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{{character-infobox
{{character infobox
|image=[[File:Frogfucius.jpg|200px]]
|image=[[File:SMRPG NS Frogfucius.png|200px]]<br>Artwork from ''Super Mario RPG'' (Nintendo Switch)
|species=[[Frog]]
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' ([[List of games by date#1996|1996]])
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' ([[List of games by date#1996|1996]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario and the Incredible Rescue]]'' (2006)
|latest_appearance=''[[Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)|Super Mario RPG]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2023|2023]])
|species=[[Frog]]
}}
}}
{{quote|Yes, 'Old Wise People' can often give good advice...|Frogfucius|Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars}}
{{quote|Yes, "Old Wise People" can often give good advice...|Frog Sage|Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars}}
 
The '''Frog Sage''', originally known as '''Frogfucius''' (translated as "'''Frog Hermit'''" on one occasion),<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Magazine System'' (UK) issue 38|page=70}}</ref> is a [[list of characters|character]] in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' and [[Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)|its remake]]. He is a sagacious [[frog]] who lives at [[Tadpole Pond]]. He is also [[Mallow]]'s adoptive grandfather. During a rainstorm, while the Frog Sage was enjoying a snack of crickets, a small basket floated into Tadpole Pond. In the basket, the Frog Sage found Mallow as a baby (when he was just a little ball of fluff). Taking him in, the Frog Sage raised Mallow as a [[tadpole]] and as his grandson. His original name is a portmanteau of "frog" and "{{wp|Confucius}}," a famous Chinese philosopher.
'''Frogfucius''' is a sagacious [[frog]] who lives at [[Tadpole Pond]]. He is also [[Mallow]]'s adoptive grandfather. During a rain storm, while Frogfucius was enjoying a snack of crickets, a small basket floated into Tadpole Pond. In the basket, Frogfucius found Mallow as a baby (when he was just a little ball of fluff). Taking him in, Frogfucius raised Mallow as a [[tadpole]], and as his grandson.


==History==
==History==
===Background===
===Background===
Frogfucius is extremely wise, and people travel from all over the world to Tadpole Pond just to ask for the sage's advice.<ref>''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' Nintendo Player's Guide, page 31.</ref> Since the waterways of the world bring news to the pond, Frogfucius is able to keep up with current events. He studies philosophy and likes to impart his wisdom onto his tadpoles. In fact, Frogfucius has a [[Frogfucius' Student|student]] who matures from a tadpole to a frog during the course of ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''. Frogfucius also appears to have the power to levitate; however, in reality, a [[Lakitu]] with a [[Fishin' Lakitu|fishing pole]] merely carries the wise amphibian through the air. Sometimes, this Lakitu accidentally drops Frogfucius, ruining the illusion of levitation. The fact that he wishes to deceive others into believing that he can levitate is just one the many indications that, despite his great wisdom, Frogfucius is truly vain and prideful.
The Frog Sage is extremely wise, and people travel from all over the world to Tadpole Pond just to ask for his advice.<ref>{{cite|author=Pelland, Scott, and Kent Miller|title=''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' Player's Guide|page=31}}</ref> Since the waterways of the world bring news to the pond, the Frog Sage is able to keep up with current events. He studies philosophy and likes to impart his wisdom to his tadpoles. In fact, the Frog Sage has [[Frogfucius' Student|a student]] who matures from a tadpole to a frog during the course of the game. The Frog Sage also appears to have the power to levitate; however, in reality, a [[Lakitu]] with a [[Fishin' Lakitu|fishing pole]] merely carries him through the air. Sometimes, this Lakitu accidentally almost drops the Frog Sage, ruining the illusion of levitation.


