>Arceus is particularly based on a creator deity, present in many world cultures. Arceus's stance and general form are similar to Egyptian bull and calf idols, particularly Apis. The arc on its back may be inspired by the circle arc used to represent reincarnation in Hinduism.
>The conception of the first god might be influenced from Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi, who, according to Shinto myth, summoned Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with the spear.
>It may also be a reference to the Chinese mythical creature, the qilin. Its myth is nearly identical to that of the Pangu, the Chinese creation deity.
>Arceus may also be inspired by (or a representation of) the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, who, in Buddhism, is either pictured with eleven heads and one thousand arms (the latter of which is mentioned in Arceus's flavor text) or in a white four-armed manifestation (which could look similar to Normal-type Arceus).
>Some inspiration may have come from a horse, because of its Platinum sprite and attack movements in Pokémon Battle Revolution.
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