Bowser

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Bowser
BowserMPIT.png
Full name Bowser Koopa
Species Koopa
Residence Koopa Kingdom

King Bowser Koopa, alternatively called Lord Bowser or simply Bowser, is the ruler of the Koopa Kingdom and the leader of the Koopa Troop. His minions refer to him as "Lord Bowser" or some variation of "Your highness" that replaces the word high with a negative trait Bowser has. While the only confirmed biological relative of Bowser's is his son, Bowser Jr., Kamek raised him and continues to serve and advise him. Bowser and the Koopa Troop have tried to take over the Mushroom Kingdom many times. Bowser is known across the world for being the leader of a nation with a formidable military, as well as his monstrous appearance, frequent kidnappings of Princess Peach and his frequent conflicts with his arch nemesis, Mario. He has a group of 7 minions known as the Koopalings who are his high-ranking generals.

History

Early Life

The identity of Bowser's parents, and the exact time of Bowser's birth, are unknown. However, his parents were likely the King and Queen of the Koopa Kingdom at the time, as he was the prince, and he was raised by Kamek.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

As a baby, Bowser, who was then Prince of the Koopa Kingdom, encountered the newborn Mario, as well as Yoshi. He attacked Mario in attempt to ride the Yoshi. This was the beginning of Mario's lifelong fight against Bowser.

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Later in Bowser's childhood, he entered Peach's Castle and attempted to kidnap Princess Peach. Toadsworth tried to attack him, but was defeated. Mario then fought and defeated Bowser. Shortly thereafter, Shroob ships attacked the castle. Prince Bowser, along with Peach, Toadsworth, Mario, and Luigi, fled from the castle on the Koopa Cruiser. However, the Cruiser was pursued and attacked by Shroob ships. Bowser, who was in command of the cruiser, successfully destroyed all the pursuing ships. The cruiser flew over Hollijolli Village, attacked Shroobs in the village at the time, and landed in the village.

Adult Life

Super Mario Bros.

In Super Mario Bros., Bowser had grown up and commanded his forces to take control of the Mushroom Kingdom. Using his magic spell, he turned the Toads into mere stones, bricks, and even field horse-hair plants. He then kidnapped all of Princess Peach’s Mushroom Retainers and Princess Peach herself, as she’s the only one who can undo his magic spell. When he was done taking over, he took a big nap.[1]

All of a sudden, the Mario Bros. arrived at his castle holding Princess Peach. The two brothers then sank Bowser into lava as Peach is returned to her castle.[2]

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

In Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, not deterred by his failure, Bowser enacted the exact same plan in taking over the Mushroom Kingdom, including turning its citizens inanimate. This time, Bowser took Princess Peach to a “parallel world”, and the kingdom is under much tighter control by his forces.[3][4][5][6]

When the Mario Bros. arrived at the castle holding Princess Peach, he fought the two before falling yet again. Although saved, Bowser kidnapped Peach again and forced the two brothers to travel through five more worlds before finally being defeated and allowing Peach to be saved, unleashing the Mushroom Kingdom of his control.

Super Mario Bros. (Game & Watch)

In Super Mario Bros. (Game & Watch), Bowser kidnapped Peach yet again and had taken her to one of his castles. Peach was saved when Mario reached the castle he was at, throwing him out of the castle, defeated.[7]

Super Mario Bros. 3

In Super Mario Bros. 3, Bowser hired the Koopalings, a group of 7 Koopas that love to be mean, to invade the 7 neighboring countries of the Mushroom World and spread chaos. While the Mario Bros. are away saving the kings, Bowser snatched Peach and sent a letter daring the Bros. to come to his castle in Dark Land.[8]

Having the Bros. at his castle, Bowser took to stomping and breathing fire onto the brothers. What he didn’t expect was that the floor was quite breakable, and so Mario & Luigi lured him to break open a hole in the floor, sending him tumbling into the castle’s depths below.

