We first have met under the DOS...

 

We remember Scorpion from the very beginning – from that groundbreaking day in 1992 when Mortal Kombat debuted (for those few lucky ones – on arcade machines, for most of us – a bit later on DOS, or possibly on Amiga). Not long after, we were able to meet this ninja in the brilliant (I know it's kitschy, but it's the '90s) live-action movie. His hallmark from the start was the hook on a chain. It was Scorpion, shouting his famous "Get over here!" who transformed a simple agricultural tool from Japan into a pop culture icon for decades. His “hook” is not really a hook, but a kunai - a tool of death in the world of digital arenas, but also an item with a rich history, dating back to feudal Japan.

 

The kunai, initially serving as a simple agricultural instrument, eventually gained new life in the hands of Japanese ninjas - those legendary spies and assassins of medieval Japan. Thanks to its simplicity and versatility, the kunai transformed from a digging tool into a multifunctional weapon. This metamorphosis from a simple device into a powerful weapon reflects not only the innovation of Japanese warriors but also the deep symbolism of ninjutsu, permeating Japanese culture - transformation, adaptation, and survival.

 

 

In this article, we invite you, dear readers, to delve into the history of kunai-type weapons – to simply know more about this slice of reality – both from the perspective of Japan's history and bloody video games. We will uncover not only its historical roots and evolution but also how this ancient tool has become an integral element of pop culture, largely thanks to Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. We will combine historical knowledge with a passion for video games to show how ancient traditions influence our contemporary entertainment and culture. Prepare for a journey that connects the past with the present, tradition with modernity, and feudal Japan with fantasy fatalities.

 

 

 

Kunai – What is it and where does it come from?

 

 

The kunai, modest in form yet rich in history, is a word that plays its role in the Japanese lexicon of war and agriculture. The origin of this term goes back hundreds of years, and its meaning has evolved greatly over the centuries.

 

 

Etymology

 

The word “kunai” (苦無) consists of two kanji: “ku” (苦), meaning suffering, pain, or difficulty, and “nai” (無), meaning lack or non-existence. Although the etymology may suggest a negative context, in practice, kunai represents a tool of survival and adaptation, capable of turning difficulties into advantages. In the agricultural context, where the kunai had its beginnings, the name may reflect the hardships of farm work, but at the same time, the indispensability of the tool in the daily struggle for survival.

 

 

Humble Beginnings

 

The kunai began its life as an agricultural tool, used for digging and planting. Its simple, yet effective design meant that over time, it became a versatile instrument in the hands of those who could appreciate its potential beyond agriculture. In feudal Japan, where social status often defined access to weapons, the kunai became a valuable resource for those lower down the social ladder.

 

Shadow warriors, ninjas, adopted the kunai not only as a weapon but as a universal tool - for climbing, as a chisel, or even an improvised knife. Thanks to its small size and ease of concealment, the kunai was perfectly suited to tasks requiring discretion and speed. On the battlefield, the kunai could serve as a close-combat weapon or, when attached to a rope, as a tool for climbing or even as an improvised thrown weapon. In the hands of ninjas, the kunai was a symbol of resourcefulness and creativity - traits that were valued in their dangerous craft. And, its greatest advantage – it was widely available to every farmer, so having it did not unmask a spy-ninja pretending to be a simple peasant.

 

 

Use of Kunai in Various Ways

 

The kunai, originally an agricultural tool, found its place in various aspects of life in feudal Japan, permeating through social layers from farmers to samurais and, most notably, to ninjas. Its versatility and accessibility made it an object of innovation in the hands of those who sought both simplicity and efficiency in their craft.

 

The innovation of ninjas knew no bounds when it came to the uses of kunai:

 

▫ Climbing: By attaching ropes to kunai, ninjas could use them as anchors for climbing or crossing obstacles (and this is likely the inspiration that the creators of Mortal Kombat later used in creating the character of Scorpion)

 

▫ Thrown Weapon: Though less commonly used in this way, kunai could serve as a thrown weapon in situations where direct contact was inadvisable.

 

▫ Multifunctional Tool: Opening locks, detecting traps, and even carving signs in stone and wood – the kunai was a versatile tool that could serve various purposes depending on the needs.

 

 

 

Scorpion...

