Mushroom Kingdom
The Mushroom Kingdom is the one of the largest kingdoms on Mushroom World. Under the rule of Princess Peach Toadstool, the kingdom has enjoyed and endured both a peaceful and traumatic existence. The former is largely attributed to Peach's ability to rule and the general good-natured feeling that permeates Mushroom Kingdom society. The latter is largely attributed to the Koopa Troop, a group of turtles who reign over the badlands known as the Dark Land, and their leader, Bowser. The Mushroom Kingdom shares it southwestern border with the Beanbean Kingdom.
History
Shroob Invasion
- Main article: Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Years ago, the Mushroom Kingdom was invaded and conquered by a race of aliens known as the Shroobs. Growing tired of life on the toxic, barren Planet Shroob, they discovered the Mushroom Kingdom, and set out to conquer it using their expansive military.
One of the first targets was Princess Peach's Castle. The Shroobs began to set base there after a brief encounter with the future Princess Peach, who had traveled back in time via a Time Machine. The princess trapped the Elder Princess Shroob inside the Cobalt Star, which powered the machine. Peach then destroyed the artifact and spread the Cobalt Star Shards throughout the kingdom. The rest of the invasion and the search for the Shards was carried out by Princess Shroob, the elder's younger sister.
As the Shroob invasion spread, the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom fled, leaving entire towns, such as Toad Town, nearly desolate. A number of unfortunate Toads were captured and brought to Toadwood Forest, where their vim was sucked out of them to create fuel for the Shroobs' war fleet of Shroob UFOs.
The Mushroom Kingdom was saved by Mario and Luigi, then Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, and their future selves. During the storm of Shroob Castle, previously known as Princess Peach's Castle, the younger Princess Shroob was defeated. The Elder Princess Shroob escaped from the Cobalt Star as a result of the reunion of the Shards, was defeated, and then was taken to the future in the form of a purple Mushroom. A stream of baby tears came through the Time Holes from the future and destroyed the handywork of the Shroobs. Whether the Shroobs themselves were killed or escaped is unknown.
Koopa Kingdom Attack
- Main article: Super Mario Bros.
Many years after the Shroob invasion, King Bowser led his first devastating attack against the Mushroom Kingdom. Using dark Koopa magic, Bowser transformed many of the kingdom's citizens into blocks, mushrooms, and other objects. However, when Bowser discovered that Princess Peach had the power to undo his curse on the citizens, he captured her and seven of her closest Mushroom Retainers, imprisoning them in eight castles scattered across the kingdom.
Mario and Luigi soon heard of the Mushroom Kingdom's plight. Quickly, they came to the kingdom and began to fight back on behalf of the incapacitated citizens. They traveled to each of the castles, finding a False Bowser guarding each, and that "the Princess is in another castle," as the Mushroom Retainers they rescued repeatedly told them. Finally, in the eighth castle, they defeated Bowser and rescued the Princess. Bowser and his army fled from the Mushroom Kingdom.
Bowser's Second Attempt
- Main article: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Wasting no time after his defeat, Bowser again invaded and conquered the Mushroom Kingdom using dark Koopa magic. He also kidnapped Princess Peach and hid her deep inside one of his castles. While many of his troops employed similar tactics as before, several new strategies were used. Some Bloobers were instructed to fly in the sky and the Piranha Plants spent hardly anytime hiding in their Warp Pipes. Poison Mushrooms were used as well. However, against all odds, Mario and Luigi were able to rescue the Princess once more.
Mushroom World Invasion
- Main article: Super Mario Bros. 3
Bowser's next attack on the Mushroom Kingdom was part of a much larger scheme. With the help of the Koopalings, the Koopa Troop's power spread throughout the seven kingdoms of the Mushroom World. Luring Mario and Luigi away from the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser was able to again kidnap the Princess and take her to his home in Dark Land. The plumbers were able to save her from her fate once more and defeat the Koopa King, saving the Mushroom World from his reign.
Viral Infestation
- Main article: Dr. Mario (game)
Just when the kingdom’s problems seemed to be over, an epidemic broke out among its citizens. The microscopic viruses were responsible for the infection. In response, Mario assumed the title Dr. Mario and worked to develop a cure: the Megavitamin. While the process was effective, it was slow. Dr. Mario needed to place viruses in vials before dropping the proper Megavitamin on each virus, a very painstaking process. However, his efforts were fruitful, and the Mushroom Kingdom regained its good health.
