Absol may be based on the
Barghest, a monstrous black dog in English folklore. Seeing one was believed to portend imminent death or misfortune, but unlike the Barghest, Absol warns people about disasters. It may be also be based on the
black cat superstition. Absol is also similar to the mythical
Mothman, not because of physical appearance, but its presence is a warning of disaster. Its independence, habitat, and body seem to be reminiscent of a
cougar. Absol's head is modeled after a
Taijitu ("yin-yang"). Also, Absol may resemble the
kutabe, a white beast that predicted that a plague would sweep through the Toyama Prefecture of Japan.