===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
[[File:Frogfucius meeting SMRPG.png|thumb|left|Frogfucius first meets [[Mario]] and [[Mallow]]]]
[[File:Frogfucius meeting SMRPG.png|thumb|Frogfucius first meets [[Mario]].]]
After [[Mario]] and Mallow arrive in Tadpole Pond following their journeys in [[Toad Town|Mushroom Kingdom]], Frogfucius reveals some stunning truths to the two adventurers. First, the sagacious frog states that [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] is no longer at [[Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Keep]] and warns Mario about the threat of [[Smithy]] and [[Smithy Gang|his minions]]. Frogfucius also hypothesizes that the [[Star Piece (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Star Pieces]] are somehow connected to shooting stars and the power of [[wish]]es (a theory that [[Geno]] later confirms to be true). Finally, Frogfucius tells Mallow the truth of his origin. The sage bluntly tells Mallow that he is not a tadpole, much to Mallow's surprise. The sage tells Mallow he should accompany Mario to find his real parents, who turn out to be [[King Nimbus|King]] and [[Queen Nimbus]]. Additionally, Frogfucius explains that Mallow will not be a burden on the heroic Mario, as the ball of fluff's control of the weather will surely be useful. With the truth revealed, Frogfucius directs Mario and Mallow to [[Rose Town]], the site of the latest attack by the [[Smithy Gang]].
After [[Mario]] and Mallow arrive in Tadpole Pond following their journeys in the [[Toad Town|Mushroom Kingdom]], the Frog Sage reveals some stunning truths to them. First, the Frog Sage states that [[Princess Peach]] is no longer at [[Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Keep]] and warns Mario about the threat of [[Smithy]] and [[Smithy Gang|his gang]]. The Frog Sage also hypothesizes that the [[Star Piece (Super Mario RPG)|Star Piece]]s are somehow connected to shooting stars and the power of [[wish]]es (a theory that [[Geno]] later confirms to be true). Finally, the Frog Sage tells Mallow the truth of his origin. He bluntly tells Mallow that he is not a tadpole, much to Mallow's surprise. He then tells Mallow he should accompany Mario to find his real parents, who turn out to be [[King Nimbus]] and [[Queen Nimbus]]. Additionally, he explains to Mario that Mallow's magic will be useful during the adventure. With the truth revealed, the Frog Sage directs Mario and Mallow to [[Rose Town]], the site of the latest attack by the Smithy Gang.
 
Mario later returns to the Frog Sage to ask about the location of the next Star Piece. He informs him it has been spotted at [[Star Hill]].


Frogfucius also has a sweet tooth for [[Special Items (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Cricket Pie]] and [[Special Items (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Cricket Jam]]. As a reward for some Cricket Pie, Frogfucius will give Mallow the [[List of weapons in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars|Froggie Stick]], the staff Frogfucius used as a young frog. For delicious Cricket Jam, Frogfucius will give Mario a whopping ten [[Frog Coin]]s. If Mario and [[partner]]s return to Frogfucius any time throughout their adventure, he will direct them to the next location they are told to or give them advice.
The Frog Sage also has a sweet tooth for [[Cricket Pie]] and [[Cricket Jam]]. As a reward for some Cricket Pie, the Frog Sage gives Mario the [[Froggie Stick]], the staff the Frog Sage used as a young frog. For the Cricket Jam, he gives Mario ten [[Frog Coin]]s. If Mario and his [[party member]]s return to the Frog Sage anytime throughout their adventure, he directs them to the next location they are told to go to or gives them advice.


===''Mario and the Incredible Rescue''===
===''Mario and the Incredible Rescue''===
In the book ''[[Mario and the Incredible Rescue]]'', when Mario, [[Luigi]] and [[Toad]] arrive at Tadpole Pond, Frogfucius tells Mario that [[Toadofsky]] has one of the six [[Mushroom]]s. The gang thanks him and they continue on their adventure.
In the book ''[[Mario and the Incredible Rescue]]'', when Mario, [[Luigi]], and [[Toad]] arrive at Tadpole Pond, Frogfucius tells Mario that [[Toadofsky|Toadofski]] has one of the six [[Mushroom]]s. Mario, Luigi, and Toad thank him, and they continue on their adventure.


==The Wisdom of Frogfucius==
==The Wisdom of Frogfucius==
Throughout the ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' Nintendo Player's Guide, Frogfucius provides advice to Mario and Company (as well as the player) in a reoccurring section called "The Wisdom of Frogfucius" that appears in the overview of each of the game's worlds. However, the last piece of wisdom Frogfucius appears in a section titled "More Wisdom." The following is a collection of his points of wisdom.
Throughout the ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' [[Nintendo]] Player's Guide, Frogfucius provides advice to Mario and company (as well as the player) in a recurring section called "The Wisdom of Frogfucius" that appears in the overview of each of the game's worlds. However, the last piece of wisdom Frogfucius gives appears in a section titled "More Wisdom." The following is a collection of his points of wisdom.
 
