Rain. The name conjures images of purple-clad ninjas, devastating hydro-based attacks, and an undeniable air of arrogance. Within the sprawling and often morally ambiguous universe of Mortal Kombat, Rain often evokes a complex mix of awe, frustration, and a surprising amount of… outright animosity. But why is this weather-manipulating Kombatant, a literal force of nature, so often considered a villain? While some characters are undeniably evil, dripping with malice and a thirst for destruction, Rain’s motivations and actions paint a far more nuanced, yet ultimately damning, picture.
Rain, born a demigod with both Edenian and Argus blood coursing through his veins, possesses the incredible ability to control water and lightning. One might expect such power to be wielded for the protection of the innocent, the defense of realms, or some semblance of justice. However, Rain consistently chooses a different path, one paved with ambition, betrayal, and a disturbing lack of empathy. The reasons why Rain is considered evil in Mortal Kombat stem from his insatiable ambition for power, his repeated betrayal of his homeland Edenia, his unwavering devotion to selfish goals, and his willingness to employ underhanded tactics to achieve those goals, rather than any inherent or cartoonish maliciousness. He isn’t evil in the way Shao Kahn is; his darkness is more subtle and, arguably, more insidious.
Ambition’s Corrosive Grip
At the heart of Rain’s character lies a relentless, almost obsessive, ambition. He is driven by a deep-seated belief that he deserves to rule, a sense of entitlement fueled by his divine heritage and the inherent power he possesses. This ambition isn’t merely a desire for authority; it’s an all-consuming hunger that eclipses any sense of morality or loyalty. Rain’s actions consistently demonstrate that he places his own ascent to power above all else, even at the expense of those closest to him and the realms he should be protecting.
One of the earliest and most significant examples of this is his alliance with Shao Kahn. While Edenia was being invaded and conquered, Rain chose to side with the brutal emperor of Outworld, believing that it was the most expedient route to securing his own position. This decision wasn’t born of necessity or a desire to protect Edenia through unconventional means; it was a calculated gamble, a betrayal of his people for personal gain. He saw Shao Kahn as a stepping stone, a means to an end, and was willing to align himself with unimaginable cruelty to achieve his objectives.
Later in the Mortal Kombat timeline, Rain’s ambition manifests in his attempts to usurp the throne of Edenia from Kitana, his half-sister. He believes that he, as a demigod, is inherently more deserving of rule than she is, regardless of her competence, her dedication to her people, or the fact that she has earned their loyalty. This sense of superiority, coupled with his insatiable thirst for power, drives him to actively plot against Kitana and destabilize Edenia, actions that directly undermine the realm’s security and well-being.
A Betrayal Etched in Edenian History
Rain’s betrayal of Edenia is a recurring theme throughout his storyline and a defining characteristic that contributes significantly to his villainous image. He isn’t merely a neutral party caught in the crossfire of inter-realm conflict; he actively chooses to betray his homeland, placing his own ambitions above the safety and security of his people. This betrayal isn’t a one-time occurrence; it’s a pattern of behavior that demonstrates a profound lack of loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice Edenia for personal gain.
The consequences of Rain’s actions on Edenia are far-reaching and devastating. His alliance with Shao Kahn directly contributed to the realm’s conquest and subjugation, subjecting its inhabitants to years of tyranny and oppression. Even after Edenia was liberated, Rain’s attempts to seize the throne continued to destabilize the realm, hindering its recovery and threatening its future. His actions consistently undermine the efforts of Kitana and other Edenian heroes to rebuild and protect their homeland.
Furthermore, Rain’s complicated relationship, or lack thereof, with his half-sister, Kitana, further highlights his villainous tendencies. While Kitana dedicates her life to protecting Edenia and its people, Rain actively opposes her, viewing her as an obstacle to his own ambitions. He displays no sense of familial loyalty or affection towards her, seeing her only as a rival to be overcome. This lack of familial connection, coupled with his willingness to undermine her efforts, paints a picture of a character who is deeply self-centered and devoid of empathy.
