Jaxi
- “I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself - I go quick.”
- —Jaxi, Super Mario Odyssey
Jaxis[1] are jaguar-like 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 completing the mission "The Treasure of 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.[2] 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.[3]
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 , and dismount by pressing . 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 poisoned water.[4] If the player falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot the player found it.[1]
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
Gallery
- SMO Gold Statue.PNG
Super Mario Odyssey
- SMO-ND0913-SCRN12.jpg
Super Mario Odyssey
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ライドン・バス[5] Raidon Basu |
Raidon Bus; raidon is based on either 「ライド」 (raido, ride), 「ライオン」 (raion, lion) or both | |
| 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 |
References
- ^ a b IGN. (June 13, 2017). Mario Gets An Awesome Mount to Ride In Super Mario Odyssey. YouTube. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
- ^ Nintendo EPD. (October 27, 2017). "Aw, were you takin' me to see my family, you old softy?" - Jaxi. Super Mario Odyssey. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^ Nintendo EPD. (October 27, 2017). "I know this place [atop the Inverted Pyramid]. But my days of standing around are done." - Jaxi. Super Mario Odyssey. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^ Nintendo. (June 16, 2017). Super Mario Odyssey Gameplay with Developers at E3 2017 – Nintendo Minute. YouTube. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
- ^ https://mobile.twitter.com/mario_odysseyJP/status/887790674766057472
