After over two decades of frantic searching, I have finally uncovered the epic back story to Super Mario World!!! It has everything! Vacations, awesome Luigi exclamations, slow nods, a beautiful cape, “starry” treasures–what more could you ask for! Also, we learn that Princess Toadstool and Mario are apparently just “friends.” I always thought they were married or at least dating or something. I’ve been such a fool. Oh, and most shocking of all: Bowser is a member of the KKK.

As a public service to the world, I have included this incredible tale below. Gather round for the greatest story ever told…

After saving the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser and the rest of the Koopas in Super Mario 3, Mario and Luigi needed to recuperate from their adventures. Together they agreed that the best place to vacation was a magical place called Dinosaur Land.

But while Mario and Luigi reclined on the beach for a relaxing nap, Princess Toadstool disappeared, apparently seized by evil forces. After searching for hours for their missing friend, Mario and Luigi came upon an enormous egg in the forest.

Suddenly the egg hatched, and out popped a young dinosaur named YOSHI, who proceeded to tell Mario and Luigi a sad tale of how his dinosaur pals were sealed in similar eggs by a group of monstrous turtles.

“Monstrous turtles!” exclaimed Luigi. “Bowser and his bunch have returned!” Mario slowly nodded his head in agreement and, along with Luigi and Yoshi, set off across Dinosaur Land to find the Princess and to free Yoshi’s friends. As they began their journey, Yoshi handed Mario a beautiful cape. “This may help you,” Yoshi said. “Some say it has magical powers.”

With a little luck (and help from a magic cape), our hearty crew can defeat the seven worlds of Bowser’s Krazy Koopa Kritters. Many locations are well-hidden to be explored to rescue the dinosaurs and save Princess Toadstool, but there are many “starry” treasures to be found in far-reaching places. You’ll need to search all areas to find out what kinds of treasures are there… in Super Mario World.

This was taken from page 2 of the official Super Mario World manual.