Have you ever wondered where the magical creatures of Neopia come from? Perhaps you've even thought that a few of them look familiar, but you just can't place from where. Search no more! Below we've assembled all of the Royalboy and Royalgirl Pets in Neopia and discovered their storied lineages. Curious about other pets? Check out our pages on Halloween, Maraquan, Woodland, and other coloured pets! (Thanks to shesclassy for the correct name for the royal Mynci costume)
The Acaras are one of several pets that seem to be inspired by medieval Europe, with the Royalgirl's hennin (that conical hat) and the Royalboy's cape.
The Royalgirl Aisha is similarly inspired as the Acara, with a deeper coloured hennin. The Royalboy, however, seems to be inspired by the Musketeers of France during the 1700s, who wore a similar blue uniform.
Royal Blumaroos certainly seem to have some kind of science fiction theme going on, with the Royalboy's armour perhaps influenced by the space-faring Commander Garoo.
The fur coats of the Royal Boris perhaps point to some slavic or scandinavian influences, pointing to the species having an origin on Terror Mountain in the cold north of Neopia.
Another Neopet that hails from Terror Mountain gets a suitably warm treatment from the Royal colour. The Royalboy comes with a great fur coat, while the Royalgirl's dress is covered in a snowflake motif, referencing the homeland of the species.
As with the Aisha, the Royal Buzz sees its influences in the royal courts of Europe during the 1700s. As with Aishas, the Royalboy Buzz seems to be based on the Musketeers, while the Royalgirl has a gown favoured by the nobility in France.
There are two possible influences for the Royal Chias. One is that they appear to have significant Irish influence. Although the royal families of Ireland surrendered to the English crown by the 1700s, meaning the Chias are not directly based on Irish royalty, they still appear to be based on high class Irish fashions. The bold greens of both Chias are commonly associated with Ireland, and both Chias carry croquet mallets. There is still some debate among scholars, but it is believed that one of the possible origins for the modern rules of the game comes from Ireland in the 1850s. Both Chias sport a Regency style of dress found in late 1700s to early 1800s England, and which spread across to Ireland.
Alternatively, the Royal Chias may be based on the appearance of characters in the Netflix series Bridgerton. The show is set in an alternate reality of England's Regency period, accounting for the styles of the clothes, and is known for costumes of bold colours such as the distinctive green. It follows the exploits of the English nobility, and includes scenes of the characters playing croquet.
The Royal Chombies have fur and feather outfits that remind us that even in the earliest days of civilisation people were using special decorations to mark out their rulers and wise elders. The stone crowns, however, are probably a fanciful Neopian addition - a Chomby's strong head and neck might support a huge chunk of stone, but it would be very tiring for a human to do the same!
In a break from Kings and Queens, the Royalboy Cybunny appears as a herald, the messengers of the medieval world. This one is dressed in the colours of Meridell, with the country's crest hidden under his neck fur, and a trumpet in hand to announce his proclaimation.
Whilst the exact origins of the Royal Draiks are hard to pin down, they certainly seem to have an Arabian feel to them, with visual similarities to the characters of Aladdin.
The costumes of the Royal Elephantes come from Asian tradition, but from somewhat different cultures. Their loose clothing and head coverings suit the traditions and climate of India, where sari wraps like the Royalgirl Elephante's have been worn for thousands of years. Like their European counterparts, these outfits are decorated with gold jewellery and precious stones to show both beauty and status.
The Eyries are perhaps one of the more generic styled royals out there - though that's not saying they don't look the part! The current Royalgirl gown has been cut down from its unconverted version, where it looked much more European in style.
Unsurprisingly, there aren't many parallels in the real world to dolphin royalty. That said, the Flotsam royals are very sleek to aid their movement through the water, only adorned with the simplest jewellery to set them apart from their common subjects.
The Royalgirl Gelert has a hennin much like the Acaras and Aishas, while the Royalboy stands out in his foppishly coloured clothes. He seems to be based on the brightly coloured costumes of European courts in the 1700s.
