Ash Ketchum

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Ash Ketchum in his Hoenn clothing

Ash Ketchum is a fictional character in the Pokémon line of game products. The trainer Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, known as Satoshi (サトシ) in the original Japanese and based on the character from the original games (most probably the same person), is the main character of the Pokémon anime, the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga, and the Ash & Pikachu manga. Like Red of Pokémon Adventures, he is loosely based on the protagonist of Pokémon Red and Blue.

The names Ash and Satoshi (as in the creator of the Pokémon franchise, Satoshi Tajiri) were default choices for names in Pokémon Red (and similarly, Gary and Shigeru (named for Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of many other Nintendo franchises such as Mario and Zelda) for Pokémon Blue). The surname Ketchum is a pun on the phrase "catch 'em". It is possible that he was given this surname to match the number of mouth movements in the anime (Satoshi has 2 more syllabes than Ash), so as to make redubbing easier.

Ash is a typical shounen hero: very excitable, empathic, sometimes focused to the point of distraction, and clever when it comes to his obsessive interest (Pokémon training, in this case) though often clueless in other areas. He's also extremely confident and valiant, but slightly arrogant and very persistent. Ash also shows impressive stamina, having on several occassions been hit by Pokémon attacks without sufferring any lasting harm, though such events are usually used for comedic effect.

Like most shonen protagonists, he is on a great quest; in this case, Ash seeks to become the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world. In pursuit of this end, he travels around the world, battling Gym Leaders and entering in Pokémon League competitions, similar to the protagonists of the Pokémon video games. He is first accompanied by Misty and Brock, and later on by Tracey Sketchit during the Orange Islands saga, and May and Max in Advanced Generation.

Ash is the only person who has seen Ho-Oh, a Legendary Pokémon that allegedly disappeared from the world for three centuries.

His lifelong rival is Gary Oak who is the same age as Ash. When he became ten years old, he was to receive his first Pokémon. He overslept and by the time he arrived at Professor Oak's Laboratory, all the starter Pokémon (Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle) had been taken and he had to start with a Pikachu instead. His Pikachu has the particular characteristic of hating Poké Balls so it always tags along with Ash. Because of Pikachu's powerful electric attacks, Ash is the frequent target of Team Rocket's plans of stealing Pokémon for their own interests.

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Ash Ketchum wearing the outfit worn in Kanto, Johto, and the Orange Islands

Ash has quite the reckless streak, as shown in the movies. Ash says that he probably got this streak from his mom. In the first movie he ran into the path of a pair of psychic attacks fired by Mewtwo and Mew, getting himself temporarily killed; in the second movie he runs into electrical cages containing Moltres and Zapdos; in the third movie he runs into forcefield protecting the elusive Unown; in the fourth movie he runs up the side of a tree after being hit by one of Celebi's attacks and also venturing into "a giant twig monster" to rescue a brainwashed Celebi; and in the fifth movie, Ash runs into a forcefield that is hurting Latios, Pikachu and Latias doing likewise.

In the fandom, there are two main sources of debate surrounding Ash. The first is in where his romantic issues lie. Shipping is a common theme seen in the fandom, and it is hard to miss the obvious hints towards Misty having a crush on Ash during the first few seasons of the show. Ironically, Ash failed to notice this (though there were some rare hints of jealousy on his part during the Orange Islands arc), and it is generally agreed that he is more interested in his Pokémon than in girls. Since Advance Generation, however, the fandom has been divided as to whether Misty still fancies Ash, and whether Ash has begun to notice any girls. In addition, while PokéShipping (the most common fan term for a romance between Ash and Misty) previously had little major competition, primarily because no other female character had significant role in the series, Misty's removal from the main cast and the inclusion of May has given rise to the concept of AdvanceShipping (a romance between Ash and May). As yet, neither of these "ship" has been confirmed or denied, nor have those involving Ash (or Misty or May) and various minor characters. However, it is important to note that, due to the nature of the show, romance has never played a large part, and the question of who will end up with who is much stronger in the fandom than in the show. One thing's for sure; now that Ash is a veteran Pokémon Trainer, he's taken May under his wing, and they both support each other in what they do.

