Is Mario From Brooklyn or New Donk City? The Definitive Answer
The question of Mario’s true hometown has been a subject of much debate among fans of the iconic Nintendo franchise. So, where does Mario really hail from? The definitive answer, taking into account various sources across the Mario canon, is multifaceted: Mario’s origins are rooted in Brooklyn, New York, but his early life also intertwines with the Mushroom Kingdom and a period of adventure in New Donk City. He embodies a tri-fold heritage that combines elements of all these locations.
Unpacking Mario’s Multifaceted Origin Story
Mario’s background is a fascinating tapestry woven from different narrative threads throughout the Mario franchise. Let’s delve into each key location to understand how they contribute to his complex origin story.
Brooklyn: The Super Show’s Foundation and Beyond
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, a live-action/animated television series from the late 1980s, firmly establishes Brooklyn as the place where Mario and Luigi grew up. Specifically, the show highlights Flatbush as the brothers’ neighborhood, the location of their plumbing business (Mario Brothers Plumbing), and the setting for all live-action segments. This early depiction made a lasting impression on many fans, solidifying Brooklyn as a key element of Mario’s identity. Even the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie reinforced this Brooklyn connection, portraying the brothers as struggling plumbers in the borough with heavy Italian accents.
The Mushroom Kingdom: Early Childhood and Royal Rescues
While Brooklyn is their recognized home, the game Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island introduced the concept of Baby Mario being delivered to the Mushroom Kingdom by a stork. This suggests that while his cultural heritage might be Italian-American from Brooklyn, Mario was raised, or at least spent a significant portion of his infancy and early childhood, in the Mushroom Kingdom. This upbringing is pivotal, shaping him into the hero capable of rescuing Princess Peach.
New Donk City: Early Adventuring Days
The claim that Mario traveled to New Donk City early in his adventuring days adds another layer to his backstory. New Donk City, a bustling metropolis reminiscent of New York City, is where Mario arguably faced his first major test, battling Donkey Kong to rescue Pauline.
The Evolution of Mario’s Italian Heritage
While Mario is canonically of Italian descent, the portrayal of that heritage has evolved over time. The early versions of the character, especially in the Super Show, leaned heavily into Italian-American stereotypes, often exaggerating accents and mannerisms. More recent portrayals, while maintaining the Italian connection, aim for a more nuanced and respectful representation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario’s Origins
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing Mario’s origins and background, answering the most common inquiries from fans around the world.
1. Is Mario canonically from Brooklyn?
Yes, according to the Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario is indeed from Brooklyn. He is presented as an Italian-American plumber operating his business there.
2. Was Mario born in New Donk City?
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest Mario was born in New Donk City. New Donk City features as a place Mario visits in his early days. It is in New Donk City, he battles Donkey Kong to save Pauline.
3. What part of Brooklyn is Mario from?
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! specifically mentions Flatbush as the neighborhood where Mario and Luigi grew up and established their plumbing business.
4. Does Mario have a Brooklyn accent?
Historically, early depictions like the Super Mario Bros. Super Show! implied a Brooklyn accent alongside an exaggerated Italian accent. However, the current established canonical voice of Mario is primarily an Italian-accented voice. The voice actor for Mario, Charles Martinet, said the sound they settled on for Mario’s character wasn’t the Brooklyn accent.
5. Where is Mario’s accent from?
The animated film portrays Mario and Luigi with heavy-handed Italian accents in their plumbing business advertisement in Brooklyn.
6. Is Mario Hispanic or Italian?
Mario is canonically of Italian descent. Actors Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, who voiced Mario and Luigi respectively in the 2023 film, are both white. Pratt has mostly Norwegian heritage, while Day is primarily of Irish and Italian descent.
7. Who is Mario’s first girlfriend?
Originally, Pauline was Mario’s girlfriend, known as Lady in the early arcade game Donkey Kong. She was named after the then-girlfriend of Nintendo of America’s warehouse manager, Don James.
8. Who is Mario’s ex-girlfriend?
Pauline is considered Mario’s ex-girlfriend, with whom he remains friends. She’s sometimes presented as the one “that got away” because of the circumstances.
9. Where is Princess Peach from?
Princess Peach grew up in the Mushroom Kingdom, having arrived there as a baby. The Toads raised her and eventually crowned her princess.
10. What are people of Brooklyn called?
People from Brooklyn are called Brooklynites.
11. How do New Yorkers say water?
Some New Yorkers pronounce “water” as “woddah” due to the non-rhotic accent where the “r” sound at the end of words isn’t pronounced.
12. What language is most spoken in Brooklyn?
English, Spanish, and Russian are the three most common spoken languages in Brooklyn, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
13. What is a New Yorker’s accent called?
The accent is generally referred to as New York City English, or Metropolitan New York English, a regional dialect of American English.
14. What are the stereotypical phrases in Brooklyn?
Typical words and phrases associated with a Brooklyn accent include “dese, dem, dose,” “youse guys,” “cuppa cawfee,” and “Toidy-Toid [33rd] Street.”
15. Why is Brooklyn called Flatbush?
The name Flatbush is derived from the Dutch language “Vlacke bos,” meaning “flat woodland” or “wooded plain,” describing the area’s landscape.
The Enduring Appeal of Mario’s Cross-Cultural Identity
Mario’s appeal lies partly in his relatability. By embracing elements from different worlds – Brooklyn’s urban grit, the Mushroom Kingdom’s fantastical charm, and New Donk City’s metropolitan flair – Mario becomes a character that resonates with a diverse audience. His background encourages us to look beyond strict definitions and appreciate the blended influences that shape our own identities.
For more on the influence of gaming and culture, explore the research and resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. It’s a great resource for understanding the educational aspects of video games and its impact on culture. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the impact of video games on learning.
In conclusion, Mario isn’t just from one place. He’s a Brooklynite with roots in the Mushroom Kingdom and a history in New Donk City, a blend that makes him the unique and beloved character we know and love.