Do you know the red mushroom in Super Mario Bros is based on the Amanita muscaria, a poisonous mushroom known for its historical use in shamanic rituals?
genji 
Do you know the red mushroom in Super Mario Bros is based on the Amanita muscaria, a poisonous mushroom known for its historical use in shamanic rituals?
The iconic red mushroom in Super Mario Bros, instantly recognizable as a symbol of power-ups and size increase, has a surprising real-world inspiration. It’s based on the Amanita muscaria mushroom, a striking red and white species found in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere. While popular in the Mushroom Kingdom for transforming Mario, in reality, the Amanita muscaria is highly poisonous and contains psychoactive compounds. Throughout history, this mushroom has been used in shamanic rituals for its hallucinogenic effects. Its vibrant colors and potential for altering consciousness likely caught the eye of the game’s creators, leading to its adoption as a visual representation of power and transformation within the Super Mario universe.
Prompt:
What obscure design choice in a classic video game has a surprisingly deep and fascinating historical or cultural origin?
