The Chinese Characters of Mortal Kombat: A Deep Dive
The Mortal Kombat universe, known for its brutal fatalities and intricate lore, draws heavily on East Asian mythology and martial arts traditions. When pinpointing the Chinese character, Liu Kang immediately springs to mind. As a Shaolin monk representing Earthrealm, he embodies the classic hero archetype within the franchise. However, the Mortal Kombat tapestry is richer than a single hero. Several characters boast Chinese origins, influences, or connections, shaping the game’s narrative and aesthetics.
Exploring the Chinese Presence in Mortal Kombat
Beyond Liu Kang, identifying characters with a Chinese influence requires a nuanced understanding. Several characters, while not explicitly labeled “Chinese,” are deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, martial arts, and historical figures. The discussion below details the prominent Chinese or Chinese-influenced characters within the Mortal Kombat franchise.
Liu Kang: The Paragon
As mentioned previously, Liu Kang stands as the quintessential Chinese character in Mortal Kombat. Introduced in the original game, he embodies the Shaolin monk ideal. His fighting style draws heavily from various Chinese martial arts, and his unwavering commitment to protecting Earthrealm aligns with Confucian principles of duty and righteousness. In the rebooted timeline, Liu Kang even ascends to godhood, becoming the God of Fire and Thunder, signifying his crucial role in shaping the Mortal Kombat universe.
Shang Tsung: The Devious Sorcerer
While his origin is explicitly stated as Outworld, Shang Tsung’s design and powers draw inspiration from Chinese folklore. His soul-stealing ability is reminiscent of demonic figures in Chinese mythology, and his shapeshifting power is a common trope in Chinese fantasy narratives. Moreover, his palace in the original Mortal Kombat game is heavily inspired by traditional Chinese architecture.
Kung Lao: The Wind God
Kung Lao is another essential character with Chinese ties. Like Liu Kang, Kung Lao is a Shaolin Monk and one of the first to train in the Wu Shi Academy. The Chinese character 武 (wǔ) is seen on his outfit, and it is a Chinese phrase to note that Wu (武) means military, martial arts, and war. The wind-type moves are also based in Chinese martial arts.
The Lin Kuei Clan and its Warriors
The Lin Kuei clan, home to characters like Sub-Zero (both Bi-Han and Kuai Liang), are portrayed as a Chinese assassin clan. While the name itself might have Japanese influences, the clan’s visual design and historical representation are predominantly Chinese. The complex relationship between the Lin Kuei and its rival clan, the Shirai Ryu, led by Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi, who is Japanese), forms a significant part of the Mortal Kombat lore.
Raiden: The God of Thunder
Although based on the Japanese deity Raijin, Raiden’s characterization has evolved throughout the series. At times, his depiction incorporates elements of Chinese mythology alongside his Japanese origins. This blending can be attributed to the cross-cultural influences prevalent in East Asian folklore. In the newest timeline, Raiden’s powers are sacrificed to make Liu Kang into a god.
Others
- Li Mei: Li Mei’s origin is based out of Outworld. She originates from a village in Outworld that was enslaved by the evil Shang Tsung.
- Bo’ Rai Cho: While not a fighter, Bo’ Rai Cho is a pivotal character in the training of other Mortal Kombat heroes, specifically Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Bo’ Rai Cho is from Outworld but teaches earthrealm warriors earthrealm fighting styles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Chinese characters and influences in the Mortal Kombat universe:
1. Is Raiden Chinese or Japanese?
Raiden is primarily based on the Japanese god Raijin, the god of thunder and lightning. However, his depiction has sometimes incorporated Chinese mythological elements, blurring the lines between the two cultures.
2. Is Kung Lao Chinese?
Yes, Kung Lao can be seen in Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3, and Shaolin Monks wearing the Chinese character 武, which means military/wu shu/martial arts. His fighting style also draws heavily from Chinese martial arts traditions.
3. Why was Liu Kang killed off in the original timeline?
Liu Kang’s death in Deadly Alliance was a narrative decision by the developers to shake up the storyline and introduce new characters and conflicts, signifying a “starting over” mentality for the series.
4. How was Liu Kang killed?
In the original timeline, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi murdered Liu Kang by snapping his neck while he was meditating at the Wu Shi Academy.
5. Is Kung Lao jealous of Liu Kang?
As a revenant, Kung Lao harbors some jealousy towards Liu Kang, believing himself to be the superior fighter. However, despite this rivalry, he still considers Liu Kang a brother.
6. Who is Raiden’s brother?
Raiden’s brother is Fujin, the God of Wind. They serve as Protectors of Earthrealm, working together to combat evil forces.
7. How did Liu Kang get his god-like powers?
Liu Kang obtained his god-like powers by fusing with Raiden at the end of Kronika’s cycle of fate. Raiden sacrificed his own powers to transform Liu Kang into the God of Fire and Thunder.
8. Why can’t Raiden fight in Mortal Kombat tournaments directly?
Raiden, as a god, is generally forbidden from directly participating in Mortal Kombat tournaments unless he assumes a mortal form. This limitation maintains a balance of power and ensures the integrity of the competition.
9. Is Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion) Chinese?
No, Hanzo Hasashi, the original Scorpion, is Japanese. He is a member of the Shirai Ryu clan, a Japanese ninja clan.
10. Who is Liu Kang’s love interest?
Liu Kang’s primary love interest is Kitana, a princess from Outworld (later Edenia) who joins forces with the Earthrealm warriors.
11. Is Sub-Zero evil?
Sub-Zero’s morality is complex. While he has been portrayed as a villain at times (particularly Bi-Han, the original Sub-Zero), the character arc for Kuai Liang (the younger brother who takes on the Sub-Zero mantle) leans towards heroism and redemption.
12. Who broke Liu Kang’s neck?
Shang Tsung, aided by Quan Chi, broke Liu Kang’s neck in the original timeline during the events of Deadly Alliance.
13. What is the significance of the Shaolin Monks in Mortal Kombat?
The Shaolin monks, like Liu Kang and Kung Lao, represent a strong connection to Chinese martial arts philosophy and a commitment to defending Earthrealm from external threats. They embody discipline, skill, and unwavering dedication to justice.
14. How has the portrayal of Chinese culture in Mortal Kombat evolved over time?
The portrayal of Chinese culture in Mortal Kombat has become more nuanced and respectful over time. Early games sometimes relied on stereotypes, but later installments have demonstrated a greater appreciation for the complexities and richness of Chinese history, mythology, and martial arts.
15. Does cultural appropriation play a role in the depiction of these characters?
The use of cultural elements in Mortal Kombat sparks discussions about cultural appropriation. While the game draws heavily from East Asian traditions, it’s crucial to analyze whether it does so in a respectful and informed manner, avoiding harmful stereotypes and celebrating the cultures it references. Games can serve as a way to immerse oneself in the culture, but it’s also important to be aware of the potential negative impacts. In particular, you can explore cultural appropriation further with resources from the Games Learning Society, which addresses educational issues in gaming. You can find valuable information and research on this and related topics at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Mortal Kombat universe presents a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western influences. While Liu Kang stands as the most prominent Chinese character, the game’s broader tapestry incorporates elements of Chinese mythology, martial arts, and history through various other characters and storylines. Exploring these cultural connections enhances our appreciation for the game’s rich lore and its impact on the fighting game genre.