Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, or simply ML, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) developed by Moonton. Since its release in 2016, it has become one of Southeast Asia’s most popular mobile games, including the Philippines. 

It also gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that, paved the way for ML to be included in the Esports competitions in international tournaments, like the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Another great thing about Mobile Legends is its willingness to take inspiration from different countries and cultures and model new heroes from literature, lore, film, and historical people. 

In this post, we’ll take a look at various ML heroes, where they are from (or supposed inspiration based on their appearance and characterization), and some trivia.

Table of Contents

Asia

Philippines

The Philippines is one of the top markets of Mobile Legends in Southeast Asia and even hails some of the strongest teams for international tournaments, winning three consecutive gold medals in the SEA Games. So, it’s not surprising to see some characters with Filipino backgrounds.

Lapu-Lapu (Courageous Blade) – Fighter

Lapu-Lapu is the first Filipino-inspired character released in Mobile Legends in 2017, and he deserves to be, as he is also the Philippines’ first hero. His appearance shows a precolonial outfit and weapon, with matching tattoos.

Paquito-Philippines

Paquito (The Heavenly Fist) – Fighter

This punching fighter can easily find its resemblance with the only 8-Division World Champion and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Paquito’s in-game actions also have a south-paw stance like his real-life equivalent. He also received a region-exclusive Manny Pacquiao skin. 

China

China has a rich history, legends, and a wide market of esports players, which is why it’s only natural that many characters in various games would emerge. China is also the most-represented country in Mobile Legends.

Luo-Yi-China

Luo Yi (Yin-yang Geomancer) – Mage

While Luo Yi’s historical inspiration is not included in her wiki, there is a Chinese historical figure of the same name during the Tang dynasty. But if you’re looking for more clues, her alias, Yin-yang Geomancer, reveals her Chinese ancestry.

Zilong-China

Zilong (Spear of Dragon) – Fighter/Assassin

Zilong has changed his name twice since his initial introduction in 2016, from Yun Zhao to Zhao Yun, before settling on his current name. Like other characters, Zilong’s background is also taken from a historical figure – the Chinese military general of the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period, Zhao Yun. Additionally, he also represents the Azure Dragon of the East in the Four Symbols in the Chinese constellation.

Ling-China

Ling (Cyan Finch) – Assassin

Ling is one of the Oriental Fighters in Mobile Legends and is based on the Four Symbols in the Chinese constellation, representing the Vermillion Bird of the South.

Baxia-China

Baxia (Mystic Tortoise) – Tank

Baxia is also one of the Oriental Fighters, along with Zilong, Wanwan, and Ling, representing the Black Tortoise of the North in the Four Symbols in the Chinese constellation.

Wan-Wan-China

Wanwan (Agile Tiger) – Marksman

Wanwan is the fourth member of the Oriental Fighters and represents the White Tiger of the West in the Chinese constellation. Her dress is also similar to the traditional Chinese qipao outfit and uses accessories common in the region.

Sun-China

Sun (Monkey King) – Fighter

Sun’s Alias, Monkey King, is a giveaway for his historical origin, Sun Wu Kung, one of the main characters in the Chinese novel Journey to the West. Sun’s in-game character also uses a similar magical staff, Ruyi Jingu Bang.

Yu-Zhong-China

Yu Zhong (Black Dragon) – Fighter

Like Zilong and Luo Yi, Yu Zhong is also based on a Chinese historical figure with the same name, who served during the Northern Wei dynasty. His dragon transformation is also a prominent Chinese symbol.

Chou-China

Chou (Kung Fu Boy) – Fighter

In Chou’s earlier design, his default skin was noticeably based on the famous yellow jumpsuit of Hong Kong martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. His alias is also based on the Chinese Martial Arts, Kung Fu, which uses kicks and punches, similar to Chou’s in-game skills.

Chang'e-China

Chang’e (Moon Palace Immortal) – Mage

Chang’e’s character is based on Chinese mythology’s goddess of the moon, which is said to be the basis of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese Mythology. The in-game character of Chang’e rides a moon, which is a homage to the Chinese moon goddess’ chosen home.

