Is Kitana Still Alive? A Deep Dive into the Shifting Sands of Mortal Kombat’s Princess

Yes, Kitana is alive (in some form or another!) within the ever-evolving timelines of the Mortal Kombat universe. Her existence, however, is far from a simple yes or no answer, as it’s intrinsically tied to the series’ constant reboots and alternate realities. Depending on the specific Mortal Kombat timeline being referenced, Kitana can be a reanimated revenant, a time-traveling hero, or a biological twin sister. This article will delve into the complexities of Kitana’s fate across various games, explore her relationships, and answer some frequently asked questions surrounding this iconic character.

Kitana’s Many Lives (and Deaths)

Kitana’s journey is a rollercoaster of resurrection, betrayal, and ultimate heroism. In the original timeline, as depicted in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, Kitana tragically dies alongside many of Earthrealm’s defenders at the hands of Shao Kahn. Though deceased, she later resurfaces as a revenant under the control of the nefarious Quan Chi, a fate she shares with many of the Earthrealm heroes.

Mortal Kombat X continues this storyline, showcasing Kitana in her revenant form, serving Quan Chi and opposing Raiden and the Earthrealm warriors. This darker version of Kitana is a stark contrast to the noble princess fans have come to know.

The events of Mortal Kombat 11 bring another twist. Liu Kang, now the Fire God, reshapes history, taking Kitana back to the beginning of time to help him forge a new, hopefully better, reality. This culminates in a new version of Kitana in Mortal Kombat 1, one that dramatically alters her past and relationships.

In this new timeline, created by Fire God Liu Kang, Kitana is not just alive; she is Kitana Kahn, and she stands shoulder to shoulder with Liu Kang, a powerful warrior, and a pivotal figure in shaping the future.

Kitana’s Relationships: Love, Loss, and Betrayal

Kitana’s relationships are as complex and fascinating as her own history. Her romantic entanglement with Liu Kang is a cornerstone of the Mortal Kombat narrative, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness and violence.

• Liu Kang: Their love transcends timelines, serving as a powerful motivation for both characters. They are frequently depicted fighting side-by-side, determined to protect their respective realms and each other.

• Mileena: The relationship between Kitana and Mileena has been extensively reimagined throughout the series. From a failed clone to a biological twin sister, their dynamic is always fraught with tension, rivalry, and often, outright animosity. In Mortal Kombat 1, Mileena’s struggle with the Tarkat disease adds another layer of complexity to their interactions, testing Kitana’s loyalty and compassion.

• Shao Kahn: The truth about Shao Kahn murdering her father to conquer Edenia fuels much of Kitana’s motivation and shapes her into the strong, independent woman she becomes.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Kitana

Here are fifteen frequently asked questions about Kitana, addressing her origins, relationships, powers, and ultimate fate within the Mortal Kombat universe:

1. How old is Kitana?

Kitana’s age is consistently stated to be over 10,000 years old, thanks to her Edenian heritage. Edenians age very slowly due to their ties to the gods, giving them incredibly long lifespans.

2. How is Kitana so old?

As a member of the Edenian race, Kitana is descended from the Gods, granting her an extended lifespan far beyond that of a human. This allows her to be thousands of years old while still maintaining a youthful appearance.

3. What happened to Kitana in the Mortal Kombat 11 ending?

In Mortal Kombat 11, Kitana assists Fire God Liu Kang in defeating Kronika. In the game’s ending, Liu Kang takes Kitana back to the beginning of time to help him shape a new history, one free from Kronika’s manipulations.

4. What happened to Kitana in Mortal Kombat X?

In Mortal Kombat X, Kitana is resurrected as a revenant under the control of Quan Chi. She serves as one of his enforcers, fighting against Raiden and the Earthrealm warriors.

5. Who is Kitana in love with?

Kitana is predominantly in love with Liu Kang. Their relationship is one of the most enduring and beloved romances in the Mortal Kombat series.

6. How are Kitana and Mileena related?

The relationship between Kitana and Mileena varies depending on the timeline. In the original timeline, Mileena was a failed clone created by Shang Tsung. However, in the new timeline introduced in Mortal Kombat 1, Mileena is Kitana’s biological elder twin sister.

7. Who is older, Kitana or Mileena?

In the new timeline, Mileena is the older twin.

8. What is Kitana’s fatality?

Kitana has numerous fatalities, but one of her most iconic is the “Royal Blender,” where she uses her fans to lift her opponent into the air and slice them into pieces.

9. What are Kitana’s powers?

Kitana possesses several powers, including exceptional martial arts skills, enhanced speed and agility, and the ability to control bladed fans. She is also a skilled diplomat and strategist.

10. Is Sindel evil?

Sindel’s alignment has varied throughout the Mortal Kombat series. Originally, she was portrayed as a benevolent queen forced into serving Shao Kahn. However, in Mortal Kombat 11, her backstory was retconned, depicting her as inherently evil. The fans are not very happy about this change in Mortal Kombat 11.

11. What is the Tarkat disease?

The Tarkat disease is a fictional affliction introduced in Mortal Kombat 1. It causes the afflicted to develop sharp, Tarkatan-like teeth and a violent temperament. Mileena contracts the Tarkat disease in the new timeline.

12. What happened to Mileena’s mouth?

In Mortal Kombat 1, Mileena develops her fangs after contracting the Tarkat disease.

13. Who does Mileena love?

In the Mortal Kombat universe, Mileena has relationships with various characters. She is rewritten, in an ending, to be happily with Tanya and have a daughter. In the past, she had Mileena with Baraka.

14. Why isn’t Nightwolf a Revenant in some timelines?

Nightwolf was turned into a Revenant by Quan Chi after he sacrificed himself to defeat Sindel, so when Quan Chi is killed in Mortal Kombat X, it stands to reason that Nightwolf reverted back to normal.

15. Does Mileena have a baby?

Yes, she has a baby with Baraka in some of the timelines.

The Enduring Legacy of Kitana

Kitana’s resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to justice have solidified her place as one of the most beloved and iconic characters in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Her story, filled with tragedy, hope, and constant reinvention, reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the series itself. Whether she’s a revenant, a time-traveling hero, or a biological twin, Kitana’s enduring legacy ensures she will continue to be a vital part of the Mortal Kombat universe for years to come.

To further explore the impact of gaming and storytelling, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org where research and discussions on the educational and cultural aspects of games thrive. This provides a broader perspective on characters like Kitana and their influence on gamers.