Aside from the cape, the Royalboy Gnorbu is perhaps the most modern looking royal, in a bright green suit. The Royalgirl has matching colours, and a large cartwheel ruff as sported by British monarch Elizabeth I in many portraits.
The Grarrl Royalgirl sports another European inspired gown, while the Royalboy takes a slightly different style - a simple tunic hinting at the Tyrannian origins of the species with a cape on top.
On Earth, the idea of discovering alien civilisations is still just a dream, but that hasn't stopped many writers, artists and filmmakers from speculating what their appearance and technology might look like to us. The Royal Grundos, aliens to Neopia, owe their striking outfits to these sci-fi imaginings, wearing metallic spacesuits fit for the rulers of foreign planets. However, they're still also very much influenced by our most traditional images of royalty, with high gold-trimmed collars and wearing robes and boots of purple (a classic colour to indicate wealth and status on Earth). That is, if you ignore the gently levitating moon rock above the Royalgirl's head...
The Royal Hissis appear to take after the Dragon Kings of eastern mythology, with the Royalboy sporting a very similar moustache to Chinese dragons. The Royalgirl, too, seems to have clothing with a more eastern style about it.
The Royalgirl Ixi sports yet another hennin, while the Royalboy is a different sort altogether. He perhaps looks the least royal of all the royals, seemingly taking inspiration from peasant born bards who travelled the kingdom as poets and playwrights.
The Royal Jetsams appear to take inspiration from the mythical Earth kingdom of Atlantis, which in mythology sunk beneath the ocean and is sometimes depicted as still surviving down there (much like Neopia's Maraqua). Atlantis is often depicted as being similar in fashions to Ancient Greece and Rome, and the Royal Jetsams mirror this, with the Royalboy sporting a toga, and both holding tridents (a symbol linked to the mythical ocean Gods of Poseidon and Neptune).
The JubJubs seem to have taken inspiration from science fiction with their royal colours. The Royalgirl in particular sports a complex headpiece that joins to her robe. The Royalboy's looks positively tame by comparison, with only a cape and a large framed crown.
The Royal Kacheek outfits are a mixture of Chinese tradition and Shenkuuvian elegance. Red and gold, very visible on the Royalgirl headdress and all the Royalboy clothes, have traditionally been seen as representing wealth and good luck in China.
The Royal Kaus are based on European monarchs, with the Royalgirl sporting a cartwheel ruff in an almost spyderweb like fashion (mostly covered by her head since conversion). The Royalboy meanwhile comes with a ruff of his own - though this one is made of fur!
The Kikos are similar in style, but the lightning bolt sceptre in the Royalboy's hand hints at the Greek and Roman thunder gods. They are likely designed after Zeus and Hera (the Greek thunder god and his wife) or Jupiter and Juno (the Roman thunder god and his wife).
The Koi, unlike the Flotsams, take their inspiration firmly from Neopian lore. The Royalboy is very clearly based on the look of King Kelpbeard, fellow Koi and ruler of Maraqua.
Ancient Greece and Rome were ruled by a mixture of emperors and elected leaders, both of whom enjoyed wealth and status similar to that of kings and queens. The Royal Korbats, who wear togas with jewelled clasps, are inspired by these ancient cultures, whose influences can also be seen in the Neopian city-state of Altador. The shape of the Royalboy's gold circlet is somewhat like a laurel wreath, a Greek and Roman symbol of victory and military command.
The Royal Kougras seem to hail from Meridell, with the Royalboy wearing a necklace sporting the country's colours. The Royalboy also seems to reference the Kougra's feline appearance, with a large ruff of fur around his neck like a lion - the King of the Jungle.
The Krawks both come with crowns that reference the spikes of the Krawk, with fierce points. For a species that was so hard to get for so long, the rest of the royal look is remarkably simple - perhaps referencing that both Krawk Island and Tyrannia are not lands of plenty.