Akai-China

Akai (Panda Warrior) – Tank

Akai is based on the bear species endemic to the Chinese region, the Giant Panda. Akai’s early character design before his rework was almost identical to Po of Kung Fu Panda.

Yin-China

Yin (Martial Genius) – Fighter/Assassin

Yin’s name and appearance resemble those in the Chinese culture. Also, the iron rings around his forearm are common weapons in some forms of Shaolin-style martial arts.

Indonesia

Indonesia is another Mobile Legends powerhouse known to feature strong teams in the International arena, and adding two strong heroes with Indonesian origin and heritage only boosts its popularity.

Kadita-Indonesia

Kadita (Ocean Goddess) – Mage/Assassin

Kadita’s character design, particularly the green garment, is based on the Indonesian folklore goddess Nyi Roro Kidul (sometimes Dewi Kadita), the Queen of the Southern Sea in the Sundanese and Javanese mythology. Kadita’s in-game water skills also bring authenticity to the character.

Gatotkaca-Indonesia

Gatotkaca (The Man of Steel) – Tank/Fighter

Although the name of Gatotkaca can be attributed to the character Ghatotkacha from the Indian Epic Mahabharata, his character design and appearance are based on the Indonesian webcomic Garudayana.

Malaysia

While Malaysia is another strong ML team on the International scene, they only have one hero of Malay origin. Maybe they will soon add more.

Badang-Malaysia

Badang (Tribal Warrior) – Fighter

Badang’s name and character depiction are based on the Southeast Asian legend of the Malay race. The in-game character’s superhuman skills, strength, and hand-to-hand combat expertise are also referenced to the Malayan Badang.

Myanmar

Myanmar is an up-and-coming country in the Mobile Legends scene, as shown in their 3rd place finish in the 2023 Asian Games. They may also want another character based on their folklore.

Minsitthar-Myanmar

Minsitthar (Courageous Warrior) – Fighter

Minsittar is based on the Burmese King Kyansittha, who ruled the Pagan dynasty of Burma (now Myanmar), as evidenced by his costume with a crown and his passive skill, Mark of the King. 

Japan

Japan has one of the world’s most unique and coolest characters – the ninja, which has also been taken mainstream by Japanese mangas and animes. Their long history of epic battles also adds to their popularity, making them a great inspiration for shows and games like Mobile Legends.

Hayabusa-Japan

Hayabusa (Crimson Shadow) – Assassin

Hayabusa’s character design and skills show that he’s a Japanese ninja, as shown by his shadow clones and kunai-throwing techniques. His name can also be attributed to Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist of the video game Ninja Gaiden.

Kagura-Japan

Kagura (Onmyouji Master) – Mage

Kagura’s name translates to “entertaining the gods” and is a sacred Japanese dance and music ritual. Her in-game character appearance resembles common Japanese clothing and uses a Japanese oil paper-based umbrella or wagasa. Her splash art also shows her to be enjoying the Sakura or cherry blossoms, which is the national flower of Japan.

Hanabi-Japan

Hanabi (Scarlet Flower) – Marksman

Like Hayabusa, Hanabi is also a ninja or a Kunoichi (female ninja), as shown in her outfit and ninjutsu skills. Her name also literally means “fireworks” in Japanese. 

Hanzo-Japan

Hanzo (Akuma Ninja) – Assassin

Hanzo’s alias, Akuma Ninja, means Demon Ninja in Japanese, which is in reference to the famous ninja Hattori Hanzo of the Sengoku era. Like Hayabusa and Hanabi, the in-game character Hanzo also uses ninjutsu as his fighting technique.

South Korea

South Korea is known for its K-Pop and K-Dramas. Currently, there is only one hero from Korea, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another one, maybe from the new generation.

Yi-Sun-Shin-South-Korea

Yi Sun-shin (Paenlong Legend) – Assassin/Marksman

The character Yi Sun-shin is based on the famous and most celebrated Korean admiral and national hero of the same name who fought against the Japanese. He also has an in-game characteristic based on the historical Yi, like the use of the turtle ship.

Middle East

The Middle East is now known for its wars. Still, they also have a rich history and heritage to be used as character inspiration, like Ali Baba from One Thousand and One Nights.