Ash's mother is Delia Ketchum, (or Hanako in Japan.) She is caring, though strongwilled, and oftentimes pesters Ash to change his underwear every day; a gag runs throughout the series. However, the identity of Ash's father is the second biggest source of debate in the fandom. Many possibilities have been brought up, and while a number of familiar faces have been suggested, the general view is that he hasn't been seen yet, and is either a travelling trainer or dead. For some time, it was widely speculated that Ash's father may in fact be Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket. The speculations were based on the non-canonical musical Pokémon Live!, in which it was revealed that Delia had a relationship with Giovanni while they were younger. Some people still believe that it could be Giovanni, because while it may be a big rip-off of Star Wars (in which Luke Skywalker's father is his enemy, Darth Vader), it presents the best storyline opportunities. The second most popular speculation was that Professor Oak was Ash's father, based largely on the fact that Oak frequently travels with Delia and tends to support Ash rather than his own grandson Gary in tournaments. However, even among those who believe there is currently a romance between Oak and Delia, most do not believe Oak is actually Ash's father, but instead that the romance began some time after Ash's birth.

It should be noted that for a small time Ash had been turned into a Pikachu by a Pokémon sorceress by accident near the end of an episode. The girl made a spell that was supposed to let the receiver see into the mind of a Pokémon. Ash was eager to be first, since he and his Pikachu helped gather most of the ingredients over the course of the episode; the spell, however, went wrong and he became a Pokémon instead. This Pikachu version of Ash (nicknamed "Satochu" by Japanese fans) had messed-up hair (similar to the human Ash) and his trademark hat. His eyes and voice (he was still capable of speech) stayed exactly the same. The next episode, which took place four days later, showed Ash still as a Pikachu, but he reverted back to his human self before the plot started. Ash has also been very eager to win badges and once even crossdressed in order to gain the Rainbow Badge from the Celadon City gym.

Satoshi is voiced by Rika Matsumoto in the original, while Ash is voiced by Veronica Taylor in the English version.

Ash's Total Pokémon

As a Pokémon trainer, Ash carries six Pokémon with him that forms his team's active roster. However, due to the anime being not strictly conforming to the video games, there are Pokémon that are on Ash's team that have not been formally caught by Ash. This often allowed Ash to be accompanied by more than six Pokémon, especially since Pikachu, the only permanent member of his active roster, never stays in a Poké Ball. An even looser definition of Ash's team allows for Pokémon that are caught by other regular characters. However, only the first is discussed here. Template:Spoiler

Ash's Current Pokémon

These are the Pokémon that Ash is currently carrying around with him in the Battle Frontier. He current has an active roster of only five out of the possible six Pokémon, with the sixth position sometimes being temporarily filled by a Pokémon he calls up to use at one of the Battle Facilities.