Yoshi Topsy-Turvy

In Yoshi Topsy-Turvy, Bowser had been raising trouble all over.[9] His current rampage was on Eggland where he wanted to eat all of the Egglings. Bowser gave chase to the Egglings, hunting them down to Yoshi’s Island. Having found them all, he cursed them into apples to keep them from running.[10] Then suddenly, Hongo, spirit of the Forbidden Pop-Up Book, sealed Bowser away inside the book to stop any more rampages from occurring.

Inside the book, Bowser found his way inside a cave on the last page of the book and Yoshi started attacking him with falling bombs before tilting the world to cause Bowser to fall deeper inside the book. Bowser swears revenge on Yoshi, saying he’ll remember this day, before falling deeper inside the book.[11]

Bowser escaped the book not long after.

Super Mario World

In Super Mario World, Bowser invaded Dinosaur Land and all of its areas. To help further with this, he placed a terrible spell under the Reznors, forcing them to defend the four fortresses spread throughout Dinosaur Land.[12] The Koopalings were also placed inside seven castles across Dinosaur Land. The Valley of Bowser, right in the middle of Dinosaur Land and also holding his castle, was hidden under the seabed and could only be accessed via a Magic Ball inside the sunken airship that crashed after the events of Super Mario Bros. 3. Yoshi’s friends were also sealed inside eggs, Yoshi himself being sealed in one when he tried to save them.

Later, Mario, Luigi, and Peach arrived at Dinosaur Land for vacation. This was a prime opportunity for Bowser to kidnap Peach and hide her inside the Valley of Bowser. When the Mario Bros. arrived on top of his castle, he unleashed his Koopa Clown Car and unleashed a barrage of harmful bubbles and Mechakoopas. However, the Mario Bros. threw one last Mechakoopa towards him, shortcircuiting his car and releasing Princess Peach.

Tetris Attack

In Tetris Attack, Bowser returned to Yoshi’s Island and had Kamek cast a spell on the island to make it rain, threatening to flood it over. Moreover, he also enchanted Yoshi’s friends to work for him. After doing his invasion, he took a nap.

When he awoke to Yoshi’s friends challenging him, he scoffed and fought the group.[13] When beaten, he can not believe he’s been so completely beaten, and by a Yoshi no less. He couldn’t believe such a Yoshi would be so strong. Bowser’s control over the island was released, and Yoshi’s Island wouldn’t flood.

Rainshower (Modern)

In Rainshower (Modern), Bowser emerged from a tree holding onto a clothesline where Mario, Toad, and Donkey Kong Jr. were hanging from. There, Bowser tries throwing a bunch of colored water balloons at the group.[14] Bowser continued this rampage, even when Peach joined the group in swinging around the wires.[15]

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

While the events begin as yet another battle between Mario and Bowser, Bowser's Castle is taken over by the Smithy Gang. Bowser and the Koopa Troop attempt to retake the castle, but fail, leaving Bowser without of any of his resources. Eventually, Bowser teams up with Mario so that he can get his castle back. He also agrees to help restore Star Road. They are eventually successful in doing so.

Yoshi's Safari

The Koopa King then briefly turned his efforts to conquering Jewelry Land. This plan also failed due to the efforts of Mario and Yoshi.

Super Mario Kart

Eventually, Bowser was allowed to participate in a go-kart racing competition that included Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi.

Paper Mario

During the events of Paper Mario, Bowser steals the Star Rod from Star Haven. He is eventually defeated by Mario

Personality

One thing you can't describe Bowser as is a quitter.[16][17] This evil,[18] intimidating,[19] awful,[20] and scary[21] King of all the Koopas[22][23] is a destructive person with fits of rage pumping through his veins,[24][25] and who isn't gallant when it comes to his goals,[26] always determined to crush his opponents like a bug.[27] He is a nasty as he looks,[28] and ugly to others.[29] This amount of monstrous power can certainly be boasted about,[30][31] and he is indeed prideful of it,[32] calling his power unparalled with a beyond-question authority.[33] He's even described to possess more charisma and destructive power than a trillion Marios.[34]