Super Mario Kart Tournament
- Main article: Super Mario Kart
Named after the Mario, the first Mario Kart races were not witnessed by many citizens firsthand. However, it served to popularize the karting sport. Later tournaments proved immensely popular. Following Bowser’s kidnapping of Princess Peach in Dinosaur Land, the tournament doubled as an act of diplomacy as Bowser was allowed to race. The races took place in Dinosaur Land, the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser’s Castle, Rainbow Road and possibly other locations.
Smithy Gang Attack
- Main article: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Shortly after the races, Bowser again kidnapped Princess Peach. By change, the Smithy Gang, a vicious group of mechanical villains from another dimension, warped the giant sword, Exor, into the Mushroom Kingdom's dimension shortly afterwards. Landing in Bowser's Keep where the princess was kept, they inadvertently saved the princess. However, she could not easily return to the Mushroom Kingdom, and was cut off. In this state, the Mushroom Chancellor took temporary control as Mario began a counter-attack. The mechanical monster Mack conquered the Mushroom Kingdom, but Mario, with Mallow's help, was able to liberate the kingdom. Mario and Mallow eventually joined up with Geno, Princess Toadstool, and Bowser. This party traveled across the planet, liberating other countries, and reclaiming the scattered Star Pieces. Eventually, Mario and his comrades gained access to the futuristic Factory located in a different dimension. They stormed the factory and cornered Smithy, the leader of the gang. After destroying Smithy and returning to the Mushroom World, Mario and friends saw Exor dissolved into nothingness, breaking the link between the two dimensions and leaving the Mushroom Kingdom safe from future attacks by the gang.
Assault on Peach's Castle
- Main article: Super Mario 64
After helping Mario and Princess Toadstool save the Mushroom Kingdom from Smithy’s gang, and racing in the first Mario Kart tourney, it was unclear as to what Bowser’s intentions would be in the not-too-distant future. However, this period of hope was ended when the Koopa Troop directly invaded Princess Peach's Castle, isolating it from the rest of the kingdom. Once inside, the Koopas began an elaborate plan to ensure their success. Utilizing the Power Stars that provided energy to the castle, Bowser powered up his troops and entrusted the Stars to them. Each Star was hidden in an awkward location or in the hands of a boss. The majority of the Power Stars were hidden in worlds accessible through special paintings found in the castle. Trapped inside the castle's walls, Peach and the Toads could not send news of the attack to the outside world, but by coincidence Princess Peach had sent Mario an invitation to the castle that very same day. With the help of several Toads and hints left by Princess Peach, Mario obtained all 120 Power Stars and rescued Princess Peach.
Mario Kart 64 Tournament
- Main article: Mario Kart 64
As evidenced by the crowds that gathered in the arena-based racetracks, the second Mario Kart Tournament proved much more popular. Following Bowser’s first assault on Princess Peach’s Castle and Mario’s conflicts with Wario, it again served as an olive branch. The races took place in the Mushroom Kingdom, the Koopa Kingdom, Rainbow Road and possibly others. Famous tracks include Yoshi Valley. A short road, several bridges and minor signs mark the only manmade additions to the course.
Lands Beyond the Warp Pipe
- Main article: Mario Party
What started out as a personal competition between Mario and his friends at a party evolved into a full-scale adventure. When Mario invited a few of his closest friends to a party, an argument erupted over which of them was the Superstar of the Mushroom World. Toad decided that it would best be resolved through a contest to solve the many problems of the world. Several of these problems belonged to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Mario Golf Tournament
- Main article: Mario Golf
After the success of the Mario Kart tournaments, a golf tournament was held under Mario's name shortly afterward. Many famous people took part in the tournament, such as Mario, Peach, and Bowser, showing skill previously unpublicized. In addition, many new golfers, such as Charlie and Maple, rose to fame through the tourney. By this point in time, the possibility of a sporting event calming Bowser's ambitions was unbelievable, although it would be a long time before the Koopa tried again.
The New Land
- Main article: Mario Party 2
Mario gathered his friends together to create a theme park for them to enjoy. After viewing their work, the plumber named it Mario Land, after himself. Whether the others felt jealous or not, only Wario showed his feelings, destroying the front sign and replacing it with one that read "Wario Land." The tranquility broke and a fight erupted over the name. They were so absorbed by the argument that Bowser was able to pass by undetected and invade the land.
Witnessing this, Toad rushed towards the main gate and proposed that the gathering of heroes put aside their arguments and name the world after the one who defeated Bowser. Utilizing the same competitive spirit they had to resolve the problems of the world previously, the group was able to drive Bowser out of the world, but not before Bowser had established a stronghold known was Bowser Land. Toad named the land after the hero or heroine who defeated Bowser.
