What Happens When an Archon Loses Their Gnosis?

Losing a Gnosis in the world of Teyvat has profound implications for an Archon, the divine rulers of their respective nations. While it doesn’t strip them of all their elemental power, it significantly diminishes their divine authority and connection to Celestia. Think of a Gnosis as the Archon’s direct line to the heavens, a powerful amplifier and symbol of their status. Without it, they’re still formidable, drawing upon inherent elemental abilities honed over millennia, but their influence and overall power are undeniably curtailed. It’s akin to a CEO losing their controlling stake in a company – they might still have the skills and experience to lead, but their authority is irrevocably lessened. The extent of this impact, however, varies from Archon to Archon, depending on their individual reliance on the Gnosis and their relationship with Celestia. Some, like Zhongli, seemingly planned for this eventuality and were prepared to relinquish the power. Others, like Venti, had theirs forcibly taken and suffered more immediately as a result. The loss also impacts their standing within the divine order, potentially making them vulnerable to the machinations of entities like the Fatui who seek to collect the Gnoses for their own purposes.

The Immediate and Long-Term Effects

The immediate effects of losing a Gnosis can range from a noticeable reduction in elemental potency to a psychological shift in the Archon’s perception of their role and responsibilities. Over the long term, the absence of a Gnosis can lead to a gradual decline in the Archon’s ability to influence their nation and maintain its prosperity. Here’s a breakdown:

• Reduced Elemental Power: While Archons retain their elemental abilities, the Gnosis acts as a powerful catalyst, amplifying their attacks and allowing for grander feats of elemental manipulation. Without it, their abilities are significantly toned down. Zhongli, for example, still demonstrates incredible geo abilities post-Gnosis loss, but it’s speculated he’s nowhere near his peak strength during the Archon War.

• Loss of Divine Authority: The Gnosis is a symbol of recognition from Celestia, bestowing legitimacy and divine right to rule. Losing it undermines this authority, potentially leading to unrest and challenges to the Archon’s leadership.

• Weakened Connection to Celestia: The Gnosis acts as a conduit for communication and energy flow between the Archon and Celestia. Without it, this connection is severed, potentially isolating the Archon from divine guidance and support. This isolation can have profound implications, especially if Celestia’s intentions are not aligned with the Archon’s.

• Vulnerability to External Threats: Without the amplified power provided by the Gnosis, the Archon becomes more vulnerable to threats, both mortal and divine. This is why many Archons choose to maintain a strong military presence and cultivate powerful allies.

• Psychological Impact: The loss of a Gnosis can have a significant psychological impact on the Archon. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loss of purpose, and a questioning of their role in the world. This is particularly evident in the case of Raiden Ei, who became even more fixated on her pursuit of eternity after losing her Gnosis.

Individual Archon Reactions

It’s important to note that each Archon reacts differently to the loss of their Gnosis. Some, like Zhongli, seem to have anticipated this event and planned accordingly. Others, like Venti, were caught off guard and suffered more immediate consequences.

• Zhongli: Entered a pre-arranged contract with the Fatui to relinquish his Gnosis, freeing himself from his Archon duties and allowing him to experience mortality. He seemed prepared for the power loss and continued to protect Liyue through other means.

• Venti: Had his Gnosis stolen by Signora. This event initially left him weakened and unable to fully exert his influence.

• Raiden Ei: Lost her Gnosis before the events of the game. She replaced it with a puppet to continue to rule and she become more fixated on eternity in her pursuit to protect the Inazuma.

• Nahida: Reluctantly gave up her Gnosis to the Fatui in exchange for the safety of her people.

Ultimately, the loss of a Gnosis represents a turning point in an Archon’s existence, forcing them to confront their own mortality, question their divine purpose, and adapt to a world where their power is diminished.

The Future of Archons Without Gnoses

The future of Archons who have lost their Gnoses remains uncertain. With the Tsaritsa actively collecting these powerful artifacts, the stage is set for a confrontation with Celestia. The Archons, now stripped of their direct connection to the divine, must forge their own paths and decide whether to support the Tsaritsa’s rebellion or defend the established order. This conflict will likely shape the future of Teyvat and determine the fate of the Archons themselves. This shift also highlights important aspects of game-based learning, illustrating how choices and consequences can drive narrative and encourage critical thinking about power dynamics. To explore the intersection of gaming and education further, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Archons still use their powers without a Gnosis?

Yes, Archons can still use their powers without a Gnosis. Their powers are inherent to them, but the Gnosis acts as an amplifier and a symbol of their authority from Celestia. Without it, their powers are diminished, but not completely gone.

2. What happens when an Archon dies?

According to lore, Archons cannot be destroyed permanently. They can lose their physical form and become pure essences, perhaps drifting until they can manifest again.

3. What happened to Raiden Shogun’s Gnosis?

Raiden had already lost her Gnosis before the Traveler’s arrival. To maintain control over Inazuma, she resorted to creating a puppet and enforcing her pursuit of eternity.

4. Did Venti ever get his Gnosis back?

No, Venti has not gotten his Gnosis back. It was stolen by Signora.

5. Did Nahida give up her Gnosis?

Yes, Nahida gave up her Gnosis in exchange for Dottore eliminating his other segments.

6. Did Zhongli give up his Gnosis?

Yes, Zhongli gave up his Gnosis through a contract with the Fatui, thereby ending his duties as the Archon of Liyue.

7. Which Archons lost their Gnosis?

Venti, Zhongli, Raiden Ei, and Nahida have all lost or forfeited their Gnoses.

8. Is Zhongli still powerful without his Gnosis?

Zhongli is still powerful without his Gnosis, as demonstrated in his second story quest, where he exhibits considerable geo abilities even after relinquishing his Gnosis.

9. Who are the current Hydro Archon?

The current Hydro Archon is Furina, also known as Focalors.

10. Do the adepti know who Zhongli is?

Some adepti and other gods, along with Childe and the late Signora, know Zhongli’s true identity as Morax.

11. Why does the Tsaritsa want to overthrow Celestia?

The Tsaritsa, disillusioned by Celestia, aims to rebel against it, steal the Gnoses of the Archons, establish the Fatui, and launch an attack on Celestia.

12. How many of the original seven Archons are still alive?

Only two of the original Seven Archons are still alive and well: Barbatos (Venti) and Morax (Zhongli).

13. How did the previous Hydro Archon die?

The former Hydro Archon died during the cataclysm, fighting the monsters of the abyss in Tunigi Hollow.

14. How did Venti lose his Gnosis?

Venti lost his Gnosis when it was stolen by Signora.

15. What is the Gnosis compared to?

Archons actually draw from a different source for their power, a little Chess Piece they keep inside themselves like an organ which is called a “Gnosis.”