His main operandi is selfish conquest, of which he has many attempts under his claws, most prominently being the Mushroom Kingdom which he likes wrecking up in order to capture Princess Peach, him dreaming to rule over it.[35][18][36] The times he has fully invaded the Mushroom Kingdom, or atleast parts of it, Bowser has turned its citizens into inanimate objects in Super Mario Bros., and forced its Toad citizens to work for him in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. Other locations affected include the Sprixie Kingdom, Jewelry Land, Dinosaur Land, and many other Kingdoms Bowser trashed around to fulfill his own desires. In one case where he did successfully take over a kingdom, Bowser has removed nearly all of its culture, its origin becoming so unrecognizable that a brochure describing the kingdom believed Bowser's Kingdom was always Bowser's. Bowser's ultimate goal is to become the ruler of not just the world,[37] but every corner of the universe.[38]

Bowser's problems are his inability to think up the best of plans,[39] often being content with his first few steps and taking an extended time before continuing off from that.[40] His anger is also an ultimate factor, letting it control him and throwing fire around everywhere. One thing that really angers him, fuels him with unquenchable rage, is not being invited, such as with meetings or vacations.[41][42]

Bowser is willing to set aside his destructive tendencies to save the world,[43] though he'll grumble along the way.[44] While he'll do the same for sporting events, he'll put his full passion inside the sport, causing mayhem and destruction along the way,[45] sometimes being too much to handle or too baffling for other players.[46][47] He's described as a megaton of a player for this reason,[48] with historical wins under his belt.[49] When he's outmatched all other players, he'll proudly declare the sport he's playing to be too boring.[50] Or even when he hasn't played against other players yet, he'll boast he'll obviously win.[51]

Other minor traits of him include having the fanciest sticker collection in all of the Mushroom Kingdom.[52] He's also noted to show fear towards Mario's gold form,[53] human skeleton,[54] clowns.[55] and Mario in only his swimming trunks.[56]

Relationships

Mario

Mario is Bowser's eternal arch-enemy,[21][57] always causing him to use up all of his assets to halt his progress.[22][39] When it does come to their eventual showdown, Bowser awaits him personally in order to fight him.[18] He's Mario's greatest foe,[58] and it's presumed their squabble to continue until the end of time.[59] Part of his hobbies are thinking of ways to foil Mario once and for all.[60]

Despite their bitter rivalry, he's willing to set it aside for other matters, such as the sake of the sport or saving the world.[61][43] Despite the temporary alliance, he's not happy working alongside him.[44] The sight of Mario's face will also outright spark Bowser to fly into a fit of rage,[62] and Bowser's motivation with most sporting events are to beat Mario as a petty win against him.[63][64][65][66]

Princess Peach

Bowser started kidnapping Peach to take control of the Mushroom Kingdom without anyone to save it. As time has rolled around, however, Bowser has fallen in love with her.[67] Bowser keeps snatching Peach,[68] and he also believes he's the only person fit to kidnap Peach.[69] Bowser's kidnappings are, in his own way, an affectionate way of telling Peach that he loves her. In his own wishes, Bowser wants Peach to love him.[70]

Despite his love, when Bowser's anger bubbles up, such as not being invited to meetings, Bowser will resort to insulting Peach as he does with everyone else.[41]

Koopa Troop

Bowser is a beloved king to his minions,[34] his unyielding determination rallying them all together for him.[17] Despite his selfishness, Bowser takes good care of his underlings.[24] If his minions are in danger, or sees having them turned against him, Bowser is prepared to fight against the person responsible for this.[71]

Bowser strongly believes in his troops, as he sees them as the highest-grade minions,[72] and even finding it impressive if someone manages to defeat one of his top men.[73] Despite his pride over them, he still wants them at their peak performance and earn their paychecks.[74]

Bowser Jr.

Bowser Jr. is Bowser's only child, affectionately called "Junior" by Bowser, and also what causes Bowser to behave himself.[75] Bowser's responsible for spoiling him a bit too much[76] and he knows that, believing that with enough guidance from other people, that he can grow up strong and wise.[77]

Other enemies

In Mario Super Sluggers, Bowser has bad chemistry with everyone that lives in the Mushroom Kingdom, such as Toadette and Toadsworth. In the same game, he also has bad chemistry with King K. Rool.

