>>48399631From what the games tell us its far more complicated then even we realize. Pokemon and humans care for each other far more then just standard relationships and co-evolved over the many time periods that both have existed. (Like something similar to dogs and humans but far more complex.) Though, the rise of waifu 'mons is actually a problem with Japan's current philosophy in character design that permeates into all forms of Japanese media and that is a bit beyond this conversation. The point I'm making here is that Humans have served Pokemon needs in evolution almost as much as Pokemon served Human needs.
(Not those needs. Already see that post before it happens.)
They are not the same species in the least but definitely something one could almost consider family. The "catching, trading, and battling" aspect does complicate things. As you do indeed own them and can choose to breed them like domesticated animals.
>>48399635>the eraIts nothing absolutely concrete but one could easily guess the Edo period which is just after the Feudal Japan era.
Of course, I am no Japanese history expert so take everything I say with a grain of salt. However, the existence of the Sinjoh Ruins and the type of architecture that is still preserved in both Johto and Sinnoh can be very telling. As the connection between the two regions is notable. So that's my best evidence for the folks and myths and when they were written.
>>48399665>>48399677I agree that use of marriage here is very direct.
Though, considering the structure of the sentences. It does not imply humans married Pokemon, rather it implies humans evolved FROM Pokemon. Using marriage as a symbol rather then an act. Reading a bunch of Japanese forums is rather interesting and helped me figure that one out. Japanese sentence structure is important in figuring out its meaning and that makes the most sense.
