Ho-Oh

Ho-Oh (ホウオウ "Hou-ou") is a Fire and Flying type Legendary Pokémon who was introduced in Generation II games, Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver. It was the Legendary Pokemon mascot of Pokémon Gold Version, and it appeared again in the game's remake, Pokémon HeartGold Version. When you catch Ho-Oh in the Tin Tower(Pokmon Gold)/Bell Tower(Pokmon Heartgold), it will be holding the item Sacred Ash. In Goldheart/Soulsilver, don't worry if you beat it. It will re-appear after you beat the Elite Four.

Seen in the Anime
Ho-oh was first seen in the first episode, Pokémon! I Choose You! It was one of the first pokemon Ash has ever seen, but he doesn't know what it was until further on. When he announced to Prefessor Oak that he saw something, he pointed at Articuno; it was a thoughtless mistake. Ho-oh was mentioned alot of times in 'Ho-oh For the Bells Ring' although, the only legendary Pokémon seen was Suicune. Ho-oh then seen in episode 275: Gotta Catch Ya Later!

Naming
Its English name is simply another way of transcribing 鳳凰 Hōō or Suzaku, which is known to be the Japanese word for "Phoenix".

Appearance
Ho-oh appears in the Episode 1 in Pokemon Indigo League when Ash sets out on his journey he sees Ho-oh flying in the sky. Ash then sees it again in the episode " Gotta Catch Ya Later! " where it's flying towards the Hoenn region. It also makes an appearence on a painting in the episode "A Ghost Of A Chance", which is also the first episode where Ho-oh is mentioned by name.

Biological characteristics
Ho-Oh, like its lesser counterpart Moltres, is based on the legendary Phoenix, a creature of Greek Mythology also known as the Firebird. Many cultures worldwide hold the Phoenix as a symbol of Longevity, Resurrection, and Reincarnation. Thus, Ho-Oh epitomizes this belief, as it was reborn rising from its own ashes. It also used its vast powers to give new life to the first Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, after they perished in Ecruteak City's Burned Tower. It is believed that through its unique abilities, this mighty Pokemon created the Legendary Beasts of the Johto Region out of a Jolteon, a Flareon, and Vaporeon respectively. However, it is unknown whether this is actually true.

It is said that wherever a Ho-Oh flies, a beautiful rainbow appears behind it.

Power and Abilities
Ho-oh, a Legendary Bird Pokemon based on the Phoenix Bird, is a vastly powerful Fire-and-Flying type Pokémon. It can revive any Pokémon, is incredibly fast, and has the devastating Fire-Type attack,"Sacred Fire".

It also holds an item called Sacred Ash, which is like a Pokémon Center, only portable. This Held Item is unique in that it revives all fainted Pokémon in your party to full HP/full PP. If caught at Navel Rock in Emerald/FireRed/LeafGreen the Sacred Ash is buried under the spot that Ho-oh occupies. After Ho-oh is caught or defeated, press the A button and you will find obtain the Hold Item Sacred Ash.

Trivia

 * When Ash Ketchum started his adventures he spotted a Ho-Oh, making it the first Generation II Pokemon to appear. Although a Generation II Pokémon, it appeared in the very first episode of the anime. That episode was in the first season, which involved only Generation I Pokémon. Despite making its debut in the first episode, it had not yet been confirmed as a Pokémon. However, Ho-Oh served as a foreshadowing clue for the future of the Pokémon franchise today.
 * It also shows that Ash was pure of heart from the very start, as Ho-Oh appears only to those pure of heart, as well as signifying a new beginning.
 * Its name is a palindrome, meaning its name is spelled the same backwards as it is forwards. Only three other Pokémon share this same trait, namely Girafarig, Eevee and Alomomola.
 * Even though it is said to have seven different colored feathers, it only appears with three colors on its wings(Green, white, and red) and one color on it's tail (yellow). All together, there is only four different colors. However, its R/S and Pokémon Emerald description states that the colors of its feathers change when struck by light at different angles.
 * Ho-Oh has not been a featured Pokémon in any movie yet; however, it has made cameo appearances in many.
 * The legend of Ho-Oh was inspired by an ancient Osakan folktale in which a phoenix rose from the ashes of a massive pagoda after it was destroyed by severe weather or war.
 * Ho-Oh resembles the phoenix of ancient Chinese mythology known as the, Fenghuang.
 * A Shiny Ho-Oh has orange feathers and silver trim, such as its beak. In pokemon adv. that Ho-Oh took Silver and others.