References

  1. Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. artwork of Bowser sleeping
  2. Seándwalsh (March 30th, 2021). Retrieved March 30th 2021
  3. Super Mario All Stars. 25th Anniversary Edition Manual. Retrieved March 30th 2021
  4. Super Mario Bros. 2 booklet pg. 2. Retrieved March 30th 2021
  5. Japanese Virtual Console Website. Retrieved March 30th 2021
  6. Story description from the game’s original manual, which states that Mario must “once again” restore peace to the Mushroom Kingdom. Retrieved March 30th 2021
  7. Super Mario Bros. (Game & Watch) Instruction Manual Story. Retrieved March 30th 2021
  8. packattack04082 (March 23, 2023). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  9. LongplayArchive (May 18, 2023). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  10. LongplayArchive (May 18, 2023). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  11. LongplayArchive (May 18, 2023). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  12. Super Mario World manual, page 19
  13. FCPlaythroughs (April 12, 2020). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  14. Japancommercials4U2 (November 29, 2009). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  15. Japancommercials4U2 (November 29, 2009). Retrieved October 27, 2023
  16. "The flame-haired, fire-breathing King of the Koopas could never be described as a quitter. For every failed attempt to hold Princess Peach captive, Bowser seems to have five more schemes up his sizeable sleeve. Could his latest plot finally see him getting the better of Mario?" -EU Website, New Super Mario Bros. Wii
  17. 17.0 17.1 Bowser: Hear this! I will kidnap Peach OVER and OVER until I pull it off! And no one can stop me! Losing is not an option! And neither is giving up! // Private Goomp: That's why you're the boss, boss! // Sergeant Guy: Sir, permission to call you the coolest! // Corporal Paraplunk: I would follow you into a BOTTOMLESS PIT!, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 "This evil king likes to wreck the Mushroom Kingdom. He waits for Mario inside each of the castles he's built." -Notebook bio, Super Mario Run
  19. "Too intimidating to be jolly? Either way, Bowser (Santa) makes a festive debut on the Holiday King kart! This year, Bowser will decide if you've been naughty or nice in #MarioKartTour!" -Mario Kart Tour Twitter
  20. "He's an awful person who makes mayhem for Mario and his friends." -Character Data 2, Mario Party Advance
  21. 21.0 21.1 "A statue of Mario's eternal rival, Bowser. Scary to see at night." -Bowser Statue description, Super Mario Run
  22. 22.0 22.1 "The dastardly King of the Koopas is making Mario's life difficult once again. He'll spit fireballs, shake the ground, and throw whatever he can get his hands on to keep you from getting to Princess Peach." -NA website Super Mario 3D Land
  23. "Could the king of all Koopas be anything less than the heaviest racer on the course? Of course not. Cruisers like Bowser easily punch aside any lighter racers without breaking a sweat, though they also have to contend with having a tough time in the corners, along with some abysmal acceleration." -Bio, Mario Kart 8
  24. 24.0 24.1 "A constellation based on the lord of the Koopa Troops himself. Though selfish and prone to fits of rage, he takes good care of his underlings." -Koopa Major, Mario Party 9
  25. "With road rage pumping through his veins, Bowser is the biggest brute on the track. It's impossible to push him around, but his weighty shell makes his acceleration suffer." -Bio, Mario Kart: Super Circuit
  26. "Decked out in a tux to pop the big question! He looks pretty gallant for once, so... Maybe he'll get a "yes"?" -Bowser (Wedding) Statue description, Super Mario Run
  27. "Yoshi! How dare a weakling you like stand up to the great King Bowser. You're 10 years... no, 100 years... no, 10,000 too early to face me. I'll crush you like a bug!" -Bowser, Tetris Attack (Super Mario Wiki translation)
  28. "Boy, does he look nasty! He's strong enough as it is, but I'm sure he can use that Star Rod to increase his power until he's nearly invincible. Princess Peach needs us! Let's take him, Mario!" -Goombario, Paper Mario
