There are those who say Marshadow was a weakling who died easily in battle, that it hung around after its death because it was ashamed of its embarrassing defeat and life offered it no second chances. Others claim that Marshadow is the spirit of a legendary warrior who loved battles so much that it would not be stopped by the lack of a living body. Yet curiously, although the legends about Marshadow vary across Alola, and no particular historical figure is identified with it in life, all agree that Marshadow is one of those rare examples of ascension to godhood.
Marshadow is not a loud and flashy god like Thundurus, but one who watches mortals from the shadows. Although it may incidentally discover their passions, hopes, and dreams, Marshadow's true interest is in watching the living do battle, so it can integrate the best techniques of every age into its already formidable repertoire of techniques. Through careful study and practice, over far longer periods than a human or ordinary pokemon's lifetime, Marshadow has attained a versatile mastery of techniques comparable to only Mew.
One might imagine, in this age when billions around the world watch pokemon battle one another, and millions train pokemon of their own to fight, that Marshadow would be among the most beloved of deities. But Marshadow itself seldom answers prayers, preferring to keep a low profile. Most people outside Alola regard Marshadow as an obscure local deity, when they have heard of it at all. If they have heard of this pokemon, it is typically as a sort of nickname or a point of comparison – for in the internet age, there are many, like Marshadow, who spend their time lurking and learning without ever making their presence known.