Pikachu	Pikachu	Pikachu was the first Pokémon that Ash obtained, and the only one that has always been with Ash in every adventure. Preferring not to stay in its Poké Ball, the two found friendship together. After losing to a Raichu, Pikachu decides not to evolve and do what it took to defeat the Raichu, and it did. Pikachu is considered to be one of Ash's most powerful Pokémon, second only to both Charizard & Sceptile, and is noted to be exceptionally powerful for its species. Shortly before his first gym battle in Hoenn, Ash finally took the time to actually teach his old buddy an attack: Iron Tail, initially for use against the gym leader's Rock-type Pokémon, though it has proven very useful in many battles since then. In the Battle Frontier, it learned to use Volt Tackle, which has also become one of its signature attacks. Attacks: Thundershock, Thunderbolt, Thunder, Volt Tackle, Quick Attack, Agility, Iron Tail, Double-Edge, Leer.
Donphan	Phanpy - Donphan	Phanpy is the youngest Pokémon on Ash's team, though its power makes up for his lack of experience. Ash left Phanpy at Professor Oak's lab before travelling to Hoenn, but it returned to his party after his adventures in Hoenn. Since then, it has shown signs that it is growing up beyond the young Pokémon seen in Johto. Phanpy battled a Team Rocket mecha, and Phanpy evolved into Donphan in order to defeat it. However, despite its newfound size and power, Donphan still has the personality of a playful young child, sometimes to the dismay of smaller Pokémon that it attempts to play with. Attacks: Rollout, Take Down, Hidden Power, Hyper Beam, Earthquake, Defense Curl.
Swellow	Taillow - Swellow	Taillow was the first Pokémon that Ash caught in Hoenn, and was leader of a large flock that resided in Petalburg Forest. It later evolved into Swellow during the PokéRinger Contest against James and Dustox. Its most notable appearance was in Ash's sixth Gym Battle where it had to face a Shiny Swellow that knew Aerial Ace. After a lot of practice shortly after, Ash's Swellow mastered the move as well. Swellow has also been able to withstand electric attacks that would normally harm it severely, either because of great stamina or simply extreme determination. It is also well known for it's staying power in major battles, often being able to defeat multiple opponents despite taking huge amounts of damage. Coupled with it's impressive speed and admirable aeriel maneuvers, Swellow is considered to be one of Ash's strongest and most valuable team members to date. Attacks: Peck, Aerial Ace, Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Double Team.
Sceptile	Treecko - Grovyle - Sceptile	From capturing it as a Treecko, it has been one of the elder Pokémon in Ash's Hoenn team. Treecko tended to be a loner, preferring its moments of solitude up atop a tree over the company of the rest of its team. Surprisingly, Treecko didn't know any actual Grass attacks when it joined Ash's team, but Ash later taught him Bullet Seed. A notable feature is a twig from the tree it used to live in in Petalburg Forest. It often carries the twig around and puts it in its mouth as a sign of defiance to oppenents. After evolving into Grovyle, its first act was to use its new Leaf Blade attack to slice off a larger twig from a nearby tree. During a rematch against a wild Tropius, Grovyle defeated the Pokémon but later found out that Joy's Meganium, whom it had a crush on, was in love with the wild Tropius. This crushed Grovyle's spirit but when Team Rocket attacked Meganium, it evolved again into Sceptile to protect it, making it the fourth Stage 2 Pokémon Ash has had, after Butterfree, Charizard and Pidgeot. This evolution, and its rejection of love from Meganium, caused mental shocks that prevented Sceptile from being able to use his attacks. Luckily, a few episodes later, Ash and co. met Spenser of the Battle Palace. His involvement enabled Sceptile to regain its full strength, and during their battle for the Skill Symbol, Sceptile learned a new attack from observing Spenser's Venusaur: Solar Beam. Sceptile is now second only to Charizard as Ash's most powerful Pokémon. Sceptile is a tough fighter, and the second warrior Pokémon on Ash's team. As such, it often puts its integrity on the line in every battle. Attacks: Pound, Bullet Seed, Quick Attack, Leaf Blade, Solar Beam.
Corphish	Corphish	Ash caught Corphish on Dewford Island while training for his rematch against Brawly. Corphish is unaware of its own strength, and consequently often unintentionally hurts people as a sign of affection. Corphish is also short-tempered, often trying to instigate a fight when peaceful solutions exist. When Max borrowed Corphish for a battle, it disregarded his orders go easy on its opponent, probably because it doesn't know how to fight with less than its full strength. As yet, Corphish is one of only two Pokémon from his Hoenn team to whom Ash didn't teach any new attacks (the other is Torkoal). Corphish is also the only Pokémon on Ash's current team that has not evolved other than Pikachu. It has been a Corphish for three seasons and there is speculation of whether or not Corphish will follow the recent trend of evolutions. Attacks: Crabhammer, Bubblebeam, Harden, Dig, Vicegrip.

Other Pokémon Ash has with Professor Oak

As Ash can only carry six Pokémon around at once, he often leaves his Pokémon with Tracey and Professor Oak. The scriptwriters have adoted this as a device to get Ash new Pokémon without having to lose his old ones. These Pokémon even get an appearance in the episodes of Pokémon Chronicles that are set at the laboratory, and Ash always visits them when he is between regions. Ash also has the ability to call any of them over to him with just one phone call to Professor Oak.