The Royal Kyriis certainly have a fairytale look about them, with the Royalgirl's dress drawing on Cinderella. She gets her Prince Charming in the form of the Royalboy, with his simple, almost uniform-like garb.
The influences of the Royal Lennies are hard to pin down, but it is possible that the Royalboys are drawing of the ancient gods of South America, often depicted in gold and green.
The Royalgirl Lupe sports a lotus like cartwheel ruff on top of her lavish gown. Together, the pair seem to represent an older generation of royals, though no less refined.
With their feathers and leaves, it seems that the royal Lutaris are based on the people of Polynesia. This itself is a reference to the fact that Lutari Island, the home of Lutaris, is based off such tropical paradises.
The Royal Meercas also seem to be based on the fashions of the late 1700s in Europe, with bright colours and feathers in the Royalboy's hat.
Moehogs are one of the older and more simple looking royals. The Royalgirl has been given something of a disservice in conversion, her dress being made far shorter.
A few of the Royals take their cue from both the Neopian land of Shenkuu and its Earth counterparts, the Far Eastern countries like China and Japan. The Royal Myncis, for instance, wear a traditional Chinese costume known as the hanfu, decorated with good-luck charms from Eastern cultures, and complete their outfits with elegant pointy-toed shoes.
The Royal Nimmos take inspiration from the real world's eastern cultures, with even the Nimmo's standard pose being similar to that the traditional Chinese Emperor is often depicted in.
The Royal Ogrins take inspiration from a variety of different cultures in north Africa, the middle east, and India. In addition, the base colour of the Royalboy appears to be based on either the okapi (Okapia johnstoni), otherwise known as the forest giraffe, or the kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis), a type of antelope. Both are African animals known for their distinctive white stripes. While the Royalgirl Ogrin shares the stripes, the pink colour is not naturally occuring in either species.
The Peophin itself is based on the ancient greek mythological creature known as the Hippocampus. It's no surprise that the royals, particularly the Royalgirl, have a Greek theme to them.
The Royal Poogles look very stately in thick robes and sashes. They seem to loosely be based off European royalty in medieval times.
It is possible that the Royal Pteris and their abundance of silver may be a reference to Magpies, and their reputation for collecting anything that shines.
Royal Quiggles seem to hail from Meridell, with the Royalboy sporting Meridell's colours on his clothes. He looks more like a member of the nobility than a King - a member of the court rather than ruling over it.
The Royal Rukis reference the fact that Rukis were discovered in the Lost Desert. They reference Arabian styles, specifically reminiscent of the bedouin nomads of middle eastern deserts.
The Royalgirl Scorchio sports the most ostentatious hennin available to any Neopet, with a train that reaches the floor! The pair are based on the royalty of Europe during the late middle ages.
Shoyrus seem to take their inspiration from science fiction, with ornate golden headgear and flowing robes. It seems like they are more suited for ruling a space station than a castle.
Fictional rulers also play a part in influencing the Royal Neopets. The Royalgirl Skeith's design is reminiscent of a famously argumentative monarch, the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, who herself was based on the playing card of the same name (although, curiously, that card suit doesn't exist in Neopia, having been replaced by the Negg). Let's hope she doesn't end up playing croquet with Pink Lennies.
We're used to seeing fur, jewels and the occasional feather as decorative trims for luxury outfits, but there are many other items in nature that have been used as accessories in one culture or another. The Techo's royal outfits in particular point to an island civilisation where grasses and flowers are used to create the same effect. On Earth, these braided decorations are most commonly associated with the Polynesian islands in the Pacific, including Hawaii, where flower and leaf garlands are called lei (also sometimes seen on Island pets in Neopia).
Inspired by Indian tradition, similar to the Royal Elephante, the outfits of the Royal Tonu are lavishly coloured and decorated. We suspect the golden cap adorning the Royalgirl Tonu's horn is a Neopian embellishment, however.