Mario Tennis Tournament
- Main article: Mario Tennis
After peace returned to the Mushroom Kingdom, a celebratory tennis tournament was held, named after the kingdom's hero, Mario. Many new and old faces attended the tournament. Even Bowser dared to show his face. However, he made it clear that his intentions were friendly. Additionally, the tourney lead to a great friendship between Peach and Princess Daisy, the princess of Sarasaland.
Koopa Siege on Star Haven
- Main article: Paper Mario
After another period of general tranquility, Bowser developed a new scheme to fulfill his dreams. Tired of his wishes being ignored by the seven Star Spirits, the granters of wishes, Bowser attacked Star Haven, where their source of power, the Star Rod was kept. He stole the Star Rod and kidnapped the Star Spirits into cards. After spreading the spirits to remote locations of the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser used his new, unlimited powers to transport his castle directly beneath Princess Peach’s Castle and elevated both into the upper reaches of the Mushroom World. Bowser thwarted Mario’s attempts to rescue Princess Peach by turning himself invincible, and nearly killed Mario in the process, sending him hurtling to the earth.
After many long fights with Bowser’s expansive force, Mario and a new group of allies were able to rescue all of the Star Spirits. The spirits granted Mario their failsafe against the Star Rod’s power, the Star Beam, which could temporarily end the effects of the rod. However, Kammy Koopa was able to render this useless with a special machine that powered up Bowser during Mario and his partners' siege on the castles. With the help of Twink, a Star Kid, Princess Peach was able to send her power to Mario and the Star Spirits. As a result, Mario was granted the Peach Beam and used it to destroy Bowser’s castle, sending Bowser and Kammy to the ground below. Using the rod, the spirits replaced Princess Peach’s Castle in Toad Town and returned to Star Haven.
Millenium Star
- Main article: Mario Party 3
One Millennium Star is born every one thousand years, and this particular star landed in the Mushroom Kingdom. Once there, the usual group of party-goers plus Daisy and Waluigi fought over it. Eventually, the Millennium Star revealed itself to be a fake. He had deceived them so that the true star could observe their true natures and accurately grant the title of Millennium Star to one of them.
"Dr. Mario and the Cold Caper"
- Main article: Dr. Mario 64
After partying it was widely known that Dr. Mario had contained the Viruses, he had not eradicated them. When Wario decided to steal Dr. Mario's remaining samples, the kingdom was threatened by another potential infection. Chasing down Wario, the doctor’s adventure proved involved and extensive. Finally, he recaptured the vials and contained the virus once again.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit Tournament
- Main article: Mario Kart: Super Circuit
A longer, but less prominent tournament, Super Circuit tourney proved to be one of the most challenging. Races took places in more exotic locations, such as Cheese Land and Ribbon Road among old favorites such as Bowser’s Castle. This tournament also marked the last time Coins were used as a method of powering up karts and continued the use of Item Boxes rather than ? Panels. Additionally, the Super Mario Kart tourney’s race tracks were reused for five of the cups.
King Boo Strikes
- Main article: Luigi's Mansion
Luring Mario to a remote mansion filled with ghosts, King Boo kidnapped the plumber. With Luigi off saving his brother, the fate of the kingdom was questionable. Princess Peach was frantic as she feared for the worst. With the help of Professor Elvin Gadd, Luigi was able to undo the damage caused by King Boo's Gang and eventually corner King Boo. However, the king counterattacked by sucking Luigi into a world beyond a painting of Bowser. Much like the paintings that Bowser had placed in Peach's castle, the world beyond was of questionable integrity. King Boo appeared to have possessed a fallen Bowser. While Luigi and E. Gadd were able to trap King Boo and "Bowser" inside a painting, the true identity of "Bowser" remains unknown. Some believed it to be a False Bowser while others believe that these events happen after the death of Bowser, an event which has not yet happened. Mario was safely rescued and the pair returned to their home. E. Gadd went on to benefit the kingdom with his inventions.
The Birthday Celebration
- Main article: Mario Party 4
For a group celebration of Peach and her closest friends' birthdays, the Party Cube came to Princess Peach’s Castle. Decked out for a party, a band of hosts presented the group with many challenges. After the party, the Party Cube flew away from the hosts and disappeared.
Toadstool Tour
- Main article: Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
Another golfing tour, the Toadstool Tour's main difference from the original tour was its players' new abilities. Now more advanced, the famous players were able to pull off even more advanced shots. The downside to this change was that the lesser known golfers were pushed to the side. The tour was made up of six different tournaments.
