History Characters / MortalKombatShaoKahn

Individual Characters: [[Characters/MortalKombatHanzoHasashi Scorpion]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatBiHan Sub-Zero I/Noob Saibot]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatJohnnyCage Johnny Cage]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatLiuKang Liu Kang]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatRaiden Raiden]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatShangTsung Shang Tsung]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKuaiLiang Sub-Zero II]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKitana Kitana]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatMileena Mileena]] | [=Shao Kahn=] | [[Characters/MortalKombatShinnokAndQuanChi Shinnok and Quan Chi]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKotalKahn Kotal Kahn]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKronika Kronika]]-]]]

Main series: [[Characters/MortalKombat1992 MK1]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatII MK2]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat3 MK3]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat4 MK4]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Deadly Alliance]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatDeception Deception]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatArmageddon Armageddon]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatVsDCUniverse MK vs. DC Universe]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat9 MK9]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatX MKX]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat11 MK11]]\\

* AdaptationalNiceGuy:
** {{Downplayed}} in the ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegends'' series. In the main series, Shao Kahn was ready to execute Shang Tsung for his failure in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat1992'', until Shang Tsung proposed a plan to host another tournament in Outworld. In ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegendsScorpionsRevenge'', Shao Kahn simply beats Shang Tsung. While he does still invade Earthrealm despite losing and scoffs at the Elder Gods at one point while meeting with them in the sequel, ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegendsBattleOfTheRealms'', Shao Kahn does respect them enough to go through proper channels in the first place to get another tournament approved.
** Also downplayed in ''Series/MortalKombatConquest''. When he has Kitana killed in the finale, he seems genuinely upset that he had to kill his own step-daughter (contrasting the gleeful boasting of his other victims' death). In the games, he only ever saw her as a disposable tool at best.
** Very downplayed compared to the other examples, but ''Film/MortalKombatAnnihilation'' has him say the people of Earthrealm will rest in peace. An ImpliedDeathThreat for sure, but compared to how often he enslaves people in [[SlaveryIsASpecialKindOfEvil one form]] [[MindHive or another,]] this seems like he just intends to kill them instead. Again, very downplayed, especially since he still goes through with killing people and [[ReforgedIntoAMinion what he did to Sindel.]]

-->'''Shao Kahn''': I like females with fire...

* ButtMonkey: {{Downplayed|Trope}}. In the alternate continuity of versus matches, Shao Kahn is not [[spoiler: defeated by Kitana]] and reduced to a wanderer as the new Kahn rules. Many characters like to make fun of him for this, but he remains calm and determined to reclaim his throne.

* CardCarryingVillain: When Spawn expresses Shao Kahn has sinned on a scale only reserved for gods, he proudly boasts of how no one can possibly top that greatness.

* DropTheHammer:

* DumbMuscle:
** What Kronika obviously sees Shao Kahn as is a one-note brute that will willingly obey her for control of Outworld again. It's obviously subverted in that Shao Kahn is already plotting ahead of her, but not openly trying to take her on.
** [[AdaptationalVillainy In the reboot,]] this is what Sindel sees Shao Kahn as and only admires him for. Her ending even sees him reduced to a servant fanning her.

* RougeAnglesOfSatin: We dare you to type his name on Website/{{Google}} and take a drink every time it's misspelled as "Khan." Your liver will fail and [[CatchPhrase you will die, mortal]].

* TestYourStrengthGame: One shows up for his ''[=MK11=]'' Friendship, which he naturally uses his giant sledgehammer for. He even hits it so hard the bell breaks!

--> '''Shao Kahn:''' "Feel the wrath of Shao Kahn!"
--> '''Shao Kahn:''' "Feel the power of Shao Kahn!"
* TookALevelInDumbass:
** A main aspect of his VillainDecay come ''11''. In the original timeline, Kahn was cunning enough to fake his own death in the intro of ''Deadly Alliance'', creating a magic clone for Shang Tsung and Quan Chi to kill while he, with Goro's help, starts recuperating his empire in ''Deception'' behind everyone's backs. ''11'' however, portrays him as much more emotionally impulsive, [[spoiler:unable to keep his empire running for a few seconds before Kitana defeats him]], and if Sindel's ending is anything to go by, [[spoiler:she had swooned Shao Kahn into being her DumbMuscle husband.]]
** And here is this intro as proof:
--->'''Spawn:''' Another dime-a-dozen petty dictator...\\
'''Shao Kahn:''' Petty?! I am ''mighty!''\\
'''Spawn:''' Mighty ''stupid'' is what you are, Shao Kahn.

