Raiden is one of the longest-running and most compelling characters in the Mortal Kombat series. This god of thunder and protector of the Earthrealm has spent his immortal life fighting evil and nearly succumbing to it after donning Shinnok’s amulet.
As a character of great strength and wisdom, he’s had a number of memorable quotes and sayings throughout the series that have stuck with fans. Whether it’s acknowledging his own weaknesses or admonishing others for theirs, these are some of the most memorable things Raiden has ever said.
10 “There are fates worse than death.”
It’s a line few wish to hear from an immortal god of thunder, especially one corrupted by dark forces. This is the line Raiden gave to Shinnok in the opening scenes of Mortal Kombat 11.
Raiden had defeated Shinnok by stealing his amulet and purifying the Jinsei. After Shinnok ignores his threats Raiden delivers this line shortly before cutting off his head and dumping it, still alive, on a table. Being a disembodied head for the rest of eternity unable to move or speak certainly sounds like a fate worse than death.
9 “Thank yourself, for undoing the problem that you created.”
In the lesser-known title Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero the iconic character is tasked with retrieving Shinnok’s amulet and taking it to Quan Chi. He's unaware of the evil plot to free Shinnok and destroy Scorpion’s family and clan forever seeding a hatred between Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
With the help of Raiden, Sub Zero manages to undo his unintentionally evil acts and keep Shinnok contained in the Netherrealm. After Sub-Zero thanks Raiden for his assistance Raiden dismisses it condescendingly.
8 “I hold out hope that we can turn this crisis to our advantage.”
Raiden is known for his great wisdom and shrewd military mind. These abilities have enabled him to overcome many obstacles and turn what was previously a terrible threat into a great strength to benefit Earthrealm and it’s people.
During the calamities surrounding Shinnok’s invasion from the Netherrealm and the corruption of the Jinsei Raiden delivers this line. Sure enough, he accomplishes that by augmenting his powers greatly through the process of purifying the Jinsei and stealing Shinnok’s amulet.
7 “I didn’t realize your master was in the habit of rewarding failure.”
It’s revealed in Mortal Kombat 11 that the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung has been a lackey of Kronika for quite some time. He was given power and resources in exchange for building a collection of souls she can use to fuel her own powers to restart time as needed.
Raiden marvels at Shang Tsung’s relationship with Kronika given his multiple failures over the course of events throughout the Mortal Kombat series starting with his defeat in the first game. When facing Shang Tsung Raiden delivers this sharp line.
6 "Too long have I allowed Earthrealm to endure the horrors of war. "
At the end of Mortal Kombat X Raiden has obtained great power from Shinnok’s amulet and the Jinsei has corrupted his soul. This evil force stirring inside him motivates him to take a more brutal approach to defending Earthrealm as he says in his memorable speech.
“Too long have I allowed Earthrealm to endure the horrors of war. Time and again we’ve defeated our enemies. But we’ve exacted no retribution. Demanded no remuneration. What have we gained for our mercy? More intrigue. More senseless violence. As new rulers of the Netherrealm, heed me. No longer will I simply defend Earthrealm. I will seek out and destroy all who threaten it. No mercy will be shown. No quarter given.”
5 “I was wrong to doubt you. I too have been a slave to anger.”
Fans of the franchise will be well aware of the anger and bitterness that Scorpion possesses following the death of his family and his clan. This hatred consumes his every action as he seeks revenge on those that he perceives caused their deaths.
It isn’t until later in the series that he finally lets the past go and seeks a more neutral route. Raiden fails to see this when first confronting Scorpion, but after realizing his mistake Raiden says this memorable line.
4 “So it is true, I walk a darker path.”
With the immense strength granted by Shinnok’s amulet, Raiden is unaware of the evil festering in his soul until well into the events of Mortal Kombat 11. The realization hits him like a ton of bricks as he realizes what his actions have done to threaten Earthrealm and all the inhabitants therein.
It isn’t until he sees the events of various timelines and casts aside the amulet that he fully understands the path he was going down. Reflecting on the brutal acts and the evils he nearly committed, Raiden marvels at his own corruption.
3 “The Sea of Blood is bottomless. You will fall forever.”
Kronika’s right-hand man Geras was an incredible threat throughout Mortal Kombat 11. With his fighting prowess and control over time, he proved to be a terrifying adversary who couldn’t truly be killed given his immortality.
Raiden finds a loophole when he takes him to the Sea of Blood. Geras initially scoffs the plan to drown him saying it won't kill him, but Raiden reveals a fate worse than death before kicking him off the boat.
2 “I dare not risk the temptations of its dark power. Even now it calls to me.”
Tasked with the herculean feat of assaulting Kronika’s keep the warriors rallying behind Raiden question their ability to break in. Cassandra Cage mentions that Raiden was an unstoppable force when he wielded Shinnok’s amulet, referring to the time he fought off the entire demonic army of the Netherrealm with its power.
But Raiden rejects this idea citing that the risks of him donning the amulet again outweigh the benefit. This line, reminiscent of Gandalf’s in Lord Of The Rings when referring to the ring of power, explains why.
1 “When a god speaks, heed him.”
In Mortal Kombat X the cluster of insects known as D’Vorah is revealed to be a double agent for Quan Chi and betrays both Kotal Kahn and the warriors of Earthrealm. Fighting alongside Shinnok and Quan Chi’s revenants she managed to capture Raiden at the Sky Temple.
The ensuing struggle to escape results in Raiden facing off against D’Vorah. During the fight, D’Vorah learns he is the god of thunder but quickly rejects his power and continues opposing him. After Raiden wins the fight leaving D’Vorah a broken mess on the ground he delivers this powerful line.