Shen's Cannon

The weaponized fireworks that threatened to conquer China and silence the prophecy.

Shen's Cannon represents a pivotal shift in the conflict between traditional kung fu and industrial warfare within Kung Fu Panda 2. Forged by Lord Shen, an albino peacock warlord obsessed with defeating a prophesied "warrior of black and white," this weapon utilized gunpowder to conquer China without relying on martial arts skill. The cannon was central to Shen's campaign, allowing him to raid villages for metal and destroy Gongmen City after killing Master Thundering Rhino. It served as the physical manifestation of his fear of the prophecy, driving him to exterminate every panda in China years prior.

Quick Facts

Creator: Lord Shen
First appearance: Kung Fu Panda 2
Status: Destroyed

Lore & Background

Long ago, Shen's parents consulted a Soothsayer who foretold that "a warrior of black and white" would defeat him. Deducing this meant a panda, Shen led his wolf army to exterminate every panda in Ancient China before banishing himself from Gongmen City after his horrified parents rejected his actions. In the present day, Shen's army raided villages for metal to build cannons, intending to conquer the land. Master Thundering Rhino was killed by Shen himself using a spear-like weapon during a confrontation, forcing Masters Storming Ox and Croc into hiding due to fear that Shen would use the cannon on the populace if they resisted.

Reader's Guide

Shen used his fleet of warships armed with cannons to sail toward the harbor while Po returned to Gongmen City. After freeing the Five and gaining help from Masters Ox and Croc, they took out the foremost ships but were scattered by Shen firing from his flagship. Standing alone against the fleet, Po achieved inner peace and redirected the cannonballs shot at him back at the remaining ships. This action destroyed the entire fleet, including Shen's flagship. Onboard the wreckage, Shen was crushed when he accidentally severed the lines holding up his ship's destroyed cannon.

Did You Know?

Po's mother hid Po in a radish crate and then fled with the other pandas; her fate is left ambiguous, not shown dying in battle.
Shen is killed when Po knocks him into the ship's own cannons, which then fire at him and cause the ship to explode.
The cannon factory destruction plan was ruined when Po confronted Shen directly.