Jaxi

It has been suggested that this page be split into the following: Jaxi, Jaxi (species). (discuss)

Not to be confused with Taxi.

“I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself - I go quick.”

—Jaxi, Super Mario Odyssey

Jaxis are feline creatures found throughout the Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey. They are instrumental in the acquisition of several Power Moons and otherwise serve as quick transports for the vast desert. They only become accessible after completing the mission "Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid" or by talking to the Jaxi in the Jaxi Ruins. Upon talking to one for the first time, it asks Mario if he wants a ride for 30 Coins, which Mario can either accept or deny. The player is only charged once.

Jaxis have lived in Tostarena since ancient times. In addition to the rideable Jaxis found in the Sand Kingdom, giant stone versions of the creatures can be found among the ruins. These "statues" are actually living Jaxis in some kind of unanimated state. A Jaxi found on the Inverted Pyramid used to be one of these unanimated statues, suggesting they can go in and out of these states at will.

As soon as Mario jumps onto a Jaxi's back, it takes off running at its full speed. The player can control the Jaxi with the left control stick, brake by pressing B, and dismount by pressing ZL. However, the Jaxi's speed makes it difficult to control, with the Jaxi sliding whenever the player makes a turn, though the player can turn quickly by braking while turning. Any breakable objects or small enemies the Jaxi runs into are knocked over or defeated. Mario can also ride Jaxis safely over poison. If the player falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot the player found it.

Concept and creation

Concept art of a Jaxi

To emphasize them being moving statues, some parts were made movable and others not-movable before finishing the design of the Jaxi. It was also given a necklace that resembles a mane.

Jaxis are likely based off of komainu, Japanese lion statues that protect shrines and temples from evil. Numerous tales exist about normally stoic komainu statues suddenly coming to life, similar to Jaxis. Notably, the first stone Jaxis encountered in the ruins are before a large gate reminiscent of a torii, which are traditionally guarded by a pair of komainu in Japan. The design of the Jaxis is reflective of various jaguar deities from ancient Mesoamerica, such as Tezcatlipoca. The name "Jaxi" is likely a portmanteau combining jaguar and taxi.

See also

• Yoshi
• Blooper Racer
• Ray

Gallery

• 

  Jaxi standing upright

• Jaxi SMO.jpg

  Mario riding Jaxi through the desert

• SMO Gold Statue.PNG

  Mario mounting on Jaxi

• SMO-ND0913-SCRN12.jpg
• Jaxi.JPG

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	Template:Nowrap[?] Raidon Basu	Raidon Bus; raidon is based on either 「ライド」 (raido, ride), 「ライオン」 (raion, lion) or both. Reused from Raidon in Super Mario 3D World.
Chinese	萊德·巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì	Ride Bus
Dutch	Jaxi[?]	Jaxi
German	Miauxi[?]	From miau (meow) and taxi
Italian	Ruggitaxi[?]	From ruggito (roar) and taxi
Korean	잭시[?] Jaeksi	Jaxi
Russian	Рыкарус[?] Rykarus	From рык ryk (growl) and "Icarus", a brand of Hungarian buses popular in 1990s-2000s Russia.
Spanish	Jaxi[?]	Jaxi