===[[Mushroom Kingdom]]===
===[[Mushroom Kingdom]]===
"We haven't yet met, [[Mario]], but listen up anyways. Somewhere around here you'll find a Star Piece. Take good care of it, and keep looking for more. Something tells me they're going to be as important as beating [[Smithy]] himself. If you want to know more, drop by my study in [[Tadpole Pond]]. Be sure to take good care of my grandson, [[Mallow]]. Oh, by the way, you wouldn't have any dainty delectables made of crickets, would you? I love 'em!"
"''We haven't yet met, Mario, but listen up anyways. Somewhere around here you'll find a Star Piece. Take good care of it, and keep looking for more. Something tells me they're going to be as important as beating [[Smithy]] himself. If you want to know more, drop by my study in [[Tadpole Pond]]. Be sure to take good care of my grandson, [[Mallow]]. Oh, by the way, you wouldn't have any dainty delectables made of crickets, would you? I love 'em!''"


===[[Pond to Pipes]]===
===[[Tadpole Pond Region|Pond to Pipes]]===
"When you win enough [[Experience Point]]s, you'll move to a [[Level Up|higher level]], gaining more power as you go. As a bonus, you can boost one category even more. Always choose the category that offers the biggest point gain."
"''When you win enough [[Experience Point]]s, you'll move to a [[Level up|higher level]], gaining more power as you go. As a bonus, you can boost one category even more. Always choose the category that offers the biggest point gain.''"


===[[Mole Mountains]]===
===[[Moleville Region|Mole Mountains]]===
"It is written that [[Flower Point|Flower Power (FP)]] rules the world. The [[tadpole]]s scoff at this, of course. All they care about is growing legs. But for you, since you have legs already, I suggest increasing your total FP to 99 by collecting [[Flower]]s (1 FP) found in [[Treasure Chest|Treasure Box]]es, [[Flower Tab]]s (2 FP) given to you by characters, and [[Flower Jar]]s (5 FP) hidden all over the place.'''*''' What? You want more? You're not from this pond, are you? Okay, don't look directly at the [[Yoshi Egg|eggs]] in the [[Wheeere's Yoshi?|shell game]] and try to catch sight of [[Yoshi]] out of the corner of your eye. Also, look for [[Bonus Flower|special boosts]] during battles."
"''It is written that [[Flower Point|Flower Power (FP)]] rules the world. The [[tadpole]]s scoff at this, of course. All they care about is growing legs. But for you, since you have legs already, I suggest increasing your total FP to 99 by collecting [[Flower (Super Mario RPG)|Flower]]s (1 FP) found in [[Treasure chest|Treasure Box]]es, [[Flower Tab]]s (2 FP) given to you by characters, and [[Flower Jar]]s (5 FP) hidden all over the place.'''*''' What? You want more? You're not from this pond, are you? Okay, don't look directly at the [[Yoshi's Egg|eggs]] in the [[Wheeere's Yoshi?!|shell game]] and try to catch sight of [[Yoshi]] out of the corner of your eye. Also, look for [[Bonus Flower|special boosts]] during battles.''"


'''ONCE AGAIN! ..............GIVES ANOTHER TURN <br>
'''ONCE AGAIN! ..............GIVES ANOTHER TURN <br>
Line 39: Line 39:
'''ATTACK UP! ............INCREASES ATTACK BY 25 <br>
'''ATTACK UP! ............INCREASES ATTACK BY 25 <br>
'''DEFENSE UP! ...............INCREASES DEFENSE'''
'''DEFENSE UP! ...............INCREASES DEFENSE'''
:'''*'''This is a mistake on the guide's part. Flower Tabs increase Mario's FP only by one, and Flower Jars increase Mario's FP only by three.


