Why is Scorpion in Hell and Not Sub-Zero: A Deeper Dive into Mortal Kombat Lore

In the Mortal Kombat franchise, the history between Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi) and Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) is central to the series lore. This article explores why Scorpion, a ninja killed by Sub-Zero during a conflict, is often depicted in hell, while Sub-Zero, despite his actions, is not. We will also discuss the 2021 Mortal Kombat film and its portrayal of these characters.

Backstory of Scorpion

Scorpion, also known as Hanzo Hasashi, is a memorable character in the Mortal Kombat series. His origin story is rooted in betrayal and revenge. According to mythologies, Scorpion was a member of the Lin Kuei, an assassin clan in the Shaolin temple. During a conflict, he was betrayed by Sub-Zero, who killed him in brutal fashion.

After his death, Scorpion was resurrected in the Netherrealm, often referred to as hell, where he became a vengeful spirit. His primary mission was to avenge his death and the murder of his family. This dark transformation is a central theme in the Mortal Kombat universe, where revenge and the cycle of violence are prominent motifs.

Sub-Zero's Actions

Sub-Zero, also known as Bi-Han, the original Lin Kuei assassin, did indeed kill Scorpion, leading to Scorpion's descent into the Netherrealm. However, Sub-Zero's actions were not entirely voluntary. Bi-Han operated under the influence of his clan, the Lin Kuei, whose members were often manipulated by their sorcerer, Quan-Chi. After Bi-Han's death, his younger brother, Kuai Liang, took over the mantle of Sub-Zero. Kuai Liang's character gradually evolved, seeking to redeem his brother's actions.

Moral Ambiguity

The Mortal Kombat series often explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence. Scorpion embodies the archetype of a tragic hero driven by vengeance, while Sub-Zero's character evolves significantly over time, particularly in later games and adaptations. Sub-Zero's later iterations are portrayed with more depth and potential for redemption, especially in his quest to clean up the actions of his clan and brother.

The 2021 Film

The 2021 Mortal Kombat film offers a streamlined version of these backstories, focusing on Scorpion's quest for revenge against Sub-Zero. While it may seem unfair that Scorpion ends up in hell, this aligns with his narrative as a vengeful spirit. Meanwhile, Sub-Zero's redemption arc is more prominently featured, especially in his later iterations.

The film, however, presents an interesting twist. In the games, it is canon that the original Sub-Zero, Bi-Han, killed Hanzo (Scorpion's father), not Scorpion himself. Scorpion's family was, in fact, killed by the sorcerer Quan-Chi, as explained in the game Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero's mythology. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the characters' histories and their intertwined destinies.

Overall, Scorpion's presence in hell is tied to his tragic backstory and transformation into a vengeful spirit, while Sub-Zero's character evolves beyond these initial actions, complicating their moral landscapes and the nature of their rivalry.