Who is the Chinese Character in Mortal Kombat?
Mortal Kombat, a popular fighting game series, has a rich history of characters, some of which are inspired by Chinese culture and mythology. One of the most iconic characters from the series is Liu Kang, a Shaolin monk who is a main protagonist in the game. However, there are other Chinese characters in Mortal Kombat, each with their unique backstory and abilities.
Liu Kang: The Original Chinese Character
Liu Kang is introduced in the original Mortal Kombat game as a Shaolin monk who enters the tournament to represent his fellow Shaolin monks and defeat the tournament host, the nefarious sorcerer Shang Tsung. Liu Kang’s attacks are based on wind-type moves, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Kung Lao: Another Chinese Character
Another Chinese character in Mortal Kombat is Kung Lao, a Shaolin warrior who wears the Chinese character 武 (Wu), meaning "martial arts" or "war". Kung Lao’s fighting style is based on his knowledge of Shaolin martial arts, making him a skilled fighter. Interestingly, Kung Lao was originally intended to be a female character but was later changed to a male character during development.
Bi-Han: The Original Sub-Zero
Bi-Han, also known as the original Sub-Zero, is another Chinese character in Mortal Kombat. Bi-Han is a Lin Kuei warrior who specializes in cryomancy, able to control ice and snow. Although Bi-Han is not a native Chinese character, his Lin Kuei clan has strong connections to Chinese culture and mythology.
Sub-Zero: The Reincarnated Chinese Character
After Bi-Han’s death, his soul was reincarnated into Kuai Liang, the second Sub-Zero. Kuai Liang is a skilled fighter and continues the legacy of Bi-Han. Although Kuai Liang is not a native Chinese character, his Lin Kuei clan and fighting style are heavily influenced by Chinese culture.
Other Chinese Characters
In addition to Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Sub-Zero, there are other Chinese characters in Mortal Kombat, including:
- Raiden: The god of thunder and electricity, Raiden is a native Chinese character inspired by Chinese mythology.
- Kitana: A princess from the realm of Edenia, Kitana is a half-Chinese character with a strong connection to Chinese culture.
- Mileena: A half-Chinese character with an Egyptian background, Mileena’s fighting style is influenced by Chinese martial arts.
- Shang Tsung: A powerful sorcerer with a complex background, Shang Tsung’s fighting style is heavily influenced by Chinese mysticism.
Conclusion
The Mortal Kombat series has a rich history of Chinese characters, each with their unique backstory and fighting style. From Liu Kang to Kung Lao, Sub-Zero, and beyond, these characters are an integral part of the series’ diverse cast. Whether it’s their Shaolin martial arts training, cryomancy skills, or connection to Chinese mythology, these characters embody the spirit of Chinese culture and martial arts in the Mortal Kombat universe.