Kanto Pokémon

Bulbasaur	Bulbasaur	Bulbasaur is one of the most senior Pokémon on Ash's team. It is a leader and mediator, preferring peaceful resolutions to conflicts over fighting. Like Pikachu, Bulbasaur decided not to evolve. Bulbasaur has spent equal time alongside Ash as well as in Pallet Town, where its mediation skills keeps the peace between the many Pokémon that reside there. May's Bulbasaur apparently has a crush on Ash's Bulbasaur and the feeling appears to be mutual. Attacks: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder, Razor Leaf, Solar Beam.
Kingler	Krabby - Kingler	Krabby was the second Pokémon that Ash caught without any effort. It was also the seventh Pokémon he caught overall, making it the first Pokémon to stay at the lab. Krabby remained in Pallet Town until the first match of the Indigo League championships, where it evolved into a Kingler in its first battle. At the same time, it won the first round all by itself by defeating an Exeggutor, Seadra, and a Golbat. Being Ash's only reliable and strongest Pokémon since Charizard disobeyed him, he remained as Ash's powerhouse during the league when needed. Kingler isn't used very often, but has always served faithfully when called upon. After Ash's adventures in Hoenn, Kingler is seen "shaking claws" with Corphish as a sign of friendship. Attacks: Crabhammer, Vicegrip, Leer, Water Gun, Bubble, Hyper Beam, Stomp.
Muk	Muk	Muk went to Professor Oak on the day Ash caught it since Poké Balls can't contain its smell. Muk is still very affectionate towards both Ash and Professor Oak, and is often seen smothering Professor Oak, and most recently Professor Birch. Attacks: Sludge, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Toxic.
Tauros	Tauros	Ash has a herd of 30 Tauros at the lab, which were unintentionally caught while attempting to capture other Pokémon in the Safari Zone. However, the episode of their capture was banned in English-speaking countries, and as a result, they seem to just magically appear. Ash has called one Tauros to battle on a few occasions (most notably, it was instrumental in his Orange League championship victory), but it otherwise spends most of its time at the lab with the other 29 Tauros. Ash temporarily brought Tauros back to his team for the battle against Anabel at the Battle Tower. Attacks: Tackle, Fissure, Take Down, Stomp, Horn Attack, Earthquake, Double Team.

Orange Islands Pokémon

Snorlax

Snorlax

During his travels in the Orange Islands, Ash came across a large orchard that was under attack by a Snorlax with a ravenous appetite, which had stripped several islands bare of plant life in less than a day. Ash, with the help of Jigglypuff, eventually managed to stop the monster and catch it. Ash kept it in his team for most of the remainder of his adventures in the Orange Islands, but when he arrived at Pummelo Island for the Orange League finals, Snorlax's sleeping patterns proved it unreliable for the upcoming battle and he sent it to Professor Oak's lab in exchange for one of his Tauros. After Ash's adventures in Hoenn, May's Munchlax and his Snorlax got to be friends. Ash temporarily brought Snorlax back to his team for the battles against Gary at the Silver competition, and Greta at the Battle Arena. Attacks: Headbutt, Mega Punch, Hyper Beam, Body Slam, Rest, Ice Punch, Surf.

Johto Pokémon

Heracross	Heracross	Heracross was the first Pokémon that Ash caught in Johto. Its most notable feature is in its nature to try and suck the sap out of nearby trees. As a result, when both Heracross and Bulbasaur are called upon, Heracross would try unsuccessfully to suck the sap out of the bulb on Bulbasaur's back. Heracross was later sent to the lab on Professor Oak's request. After Ash's adventures in Hoenn, Heracross is seen shaking hands with Sceptile (while it was still a Grovyle) as a sign of friendship. Ash temporarily brought Heracross back to his team for the battle against Spenser at the Battle Palace, where Heracross promptly attempted to suck the sap from Spenser's Venusaur. Attacks: Horn Attack, Tackle, Endure, Megahorn, Fury Attack.
Bayleef	Chikorita - Bayleef	Chikorita was a stubborn Pokémon. Ash protected it from a sudden snowstorm, and Chikorita joined Ash some time after. Chikorita was jealous of Pikachu, seeing it as a rival for Ash's attention. It usually kisses up to Ash when called upon. When it evolved into Bayleef, it initially had trouble adjusting to its larger size. However, Bayleef remained an integral part of Ash's team. Bayleef uses several unconventional attacks, such as using Vine Whip to jump into the air. Ash left it at Professor Oak's lab after travelling around Johto. Attacks: Razor Leaf, Vine Whip, Body Slam, Sweet Scent, Tackle.
Cynaquil	Cyndaquil	When Ash and a rival trainer were trying to capture a young Cyndaquil, Ash was forced to protect it, and he did so with a Poké Ball. At first, Cyndaquil had some trouble using its fire attacks and needed time to use it. After getting some training with Ash, it can now use its fire attacks right away. Ash used Cyndaquil in Johto, but left it with Professor Oak before journeying to Hoenn. After Ash's adventures in Hoenn, Cyndaquil and Torkoal got to be friends. Attacks: Tackle, Flamethrower, Swift, Quick Attack, Smokescreen.
Totodile	Totodile	When Ash and Misty attempted to catch a Totodile that appeared out of the water, they both threw their Lure Balls at it. Unsure of which Lure Ball had caught Totodile, they battled each other for the Pokémon. Ash won and Misty's Lure ball was later used to catch Corsola. Totodile is a carefree and relaxed Pokémon, often dancing whenever summoned. It also likes to entertain other Pokémon with its water tricks. However, Totodile's antics have annoyed several other Pokémon, leading to fights. Ash used Totodile in Johto, but left it with Professor Oak before journeying to Hoenn. After Ash's adventures in Hoenn, Totodile and Glalie got to be friends. Attacks: Water Gun, Scary Face, Bite, Skull Bash, Headbutt, Slash.
Noctowl	Noctowl	Ash's Noctowl is the only Shiny Pokémon to have a regular part in the series. It is also unique among the team as it is the only Pokémon able to effectively battle against Ghost Pokémon and use Psychic-type attacks. Smart and cunning, Noctowl had since grown to be one of the senior members of the team. Ash used Noctowl in Johto, but left it with Professor Oak before journeying to Hoenn. After Ash's adventures in Hoenn, Noctowl and Swellow got to be friends. Attacks: Hypnosis, Foresight, Tackle, Confusion, Gust, Peck.