The hirsute and distinguished Royalboy Tuskaninny, with his golden-trimmed robes and fluffy hat, is based on a portrait of 16th-century English monarch Henry VIII.
Medieval rulers were also often military leaders, and frequently took their horses into battle. This special form of armour is known as barding, and while the Royalboy Uni lacks most of the formal metal armour, it does have a cloth covering known as a caparison, covering almost the whole upper body with holes for the eyes, ears and mouth (and in Neopia, of course, for the horn). This was mostly used in history during parades and tournaments rather than actual battles. The Royalgirl Uni, on the other hand, features a classic medieval European princess look. This includes the hennin seen on many Royalgirl pets and a thick, fur-lined cape, indicating great wealth.
Usuls seem to be based of European monarchies - with the Royalgirl sporting another hennin. The Royalboy is perhaps based on the early Norman kings with his short dark hair.
The Royal Vandagyres seem to be inspired by Scandanavian fashions of the Viking age, with winged helmets and simple tunics. The gilded feathers in the designs of the outfits may also reference a reverence for feathers that many Vandagyres seem to share.
The long, flowing robes and ornate jewelry of the Royal Wockies take their inspiration from the traditional garments of Mongolia, adapted to a cold life in the steppes. The distinctive hat worn by the Royalboy is a common feature of Mongolian dress. The moustache and goatee, however, are optional. The Royalgirl's hat, on the other hand, appears to be a mix of the same hat style and a taller hat known as a Boqtaq that was typically worn by noble Mongol women. Both Royalgirl and Royalboy wear traditional Mongol tunics known as Deels.
The Royal Xweetoks are perhaps influenced by the Russian tsars of the 1700s and 1800s, with warm gloves and boots and rich red colours on their clothes.
Military strength has often been a desirable trait in rulers, especially in past centuries, and many cultures even attributed it to gods and goddesses. The Royalgirl Yurble's shining winged helmet is definitely worthy of such a battle goddess, and her fair braided mane is reminiscent of the Viking culture that once existed in Scandinavia, where bravery in battle and a strong, stout body like the Yurble's would have been highly valued.
The Royalboy Zafara sports a feathered cap and rather dapper shirt that one might associate with a poet or an artist. This is rooted in the Tudor and Stuart monarchies in Europe, when the royals turned to the more intellectual and cultural aspects of their duties. The Royalgirl Zafara is dressed similarly to other pets, with a flowing hennin and a matching dress with cap sleeves. This outfit is more indicative of medieval Europe, but has been adapted slightly to match the look of the Royalboy.
In Western culture, a lot of the ideas that come into our heads when we think 'royalty' are based on 'fairytale' images dating back to medieval times. In the Middle Ages, royal and aristocratic men (and sometimes women) were the ones who could afford to wear nice warm robes, often made of velvet or some other expensive fabric, trimmed with animal fur. Red and purple clothes were particularly luxurious items, since bright colours like these don't appear naturally in the material used to make cloth, and would have to be put in artificially with dye. A staff, sometimes topped with some kind of precious stone, has also been a symbol of decision-making power for many centuries. Both of these ideas can be seen in some of Neopia's Royal pets. (Just don't ask where the fur comes from. We suspect the PPL might not be happy.)
Queens and princesses in fairy stories, films and art also tend to have a medieval European influence. In particular, the cone-shaped hat topped with a veil, called the "hennin", has become an iconic alternative to a crown. Impractical long, silky dresses and rich jewelry were also a clear indication that a woman had no lack of money to spend on material.
As civilisations grew and became more complex, royal rulers were no longer always expected to take part in combat and hard work themselves, instead turning to the more intellectual and cultural side of their duties. Rather than a practical battle helmet and war armour, a rich European during the Tudor and Stuart monarchies might have been seen with a feathered cap and ruffled shirt of the sort we associate with poets and artists. A few of these have turned up in Neopia, too.
This page was written by Dream, Torratz & noileh and last updated on August 16, 2024.