:'''*'''This is a mistake on the guide's part. Flower Tabs only increase Mario's FP by one, and Flower Jars only increase Mario's FP by three.
===[[Star Hill Region|Seaside]]===
 
"''Out with the old and in with the new, I always tell my pupils. Naturally, they take this as an excuse to throw me out of the pond, completely missing my point. I really shouldn't expect more from [[tadpole]]s. As for you adventurous types, you should remember to sell off old weapons and armor after you replace them with newer, better items. You'll make good [[Coin|money]] for your used equipment, which you can spend on worthwhile things. I highly recommend this course of action.''"
===[[Seaside]]===
"Out with the old and in with the new, I always tell my pupils. Naturally, they take this as an excuse to throw me out of the pond, completely missing my point. I really shouldn't expect more from [[tadpole]]s. As for you adventurous types, you should remember to sell off old [[List of weapons in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars|weapon]]s and [[armor]] after you replace them with newer, better items. You'll make good [[Coin|money]] for your used equipment, which you can spend on worthwhile things. I highly recommend this course of action."


===[[Land's End]]===
===[[Land's End]]===
"[[Toadofsky]]'s still looking for help, and it's up to you to provide it! When I was a wee [[tadpole]], we had real music. None of this [[Boyz II Pumpkins]] nonsense. Take the song of the [[Monstro Town]] [[Starslap|star]]. Beautiful, beautiful. The little guy sitting on the shelf at [[Monstermama]]'s will play it for you. No, he won't write it down. What's that you say? Tone deaf, eh? If you had practiced that piano, like I said -All right, all right. Here it is: LA TI DO RE SO DO RE ME. Now leave me alone while I listen to "{{wp|(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?|How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?}}" Unless you have a jar of yummy [[Special Items (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Cricket Jam]], that is. Oh, I'll pay a [[Frog Coin|pretty penny]] for that lip-smacking pleasure, I will!"
"''[[Toadofsky]]'s still looking for help, and it's up to you to provide it! When I was a wee [[tadpole]], we had real music. None of this [[Boyz II Pumpkins]] nonsense. Take the song of the [[Monstro Town]] [[Starslap|star]]. Beautiful, beautiful. The little guy sitting on the shelf at [[Monstermama]]'s will play it for you. No, he won't write it down. What's that you say? Tone deaf, eh? If you had practiced that piano, like I said -All right, all right. Here it is: LA TI DO RE SO DO RE ME. Now leave me alone while I listen to "{{wp|(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?|How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?}}" Unless you have a jar of yummy [[Cricket Jam]], that is. Oh, I'll pay a [[Frog Coin|pretty penny]] for that lip-smacking pleasure, I will!''"


===[[Nimbus Land]]===
===[[Nimbus Land]]===
"The best things in life are free, but don't give them away once you have them, or you'll never retire to a comfy resort like [[Tadpole Pond]]. Shopkeepers will pay [[Coin|big bucks]] for your rare finds. They'll also pony up dough for your out-of date armor and unused [[Accessory (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|accessories]]. You'll only get half what you originally paid, but that's better than nothing. Selling off extra items will also open up precious space in your inventory."
"''The best things in life are free, but don't give them away once you have them, or you'll never retire to a comfy resort like [[Tadpole Pond]]. Shopkeepers will pay [[Coin|big bucks]] for your rare finds. They'll also pony up dough for your out-of date armor and unused accessories. You'll only get half what you originally paid, but that's better than nothing. Selling off extra items will also open up precious space in your inventory.''"


"Nothing sounds finer than [[Toadofsky]]'s sweet music. Except, that is, the tinkling of the [[Accessory (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)#Signal Ring|Signal Ring]] alerting you to a [[Surprise Box|hidden treasure]]. What's the Signal Ring, you say? It seems that [[Croco]], the larcenous lizard, has been using this jangling jewel to find moolah all over the world. Surprise him in the act of looting a [[Nimbus Land]] home, though, he'll drop the ring. Equip it and it will sound a most pleasant tone whenever you wander into an area with a hidden [[Treasure|Treasure Box]]. The Signal Ring won't tell you exactly where the Treasure Box is, though. If you're ever curious about how many Treasure Boxes remain hidden, visit the reformed [[Pandorite]] in [[Monstro Town]]."'''*'''
"''Nothing sounds finer than [[Toadofsky]]'s sweet music. Except, that is, the tinkling of the [[Signal Ring]] alerting you to a [[Hidden Treasure|hidden treasure]]. What's the Signal Ring, you say? It seems that [[Croco]], the larcenous lizard, has been using this jangling jewel to find moolah all over the world. Surprise him in the act of looting a [[Nimbus Land]] home, though, he'll drop the ring. Equip it and it will sound a most pleasant tone whenever you wander into an area with a hidden [[Treasure|Treasure Box]]. The Signal Ring won't tell you exactly where the Treasure Box is, though. If you're ever curious about how many Treasure Boxes remain hidden, visit the reformed [[Huhwhat|Pandorite]] in [[Monstro Town]].''"'''*'''
:'''*'''Again, the guide is mistaken. The reformed monster in Monstro Town is actually a [[Comeon|Chester]], a relative of the [[Huhwhat|Pandorite]].


