Centaur Mario

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At one point in the Development Of Super Mario Bros. 3,the Designers was considering a power-up to turn Mario into a Centaur (half-man, half-horse), although it was rejected (Tilden 1990, 21).

The Power up was consider due to Nintendo wanted to put Japanese Folklore Reference in their game which which explains the Tanooki Suit as it was inspired by the legendary tanuki.

Quote:As the tanuki, the animal has been significant in Japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absentminded. It is also a common theme in Japanese art, especially statuary.