The Mandrake Swamp is a location far south of the New Tek City, Planet Meridian. Legend tells of strange sounds heard late at night and of people entering the swamp and never returning. Furthermore, legends also claim that an ancient, cursed castle lies at the centre of the swamp. The latter of these claims is absolutely true. The swamp is the only known location where one can find a mandrake root.
History
The ancient castle at the centre of the Mandrake Swamp was home to Root, a tiny creature capable of affecting people's minds. Explorer Morton visited the swamps several years ago and Root attached himself to the visitor, gradually encasing him inside a new body. Root then amassed an army of mud monsters and began his plan to turn New Tek City into an extension of the swamp.
When Blockhead Bill and Society Max visited the swamp to find a mandrake root, Root captured them and brainwashed the pair with Mind Roots. Root ordered Bill to pollute New Tek's waters with a vial, but the hapless old man failed, leading Root to reveal himself by summoning Bill and Max back to the swamp. Sonic the Hedgehog and the Chaotix Crew headed into the swamp to rescue Mighty the Armadillo's father and friend, but the latter group of heroes were also brainwashed. Sonic managed to defeat Root, freeing Morton and all those affected by the Mind Root.
The Mandrake Swamp has not been seen since.