:'''*'''Again, the guide is mistaken. The reformed monster in Monstro Town is actually a [[Chester]], a relative of the [[Pandorite]].
===[[Factory (Super Mario RPG)|Smithy Factory]]===
 
"''A wise amphibian once said, take the short path. I believe I said it, actually. Of course, my [[Tadpole]]s swim in circles and never get out of [[Tadpole Pond|the pond]]. But you can reach either end of a play course be approaching it from the closest World Map location. To reach the end of a course, approach it from the World Map location that you reached after completing that course.''"
===[[Factory (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Smithy Factory]]===
"A wise amphibian once said, take the short path. I believe I said it, actually. Of course, my [[Tadpole]]s swim in circles and never get out of [[Tadpole Pond|the pond]]. But you can reach either end of a play course be approaching it from the closest [[Map|World Map]] location. To reach the end of a course, approach it from the World Map location that you reached after completing that course."


====More Wisdom====
====More Wisdom====
"At the end of any great quest, a [[tadpole]] expects and deserves some recognition from the simple peons whose very existence depended on its heroic actions. In short, it expects a party. At the very least, the grateful citizens of the land should throw it a festive [[victory parade|parade]] and light up the night with a sparkling [[fireworks]] display. Ahh, and there's the rub. How do you acquire the fireworks? In fact, there is a little known law of economics that says, if you buy it, it shall be used. Recall the [[Mole (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|fellow]] in [[Moleville]] who sells fireworks? The more fireworks you purchase from this inventor, the more dazzling will be the fireworks show after you defeat [[Smithy]]. The chart below shows just how it works. For instance, if you buy three fireworks from the Moleville merchant, the fireworks display will be a dramatic [[flower]]. If you buy five fireworks, you'll gaze in awe at the [[star]] that bursts overhead during the parade."
"''At the end of any great quest, a [[tadpole]] expects and deserves some recognition from the simple peons whose very existence depended on its heroic actions. In short, it expects a party. At the very least, the grateful citizens of the land should throw it a festive [[parade]] and light up the night with a sparkling [[fireworks]] display. Ahh, and there's the rub. How do you acquire the fireworks? In fact, there is a little known law of economics that says, if you buy it, it shall be used. Recall the [[Mole (Super Mario RPG)|fellow]] in [[Moleville]] who sells fireworks? The more fireworks you purchase from this inventor, the more dazzling will be the fireworks show after you defeat [[Smithy]]. The chart below shows just how it works. For instance, if you buy three fireworks from the Moleville merchant, the fireworks display will be a dramatic [[flower]]. If you buy five fireworks, you'll gaze in awe at the [[star]] that bursts overhead during the parade.''"


'''FIREWORKS DISPLAY'''
'''FIREWORKS DISPLAY'''
Line 69: Line 67:
'''4 .............FLOWER''' <br>
'''4 .............FLOWER''' <br>
'''5 ................[[Star|STAR]]
'''5 ................[[Star|STAR]]
==Profile==
===''Super Mario RPG'' (Nintendo Switch)===
{{Multilang profile
|columns=1
|type=website
|Jap=ケロケロ湖に住む、なんでも知ってるものしりなカエル。コオロギセんべいがだいこうぶつ。<br>「こまった時には、わしのような 『ものしりじいさん』が アドバイス。 コレ、おやくそく なのよネ。」
|JapM=A know-it-all frog who lives in Tadpole Pond. Cricket Pie is his favorite food.<br>"Yes, old wise people can often give good advice..."
}}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Frogfucius.jpg|Artwork
SMRPG Frogfucius.png|Sprite
</gallery>