* VillainDecay: [[spoiler: ''[=MK11's=]'' story mode gives him a lot of crap. When brought back by Kronika, he doesn't receive higher treatment than the other villains allied with her; he loses both of his in-game fights; has his role as Outworld Emperor usurped by someone he didn't even suspect; and his moment of glory - taking back the realm from Kotal Kahn's grasp - is cut short by Kitana defeating him. Even his greatest moment from the original timeline, his victory at Armageddon, is revealed to have been ''orchestrated by Kronika.'']]
** [[spoiler: ''Aftermath'' is a noticeable ''aversion'' of this trope. When Shao gets his sight restored after the trip to Soul Chamber, he is '''not''' messing around... until he gets his soul drained by Shang Tsung, that is.]]

* WeaponAcrossTheShoulder: His main intro animation in ''11'' has him picking up his hammer and resting it on his shoulder.

Individual Characters: [[Characters/MortalKombatHanzoHasashi Scorpion]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatBiHan Sub-Zero I/Noob Saibot]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatJohnnyCage Johnny Cage]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatLiuKang Liu Kang]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatRaiden Raiden]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatShangTsung Shang Tsung]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKuaiLiang Sub-Zero II]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKitana Kitana]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatMileena Mileena]] | [=Shao Kahn=] | [[Characters/MortalKombatShinnokAndQuanChi Shinnok and Quan Chi]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKronika Kronika]]-]]]

** [[ShrugOfGod Maybe.]] From their unending shit-talk to the sheer catharsis Shao Kahn gets from finally laying on the beatdown, it's abundantly clear that the Emperor and Raiden have a very lively history. Aside from a non-canon mention of their being brothers in the second movie, however, it's never really been expanded on.

Main series: [[Characters/MortalKombat1 MK1]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatII MK2]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat3 MK3]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat4 MK4]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Deadly Alliance]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatDeception Deception]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatArmageddon Armageddon]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatVsDCUniverse MK vs. DC Universe]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat9 MK9]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatX MKX]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat11 MK11]]\\

** {{Downplayed}} in the ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegends'' series. In the main series, Shao Kahn was ready to execute Shang Tsung for his failure in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat1'', until Shang Tsung proposed a plan to host another tournament in Outworld. In ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegendsScorpionsRevenge'', Shao Kahn simply beats Shang Tsung. While he does still invade Earthrealm despite losing and scoffs at the Elder Gods at one point while meeting with them in the sequel, ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegendsBattleOfTheRealms'', Shao Kahn does respect them enough to go through proper channels in the first place to get another tournament approved.

* TheBadGuyWins: He ultimately wins after the events of ''Armageddon''. He survives the ascent up the Pyramid and follows that by attempting to kill Raiden. This prompts the Thunder God to [[InvokedTrope invoke]] the TimeyWimeyBall and telepathically send a message to his younger self from the time of ''VideoGame/MortalKombat1'', warning him of the events to come, before Kahn can strike the killing blow. [[spoiler:{{Subverted|Trope}} in ''9'', where this trope actually proves to be the key to Shao Kahn's defeat and the prevention of Armageddon. Raiden's words to his past self ("He must win") actually refer to ''Shao Kahn''; Earthrealm must ''[[SheatheYourSword let]]'' Kahn win and merge Outworld with Earthrealm so that the Elder Gods will then punish the Emperor for his treachery.]]

'''Shao Kahn:''' [[VirtueIsAWeakness They are the pillars of order!]]

'''Shao Kahn:''' [[PoliticallyIncorrectVillain They are the pillars of order!]]

** While he declares Mileena his heir and even commends Kitana for showing ruthlessness, ultimately he only seems to accept women having power when it's in line with his interests; aside from his aforementioned YouGotSpunk remark to Cassie, he also mocks Kotal for letting 'his woman' represent him.

* YouGotSpunk: In ''9'', after Sub-Zero defeats Reptile and demands a chance to fight Scorpion, Shao Kahn, impressed by Sub-Zero's bravery and strength, acquiesces.
-->'''Sub-Zero:''' Your followers hold you in high esteem, warlord. They fight and die for your amusement. My brother participated in this folly; I do so ''only'' to face his killer!\\
'''Shao Kahn:''' And you ''shall''.