Hoenn Pokémon

Torkoal	Torkoal	Ash caught Torkoal shortly after battling the one that belonged to Flannery. Initially, Torkoal appears as if it has a problem in its self-esteem, as it often cries or blows smoke in a show of affection. Sometimes, it will cry for no reason whatsoever. Ash left Torkoal at Professor Oak's lab after travelling around Hoenn and got to be friends with Cyndaquil. As yet, Torkoal is one of only two Pokémon from his Hoenn team to whom Ash didn't teach any new attacks (the other is Corphish). Attacks: Flamethrower, Iron Defense, Overheat, Body Slam.
Glalie	Snorunt - Glalie	While on Izabe Island, Ash caught a Snorunt with a very michievous nature. Snorunt often froze objects for no reason, or as a prank. However, it had a bad aim, and so its Ice Beam attack usually failed in battle. Ash kept working at it until Snorunt evolved into Glalie and perfected its Ice Beam with some encouragement from Robert at the Grand Festival. Glalie only appeared in the Hoenn League Tournament, as Ash left it at Professor Oak's lab as soon as he returned from Hoenn and got to be friends with Totodile. Attacks: Icy Wind, Ice Beam, Double Team, Tackle, Headbutt.

Pokémon Ash has at the Charicific Valley

Aside from leaving a lot of his Pokémon at Professor Oak's lab, Ash has his most powerful Pokémon, Charizard, with Liza of the Charicific Valley, a training ground for all Charizard. Like the Pokémon at the Professor's lab, Charizard can come at any time via phone calls. (More information below)

Charizard

Charmander - Charmeleon - Charizard

Ash found a Charmander sitting on a rock in the wilderness. Charmander had initially belonged to another trainer, who had abandoned it on a rock in the pouring rain where its flame was dying out. Ash took Charmander to a Pokémon Center to recover from prolonged exposure to the elements and ill-tempered Spearow. After recovering, Charmander eventually rejected his old trainer for Ash. At this stage, it was a very happy and very loyal Pokémon. Yet, for some reason, when it evolved into a Charmeleon, it underwent a severe attitude change, only wanting to fight strong opponents, and dismissing Ash competely. Soon after the first evolution, Charmeleon evolved again into Charizard to battle an Aerodactyl. If anything, Charizard's defiant attitude got even worse, eventually causing Ash to lose in the Indigo League. However, when Charizard was critically injured in a battle against a powerful Poliwrath, Ash stayed up all night to care for him, finally earning his respect. From this point, Charizard served faithfully as Ash's most powerful Pokémon, becoming even more powerful than Pikachu, even after Ash let him train himself among other strong Charizard at the Charicific Valley. Charizard has a habit of finding his way back to Ash in time to help out with some of his toughest and most memorable battles. Charizard is one of the two warrior Pokémon Ash has used so far, and is by far the most powerful Fire Pokémon Ash has ever had, also being able to use Dragon attacks. Its finishing move in battle is the use of Seismic Toss, and very few Pokémon have ever been able to escape it. Mostly, Charizard will use Fire attacks, but on occasion, he'll use attacks like Dragon Rage and Dragonbreath, two very powerful Dragon-type attacks. It's a fact that Charizard are able to learn attacks like this. Charizard is also unique in that he is the only non-Legendary Pokémon in the series to ever defeat a Legendary Pokémon, Articuno, in a one on one battle in the Battle Frontier with Noland. It also gave Charizard a chance to use one of the most powerful Fire attacks of all, Overheat. Even before he left to train in the Valley, Charizard has been a senior member of Ash's team, sometimes sleeping in the sun and enjoying solitude while the others are having fun. This role has also been carried on by Sceptile. Of course, there may come a time when Charizard is needed again, and maybe meet of some the new Pokémon Ash has. Charizard also happens to be in love with Liza's Charizard, "Charla", and the feeling is mutual. Attacks: Flamethrower, Seismic Toss, Dragon Rage, Whirlwind, Rage, Dragonbreath, Skull Bash, Leer, Ember, Fire Spin, Overheat, Tackle, Take Down, Mega Punch.

