Did Mario Date Pauline? A Deep Dive into Mario’s Romantic History
Yes, Mario did date Pauline. In fact, Pauline predates Princess Peach as Mario’s love interest. She first appeared in the original Donkey Kong arcade game in 1981, where she was the damsel in distress, originally known as “Lady,” whom Jumpman (later known as Mario) had to rescue from the clutches of the titular ape. Their relationship, though simple in its initial depiction, established a canonical romantic connection before the emergence of Princess Peach as Mario’s primary love interest. While their relationship didn’t last, Pauline remains a significant character in the Mario universe, evolving into a successful and independent figure.
The Evolution of Mario’s Romantic Life
From Lady to Mayor: Pauline’s Journey
Pauline’s origins are humble. She began as the generic damsel, a woman in need of rescue, epitomizing the arcade game tropes of the era. She was simply “Lady” in the original Donkey Kong, a name reflecting her role rather than individuality. However, over time, Pauline transformed. While she faded from the spotlight for a while after Peach took center stage, she resurfaced, not as a damsel, but as a strong, independent character.
Today, Pauline is the Mayor of New Donk City in the Super Mario Odyssey game. She’s a talented singer and a powerful leader. This modern iteration showcases a significant evolution, moving her far beyond her initial portrayal and establishing her as a vital part of the Mario universe, separate from her past relationship with Mario. Her appearance in Super Mario Odyssey even features a catchy jazz song, “Jump Up, Super Star!,” performed by Pauline herself, solidifying her as a multifaceted character beyond just being Mario’s first girlfriend.
Peach Takes the Stage
The introduction of Princess Peach marked a shift in Mario’s romantic affections. Peach quickly became the primary damsel in distress, the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, and the constant target of Bowser’s kidnappings. Her design was more elaborate, her personality more defined (even if initially limited by the era’s storytelling capabilities), and her role in the Mario universe significantly larger than Pauline’s original function.
The reasons for the shift from Pauline to Peach are never explicitly stated in the games, but it’s likely a combination of factors: the evolution of game narratives, the need for a recurring character to drive the plot of numerous games, and perhaps even a conscious decision to create a more iconic and enduring figure. The focus on Peach cemented her as Mario’s primary love interest, leaving Pauline in the background for many years.
Pauline’s Resurgence: A Modern Reinterpretation
The return of Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey was a significant moment for long-time Mario fans. It wasn’t simply a nostalgic cameo; Pauline was reimagined as a strong, capable leader. This modern Pauline retained elements of her past connection to Mario, acknowledging their shared history. The game makes references to their past relationship, but it also emphasizes Pauline’s independence and success.
This resurgence is crucial. It demonstrates that female characters in gaming can evolve beyond their initial roles, becoming more complex and empowered. It also provides an opportunity to explore themes of friendship, shared history, and the possibility of moving on from past relationships. This reimagining offers a more nuanced and mature perspective on relationships within the Mario universe. The evolution of game narratives from the traditional “damsel in distress” trope is an area of interest for researchers at the Games Learning Society. You can explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mario’s Romantic Present: Friendship and Respect
While Mario’s romantic focus is undeniably on Peach, the revival of Pauline’s character adds depth to the Mario universe. It emphasizes that relationships can evolve and that past connections can be maintained as friendships. Mario and Pauline’s interactions in Super Mario Odyssey are respectful and friendly, hinting at a shared history without dwelling on past romantic entanglements.
Ultimately, Mario’s romantic life is complex, evolving as the games evolve. He started with Pauline, moved on to Peach, and now exists in a universe where both characters play important roles, each offering something different to the overall narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Pauline first appear in a Mario game?
Pauline debuted in Donkey Kong in 1981. This arcade classic marked her introduction as Mario’s first damsel in distress.
2. What was Pauline originally called?
Initially, Pauline was known simply as “Lady” in the original Donkey Kong game.
3. Why was Pauline replaced by Princess Peach?
There’s no official explanation, but the change likely reflects the evolving needs of the Mario franchise. Peach provided a more consistent character to drive narratives throughout various games.
4. Is Pauline still in love with Mario?
The modern portrayal of Pauline suggests she has moved on from their past relationship. In Super Mario Odyssey, she is a confident leader focused on her role as mayor.
5. What is Pauline’s current role in the Mario universe?
Pauline is currently the Mayor of New Donk City. She’s also a talented singer and a respected figure in the Mario universe.
6. Did Mario ever choose between Peach and Pauline?
The games never explicitly depict Mario making a conscious choice. The focus simply shifted from Pauline to Peach as the franchise evolved.
7. Is there a love triangle between Mario, Peach, and Pauline?
While there’s a shared history, the dynamics aren’t presented as a traditional love triangle. Mario’s primary romantic interest is Peach, while Pauline is depicted as a friend and colleague.
8. Do Mario and Pauline remain friends?
Yes, their interactions in Super Mario Odyssey suggest a friendly and respectful relationship, acknowledging their shared history.
9. What happened to Mario and Pauline’s relationship?
Their relationship essentially faded as the franchise shifted its focus to Princess Peach as Mario’s main love interest.
10. What is “Jump Up, Super Star!”?
“Jump Up, Super Star!” is a song performed by Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey. It’s a catchy jazz number that showcases her talent and adds depth to her character.
11. Is Pauline a playable character?
Pauline is not a core playable character in most Mario games, but she sometimes appears as a supporting character or in mini-games.
12. How has Pauline’s character evolved over time?
Pauline has evolved from a simple damsel in distress to a strong, independent leader. This evolution is significant and reflects changing representations of female characters in gaming.
13. Is Princess Peach jealous of Pauline?
The games don’t explicitly portray Peach as being jealous of Pauline. Their interactions are generally positive, focusing on cooperation and mutual respect.
14. Are there any comics or books that explore Mario and Pauline’s relationship?
There are some fan-created comics and stories that explore their relationship, but there isn’t a significant amount of official content focusing on their past romance.
15. Does Mario have a wife in the Mario games?
Officially, Mario and Princess Peach are not married. Although Mario proposed in the ending of Super Mario Odyssey, she rejected both him and Bowser. They are still considered to be on good terms.
These FAQs offer a comprehensive look into Mario’s relationship with Pauline, her evolution as a character, and her role in the broader Mario universe. While she may no longer be Mario’s primary love interest, Pauline’s impact on the franchise and her transformation into a strong, independent character are undeniable.