Double Dash Tourney
- Main article: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Following the Toadstool Tour, the Double Dash tournament made major changes to the classic formula set forth by its predecessors. Participants were split into groups of two, with each group commanding one kart. One participant drove the kart while the other used items. While all of the famous racers competed, several people famous for other deeds joined the races. These racers included Daisy, Waluigi, and Petey Piranha This tournament proved to be one of the most prominent of the Mario Kart tournaments, with fans easily filling multiple stadiums.
Cackletta's Attack
- Main article: Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
About one year after the racing tournament, Princess Peach met with a Goodwill Ambassador from the Beanbean Kingdom at her castle. Much to the kingdom's surprise, the meeting was really an extensive plot to steal Princess Peach's voice. The perpetrator was an evil witch named Cackletta with whom the Beanbean Kingdom had been grappling with for years. Luckily, this attack had been forseen by Prince Peasly of the Beanbean Kingdom. He wasted no time in alerting Peach of the situation. A Birdo agreed to disguise herself as the princess and stand in for her on the day of the attack. The Birdo's voice was stolen by the witch and replaced with an explosive vocabulary. Every time she spoke, the Birdo would cause explosions in the castle. Bowser arrived shortly after the attack to kidnap Peach, but finding the disguised Birdo, he instead lended Mario and Luigi a hand in defeating Cackletta. The trio set off for the Beanbean Kingdom.
Yet, Peach could not notify her heros of her true situation for security reasons. As soon as she received word of Cackletta's death at the hands of the Mario Bros., she rushed out to greet them. Almost immediately, she was kidnapped by Bowletta, who was truly Bowser possessed by Cackletta's disembodied spirit. After a long battle in the Beanbean Kingdom, the brothers were able to save the Peach and defeat Cackletta by destroying her spirit. Bowser was saved in the process.
Mini Mario Craze
- Main article: Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Deciding to cash-in on his popular image, Mario created the Mario Toy Company and released its first product, the Mini Mario. This wind up toy proved to be phenomenally successful, with demand overwhelming supply. As the company prepared a new shipment, Donkey Kong invaded the company factory and stole countless Mini Marios. Mario ran after Donkey Kong and eventually reclaimed the entire shipment.
The X-Nauts' Plot
- Main article: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Princess Peach and her faithful ward Toadsworth decided to make a visit to Rougeport while on vacation. While the idea appeared dangerous, as long as Toadsworth kept an eye on Peach, she was safe from trouble from the thugs of the town. However, when Peach sneaked away one day for a bit of freedom, she was snapped up by the X-Nauts. Word on the street was that Peach had found the Magical Map, an object the aliens had long sought. Luckily, Peach had previously sent the map to Mario, requesting that he come and help her look for the treasure marked.
When Mario arrived in Rougeport, he discovered what happened to the princess from various eye-witnesses. With the map and the help of Goombella and Professor Frankly, Mario discovered the Thousand-Year Door and realized that to find Princess Peach, he would need to track seven keys to the door. These keys, the Crystal Stars, were the treasures of the Magical Map. After many adventures and gaining new partners, Mario learned the full story of the X-Nauts. Sir Grodus, their leader, had long planned to unlock the Thousand-Year and use the "cataclysm" locked inside to take over the world. Still, this did not explain why they continued to hold Peach after questioning. Tricking Mario into opening the door, Sir Grodus reached the cataclysm moments before the plumber and his friends. The cataclysm that had been sealed away by the Crystal Shards was in actuality an apocalyptic demon known as the Shadow Queen. She returned to her former self by possessing Princess Peach, and proceeded to wreak havoc upon the scene. Defeating Grodus, she turned her anger to Mario and the rest of the world. Mario was able to defeat her after the Crystal Stars gathered positive energy from their hidden locations and returning it to the scene. The light that resulted freed Peach from her prison momentarily, and she charged up Mario and his partners with her remaining power.
After these events, Rougeport and its surrounding areas remained the roughest part of the Mushroom Kingdom. Yet, some peace had returned to the area, and hope had returned.
Government
The Mushroom Kingdom is a monarchy ruled by the Toadstool family. Currently, the ruler in power is Princess Peach Toadstool. While King Toadstool's exact role in the government has never been confirmed, he ceased to rule after Bowser's first direct attack on the kingdom. Yet, the fact that Princess Peach is not the queen may indicate that he still has political presence.
The Mushroom Chancellor remains in office for many years, allowing the royals to call on him for advice. In addition to his duties as advisor, the Chancellor may temporarily rule when the royal in power is to be away for an extended period of time. Princess Peach also employs many guards and attendants.
The kingdom's capital is Toad Town. Here, Princess Peach resides in a castle that is commonly referred to as Princess Peach's Castle. From here, Princess Peach takes care of her political duties, such as speaking with foreign ambassadors and holding parties. This building doubles as The castle interior and exterior have changed over time to reflect current needs.