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
{{foreign names
|Jap=カエル<span class="explain" title="せんにん">仙人</span><ref>''Super Mario RPG'' Japanese instruction booklet, page 44.</ref>
|Jap=カエル{{ruby|仙人|せんにん}}<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario RPG'' Japanese instruction booklet|page=44}}</ref>
|JapR=Kaeru Sennin
|JapR=Kaeru Sennin
|JapM=Frog Hermit}}
|JapM=Frog Sage
|Chi=青蛙仙人
|ChiR=Qīngwā Xiānrén
|ChiM=Frog Sage
|Dut=Kikkerius
|DutM=From ''kikker'' ("frog") and "Confucius"
|FreA=Maître Ouaron
|FreAM=Master Ouaron; from ''ouaouaron'' ("American bullfrog")
|FreE=Batracius
|FreEM=From ''batracien'' ("amphibian") and "Confucius"
|Ger=Weisequak
|GerM=From ''weise'' ("wise") and ''Quak'' ("croak")
|Ita=Ranius
|ItaM=Portmanteau of ''rana'' ("frog") and "Confucius"
|Kor=개구리신선
|KorR=Gaeguri Sinseon
|KorM=Frog Sage
|Spa=Ranisapio
|SpaM=Portmanteau of ''rana'' ("frog") and the Latin verb ''sapio'' ("to know"), mixing in the Spanish word ''sapo'' ("toad") as well
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Frogfucius's name is a portmanteau of "[[frog]]" and "[[List of implied people#Confucius|Confucius]]," the latter of which was a famous Chinese philosopher.
*If Mario stands on the Frog Sage's table and talks to him, he will respond, "''Grasshopper, do you not think it rude to stand on my dining table?''" In the remake, this is changed so he does not start by calling Mario a grasshopper.
*If Mario stands on Frogfucius's table and talks to him, he will respond, "Grasshopper, do you not find it rude to stand on my dining table?"


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


{{Super Mario RPG}}
{{SMRPG}}
[[Category:Amphibians]]
[[Category:Amphibians]]
[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Mentors]]
[[Category:Mentors]]
[[Category:Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Characters]]
[[Category:Third-party characters]]
[[Category:Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars characters]]
[[it:Frogfucius]]

Latest revision as of 17:04, August 16, 2024

Frog Sage
Artwork of the Frog Sage from the Nintendo Switch version of Super Mario RPG
Artwork from Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)
Species Frog
First appearance Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
Latest appearance Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch) (2023)
“Yes, "Old Wise People" can often give good advice...”
Frog Sage, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

The Frog Sage, originally known as Frogfucius (translated as "Frog Hermit" on one occasion),[1] is a character in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and its remake. He is a sagacious frog who lives at Tadpole Pond. He is also Mallow's adoptive grandfather. During a rainstorm, while the Frog Sage was enjoying a snack of crickets, a small basket floated into Tadpole Pond. In the basket, the Frog Sage found Mallow as a baby (when he was just a little ball of fluff). Taking him in, the Frog Sage raised Mallow as a tadpole and as his grandson. His original name is a portmanteau of "frog" and "Confucius," a famous Chinese philosopher.

History[edit]

Background[edit]

The Frog Sage is extremely wise, and people travel from all over the world to Tadpole Pond just to ask for his advice.[2] Since the waterways of the world bring news to the pond, the Frog Sage is able to keep up with current events. He studies philosophy and likes to impart his wisdom to his tadpoles. In fact, the Frog Sage has a student who matures from a tadpole to a frog during the course of the game. The Frog Sage also appears to have the power to levitate; however, in reality, a Lakitu with a fishing pole merely carries him through the air. Sometimes, this Lakitu accidentally almost drops the Frog Sage, ruining the illusion of levitation.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[edit]

Frogfucius first meets Mario and Mallow.
Frogfucius first meets Mario.

