Jaxi

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This article is about the mountable Jaxi. For the inanimate Jaxi Statues, see Jaxi Statue.
Not to be confused with Taxi.
Jaxi
Artwork of Jaxi from Super Mario Odyssey.
Artwork from Super Mario Odyssey
First appearance Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
“I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself—I go quick.”
Jaxi, Super Mario Odyssey

A Jaxi is an animated feline statue found throughout the Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey. Mario can ride a Jaxi by jumping on its back; the first time it is encountered, it must be paid 30 coins to use it, but this fee has to be paid only once, and Mario can call it at any Jaxi Stand free of charge afterwards. It becomes accessible only after the player completes the mission Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid or talks to it on the Jaxi Ruins. It is instrumental in the acquisition of several Power Moons and serves as quick transportation through the vast desert.

As soon as Mario jumps onto a Jaxi's back, it takes off running at its full speed. The player can control the Jaxi with Left Stick, brake by pressing B Button, and dismount by pressing ZL Button. However, the Jaxi's speed makes it difficult to control, and it slides whenever the player makes a turn, though the player can turn more quickly by braking while turning. Any breakable objects or small enemies the Jaxi runs into are knocked over or defeated, and it can run on poison without being damaged. If Mario falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot where Mario found it.

Concept and creation[edit]

Concept art of Jaxi in Super Mario Odyssey.
Concept art of a Jaxi

To emphasize a Jaxi being a moving statue, some parts were made movable and others unmovable before the design of the Jaxi was finished.[1] It was also given a necklace that resembles a mane.[1]

Jaxis are based on jaguars and sphinxes, and their name in many languages is a portmanteau of jaguar and taxi. This is reflective of various jaguar deities from ancient Mesoamerica, such as Tezcatlipoca. Jaxis may also be inspired by komainu, Japanese lion statues that are believed to protect shrines and temples from evil. Numerous tales exist about normally stoic komainu statues suddenly coming to life, similar to Jaxis. Notably, the first stone Jaxis encountered in the ruins are before a large gate reminiscent of a torii, which are traditionally guarded by a pair of komainu in Japan.

Quotes[edit]

  • "How you doin'? I'm what you call a Jaxi."
  • "You wanna ride, it'll be 30 coins. Whaddaya say?"
  • "Gotta ride along to get along...bud."
  • "So, what, you doing some sightseeing? You gotta check out the Inverted Pyramid!"
  • "Controls are a snap: B Button: Brake ZL Button: Dismount"
  • "I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself—I go quick."
  • "Aw, were you taking me to see my family, you old softy?"
  • "I appreciate your kind gesture. Come see me again anytime!"
  • "I know this place. But my days of standing around are done."

Gallery[edit]

Additional names[edit]

Internal names[edit]

Game File Name Meaning

Super Mario Odyssey ObjectData/SphinxRide.szs SphinxRide Sphinx Ride
Super Mario Odyssey ObjectData/JaguarTaxistop.szs JaguarTaxistop Jaguar Taxi

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ライドン・バス
Raidon Basu
「ライドン」is a portmanteau of "ride" and「ライオン」(raion, lion), as well as a contraction of the English phrase "ride on", combined with "bus". Reused from Raidon in Super Mario 3D World

Chinese (simplified) 莱德·巴士
Láidé Bāshì
Ride Bus
「莱」(lái) is similar to「来」(lái, to come).

Chinese (traditional) 萊德‧巴士
Láidé Bāshì
Ride Bus
「萊」(lái) is similar to「來」(lái, to come).

Dutch Jaxi
Jaxi
French Jaxi
Jaxi
German Miauxi
Portmanteau of "miau" (meow) and "taxi"
Italian Ruggitaxi
Portmanteau of "ruggito" (roar) and "taxi"
Korean 잭시
Jaeksi
Jaxi

Russian Рыкарус
Rykarus
Portmanteau of "рык" (ryk, roar) and "Ikarus" (a brand of Hungarian buses popular in 1990s-2000s Russia)

Spanish Jaxi
Jaxi

See also[edit]

References[edit]