  29. "He's uglier than I expected." -Goombella, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year-Door
  30. "The King of the Koopas has monstrous strength and even more monstrous breath." -Website bio, Super Mario Party
  31. "Bowser can boast the most power on the course. Just looking at his massive girth is enough to blow you away!" -Instruction book, Mario Golf (N64)
  32. "Bowser is proud of his power. The shots released from his massive body have explosive power! No shot is too strong for him to return." -Bio, Mario Tennis Open
  33. "Bowser's the fiercest force anywhere! His power is unparalleled! And his authority is beyond question! That's what he'd like you to think anyway!" -Bowser trophy, Mario Party DS
  34. 34.0 34.1 "The great and beloved king of the Minions! Father of Bowser Jr. He possesses more charisma and destructive power than a trillion Marios." -Bowser Jr.'s Journey profile
  35. "Donning his shiny new paper crown, Bowser has wrangled up his minions and laid waste to the Mushroom Kingdom." -NA website bio, Paper Mario: Sticker Star
  36. "The king of the Koopas dreams of ruling the Mushroom Kingdom, and only Mario and his brave friends stand in his way! This towering tyrant commands many minions—including Koopa Troopas, Goombas, Bullet Bills, and Shy Guys—and together they wreak havoc upon the Mushroom Kingdom. He often stirs up trouble, but despite his monstrous strength and fiery breath, Mario and company always find a way to stop him." -Original bio, The official home of Super Mario
  37. "Will Bowser use the Star Rod to become ruler of the world? It's up to Mario to make sure that never happens!" -Instruction book, Paper Mario
  38. "From this galaxy, I'll rule a great galactic empire with Peach by my side. It will last forever! I will rule ever pitiful corner of the universe. So, Mario, as you can see, I got big plans. And stomping you is at the top of my list!" -Bowser, Super Mario Galaxy
  39. 39.0 39.1 "Bowser is the king of the Koopas and Mario's eternal rival. He breathes fire, hurls hammers, and uses all sorts of weapons in hopes of taking out Mario. As his size suggests, he's immensely powerful. His plans aren’t always the best, and sometimes he even finds himself on Mario’s side." -amiibo description
  40. "He seems content right now, mainly because he defeated you and captured the princess. Soon enough, though, I fear he will wish for more...and then terrible things will happen." -Skolar, Paper Mario
  41. 41.0 41.1 Peach: What are you doing here?! We're in an important meeting! The kingdom's in danger! // Bowser: Gee, PARDON ME! Guess what? I live here, Your Royal Genius! I've got as much right to be in this meeting as anyone! I mean, right? Help me out here! Toadsworth! Back me up!, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
  42. "This makes me MAD!! MAAAAD!! GRRRAAA!!!! Ooo... I'M...SO...VERY...ANGRY!!! They're going on vacation...AND NOT TAKING ME! And after ALL I've done for them! GRRAAAHH!" -Bowser, Mario Party 7
  43. 43.0 43.1 "Yep. Mario teams up with Bowser. These two archenemies have put aside their differences and joined forces. Let's hope this alliance sticks. Watch your back, Mario." -Instruction book, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
  44. 44.0 44.1 "Mario's mean-spirited rival needs no introduction. He's not too happy about having to help out Mario." -Catch Card, Super Paper Mario
  45. "Mario's arch-enemy returns for even more mayhem and destruction! Does Bowser have what it takes to be the fastest and the strongest?" -EU manual, Mario Kart Wii
  46. "His impressive serve may be too much to handle." -Instruction book, Mario Tennis (N64)
  47. "His strength and stamina baffles batters!", Mario Super Sluggers
  48. "There’s only one style possible for this megaton of a player. No matter how hard you hit the ball towards him, he'll always return it with interest." -Bio 2, Mario Tennis Open
  49. "WHAT A GAME! Bowser's Team Wins a Slugfest for the Ages" -Mario Sports Superstars
  50. "Bwaaahhh ha HA! I'm so good, golfing is starting to get boring! BORING!" -Bowser, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
  51. Time to play me! But why bother? I'Il obviously win! Gwah ha ha ha!” -Bowser, Mario Superstar Baseball