 

Scorpion, whose real name is Hanzo Hasashi, is one of the most iconic characters in the Mortal Kombat series of games. As a specter from the netherworld, he seeks revenge for the death of his family and clan members, murdered by Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei clan. This tale of vengeance is a central theme for Scorpion's character, recurring throughout many games in the series.

 

In Mortal Kombat, the kunai has become Scorpion's signature weapon. Over the years, his kunai has undergone several evolutions in terms of design and functionality:

 

▫ Beginnings: In the early Mortal Kombat games, Scorpion's kunai was depicted as a simple metal spike at the end of a chain, which the warrior would throw at his opponent to pull them in for a combination of attacks. It resembled the simplest designs of kunai known from feudal Japan when the kunai was just being adapted from an agricultural tool to the art of ninjutsu.

 

▫ Mortal Kombat X and XI: In newer iterations of the series, the kunai and its usage become more diversified. Scorpion uses the kunai not only to pull opponents closer but also as a thrown weapon, and even combines it with chains in spectacular attack combinations.

 

 

▫ Film adaptations: In the Mortal Kombat movies of the 90s, Scorpion's kunai received a unique twist, becoming a living, snake-like creature that emerged from Scorpion's hand. It is difficult, therefore, to say that Scorpion used a kunai in the movie in the traditional sense.

 

▫ Mortal Kombat (2021): The latest film adaptation presents Scorpion's kunai more in line with its original conception in the games, as a metal spike on a chain, though with added personal significance for the character.

 

Scorpion's kunai, in various forms, has always been a key element of his arsenal, symbolizing both his fighting style and his quest for vengeance. The evolution of this weapon also reflects the changing technology and creativity of the Mortal Kombat series creators, who over time added new elements to the character to maintain freshness and fan interest. In every version, from games to films, the kunai remains intrinsically linked to Scorpion's legend, becoming one of the most recognizable elements in the entire series.

 

 

 

The Significance of Kunai in and out of the MK World

 

Through the character of Scorpion, the kunai has gained popularity and recognition in pop culture, becoming synonymous with both his character and the Mortal Kombat series as a whole. This piece of weaponry, though rooted in historical realities, has been reinterpreted and emphasized in media, contributing to the growing interest in ninja culture and their arsenal. Scorpion, by using the kunai in a spectacular and dynamic way, has helped change the perception of this weapon from a simple tool to a legendary symbol of a warrior.

 

The kunai appears in pop culture, including in many mangas and anime, often playing an important role in the arsenal of ninja characters or warriors. Here are a few examples:

 

▫ "Naruto": Probably the most famous use of kunai in pop culture after Mortal Kombat. In this anime, kunai are everyday tools and weapons for ninjas, used for fighting, defense, and as multifunctional tools. Characters often modify them, adding paper bombs or using them to direct chakra techniques.

 

▫ "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations": A continuation of "Naruto," where the tradition of using kunai by ninjas is continued by a new generation.

 

▫ "Ninja Scroll": A classic anime where kunai and other traditional Japanese weapons are used by ninjas in numerous fight scenes, showcasing their diverse application in combat.

 

▫ "Basilisk": A manga and anime series where characters, members of warring ninja clans, use kunai in their confrontations, highlighting the historical significance of this weapon in ninja culture.

 

 

Evolution of Perception

 

Kunai, though commonly associated with ninjas and their mysterious world, harbors much more history and applications than might seem at first glance. One interesting fact is that although today kunai is mainly associated with shadow warriors, in its beginnings, it was a tool used by a wide range of people, including farmers. Its simple, yet durable design made it indispensable in daily tasks, from agriculture to construction, demonstrating its versatility and practicality.

 

Additionally, contrary to popular belief and pop culture representations, the kunai was not primarily a thrown weapon. Its weight and shape were better suited for close-range combat and tasks such as forging or chiseling, making it a much more versatile tool than it might appear. The history of kunai is thus an example of how objects can change their meaning and perception depending on the cultural context and era in which they are used.

 

The contemporary appearance of kunai, both in the real world and in fiction, testifies to the remarkable ability of human imagination to transform simple tools into objects of deep cultural and emotional significance. From humble beginnings as an agricultural tool, through an invaluable element of the ninja arsenal, to an iconic weapon in the Mortal Kombat universe, the kunai has traveled a long journey, achieving legendary status. This journey does not just show the evolution of a tool, but the evolution of how we perceive such a tool through history and demonstrates how the past inspires contemporary entertainment and art.