Pokémon Ash has with the Squirtle Squad

Information below.

Squirtle

Squirtle

Having been abandoned by another trainer, when Ash first saw Squirtle, it was the leader of a group called the "Squirtle Squad". When the Squirtle Squad saved a nearby town from a forest fire, Squirtle joined Ash on his adventures while its fellow squad members formed the towns fire department. However, after seeing his squad members in bad shape due to lack of leadership, Squirtle returned to the Squirtle Squad. It later returned to Ash's side to help him in the Silver Conference, but left to once again lead the Squirtle Squad when the tournament concluded. Squirtle hasn't been seen again since the Silver Conference, but it's lately been rumored that Squirtle may come back in the Battle Facilities and meet May's Squirtle. Notably, Squirtle along with its fellow squad members wears sun glasses. Attacks: Bubblebeam, Withdraw, Skull Bash, Water Gun, Hydro Pump, Tackle.

Pokémon left behind/set free

For various reasons, Ash has left behind many of the Pokémon that he has captured. Unlike the Pokémon at the lab or Charizard, these can not be reclaimed with a phone call. Ash has promised to return to a number of the Pokémon he left, but has failed to reclaim any as yet.

Kanto Losses

Raticate	Raticate	Ash traded his Butterfree for a Raticate. However, he soon realised that this was a mistake and traded back. Attacks: Super Fang, Jump Kick.
Butterfree	Caterpie - Metapod - Butterfree	The first Pokémon that Ash ever catches is a Caterpie. It is also the Pokémon that he caught without any effort. It evolved into a Metapod the following day. Metapod is next seen about a week later, when it was involved in a Pokémon Battle against another Metapod where the only attack that either could use was Harden. Soon after, it evolves into Butterfree, making it the first Stage 2 Pokémon Ash ever had at the time. Butterfree's main use is its arsenal of status-affecting moves. Ash was forced to let it go during the Butterfree mating season along with its mate, a pink Butterfree. Notably, it now wears a orange scarf that Brock gave it before it left. Attacks; as Caterpie: Tackle, String Shot; as Metapod: Tackle, Harden; as Butterfree: Tackle, Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Whirlwind.
Haunter	Haunter	Haunter originally followed Ash as part of a plan to defeat Sabrina, the Saffron City Gym Leader. However, Haunter mysteriously disappeared while Ash demanded rematch after rematch. It is Haunter, ironically, that leads to Ash winning the badge by default. After the battle, Haunter stayed with Sabrina, ending its short tenure with Ash. Attacks: Lick. (Note: it is disputed whether Ash actually caught Haunter. He at least befriended it though.)
Primeape	Primeape	As a wild Mankey, it had once stolen Ash's hat, though it had already evolved by the time Ash caught it. Primeape's short tenure with Ash ended when it was given to another trainer so that Primeape could take part in the P-1 competitions. Attacks: Thrash, Scratch, Mega Kick, Seismic Toss, Rage
Pidgeot	Pidgeotto - Pidgeot	The second Pokémon that Ash captured was a Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto proved to be most useful to Ash outside of battle, often attacking the hot-air balloons Team Rocket often attacks or escapes in. Shortly after Ash returned to Pallet Town, Pidgeotto evolved into a Pidgeot. However, it left Ash's team on the same day to defend a group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto from a group of Spearow and Fearow that was terrorizing them. Attacks: Peck, Wing Attack, Whirlwind, Gust, Quick Attack.