  52. "DID YOU KNOW? Bowser has the absolute fanciest sticker collection in all of the Mushroom Kingdom." -NA website bio, Paper Mario: Sticker Star
  53. Zephiel810 (November 2, 2017)
  54. Zephiel810 (November 2, 2017)
  55. Zephiel810 (November 2, 2017)
  56. Zephiel810 (November 2, 2017)
  57. "Mario's arch-enemy is waiting for him in his castle..." -EU website Super Mario 3D Land
  58. "Bowser, King of Koopas and Mario's greatest foe." -Name, Mario Party: Star Rush
  59. "That's Bowser, genius. You've only fought this guy like, a bazillion times. He'll keep kidnapping Peach, and you'll keep fighting him, until the end of time." -Goombella, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
  60. "Bowser is the big, boastful bruiser of the Mushroom Kingdom, and ruler of the Koopas. His hobbies are terrorizing Princess Peach and thinking up ways to foil Mario once and for all." -NA website bio, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
  61. "During Mario Kart season, Mario and his arch enemy Bowser put their differences aside for the sake of the sport. Bowser is the biggest of the group and therefore his karts are the slowest to accelerate. But his top speed is the highest of all." -EU website, Mario Kart DS
  62. "MAAARIO! Are you seriously trying to start with me again?! I hear about this big meeting, and I'm all ready to act nice... But man, the second I see your face, Mr. Nice Bowser is GONE. Yeah, forget your dumb meeting! I'll pummel you and grab Peach!" -Bowser, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
  63. Kid! You kept me waiting! I came here to beat Mario!” -Mario Golf (GBC)
  64. "We started playing Tennis so we could defeat Mario! But we haven’t even come close to beating him..." -Bowser, Mario Tennis (GBC)
  65. I came to this tourney to crush Mario on the links! What do I care about this loser?” -Bowser, Mario Golf: Advance Tour
  66. The Bowser Highlands Course was specifically designed for a showdown with Mario. We’d just finished putting in the final tricks and traps...” -Buzzy Beetle, Mario Golf: Super Rush
  67. "Pops up all over. Has the hots for Peach." -Character Data 1, Mario Party Advance
  68. "Bowser isn’t exactly a “friend,” but where would Mario be without a troublesome giant Koopa who keeps snatching Princess Peach? The world would certainly be a lot less fun." -Play Nintendo
  69. "It wouldn't be the same without Bowser, so it's a good thing he turns up to Pi'illo Island, too—uninvited, of course. He's pretty peeved when he finds out someone else has kidnapped Princess Peach!" -NA website bio, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
  70. "For as long as we can remember, Bowser has been making wishes like, for instance... "I'd like to trounce Mario" or "I want Princess Peach to like me." Of course, Stars ignore such selfish wishes." -Mamar, Paper Mario
  71. "Folded up and humiliated by Olly, Bowser is looking a little less intimidating nowadays. After seeing many of his minions turned against him, Bowser is plotting to take the Origami King down a peg." -EU website bio, Paper Mario: The Origami King
  72. Bowser: Cheep Cheep! Blooper! Listen up! // Bowser Jr.: Oh yeah! This should go swimmingly! // Bowser: Bwahaha! You know it! I hire only the highest-grade minions!, Mario Party 9
  73. "Really? You defeated Mr. Blizzard? That's...actually kind of impressive." -Bowser, Mario Party: Island Tour
  74. Bowser: Presenting the ferocious Spike and the mighty Chain Chomp! // Bowser Jr.: Yikes! Even I'm a little scared of these guys. // Bowser: Spike! Chain Chomp! Go earn your paychecks!, Mario Party 9
  75. "Mario's archnemesis. Will racing with his son make him behave better?" -Instruction book, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
  76. "In regards to his son, Bowser Jr., Bowser spoils him a bit too much. But, to Bowser Jr., Bowser is his strong and proud father." -Kids section. (Super Mario Wiki translation)
  77. "Oh yeah, one more thing... Keep an eye on Junior, will ya? He's a good kid...he just needs guidance. I want him to grow up strong and wise...just like me. All right! Junior is in your hands. This is an order! But also...I'm asking you as a concerned father." -Bowser, Bowser Jr.'s Journey