Flagpole (Super Mario Bros)

A Goal Pole (originally known as a Flagpole) appears at the end of every normal level in most of the mainstream Mario games. Mario, Luigi, or any other playable character has to jump and grab the Goal Pole to finish the level. The flags on a flagpole come in many colors, though Red Flagpoles usually indicate an alternate exit in the New Super Mario Bros. games. Since then, if the player manages to grab the top of the flagpole, they will earn an extra life. Flagpoles were replaced with boxed, roulette-like goals in Super Mario Bros. 3, and Giant Gates in Super Mario World. These Flagpoles symbolize Mario and friends taking over or claiming that area — taking down Bowser's flag and/or replacing it with their own.