Quick Links
Super Mario RPGis known for its outstanding cast of characters, but one member of Mario’s team tends to be overshadowed - Mallow. He’s the very first party member you meet, and thanks tothe Super Mario RPG Remake on Switch, he makes his triumphant return to the Mario universe after a nearly 30-year absence.
Mallow’s backstory and character arc play a vital role in the story of Super Mario RPG. Since beloved characters like Geno often hog the spotlight, Mallow’s tragic past and rise to become a noble hero are often overlooked. So, who exactly is Mallow?
What Is Mallow’s Backstory?
Mallow is part of a species called Nimbus, made of people resembling clouds. He comes from the kingdom of Nimbus Land, which floats in the sky on a massive cloud.
However, Mallow is no ordinary resident.His parents are the king and queen of Nimbus Land, making him the prince. Sadly, tragedy struck the royal family when Mallow was separated from his parents as an infant.
Mallow was later discovered near Tadpole Pond by the village elder, Frog Sage, who saw the cloud-like toddler floating down the river in a basket during a terrible storm.
After retrieving the basket from the violent waters, the wise frog noticed the child was wearing a belt inscribed, “Mallow.” Being of pure heart,the elder decided to take him in and raise himas one of his own.
To spare the child the harsh truth, Frog Sage didn’t tell Mallow he was adopted. Because of this,Mallow grew up thinking he was a tadpole.
Unfortunately, this lie led to many issues for the young Nimbus. According to the Super Mario RPG Strategy Guide,Mallow never felt like he belonged with the frog children. After all, he had no tail, struggled to swim, and couldn’t jump very high.
Nevertheless, Mallow continues living the lie until he meets Mario. After partnering up with the famous plumber, Mallow quickly learns the shocking truth about his past.
How Does Mallow Find Out About His Past?
Mario comes across Mallow in the Mushroom Kingdom shortly afterMallow has been robbed by a crooked thief named Croco. After catching the burglar and returningthe stolen Frog Cointo Mallow, Mario accompanies the young cloud back to Tadpole Pond.
Upon arrival, the two heroes are greeted by Frog Sage. After hearing about Mario’s adventure, the old frog decides now is the right time for Mallow to learn the truth about his family.
Mallow is understandably stunned by the news, buthis foster grandfather advises him to join Mario’s teamso he can find his biological family. Mallow, with a newly-found hunger for answers, decides to set aside his fear and travel the world in search of his birth parents.
What Are Mallow’s Powers?
What Mallow lacks in physical strength, he makes up for with magical abilities. As a Nimbus,Mallow has the power to control the weather,granting him a wide array of special attacks.
He can summon lightning to strike down hoards of enemies, trap his foes in a giant snowman, and even create rain with healing properties to treat his friends' wounds.
His most powerful attack is Star Rain, which allows him to summon a massive shooting star to crush every enemy on the battlefield multiple times. Aside from weather-based spells,Mallow can read people’s minds, letting him learn his opponent’s weaknesses.
However,Mallow isn’t in full control of his powers. He can unintentionally change the weather when his emotions overwhelm him. This can be seen after he gets robbed by Croco when his crying sparks a downpour throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
His biggest weakness is his lack of courage, which causes him to get scared several times throughout the adventure. Nonetheless, no matter how terrified he is, he sticks by Mario’s side throughout the entire journey, blossoming into a hero in his own right.
Does Mallow Find His Birth Parents?
Near the end of Super Mario RPG, Mario and his team travel to Nimbus Land and quickly realizethe residents look strikingly similar to Mallow.
Shortly after arriving, they meet the Queen of Nimbus Land, Valentina, who hasreplaced the missing prince with an impostor. The heroes later discover that Valentina was once an aide to the royal court, who locked the real king and queen away after their son disappeared.
Once they learn the truth,Mario and his party overthrow the wicked Queen Valentinaand free the true rulers from imprisonment. The kingdom rejoices asMallow is reunited with his long-lost parents.
After a wholesome reunion, Mallow decides to continue adventuring with Mario, promising he’ll return when their mission is complete. At the end of the game,Mallow can be seen addressing the people of Nimbus Land, now dressed in a crown and cape.
This indicates that he has finally claimed his rightful role as prince. Mallow may have started as a scaredy-cat, but there’s no denying that he bloomed into a brave and noble leader.
