Sarah Brown
The idea that Mario is high on mushrooms in the Super Mario Bros. franchise is a long-standing joke. In the game, Mario eats mushrooms, grows bigger, and feels more powerful, similar to the effects of psilocybin mushrooms. While the creators deny any direct association with psychedelics, they acknowledge the historical link between mushrooms and magical realms in folklore. The mushrooms in the game may be inspired by the Amanita muscaria mushroom, which can cause hallucinations and euphoria when ingested in small amounts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power-up | Mario gets a power-up after eating a mushroom, which makes him feel more powerful. |
| Timeframe | It takes about 4 hours to complete some of the games, and Psilocybin mushrooms last about 6 hours. |
| Job Hazards | Mario is a plumber, and plumbers can inhale toxic fumes in sewers, which could cause hallucinations. |
| Hallucinations | The effects of Psilocybin mushrooms align with Mario's experiences, such as intense visuals and feelings of empowerment. |
| Folk Tales | Mushrooms are commonly associated with magical realms and folk tales, which may have inspired the game designers. |
| Mushroom Type | The mushrooms in the game resemble Amanita Muscaria mushrooms, which can cause hallucinations and are known as "magic mushrooms." |
| Drug References | The game includes other potential drug references, such as cacti (peyote) and flowers (ayahuasca). |
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What You'll Learn
Mario's performance-enhancing mushrooms
The idea that Mario is high on mushrooms in the Super Mario Bros. franchise is a long-standing joke. However, there may be some truth to this theory.
The original Super Mario Bros. game features magic mushrooms that cause strange things to happen to Mario, such as growing in size. In an interview, the game's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, confirmed that the mushrooms were indeed intended to be magic. He also noted that there is often an association between mushrooms and magical realms in folklore and fantasy works, such as Alice in Wonderland.
Some have speculated that the mushrooms in the game are specifically psilocybin or "magic mushrooms", known for their psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. The Amanita muscaria mushroom, which bears a striking resemblance to the mushrooms in the game, has been reported to cause euphoria, intense visual and auditory hallucinations, and overall enlightening experiences when ingested in small amounts.
While it is unlikely that the game developers directly associated the mushrooms with psychedelics, the idea of Mario's performance-enhancing mushrooms has persisted in popular culture. These mushrooms could be interpreted as a form of "doping" or performance-enhancing substance, similar to how ancient pagans used certain mushrooms to gain power.
The impact of the mushrooms on Mario's abilities and the fantastical nature of the game world support the theory that Mario's adventures are influenced by the consumption of psychedelic substances.
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The psychedelic effects of Amanita muscaria mushrooms
The Amanita muscaria mushroom, commonly known as fly agaric, is a distinctive red and white mushroom that has been used for intoxicating and religious purposes in several cultures, particularly by the Siberians. While it is not one of the most popular mushrooms for recreational or medicinal use, it does have psychedelic effects and can cause hallucinations. Some users have described its effects as similar to a "psychedelic ketamine", while others have likened it to alcohol intoxication.
The key psychoactive constituents in Amanita muscaria mushrooms are ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone. Ibotenic acid acts as an excitatory amino acid at glutamate receptors, inducing an agitated toxic delirium. It is associated with symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, dysphoria, agitation, and seizures. On the other hand, muscimol is a mild sedative and a potent agonist of GABA-A receptor subtypes. While muscimol does not produce the same hallucinatory effects as psilocybin mushrooms, it can still cause powerful hallucinations, illusions, and severe nausea and vomiting.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms are considered toxic and can be harmful to the body. They are not currently included on the Controlled Substances list (except in Louisiana, where sales are restricted), and there are no approved medicinal uses for ibotenic acid-containing mushrooms. However, some individuals still forage or cultivate Amanita muscaria for its psychoactive properties, and it is sold by internet botanical vendors. Regular consumption of these mushrooms is likely harmful, and there have been reports of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from their consumption.
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The influence of Alice in Wonderland
In an interview, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros., clarified his inspiration behind the iconic mushrooms. Miyamoto stated that he was not entirely influenced by Alice in Wonderland but rather by the broader association between mushrooms and magical realms in folklore and fantasy works. He suggested that the power-up mushroom in Super Mario is a nod to the concept of characters in folk tales wandering into forests and consuming mushrooms, which often leads them to fantastical experiences.
However, it is worth noting that the idea of Mario's mushrooms being a subtle reference to drug use, including hallucinogenic mushrooms, has persisted in popular culture. This interpretation is fueled by the perception that the mushrooms in the game provide Mario with enhanced abilities and a sense of empowerment, similar to the effects associated with certain types of psychoactive substances. The colourful and vibrant design of the power-up mushrooms in Super Mario further adds to this speculation.