Khaleed-Middle-East

Khaleed (Desert Scimitar) – Fighter

Khaleed’s name is common in the Arab regions, which means eternal or immortal, as shown by his skill with a regen effect. His appearance and sand-based skills are also attributed to the Middle Eastern culture.

Europe

England/UK

England and the United Kingdom have one of the deepest literature in the world, and it’s a great possibility to have more heroes coming from English works, like Mordred from the Arthurian legends.

Lancelot-Europe

Lancelot (Blade of Roses) – Assassin

Lancelot’s character inspiration came from one of the famous Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legends and a close companion of King Arthur. His in-game character resembles a knight and uses a sword similar to the mythical Lancelot’s Arondight.

Guinevere-Europe

Guinevere (Ms. Violet) – Fighter

Guinevere is another character based on the Arthurian legends as King Arthur’s wife, Queen Guinevere. Though she is depicted as Lancelot’s lover in English folklore, her background story in Mobile Legends says they are siblings.

Ruby-Europe

Ruby (Little Red Hood) – Fighter/Tank

Ruby’s character design, clothing, and background story are similar to the European fairy tale character Little Red Riding Hood. 

Greece

The Greeks have one of the best literature and mythology in the world, and it’s not surprising to have characters based on them. 

Minotaur-Greece

Minotaur (Son of Minos) – Tank/Support

Minotaur’s in-game character’s name and appearance resemble the Greek mythical creature with a bull’s head, tail, and human body that dwelt in the center of the Labyrinth.

Hylos-Greece

Hylos (Grand Warden) – Tank

Hylos’ character design is based on the Greek mythology creature Centaur, with a human’s head and a horse’s lower body.

France

France was a country that had a lot of legendary military tacticians who could be a great inspiration for Moonton, like the Chinese generals and tacticians.

Esmeralda-France

Esmeralda (Astrologer) – Mage/Tank

Esmeralda’s name and appearance are similar to the female character in the 1996 Disney movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, adapted from the French novel by Victor Hugo. The in-game hero also uses a ribbon, like in the film.

Russia

Russia has a deep culture and literature that can be used as inspiration for new heroes in the future, like the Baba Yaga.

Odette-Russia

Odette (Swan Princess) – Mage

Odette’s inspiration is based on the main character of the same name in the Russian ballet Swan Lake. Her ultimate, Swan Song, also used the music from the ballet. Additionally, her “Black Swan” skin is also based on another character in Swan Lake.

Scandinavia

The Scandinavian region in Europe has a lot of literature and mythology, like the Norse Mythology, that can be used as character inspirations.

Franco-Scandinavia

Franco (Frozen Warrior) – Tank

Franco’s character design resembles the usual Viking clothing that roamed the Scandinavian regions. The in-game character also has a hooking skill that shows he is a sea warrior.

Freya-Scandinavia

Freya (Valkyrie) – Fighter

Freya’s inspiration is based on Norse mythology’s Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty, war, and fertility. On the other hand, her alias, Valkyrie, is also based on Norse, which are female figures who guide souls of the dead to Odin’s hall, Valhalla.

Hilda-Scandinavia

Hilda (Power of Megalith) – Fighter/Tank

Like Freya, Hilda is a Norse mythology-based character and a fellow Valkyrie.

North America

USA

Since Mobile Legend’s main market is in Asia, its inclusion of Western characters is limited. However, having two US-inspired heroes is also a great feat.

Clint-America

Clint (West Justice) – Marksman

Clint’s character is most likely based on the cowboys of the Wild West, and his name is probably taken from the actor and director Clint Eastwood, famous for his cowboys and Wild Wild West movies. Even his gun and quick draw skills resemble the usual duel gun style that was famous during the era.

Mathilda-America

Mathilda (Swift Plume) – Support/Assassin

Mathilda’s appearance, clothing, and staff are similar to what Native American tribes have and use. Her in-game skills of healing and dance are also common in the region.

South America

Brazil

Bruno-South-America

Bruno (The Protector) – Marksman

Bruno is the first and currently the only sports-based (football) playable character in Mobile Legends. Before its Vanguard Elite’s skin remodeling, it previously resembled the Brazilian Football Team’s national color.

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