Princess Peach keeps a hoard of Toads guards at her castle, but there is no evidence of an extensive military controlled by the Toadstools. During the Shroob Invasion, the Toadstools kept an extensive military, but it was quickly wiped out. Whether this organization has resumed is unknown. However, Mario, Luigi, and many other heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom have fought to save it and its princess countless times before. The Mario Bros. show no signs of stopping this trend. Currently, Princess Peach staffs and supports Toad Houses in major towns near Toad Town.
Demographics
The Mushroom Kingdom's population is very vast, consisting of hundreds of species. Most prevalent are Toads, Koopas, Goombas, Yoshis, and Boos. Even though Princess Peach is human, there are very few humans living in the Mushroom Kingdom.
While racism is not much of a problem in the kingdom, species tend to segregate themselves into different areas. For example, Toad Town's population is almost entirely made up of Toads, while Shiver City is inhabited by many Bumpties.
Currency
Main article: Coin
The Mushroom Kingdom primarily uses Coins for tender, referred to as Mushroom Coins in the Beanbean Kingdom. Coming in three varieties, Gold Coin, Red Coin, and Blue Coin, Coins are often found scattered throughout the Kingdom for unknown reasons. The coin has undergone several changes throughout the years; the three most famous Coin designs are the the blank design, the star design, the and the most recent "1" design.
Compared to Beanbean Coins from the Beanbean Kingdom, Coins are of little worth (their exact comparative worth is constantly fluctuating). It is unknown if this signifies a good economy in Beanbean or a bad one in the Mushroom Kingdom. It could also simply mean that the Mushroom Kingdom uses very small units of measurement compared to the Beanbean Kingdom in terms of currency.
Additionally, the gold system featured in Luigi's Mansion may additionally be used in the Mushroom Kingdom, although it is unconfirmed.
Towns and Castles
- Toad Town (Capital City)
- Princess Peach's Castle (the princess' castle)
- Mario's Pad (Mario and Luigi's house)
- Goomba Village (A small village populated by one Goomba family)
- Koopa Village (A village of Koopa Troopas)
- Koopa Bros. Fortress (The Koopa Bros. hideout)
- Dry Dry Outpost (A small desert town home to Dryites)
- Dry Dry Ruins (The ancient home of the Nomadimice)
- Forever Forest (A spooky forest guarded by an old spirit)
- Boo's Mansion (One of many ghost houses found in the world)
- Gusty Gulch (The path to Tubba Blubba's Castle; includes a village home to Boos)
- Tubba Blubba's Castle (A castle filled with Clubbas and their master, Tubba Blubba)
- Lavalava Island (An island with a volcano and a village full of Yoshis and Ravens)
- Flower Fields (Flowers and fauna grow here; home to the Bub-ulbs)
- Shiver City (A city full of Bumpties)
- Starborn Valley (Stars are born here)
- Crystal Palace (An intricate maze of mirrors and statues)
- Hollijolli Village (A jolly little town until the Shroobs invaded)
- Mushroom City (A giant city with many buildings)
- Mushroom Bridge (A bridge near Mushroom City)
Species of the Mushroom Kingdom
Protectors of the Mushroom Kingdom
- Mario
- Luigi
- Princess Peach
- Toad
- Toadsworth
- Yoshi
- Twink
- Mallow
- Goombario
- Kooper
- Bombette
- Parakarry
- Bow
- Watt
- Sushie
- Lakilester
- Star Spirits
- Wise Wisterwood
Appearances in Other Media
In The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, the Mushroom Kingdom, most commonly referred to as the "Mushroom Land", was a central plot point in the show; the Mushroom Kingdom was apparently under the influence of King Koopa in the show, and Mario, Luigi, Toad and Princess Toadstool spent the bulk of the series' episodes searching for someone or something that could free it from his grasp. King Koopa's hold on the Mushroom Kingdom was relinquished in one the last episodes of the show, "Flatbush Koopa".
The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 seemed to have combined both the Mushroom Kingdom and Grass Land into one location; in Super Mario World, which took place in Dinosaur Land (renamed "Dinosaur World") the Mushroom Kingdom was only mentioned in the shows last episode, "Mama Luigi", which revealed King Koopa and his armies were successfully driven from it and the surrounding areas.
Trivia
- The Mushroom Kingdom is almost always referred to with the word "the" in front of its name, although Super Mario RPG constantly referred to it simply as "Mushroom Kingdom" due to the fact that it was merely a small town area in that game.