While the Amanita muscaria mushroom, which the game's mushrooms resemble, is not renowned for its psychedelic effects, it is known to offer some hallucinogenic and euphoric experiences when ingested in small amounts. This connection between the mushrooms in Super Mario and their potential psychoactive effects has led to a layer of interpretation that goes beyond the innocent folk tale inspiration suggested by Miyamoto.
Ultimately, the influence of Alice in Wonderland on the Super Mario franchise may be indirect rather than a direct attempt to replicate the hallucinogenic experiences depicted in Carroll's story. The mushrooms in Super Mario serve as a symbol of the intersection between fantasy and the potential for altered states of consciousness, leaving room for various interpretations that have captivated audiences for years.
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Mario's hallucinations
While the idea of Mario getting high on mushrooms may have started as a joke, it has become a popular theory among fans of the Super Mario Bros. franchise. The theory suggests that the mushrooms Mario eats in the game are not just power-ups but are actually hallucinogenic mushrooms that cause him to experience vivid hallucinations and altered states of perception.
In one of his adventures, Mario finds himself in a magical kingdom filled with colourful characters and bizarre obstacles. As he embarks on his journey, he stumbles upon a mysterious mushroom, which he eagerly consumes. At first, he feels a surge of energy and excitement, as if he has unlocked a hidden power. The world around him seems more vibrant and full of life. He feels taller, stronger, and more confident, as if he has grown in size.
However, as the effects of the mushroom intensify, Mario's surroundings become even more surreal and fantastical. He sees flashing colours and rainbow-like auras surrounding him. The enemies he faces seem to take on new forms, appearing more menacing and larger than life. The ground beneath his feet feels unstable, as if he is walking on clouds or floating through different worlds.
As he continues his journey, Mario encounters strange creatures and friendly allies who offer him guidance. He meets a wise old toadstool, who speaks to him in riddles and offers cryptic advice. The sky above him transforms into a canvas of swirling patterns, with stars blinking in and out of existence. He feels a sense of flying or floating, as if he has left the physical realm and entered a realm of pure imagination.
Throughout his hallucinations, Mario's senses are heightened, and he experiences a heightened sense of touch, sound, and taste. He hears the wind whispering secrets and feels the vibrations of hidden music in the air. The flavours of the mushrooms he encounters are exquisite, with each variety offering a unique and magical experience. As he overcomes challenges and defeats enemies, he feels a sense of empowerment and enlightenment, as if he has unlocked the secrets of the universe.
While the theory of Mario's hallucinations is a creative interpretation, it adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the beloved character's adventures. It showcases the power of imagination and the ability to transform even the most familiar settings into fantastical realms.
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The 'drug theory'
The drug theory is a popular interpretation of Mario's adventures, with many players believing that the game's power-up mushrooms are a veiled reference to drugs. This theory is supported by the fact that in the game, Mario eats mushrooms, and all sorts of strange things start to happen, such as growing bigger or feeling more powerful, which is similar to the effects of psilocybin mushrooms.
Additionally, the original Super Mario Bros. instruction manual referred to the level-up mushrooms as "magic," which could be interpreted as a reference to psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms." This interpretation is further supported by the fact that the mushrooms in the game are visually similar to the Amanita muscaria mushroom, which is known for its distinct appearance of being red with white dots. While this species of mushroom is not famous for its psychedelic effects, ingesting small amounts can lead to euphoria, intense hallucinations, and overall enlightening experiences.
Furthermore, some players have pointed out that the game's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, has made comments that seem to support the drug theory. In an interview, Miyamoto stated that there is a relationship between mushrooms and magical realms, and that he decided Mario would need a mushroom to become Super Mario. However, Miyamoto has also denied that the game is directly influenced by 'Alice in Wonderland', a story with well-known drug references, and has stated that he was instead inspired by folk tales and fairy stories involving mushrooms with psychological effects.
The drug theory has become so popular that it has influenced popular culture and humour surrounding the Super Mario franchise. However, it is important to note that the theory is just that—a theory—and there is no definitive evidence that the creators of the game intended to make a statement about drug use.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is unlikely that the creators of the game intended to associate the mushrooms with psychedelics, it is possible that the power-up mushrooms in the Super Mario Bros. games are a veiled reference to drugs. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the game, has stated that he was influenced by the overall affinity between mushrooms and magical places, and that there is a relationship between mushrooms and magical realms.
In the Super Mario Bros. games, Mario eats mushrooms to gain power-ups, which cause strange things to happen, similar to the effects of psychedelic mushrooms. Additionally, the mushrooms in the game are referred to as "'magic'" in the original instruction manual, and the game features other elements that could be interpreted as drug references, such as the star power-up being compared to LSD.
Some argue that the interpretation of Mario's mushrooms as drug references is a result of cultural changes over time and that the idea of Mario getting high may have started as a playground joke. Additionally, the mushrooms in the game do not share the distinct appearance of psychedelic mushrooms like Amanita muscaria, which is red with white dots.
