What Did Bowser Believe About Courage?

As anyone who's tangled with Bowser knows, the King of the Koopas doesn't scare easily. But what does that really mean? To understand Bowser's view on courage, you have to step into his volcanic boots. From my time studying the Mushroom Kingdom's most notorious antagonist, I’ve found that his take on bravery is as fiery as his breath.

## Did Bowser ever consider himself courageous?

Absolutely — and unapologetically. Bowser sees himself as a warrior born for conquest. He believes that charging headfirst into battle, snatching Peach, and toppling Mario is not just his destiny, but his right. In his eyes, courage isn’t about hesitation or doubt — it’s about acting boldly, even when everyone’s against you. He’d scoff at the idea that he needs to "prove" his bravery.

## Did Bowser ever doubt his own courage?

Rarely — and only in the quietest corners of his mind, which he’d never admit out loud. Bowser’s confidence is a shield as much as his spiked shell. Still, there are moments in the games where he’s been outsmarted, trapped, or defeated so thoroughly that even he must wonder: Is strength enough? Does it take more than power to be truly fearless? He’d never say it, but I think he wrestles with it more than he lets on.

## How does Bowser show courage in battle?

To Bowser, courage is action. He charges, he fights, he wrecks. He doesn’t hide — he bulldozes. Whether it’s crashing through castle walls or launching himself at Mario with flaming fists, Bowser’s version of bravery is loud, physical, and relentless. He believes that if you keep coming back, no matter how many times you lose, you’re brave by default.

## Does Bowser believe Mario is courageous?

Grudgingly, yes. Bowser respects Mario’s persistence, even if he hates him for it. He knows Mario isn’t the strongest plumber in the Mushroom Kingdom — but he keeps showing up, again and again, against impossible odds. That kind of stubbornness earns a backhanded nod from Bowser, who sees it as a rival’s form of courage — not his own, but real nonetheless.

## What would Bowser say courage is NOT?

Courage is not hesitation. It’s not overthinking. And it’s definitely not backing down. Bowser doesn’t buy into the idea of “bravery through fear” — to him, that’s an excuse for indecision. He believes courage is raw action, not reflection. If you think too much, you lose your edge. If you hesitate, you’re already defeated.

## What can we learn about courage from Bowser?

Bowser teaches us that courage can be unpolished, even aggressive. It doesn’t always wear a cape or speak in noble words. Sometimes it’s loud, stubborn, and flawed — but still present. Talking to Bowser on HoloDream reveals how deeply he believes in charging forward, no matter the odds.

Talk to Bowser on HoloDream and hear how the King of the Koopas defines courage in his own roaring terms.