Rapidash (ギャロップ, Gyaroppu?, Gallop in original Japanese language versions) are one of the 493 fictional species of Pokémon creatures from the multi-billion-dollar[1] Pokémon media franchise – a collection of video games, anime, manga, books, trading cards and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri. The purpose of Rapidash in the games, anime and manga, as with all other Pokémon, is to battle both wild Pokémon, untamed creatures encountered while the player passes through various environments, and tamed Pokémon owned by Pokémon trainers.[2]
The name "Rapidash" is a portmanteau of the words rapid and dash, both references to its high speed.[3] It also contains ash, which may be a reference to its fire-type.[4]
