Taj

From the Super Mario Wiki

Taj
Full Name	Taj the Genie
First Appearance	Diddy Kong Racing (1997)
Species	elephant
Affiliation(s)	Diddy Kong, Timber's Island
Latest Appearance	Diddy Kong Racing DS (as a playable character)

Taj the Genie is a large elephant who is respected by all. During the events of the game Diddy Kong Racing Taj helps Diddy Kong and his pals in their quest to kick the evil Wizpig off of Timber's Island. In the game players can race Taj up to three times, if beaten Taj will award his opponent with a Golden Balloon. Taj can also change the vehicle being used currently for a different one.

It is unknown if Taj was going to appear in Diddy Kong Racing's cancelled Game Boy Advance sequel, Diddy Kong Pilot. It is most likely he was though due to his large role in Diddy Kong Racing.

Taj was to make a reappearance in now apparently canceled Gamecube game Donkey Kong Racing. Here he was apparently going to be a playable character as he was seen participating in races along with other characters such as Tiny Kong and Donkey Kong.

Taj makes a return appearance in Diddy Kong Racing DS. Taj is even an unlockable racer in this game. Here, he is unlocked by defeating Adventure One Mode. Taj has maximum top speed, but horrible acceleration and turning. He is the fastest character in the game while in a car.

In the original Diddy Kong Racing, he has an Indian accent, and speaks much more often. When the player summons his attention, he always says "Hello, friend" and asks what the player would like to do. In the Nintendo DS remake, he speaks a lot less (he says nothing during the victory cutscene for each track and doesn't appear at all for the Wish Races) and what he says when the player summons his attention changes all of the time. Once the player selects something for him to do, he disappears without asking if he can help you further.

[edit] Trivia

• The first ever Mario series use of the name "Taj" actually appeared on Tetris Attack's high score board.
• A taj (from the Arabic word for "crown") is a brimless hat worn by people from Muslim countries.
• In Diddy Kong Racing DS, if the player is playing as Taj, and talks to the Taj at the tent, the non-playable Taj nearly breaks the fourth wall by saying that "[he] must be going crazy?"

Diddy Kong Racing (DS)
Playable Characters
Diddy Kong · Krunch · Drumstick · Bumper · Banjo · Conker · Tiptup · T.T. · Pipsy · Timber · Tiny Kong · Dixie Kong · Taj the Genie · Wizpig
Bosses
Tricky the Triceratops · Bluey the Walrus · Bubbler the Octopus · Smokey the Dragon · Wizpig