Unraveling Mario’s Origins: Was He Born in New Donk City?
The short answer is no, Mario was not born in New Donk City. While the Super Mario universe is filled with delightful inconsistencies and retcons, the prevailing narrative points to other locations for his origin, primarily the Mushroom Kingdom and, in some interpretations, Brooklyn, New York. New Donk City, while a significant location in Super Mario Odyssey and a fun nod to Donkey Kong history, has never been established as Mario’s birthplace. Determining Mario’s “true” origin is a complicated issue, since it varies depending on the installment of the game, movie, or show.
Tracing Mario’s Conflicting Backstories
Mario’s origins are, to put it mildly, a bit muddled. Across decades of games, animated series, and even a feature film (or two!), different origins have been presented, leading to a rather complex tapestry of possibilities. Let’s examine the key contenders:
The Mushroom Kingdom and Yoshi’s Island
A common thread running through many Mario games, particularly those focusing on his earlier years, is a connection to the Mushroom Kingdom. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island famously depicts Mario as an infant being delivered to the Mushroom Kingdom by a stork. This suggests a formative period spent in that magical realm. More recently, the movie established a world in which he begins in the Mushroom Kingdom and travels to Brooklyn, and vice versa.
Brooklyn and the Plumber’s Life
The live-action elements of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie prominently feature Mario and Luigi as plumbers from Brooklyn. Specific neighborhoods like Flatbush are mentioned, further solidifying this urban connection. This version casts them as Italian-American brothers operating a plumbing business before their adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom begin.
New Donk City: A Connection to the Past, Not the Beginning
New Donk City, introduced in Super Mario Odyssey, is a modern metropolis with clear ties to the original Donkey Kong arcade game. Pauline, the damsel in distress from Donkey Kong, is the city’s mayor. However, this connection is more of an homage than an indication of Mario’s origins. While he visits and interacts with the city, there’s no evidence to suggest it’s where he was born or raised.
Why the Confusion? The Evolving Nature of Canon
The reason for these conflicting narratives boils down to the evolving nature of video game lore and character development. Early arcade games had minimal storylines, allowing for greater flexibility in subsequent interpretations. As the Mario franchise expanded into different media, different creative teams took liberties with his backstory, resulting in the multiple origins we see today. This also demonstrates the power of narrative within gaming, a subject often explored by researchers at the Games Learning Society. Their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, provides a wealth of information on the intersection of games and education.
Ultimately, defining a single, definitive “birthplace” for Mario is an exercise in futility. He’s a character whose history has been shaped by countless creators and interpretations. Embracing the ambiguity is perhaps the best way to appreciate the enduring legacy of this iconic video game hero.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario’s Origins
1. What is Mario’s full name?
For a long time, it was thought that Mario did not have a last name, and that his full name was simply Mario. However, in 2015, Shigeru Miyamoto stated that Mario’s full name is Mario Mario. This also implies that Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario.
2. Where did Mario and Luigi grow up in Brooklyn?
According to The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, Mario and Luigi grew up in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn. This is where they started their plumbing business.
3. Was Mario called Jumpman in Donkey Kong?
Yes, Mario’s first appearance was in the Donkey Kong arcade game in 1981, where he was called Jumpman. He wasn’t officially named Mario until Donkey Kong Jr.
4. What is Mario’s birthday?
According to official sources, Mario’s birthday is October 11, 1955.
5. Is Mario Italian?
While Mario’s design and name suggest an Italian heritage, some sources claim he is Japanese. However, the dominant cultural perception is that he is Italian or Italian-American, especially given his portrayal in media like The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
6. Is Luigi from New Donk City?
No, there is no evidence suggesting Luigi is from New Donk City. There is a hidden pixel Luigi in New Donk City in one of the games, but this is not his origin. The narrative mostly aligns his origin with Mario’s, whether it’s Brooklyn or the Mushroom Kingdom.
7. Is New Donk City based on New York City?
Yes, New Donk City is heavily inspired by New York City, particularly in its architecture, bustling atmosphere, and presence of a mayor (Pauline).
8. Is Mario supposed to be from the Mushroom Kingdom?
In some storylines, particularly in the core Super Mario games, Mario is presented as a native of the Mushroom Kingdom, or at least having spent a significant portion of his early life there.
9. When was Mario born?
Based on his official birthday (October 11, 1955), Mario was born in 1955.
10. What ethnicity is Luigi?
Luigi is canonically of Italian descent. The name “Luigi” itself is an Italian masculine name.
11. Is Mario older than Donkey Kong?
Chronologically, Donkey Kong came first. The game Donkey Kong was released in 1981, marking Mario’s first appearance as Jumpman.
12. How old is Bowser?
Nintendo has revealed that Bowser is canonically 34 years old.
13. Is Mario from Flatbush?
Some media, such as The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, depicts Mario and Luigi as originating from Flatbush, Brooklyn, where they operate their plumbing business.
14. What is Mario’s profession?
Mario is primarily known as a plumber, though he also takes on the role of hero and adventurer.
15. Is Pauline from Donkey Kong the mayor of New Donk City?
Yes, Pauline, the damsel in distress from the original Donkey Kong arcade game, is the mayor of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey. This is an easter egg in the game.