Iconography is the study of symbols depicted in a work of art. Traditionally, these symbols derive from a readily recognizable, common currency of cultural or religious experience. For instance, in Western culture, a cross is a familiar shorthand symbol for Christianity and an obelisk is a generally understood emblem of dominance.
Shujinko made his debut in Mortal Kombat: Deception as the game's main hero. He is an adventurer who, as a boy, dreamed of fighting Shang Tsung. He has roamed the various realms and studied with many renowned teachers.
It was from this point on that Shujinko's goal is to find the Kamidogu, or relics that are hidden in each main realms (Earthrealm, Outworld, Netherrealm, Orderrealm, Chaosrealm and Edenia) and place them on an altar in the Nexus of the Elder Gods.