* ZeroPercentApprovalRating: He practically achieves what Mileena did by ''Mortal Kombat 11''. Most of Outworld is sick of his reign, and this is frequently lampshaded in arcade endings and character interactions. Ultimately, the only allies who don't defect from him are Skarlet, Kollector, and [[spoiler: Sindel]]. However, even ''they'' are only loyal to him out of the opportunity for more power and they end up usurping his throne in their respective endings.

** Very downplayed compared to the other examples, but ''Film/MortalKombatAnnihilation'' has him say the people of Earthrealm will rest in peace. An ImpliedDeathThreat for sure, but compared to how often he enslaves people in [[SlaveryIsASpecialKindOfEvil one form]] [[MindHive or another,]] this seems like he just intends to KillEmAll instead. Again, very downplayed, especially since he still goes through with killing people and [[ReforgedIntoAMinion what he did to Sindel.]]

** {{Downplayed}} in the ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegends'' duology. In the main series, Shao Kahn was ready to execute Shang Tsung for his failure in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat1'', until Shang Tsung proposed a plan to host another tournament in Outworld. In ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegendsScorpionsRevenge'', Shao Kahn simply beats Shang Tsung. While he does still invade Earthrealm despite losing and scoffs at the Elder Gods at one point while meeting with them in the sequel, ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatLegendsBattleOfTheRealms'', Shao Kahn does respect them enough to go through proper channels in the first place to get another tournament approved.

* WeaponOfChoice: His infamous hammer, which gets a lot more attention in ''[=MK11=]''.

** This gets downplayed in his default design from ''11'', where his skin has a rather monstrous quality to it, and he also has claws on his hands and feet - in addition to spikes coming out of his bare left arm. As for his actual face - which is revealed for a [[FreezeFrameBonus very short moment]] - it lacks the reptilian scales from the comic-book version, but has a curved witch-like nose, [[RedEyesTakeWarning red eyes]], and monstrous teeth.

** Some of the non-canon endings from other games have Shao Kahn being punished by other villains. Examples are Onaga condemning him to be tortured for eternity, Khameleon transforming him into a raptor like her (a process so painful [[AintTooProudToBeg he begs for mercy]]) and Shang Tsung turning him into [[BalefulPolymorph a centaur slave]].

* PyrrhicVillainy: Usually when he wins, it amounts to this.

* WalkingShirtlessScene: He's had some pants in alternate outfits, but never a shirt.

Individual Characters: [[Characters/MortalKombatHanzoHasashi Scorpion]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatJohnnyCage Johnny Cage]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatLiuKang Liu Kang]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatRaiden Raiden]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatShangTsung Shang Tsung]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKuaiLiang Sub-Zero II]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKitana Kitana]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatMileena Mileena]] | [=Shao Kahn=] | [[Characters/MortalKombatShinnokAndQuanChi Shinnok and Quan Chi]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatKronika Kronika]]-]]]

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[[folder: A-L]]

[[folder: M-Y]]

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* DraconicHumanoid: His appearance in ''11'' has him sport many dragon like features. He has scales around his arms, legs, and back, he has claws on his hands and feet, and his eyes are very similar to the dragon eyes that are shown in the past games.

* LightningBruiser: Despite his height, he has some lightning fast attacks who still deals a lot of damage. It's the main reason for his SNKBoss status.

'''Shao Kahn:''' [[UpToEleven That is unacceptable!]]

'''Shao Kahn:''' [[UpToEleven I'll stuff that grin with your entrails.]]

Main series: [[Characters/MortalKombat1 MK1]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat2 MK2]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat3 MK3]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat4 MK4]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Deadly Alliance]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatDeception Deception]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatArmageddon Armageddon]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatVsDCUniverse MK vs. DC Universe]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat9 MK9]] | [[Characters/MortalKombatX MKX]] | [[Characters/MortalKombat11 MK11]]\\

-> '''Debut game''': ''VideoGame/MortalKombat2'' (Brian Glynn[=/=]Creator/SteveRitchie)

The supreme ruler of Outworld and one of the biggest threats facing Earthrealm, Shao Kahn is one of the most powerful forces in all the realms. The Emperor has long been obsessed with the conquest of Earth.