Orange Islands Losses

Lapras

Lapras

Ash found a lost baby Lapras when he first arrived in the Orange Islands. Having missed the ferry to the next island, and with the Lapras' pod already far away, Ash takes the Lapras with him, using it as the group's primary transportation around the islands, as well as helping him in the contests and battles against the Orange Crew. Shortly after Ash won the Orange League Championship, Ash found the Lapras' pod, and returned it to its family. Lapras returned once since its departure, by which time it had gained the leadership of the pod thanks to its bravery. Attacks: Ice Beam, Water Gun, Surf.

Johto Losses

Beedrill	Beedrill	Ash caught Beedrill as part of a bug-catching competition in Johto. With Ash winning the competition, he received Beedrill to keep, and promptly gave it away to Casey, who has an affection for yellow striped Pokémon. Casey uses it as one of her three main Pokémon.
Seaking	Seaking	Ash caught Seaking at the Seaking Contest Episode. He used it only once. He lost the contest, which Misty won after a fierce battle. It is not known what happened to the Seaking after the contest and so it is assumed that they were released.
Larvitar	Larvitar	After Ash got his eighth Johto badge, Professor Elm asked him to return a Larvitar to its home at Mt. Silver, prior to entering the Silver Conference. Larvitar is distrustful of humans, initially only opening up to Ash and Pikachu. It now lives with its mother, a Tyranitar. Attacks: Harden, Screech, Hidden Power. (Note: it is disputed whether Ash actually caught Larvitar. He at least befriended it though.)

Rivals

Throughout the Kanto and Johto sagas, Ash had a strong rivallry with Gary Oak. They had been rivals for most of their lives and so this naturally transferred to them being rivals as trainers. However, Gary spent the entire Kanto saga on step ahead of Ash. Ash eventually finished the Indigo League Tournament one round above Gary, though they did not get to battle.

During the Indigo League tournament, Ash's "rival" was Richie, a nearly identical trainer who even had some of the same Pokémon. These include "Sparky" (Pikachu, Richie's signature Pokémon), "Zippo" (Charmander, who may be his starter, and later evolved into Charmeleon), and "Happy" (Butterfree). Richie defeated Ash when Ash's Charizard refused to battle, but they parted as friends. Richie lost his own next match as well, and later met Ash in Johto. Richie then had "Cruz" (Pupitar), and before Richie headed for Hoenn, "Rose" (Taillow).

After travelling around the Orange Islands, Ash met Gary in Pallet Town. There, he was beaten in battle by Gary, restoring the rivalry. Yet over the Johto saga, Gary came to respect Ash and appeared much more mature when they finally met in a tournament. Ash went on to beat Gary's Blastoise with his Charizard and Gary decided to become a researcher ending his Pokémon Journey - and effectively the rivalry. However, it was noted that they would still always be rivals in some way.

Also during the Johto finals, Ash had a rival in Harrison, a trainer with a powerful Blaziken, which ultimately defeated Ash and Charizard. Other Pokémon Harrison had included Miltank, Kecleon, Sneasel, Steelix, Houndoom, and Hypno. Harrison lost his next match due to his Blaziken still recovering in the local Pokémon Center, and then went off to compete in the Indigo League.

Ash has had no clear rival throughout Advance Generation however during the tournament itself Ash had a rival named Morrison, whose signature Pokémon was a Beldum (and then Metang). He seems to have an affinity towards Steel, as two of his Pokémon, Metang and Steelix, are Steel-types, while his Gligar knows Iron Tail and Steel Wing. Morrison's other known Pokémon are Swampert (who may be his starter), Growlithe and Girafarig.

Ash also met Tyson, a trainer with a Sceptile, Donphan, Shiftry and Hariyama. He also has a powerful Metagross, but his signature Pokémon (but not his starter) is a Meowth-In-Boots, whose attacks include Thunderbolt and Iron Tail. Meowth-In-Boots walks upright due to injuries sustained during a battle with a Persian, who led a band of wild Meowths. Meowth-In-Boots defeated Pikachu in their battle, allowing Tyson to advance to the top four and ultimately become Hoenn League Champion.

During the Kanto Battle Frontier, Ash again has no clear rival.

External links

• Bulbapedia article on Ash Ketchum
• Ashyboy.com (Fan Site)