The Mirror of Selfishness
Rain’s motivations are almost exclusively self-serving. He rarely, if ever, acts for the greater good or demonstrates any genuine concern for the well-being of others. His actions are driven by a relentless pursuit of personal power and recognition, with little regard for the consequences on those around him. This selfishness is a defining characteristic that sets him apart from more heroic figures in the Mortal Kombat universe, who are often motivated by altruism, justice, or a sense of duty.
Consider, for example, his interactions with other characters. He allies himself with those who can further his ambitions, regardless of their moral character or the potential consequences of their actions. He is quick to betray allies when it suits his purposes, demonstrating a complete lack of loyalty or trustworthiness. This self-centeredness extends to his interactions with his own people, as he views them as tools to be used in his pursuit of power, rather than individuals deserving of respect and consideration.
In contrast to characters like Liu Kang, who strives to protect Earthrealm, or Raiden, who sacrifices himself for the greater good, Rain consistently prioritizes his own desires above all else. This stark contrast in motivations further solidifies his image as a villain, highlighting his lack of empathy and his willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain.
A Master of Deceit
Rain doesn’t always rely on brute force. He is a master of deception, manipulation, and treachery, using these underhanded tactics to achieve his goals. He is willing to lie, cheat, and betray to get ahead, further solidifying his reputation as untrustworthy and villainous. This willingness to resort to such tactics demonstrates a lack of honor and a willingness to stoop to any level to achieve his objectives.
Throughout the Mortal Kombat storyline, Rain has repeatedly demonstrated his propensity for deceit. He has forged alliances with enemies, only to betray them at the opportune moment. He has manipulated allies into serving his purposes, only to discard them when they are no longer useful. He has lied to his own people, promising them a better future while secretly plotting their downfall.
These underhanded tactics not only contribute to his villainous image but also make him a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. He cannot be trusted, and his motives are always suspect. This makes him a pariah among many of the Kombatants, even those who operate on the fringes of morality.
Shades of Gray: A Demigod’s Dilemma?
While Rain’s actions undeniably paint him as a villain, it’s important to acknowledge that his character has layers of complexity. He isn’t simply a one-dimensional antagonist motivated by pure malice. Is Rain truly evil, or is he simply misguided and driven by an overwhelming ambition fueled by his birthright and his place between realms? Perhaps his actions are influenced by his complex heritage, the constant struggle between his Edenian and Argus bloodlines, and the feeling of being perpetually overlooked and undervalued.
Could it be that Rain is a product of the corrupting influence of power? The constant exposure to the machinations of Shao Kahn, Quan Chi, and other nefarious figures could have warped his perspective, leading him to believe that ruthlessness and deception are the only paths to success. Or, perhaps his loyalty to “evil” is simply a means to an end, a necessary sacrifice to achieve his ultimate goal of ruling Edenia and securing his place in the Mortal Kombat universe.
These nuances don’t excuse his actions, but they do offer a glimpse into the complexities of his character and the various factors that may contribute to his villainous image. He represents a fascinating exploration of ambition, power, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Water Ninja
In conclusion, Rain is considered evil in Mortal Kombat due to a confluence of factors: his insatiable ambition for power, his repeated betrayal of Edenia, his unwavering devotion to selfish goals, and his willingness to employ underhanded tactics to achieve his objectives. While he may not be a mustache-twirling villain driven by pure malice, his actions consistently demonstrate a lack of empathy, a disregard for the well-being of others, and a willingness to sacrifice anything for personal gain.
The complexity of Rain’s character and the various factors that contribute to his villainous image offer a compelling exploration of morality and ambition within the Mortal Kombat universe. Whether driven by ambition, a lust for power, or a deep-seated insecurity, Rain’s actions consistently paint him as a villain, a figure who chooses personal gain over loyalty and justice. But the question remains: is he truly evil, or simply a victim of his own desires, a demigod forever caught in the storm of his own making? Why is Rain evil Mortal Kombat? The answer, like the weather he commands, is always shifting.
