TV-Series
Description
Goyah is the former Champion of the Unova Pokémon League, known during the events of Pokémon Black and White as a man of great wisdom and considerable power. Originating from the town of Amaillide, he holds the title of Pokémon Master, though he does not specialize in any single Pokémon type. His appearance is distinctive, characterized by his wild, voluminous red hair and a necklace made of Poké Balls he wears around his neck. In the years following the main story of Black and White, Goyah retires from his position as Champion and is succeeded by Iris, later living as a simple yet still incredibly strong Trainer.
A significant event in Goyah's past shapes his entire worldview: the death of his first partner Pokémon from illness. This loss caused him to embark on a pilgrimage across the Unova region, traveling to honor the memory of his fallen companion. This journey is fundamental to his character, as it transformed him from a purely power-focused Trainer into a philosopher of sorts who places the bond between humans and Pokémon above all else. He is often found napping, strolling through parks, or simply enjoying life, and he expresses a particular fondness for pretty girls, especially Officer Jennys, whom he claims he can tell apart.
Goyah serves as a mentor figure throughout the story, particularly to the rival character Tcheren, whom he meets on Route 5 to teach the true virtues of being a Champion. His primary motivation is not to prove his own strength but to protect the relationships between people and Pokémon. This directly puts him in opposition to Team Plasma, whose ideology he sees as a threat to that bond. He assists the player character on several occasions to thwart Team Plasma's plans and later returns to the Pokémon League to confront the team's king, N. Goyah attempts to stop N and convince him that he has been brainwashed by Ghetis, engaging him in a difficult battle. Though he fights hard, he ultimately loses to N.
Goyah has key relationships that further define his role. He is the grandfather of Guajava, a young Trainer who appears in the sequel games. He also shares a close bond with Iris, whom he taught about raising Pokémon and later entrusted the Unova Championship to when he retired. In the manga adaptations, he is shown to have a deep affection and respect for all Pokémon and is a mentor to Iris there as well. During the main story of the games, the player first meets him as a helpful wanderer, and it is partly due to Goyah's wisdom that Tcheren realizes the error of his rigid pursuit of strength.
Goyah undergoes a clear development from a grieving master to a retired elder. Initially absent from his post at the start of the player's journey due to his pilgrimage, he resumes his position as Champion after the crisis with Team Plasma is resolved. By the time of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, he has fully stepped down, content to live a quiet life in Amaillide. He can still be battled there as a regular Trainer after the player defeats the new Champion, serving as a final test of skill. He also participates in the Pokémon World Tournament, competing against the greatest Trainers from other regions. His development is complete as he transitions from a Champion defined by loss to a simple yet powerful Trainer who finds joy in sharing his experience with younger generations.
As a battler, Goyah is formidable and does not confine himself to a single Pokémon type, though three of his standard team members are Bug-types, including his signature Pokémon, Pyrax. In the first games, his team consists of high-level Pokémon such as Limaspeed, Frison, Drakkarmin, Sorbouboul, Lançargot, and his strongest, Pyrax. Notably, he is the only regional Champion that the player cannot challenge upon first arriving at the League, as N and Team Plasma attack beforehand. In Black and White, his title battle theme is unique for being shared with several other characters, and his team composition is the first among Champions to feature no Pokémon from previous generations nor any capable of Mega Evolution at the time. He is a powerful opponent whose greatest strength may be the wisdom and experience he brings to every battle rather than any single type-based strategy.
A significant event in Goyah's past shapes his entire worldview: the death of his first partner Pokémon from illness. This loss caused him to embark on a pilgrimage across the Unova region, traveling to honor the memory of his fallen companion. This journey is fundamental to his character, as it transformed him from a purely power-focused Trainer into a philosopher of sorts who places the bond between humans and Pokémon above all else. He is often found napping, strolling through parks, or simply enjoying life, and he expresses a particular fondness for pretty girls, especially Officer Jennys, whom he claims he can tell apart.
Goyah serves as a mentor figure throughout the story, particularly to the rival character Tcheren, whom he meets on Route 5 to teach the true virtues of being a Champion. His primary motivation is not to prove his own strength but to protect the relationships between people and Pokémon. This directly puts him in opposition to Team Plasma, whose ideology he sees as a threat to that bond. He assists the player character on several occasions to thwart Team Plasma's plans and later returns to the Pokémon League to confront the team's king, N. Goyah attempts to stop N and convince him that he has been brainwashed by Ghetis, engaging him in a difficult battle. Though he fights hard, he ultimately loses to N.
Goyah has key relationships that further define his role. He is the grandfather of Guajava, a young Trainer who appears in the sequel games. He also shares a close bond with Iris, whom he taught about raising Pokémon and later entrusted the Unova Championship to when he retired. In the manga adaptations, he is shown to have a deep affection and respect for all Pokémon and is a mentor to Iris there as well. During the main story of the games, the player first meets him as a helpful wanderer, and it is partly due to Goyah's wisdom that Tcheren realizes the error of his rigid pursuit of strength.
Goyah undergoes a clear development from a grieving master to a retired elder. Initially absent from his post at the start of the player's journey due to his pilgrimage, he resumes his position as Champion after the crisis with Team Plasma is resolved. By the time of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, he has fully stepped down, content to live a quiet life in Amaillide. He can still be battled there as a regular Trainer after the player defeats the new Champion, serving as a final test of skill. He also participates in the Pokémon World Tournament, competing against the greatest Trainers from other regions. His development is complete as he transitions from a Champion defined by loss to a simple yet powerful Trainer who finds joy in sharing his experience with younger generations.
As a battler, Goyah is formidable and does not confine himself to a single Pokémon type, though three of his standard team members are Bug-types, including his signature Pokémon, Pyrax. In the first games, his team consists of high-level Pokémon such as Limaspeed, Frison, Drakkarmin, Sorbouboul, Lançargot, and his strongest, Pyrax. Notably, he is the only regional Champion that the player cannot challenge upon first arriving at the League, as N and Team Plasma attack beforehand. In Black and White, his title battle theme is unique for being shared with several other characters, and his team composition is the first among Champions to feature no Pokémon from previous generations nor any capable of Mega Evolution at the time. He is a powerful opponent whose greatest strength may be the wisdom and experience he brings to every battle rather than any single type-based strategy.