After Mario and Mallow arrive in Tadpole Pond following their journeys in the Mushroom Kingdom, the Frog Sage reveals some stunning truths to them. First, the Frog Sage states that Princess Peach is no longer at Bowser's Keep and warns Mario about the threat of Smithy and his gang. The Frog Sage also hypothesizes that the Star Pieces are somehow connected to shooting stars and the power of wishes (a theory that Geno later confirms to be true). Finally, the Frog Sage tells Mallow the truth of his origin. He bluntly tells Mallow that he is not a tadpole, much to Mallow's surprise. He then tells Mallow he should accompany Mario to find his real parents, who turn out to be King Nimbus and Queen Nimbus. Additionally, he explains to Mario that Mallow's magic will be useful during the adventure. With the truth revealed, the Frog Sage directs Mario and Mallow to Rose Town, the site of the latest attack by the Smithy Gang.

Mario later returns to the Frog Sage to ask about the location of the next Star Piece. He informs him it has been spotted at Star Hill.

The Frog Sage also has a sweet tooth for Cricket Pie and Cricket Jam. As a reward for some Cricket Pie, the Frog Sage gives Mario the Froggie Stick, the staff the Frog Sage used as a young frog. For the Cricket Jam, he gives Mario ten Frog Coins. If Mario and his party members return to the Frog Sage anytime throughout their adventure, he directs them to the next location they are told to go to or gives them advice.

Mario and the Incredible Rescue[edit]

In the book Mario and the Incredible Rescue, when Mario, Luigi, and Toad arrive at Tadpole Pond, Frogfucius tells Mario that Toadofski has one of the six Mushrooms. Mario, Luigi, and Toad thank him, and they continue on their adventure.

The Wisdom of Frogfucius[edit]

Throughout the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Nintendo Player's Guide, Frogfucius provides advice to Mario and company (as well as the player) in a recurring section called "The Wisdom of Frogfucius" that appears in the overview of each of the game's worlds. However, the last piece of wisdom Frogfucius gives appears in a section titled "More Wisdom." The following is a collection of his points of wisdom.

Mushroom Kingdom[edit]

"We haven't yet met, Mario, but listen up anyways. Somewhere around here you'll find a Star Piece. Take good care of it, and keep looking for more. Something tells me they're going to be as important as beating Smithy himself. If you want to know more, drop by my study in Tadpole Pond. Be sure to take good care of my grandson, Mallow. Oh, by the way, you wouldn't have any dainty delectables made of crickets, would you? I love 'em!"

Pond to Pipes[edit]

"When you win enough Experience Points, you'll move to a higher level, gaining more power as you go. As a bonus, you can boost one category even more. Always choose the category that offers the biggest point gain."

Mole Mountains[edit]

"It is written that Flower Power (FP) rules the world. The tadpoles scoff at this, of course. All they care about is growing legs. But for you, since you have legs already, I suggest increasing your total FP to 99 by collecting Flowers (1 FP) found in Treasure Boxes, Flower Tabs (2 FP) given to you by characters, and Flower Jars (5 FP) hidden all over the place.* What? You want more? You're not from this pond, are you? Okay, don't look directly at the eggs in the shell game and try to catch sight of Yoshi out of the corner of your eye. Also, look for special boosts during battles."

ONCE AGAIN! ..............GIVES ANOTHER TURN
HP MAX! ..........................FILLS HP UP
LUCKY! ..................YOSHI GAME FOLLOWS
ATTACK UP! ............INCREASES ATTACK BY 25
DEFENSE UP! ...............INCREASES DEFENSE

*This is a mistake on the guide's part. Flower Tabs increase Mario's FP only by one, and Flower Jars increase Mario's FP only by three.

Seaside[edit]

"Out with the old and in with the new, I always tell my pupils. Naturally, they take this as an excuse to throw me out of the pond, completely missing my point. I really shouldn't expect more from tadpoles. As for you adventurous types, you should remember to sell off old weapons and armor after you replace them with newer, better items. You'll make good money for your used equipment, which you can spend on worthwhile things. I highly recommend this course of action."

Land's End[edit]

"Toadofsky's still looking for help, and it's up to you to provide it! When I was a wee tadpole, we had real music. None of this Boyz II Pumpkins nonsense. Take the song of the Monstro Town star. Beautiful, beautiful. The little guy sitting on the shelf at Monstermama's will play it for you. No, he won't write it down. What's that you say? Tone deaf, eh? If you had practiced that piano, like I said -All right, all right. Here it is: LA TI DO RE SO DO RE ME. Now leave me alone while I listen to "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" Unless you have a jar of yummy Cricket Jam, that is. Oh, I'll pay a pretty penny for that lip-smacking pleasure, I will!"

