Professor Toad
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- Not to be confused with Prof. Kinopio.
- “Well, all things considered, it could have been wors— Wait! Who are you? I've never seen anything LIKE you. Are you one of the Ancient Ones? Tell me!”
- —Professor Toad, Paper Mario: The Origami King
Professor Toad[1] is a Toad who joins forces with Mario in Paper Mario: The Origami King. He is a college professor of ancient history, who also doubles as an archaeologist.
In the overworld, Professor Toad is able to decipher ancient text that is unreadable to Mario and Olivia, and can also use his shovel to dig up sand and dirt, sometimes revealing treasures; this makes him the only partner in the game to have abilities outside of combat. In battle, Professor Toad uses Dig This, dealing 24 damage to enemies in a hammer or jump formation.[2] However, this attack sometimes misses. He is also the only partner who can rejoin and assist Mario in battle whenever he revisits the chapter he found him in.
History
Background
At some point prior to the events of The Origami King, Professor Toad began pursuing ancient legends, most notably the legend of Captain T. Ode, and the Scorching Sandpaper Desert's Sun Altar that guarded his preserved body. While staying at the hotel in Snif City, he managed to find some clues as to how to open the Sun Altar, placing some Sun Incense on it afterwards, but ended up causing a desert storm and getting eaten by Mega Paper Macho Pokey.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
When Mario and Olivia arrive at the Snif City Royal Hotel, they ask the bellhop for someone who can decipher mysterious writings written around the desert. The bellhop, believing they work for Professor Toad, gives them a key to his room. There, the duo find his journal, leading them to the Sun Altar. When they get back to the room, the bellhop reveals Professor Toad was asking for an object they had on display, and gives Mario one of the object: a Sun Incense. Mario and Olivia then head back to the Sun Altar and place the Sun Incense for worship, creating a desert storm and revealing the Paper Macho Mega Pokey that ate Professor Toad.
Eventually, Mario defeats the Mega Pokey, freeing Professor Toad. After greeting them, he reveals he can read the mysterious writings, written by the Ancient Ones, of whom he is studying. Figuring that the desert is too dangerous, he decides to tag along with the two, insisting that they return to the hotel and examine its murals. After reading the ones in the hallway, and then the ones in the suite (provided they get the key from Luigi after winning a guessing game), the trio learns of a special ritual, and choose Olivia to lead it. They then perform it successfully and unlock the Fire Vellumental Cave. Professor Toad decides to remain in the first room for the sake of his safety. It is also revealed that he has pyrophobia.
Once Olivia has gained the Fire Vellumental's power, she and Mario rejoin the professor, and the three set out to examine the four Toad Towers throughout the desert. After lighting the torches within each one, and also digging up some differently-shaped jewels to place in their eyes, the trio reveals an Earth Vellumental Magic Circle that Olivia uses to raise up the Temple of Shrooms. This time, Professor Toad decides to tag along, albeit still expressing his cowardice, especially when encountering the faceless Toads. After solving a series of puzzles, he stands back to let Mario defeat the Hole Punch, destroy the yellow streamer, and free the sun, which automatically settles back into the sky.
With the sun back out, Professor Toad discovers that the Sun Altar has awakened, allowing the trio to access the frigid cavern hidden underneath. They find Captain T. Ode there, preserved in ice, before freeing him with the Fire Vellumental's power. Professor Toad expresses excitement at his quest now being complete, and the effects it will have on his career. However, it is here where Professor Toad parts with Mario and Olivia, stating that he feels more comfortable in the desert.
Following the removal of all five streamers and the passing of King Olly, Professor Toad reneges on his previous statement and goes to Toad Town, partaking in the Origami Festival at the end of the game.
Profile
- Collectible Treasure description: The foremost expert on the Ancient Ones, with a scholary background in many obscure and surprising subjects.
Gallery
Alternate artwork
Professor Toad scared
Professor Toad thinking with his arms folded
Professor Toad cheering
Professor Toad's Collectible Treasure
Promotional wallpaper for Paper Mario: The Origami King from Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s LINE account
Paper Mario: The Origami King desktop wallpaper from My Nintendo
Paper Mario: The Origami King smartphone wallpaper from My Nintendo
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 考古学者キノピオ[3] Kōkogakusha Kinopio キノピオ[4] Kinopio |
Archaeologist Toad Toad |
|
| Chinese (simplified) | 奇诺比奥[5] Qínuòbǐ'ào |
Toad | |
| Chinese (traditional) | 考古學家奇諾比奧 Kǎogǔxuéjiā Qínuòbǐ'ào 奇諾比奧[6] Qínuòbǐ'ào |
Archaeologist Toad Toad |
References
- ^ Nintendo (June 12, 2020) A Closer Look at Paper Mario: The Origami King – Nintendo Switch. YouTube. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
- ^ https://assets.nintendo.com/video/upload/v1592259774/Microsites/paper-mario-the-origami-king/v2/STORY_WORLDS_05_DesertSniff.mp4
- ^ Official Japanese website for Paper Mario: The Origami King. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
- ^ Nintendo 公式チャンネル (June 12, 2020) ペーパーマリオ オリガミキング 紹介映像. YouTube. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
- ^ 《纸片马力欧:折纸国王》介绍视频公开! 详细介绍马力欧的新冒险、同伴和战斗 Nintendo. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ 《紙片瑪利歐：摺紙國王》介紹影片公開！詳細介紹瑪利歐的新冒險、同伴和戰鬥 Nintendo. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