Shao Kahn was once the advisor of the legendary Dragon King, Onaga. Before the Dragon King could obtain immortality, Kahn poisoned him and took his former master's throne. Eventualy going on to conquer countless lesser realms through brute force and Mortal Kombat, he consumed untold souls in his neverending quest for power.

When he took Edenia - a milestone in his campaign - he murdered King Jerrod in battle and took his wife Sindel as his bride. He then raised Jerrod's daughter Kitana as his own, and trained her to be his personal bodyguard. Sindel eventually decided to kill herself rather than live as his slave - but even death would not free her of Shao Kahn. He trapped her soul in Outworld, thus denying her the afterlife.

Kahn's next target was Earthrealm. He sent Shang Tsung - and then Goro - to gain enough victories in Mortal Kombat to allow him to freely invade the realm. Despite a 500 years-long winning streak, Goro was denied the vital tenth victory by Liu Kang - a descendant of the very same man who had put an end to Shang Tsung's dominance of the sacred tournament centuries ago. Enraged, Kahn brought Tsung before him to punish him personally. However, the sorcerer begged him for another chance, one that the Emperor believed might hold the key to undoing five centuries of wasted plans. The plan was to draw Liu Kang and his allies into an Outworld tournament where they would surely die. However, the new Mortal Kombat Champion proved to be too great even for the Emperor of Outworld - by defeating him personally. Unwilling to accept this, Kahn ordered his forces to kill off the Earth's fighters, but they managed to escape.

Shao Kahn had one last plan up his sleeve, however. Shang Tsung was ordered to complete a plan 10,000 years in the making by reviving Kahn's long-dead wife, Sindel, not on Outworld - but on Earthrealm. This allowed Kahn to step through the gateways between the realms to claim her and undermine the safeguards of Mortal Kombat, thus launching a full-scale invasion of Earth. Consuming countless millions of souls upon entering the realm, he then sent extermination squads to destroy those whose souls he could not steal. The chosen few eventually defeated Outworld's forces, with the Emperor himself falling once again to the might of Liu Kang. Shao Kahn was greatly weakened by this defeat, and Earthrealm was restored. Many of his so-called loyal soldiers had abandoned him, and his adopted daughter Kitana had turned Sindel to her side, thus restoring Edenia as an independent realm. To make matters worse for Kahn, the Shokan race had joined their ranks. When Shang Tsung and Quan Chi came before him to pledge allegiance, this meeting soon became an assassination attempt - and seemingly his reign had finally come to a violent end. However, ''Deception'' revealed that the Outworld Emperor had planted a clone in his stead and restored the mortally wounded Goro with his remaining power, thus regaining Shokans as allies.

During the events of ''Armageddon'', Shao Kahn would go on to form an uneasy alliance with Quan Chi, Shang Tsung, and resurrected Onaga in the hopes of preventing the Forces of Light from defeating Blaze and then seizing his own opportunity to strike when it came. He eventually ''succeeds'' and gets Blaze's godlike power, pretty much killing off Raiden and seizing all of the worlds for himself in the process.

Avoiding Shao Kahn's causing of Armageddon is the basis of the entire storyline of ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9'', in which the original canon's Shao Kahn is about to kill off Raiden and overthrow all the realms. Kahn's role in ''9'' is mostly reflective of the role he played in the original canon, being the main threat to Earthrealm in the eyes of Raiden. Things proceed mostly the same for Kahn with some minor exceptions, (such as the murder of Kung Lao, who had won the Outworld tournament instead of Liu Kang) until the very end, where Raiden's message from the future finally becomes clear: since Kahn's invasion is considered an unlawful breach of the rules of Mortal Kombat, he ''must be allowed'' to overthrow Earthrealm so the Elder Gods can punish him. In doing so, Shao Kahn is finally defeated once and for all.

Returns in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat11'', as pre-order DLC and an antagonist in the story mode. This also marks the first time he is playable in the initial roster of a non-UpdatedRerelease or DreamMatchGame entry in the series and not billed as a boss character. He is brought back from the past by Kronika and aids her in guarding the Hourglass, distracting the heroes by trying to reclaim his throne from Kotal Kahn. He plays a larger role in the DownloadableContent ''Aftermath'', where his interactions with Sindel are given focus as well.

* OverarchingVillain: He’s the most recurring villain of the series and [[spoiler: the canonical winner of Armegeddon.]]