state at the conclusion of the movie. However, it turns out that Sammy is actually a younger version of Professor Oak. According to the theory, Professor Oak knew about Ash having Pikachu in the future.
If he had not made that happen when Ash came to Professor Oak for a Pokémon, the timeline would have been disrupted thus resulting in the end of the world. Therefore, Professor Oak deliberately gave Pikachu to Ash.
The Relationship between Ash And Pikachu
While it may or may not be true that Professor Oak intended for Ash to have Pikachu, it ended up being in the best interests of both characters. Despite their difficult beginnings, Ash and Pikachu went on to become great friends and teammates, and are practically bonded. They have one of the best friendships in the anime world.
Pikachu has always been by Ash’s side throughout his journey, and he prefers sitting on his shoulder or head because he is always unwilling to stay inside his Poké Ball. Fans can also see that Ash and Pikachu share similar moral principles in the Pokémon television series. They both usually agree on everything and have a similar mentality.
They both value perseverance and making moral decisions in the face of difficulties or opportunities to lend a helping hand. As they progress through each of Pokémon’s many areas, they relish the thrill of seeing new sights and going on adventures with new acquaintances.
