Merle

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Mario receiving the Scarf from Merle.

Merle is Merlon's son and Merluvlee's, Merlow's, and Merlee's father. He lives in Starborn Valley and, along with the Ninjis and certain Toads, watches over the Star Kids until they are old enough to enter Star Haven. However, during the events of Paper Mario, Star Kids could not ascend because of the trouble Bowser caused in Star Haven. Merle provides Mario and his comrades the Scarf, one of the keys to unlock the door to Shiver Mountain, helping Mario and company in their quest to vanquish Bowser and his minions.

Trivia

• "Merle" is an actual word with several varying meanings, though Merle's name would appear to have been derived from a simple corruption of either "Merlon" or "Merlin."

• Merle, along with Madam Merlar, is the only relative of the Shaman-like characters in Paper Mario whose name is not recycled in later games in the series.