Is Scaramouche the Son of Raiden Shogun? A Deep Dive into Genshin Impact Lore
The short answer is both yes and no, depending on how you define “son.” Scaramouche is not Raiden Shogun’s biological son. Raiden Shogun is the puppet vessel created by Raiden Ei, the Electro Archon. Scaramouche is a prototype puppet created by Ei as a test into the technology of making puppet bodies. Considering Ei created Scaramouche, and his origins are essentially artificial, he can be considered her creation, and therefore her child. However, this is a matter of semantics and interpretation, as the relationship is far from a traditional familial one. He is more accurately described as her creation, a prototype, or a failed experiment.
Understanding the Complex Relationship
The Origins of Scaramouche
Raiden Ei, in her pursuit of Eternity, sought to create an indestructible puppet vessel capable of wielding the Electro Gnosis. Scaramouche, whose original name was Kunikuzushi, was the prototype for this endeavor. He was essentially a trial run, a proof of concept to see if creating a Gnosis-bearing puppet was even possible. He was born with beauty and a long life but also with a “hollow will.”
Abandonment and Betrayal
Ei, however, deemed Scaramouche unsuitable for her purpose. She felt he was too emotionally volatile and ultimately abandoned him, believing this act of “freedom” was a kindness. Scaramouche perceived this as betrayal, a deep wound that would shape his future actions and resentment towards both gods and humans. This abandonment is a crucial element in understanding his character arc and motivations within the game.
From Prototype to Harbinger
After being discarded, Scaramouche wandered, experiencing further betrayals and loss, which fueled his bitterness. He eventually fell in with the Fatui, becoming their Sixth Harbinger. This path led him down a dark road, culminating in his attempt to become a god through the use of the Electro Gnosis and the assistance of Il Dottore and the Sumeru Akademiya sages.
The Significance of “Son”
While Scaramouche is not a biological son, the term “son” carries a weight of meaning beyond simple biology. He represents Ei’s creation, her ambition, and ultimately, her failure to connect with her own creations. His resentment and actions are directly tied to her choices, making their relationship a central theme in his character development.
The Redemption Arc
Following the events in Sumeru, Scaramouche undergoes a significant transformation. By utilizing the power of Irminsul, The Wanderer attempts to rewrite his past. The Traveler confronts him, leading to a realization and a shift in perspective. Although he loses his divine powers, he gains the capacity to grow and change, choosing to rename himself The Wanderer and forging his own path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Scaramouche?
Scaramouche, now known as The Wanderer, is a playable character in Genshin Impact. He was originally created by Raiden Ei as a prototype puppet, later becoming a Fatui Harbinger and eventually attempting to become a god.
2. Was Scaramouche created before or after Raiden Shogun?
Scaramouche was created before the Raiden Shogun puppet. He served as the prototype for the puppet that Ei now uses as her vessel.
3. Did Raiden Ei give Scaramouche a name?
Yes, Raiden Ei originally named Scaramouche Kunikuzushi, which translates roughly to “Country Destroyer.”
4. Why did Raiden Ei abandon Scaramouche?
Raiden Ei abandoned Scaramouche because she deemed him unfit for her pursuit of Eternity. She considered his emotional volatility a flaw and thought that discarding him would be a kindness, allowing him to live freely.
5. What is Scaramouche to Baal?
Scaramouche is a failed prototype of a vessel for Baal (Raiden Ei) that she discarded for being imperfect.
6. Is Scaramouche related to Raiden Makoto?
No, Scaramouche is not related to Raiden Makoto, Ei’s deceased twin sister. He is solely Ei’s creation.
7. Who turned Scaramouche into a god?
Scaramouche attempted to become a god with the assistance of Il Dottore and the sages of the Sumeru Akademiya, using the Electro Gnosis.
8. What names does Scaramouche reject?
Scaramouche rejects names associated with his past, such as his old name Kunikuzushi. He also rejects names of playable characters, Paimon, and Fatui Harbingers.
9. Why is Scaramouche so angry?
Scaramouche’s anger stems from his perceived abandonment by Raiden Ei, coupled with further betrayals and the loss of his friends. These events fueled his resentment and led him down a dark path.
10. Does Scaramouche have a dead friend?
Yes, Scaramouche’s friend Katsuragi was slain by Mikoshi Nagamasa, contributing to his trauma and resentment.
11. What is a good name to give Scaramouche/The Wanderer?
When renaming Scaramouche as The Wanderer, players have chosen names related to themes of change, redemption, and freedom. Examples include Masato, Arata, and Zephyrus.
12. Does Scaramouche have feelings for Mona?
While not explicitly stated, there is a popular ship between Scaramouche and Mona within the fandom, often portrayed as an enemies-to-lovers trope. This is based on their interactions during certain events and the contrasting nature of their personalities.
13. Why do people ship Scaramouche with Mona?
The ScaraMona ship is popular due to the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, their complementary color schemes, and Mona’s role as an astrologist, contrasting with Scaramouche’s knowledge of the “truth of the sky.”
14. How old is Raiden Shogun?
Raiden Shogun is approximately 3000 years old.
15. What is the relationship between Yae Miko and Raiden Shogun?
Yae Miko is a close friend and familiar of Raiden Shogun. Their relationship is deep and complex, spanning centuries.
Conclusion: A Creation, Not a Biological Son
Ultimately, while the label “son” can be applied metaphorically due to Scaramouche being a creation of Raiden Ei, it is essential to understand the nuances of their relationship. He is a prototype, an experiment gone awry, and a figure deeply shaped by abandonment and betrayal. His journey towards self-discovery and potential redemption forms a compelling narrative arc within the world of Genshin Impact.
The intricate lore and character development in Genshin Impact exemplify the power of games in storytelling and engaging players. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.