Nimbus Land[edit]

"The best things in life are free, but don't give them away once you have them, or you'll never retire to a comfy resort like Tadpole Pond. Shopkeepers will pay big bucks for your rare finds. They'll also pony up dough for your out-of date armor and unused accessories. You'll only get half what you originally paid, but that's better than nothing. Selling off extra items will also open up precious space in your inventory."

"Nothing sounds finer than Toadofsky's sweet music. Except, that is, the tinkling of the Signal Ring alerting you to a hidden treasure. What's the Signal Ring, you say? It seems that Croco, the larcenous lizard, has been using this jangling jewel to find moolah all over the world. Surprise him in the act of looting a Nimbus Land home, though, he'll drop the ring. Equip it and it will sound a most pleasant tone whenever you wander into an area with a hidden Treasure Box. The Signal Ring won't tell you exactly where the Treasure Box is, though. If you're ever curious about how many Treasure Boxes remain hidden, visit the reformed Pandorite in Monstro Town."*

*Again, the guide is mistaken. The reformed monster in Monstro Town is actually a Chester, a relative of the Pandorite.

Smithy Factory[edit]

"A wise amphibian once said, take the short path. I believe I said it, actually. Of course, my Tadpoles swim in circles and never get out of the pond. But you can reach either end of a play course be approaching it from the closest World Map location. To reach the end of a course, approach it from the World Map location that you reached after completing that course."

More Wisdom[edit]

"At the end of any great quest, a tadpole expects and deserves some recognition from the simple peons whose very existence depended on its heroic actions. In short, it expects a party. At the very least, the grateful citizens of the land should throw it a festive parade and light up the night with a sparkling fireworks display. Ahh, and there's the rub. How do you acquire the fireworks? In fact, there is a little known law of economics that says, if you buy it, it shall be used. Recall the fellow in Moleville who sells fireworks? The more fireworks you purchase from this inventor, the more dazzling will be the fireworks show after you defeat Smithy. The chart below shows just how it works. For instance, if you buy three fireworks from the Moleville merchant, the fireworks display will be a dramatic flower. If you buy five fireworks, you'll gaze in awe at the star that bursts overhead during the parade."

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

0 .........MUSHROOM
1 .........MUSHROOM
2 .........MUSHROOM
3 .............FLOWER
4 .............FLOWER
5 ................STAR

Profile[edit]

Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)[edit]

  • Website description:
    • Japanese:
      ケロケロ湖に住む、なんでも知ってるものしりなカエル。コオロギセんべいがだいこうぶつ。
      「こまった時には、わしのような 『ものしりじいさん』が アドバイス。 コレ、おやくそく なのよネ。」

      (Translation: A know-it-all frog who lives in Tadpole Pond. Cricket Pie is his favorite food.
      "Yes, old wise people can often give good advice..."
      )

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese カエル仙人せんにん[3]
Kaeru Sennin
Frog Sage
Chinese 青蛙仙人[?]
Qīngwā Xiānrén
Frog Sage
Dutch Kikkerius[?] From kikker ("frog") and "Confucius"
French (NOA) Maître Ouaron[?] Master Ouaron; from ouaouaron ("American bullfrog")
French (NOE) Batracius[?] From batracien ("amphibian") and "Confucius"
German Weisequak[?] From weise ("wise") and Quak ("croak")
Italian Ranius[?] Portmanteau of rana ("frog") and "Confucius"
Korean 개구리신선[?]
Gaeguri Sinseon
Frog Sage
Spanish Ranisapio[?] Portmanteau of rana ("frog") and the Latin verb sapio ("to know"), mixing in the Spanish word sapo ("toad") as well

Trivia[edit]

  • If Mario stands on the Frog Sage's table and talks to him, he will respond, "Grasshopper, do you not think it rude to stand on my dining table?" In the remake, this is changed so he does not start by calling Mario a grasshopper.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Nintendo Magazine System (UK) issue 38. Page 70.
  2. ^ Pelland, Scott, and Kent Miller. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Player's Guide. Page 31.
  3. ^ Super Mario RPG Japanese instruction booklet. Page 44.