The Mortal Kombat series is known for its outlandish violence and style. So it only feels appropriate that one of its main villains and resident conqueror Shao Kahn is as outlandish and maniacal as they come. The jacked-up leader of Outworld and self-proclaimed conqueror of all the realms has one of the biggest personalities in gaming.
He's loud, he's confident and he is downright insane. Over the years and across games, movies and comics he has said some things that most people would get put into a straight jacket for even thinking.
10 "The Earth was created in six days; so too shall it be destroyed; and on the seventh day, mankind will rest... in peace!"
1997 was a wild time and so is the Mortal Kombat film released that same year. This Shao Kahn quote from that film is bonkers on face value but also comes with a ton of questions. This is most definitely a biblical reference which is wildly confusing.
Is Shao Kahn familiar with Earth Realm religions and culture? Does he believe them to be true? None fo these questions were answered nor will they be but it does make for some interesting implications.
9 "I am to be feared for if you fail me now, I will feed your rotting corpse to the worms!"
Man, this guy is just the worst boss around. Constantly threatening his employees and very rarely praising them for their successes. It makes it impressive that he manages to be in charge of Outworld for as long as he is.
This is not the type of leadership that inspires loyalty, even if he is one of the most powerful beings in the Outworld. Most of his lackeys probably keep their resumes up to date.
8 "An anemic effort from ineffectual deities. Today, I become the Elder God!"
In addition to the raw confidence that he can beat not just Raiden, but also the Elder Gods combining with Raiden, this quote is also really eloquent. The vocabulary here is very strong, painting the mental image of Shao Kahn sitting in his study, reading away.
Kahn always goes for grandeur with his insults and threats but this one takes the cake, reading like a Shakespeare play. "What a piece of work is a man."
7 "I am no refugee! I am Kahn of Outworld. Vacate my throne. or I'll soak these sands with your blood!"
Shao Kahn has been back for all of 30 seconds thanks to Kronika blending timelines in Mortal Kombat 11 and he is already barking orders and threats.
No confusion, no questions, just unchecked rage at Kotal Kahn for being in his throne. Kahn is flat out uninterested when he is informed of his death and just keeps on stirring up problems in Outworld. This whole situation must have been incredibly frustrating for Kotal, who just wanted to be a good leader.
6 "It's official! You suck!"
Alright, it's not those most outlandish insult, especially considering his usual lines. It is, however, absolutely hilarious and still very much in character for him to just shout "you suck!" at his opponents.
Plus, on the receiving end of this insult, especially if the Shao Kahn fight at the end of Mortal Kombat (2011) is just kicking your butt. You are such an unworthy opponent the only insult he can be bothered to put together is "You suck!" which makes it sting that much more.
5 "Let us make Outworld great again."
While this line is much more the developers making some comparisons to real-life with Shao Kahn, if we put on our English class caps and over analyze it, it makes for some interesting thoughts about the state of Outworld. This quote comes in Mortal Kombat 11 where Shao Kahn has been brought from the past into the current timeline, where he is dead and Kotal Kahn is in charge.
Outworld is mostly united at this point and not in its usual constant state of war and trying to conquer other realms. In conclusion, Shao Kahn thinks Outworld is only great when it is attempting to gain control of the other realms, something he is historically bad at.
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4 "I am Shao Kahn! Conqueror of worlds! You will taste no victory!"
Shao Kahn will not shut up about being the "conqueror of worlds" despite this not being true. He just isn't very good and taking over anything besides Outworld.
Even when he is conniving and cheats during the tournament and invades Earthrealm, he still gets beat by Liu Kang and killed. He doesn't conqueror anything, although he does get relatively close. "Invader of worlds," is a more accurate title.
3 "You weak, pathetic fools, I've come for your souls!"
This quote comes from the end of the first Mortal Kombat movie right before he gets beat down. Even before he meets his end he just can't stop running his mouth.
Like, at this point everyone gets it, you're the big bad Shao Kahn. Chill out and just do something for once. Running your mouth doesn't intimidate anybody at this point and he doesn't back it up. He's delusional.
2 "The Elder Gods fear me now. Their pathetic Mortal Kombat shackles me no longer. They mascaraed as dragons, but are mere toothless worms. I know you can feel it... it is the end of all things."
Kahn comes at swinging with this one, sending chills down your spine. This isn't his normal bluster, he legitimately feels this confident and it is intimidating.
Knowing the deranged muscle man who wants to conqueror everything is actually powerful enough to concern the Elder Gods (who, quite frankly, prove to be worthless most of the time) with his conquests. While he still fails after this (shocker) it is a powerful moment from a real villain.
1 "Nothing can alter your destiny, nor mine!"
Ah, "Destiny" ever lunatics source of pure, raw confidence. Shao Kahn can't even put his ambitious goals on himself, he has to chalk it up to the mysterious force known as "destiny."
The ironic part of this is that in Mortal Kombat 11 it's revealed that the Shao Kahn never succeeds in the endless time loops the Elder Gods are forcing them through. Despite Raiden breaking the loop Kahn is still nothing but an insane failure.