Are All the Archons Dead in Genshin Impact? Unraveling the Immortal Puzzle
No, definitively, not all the Archons are dead in Genshin Impact. While the game’s lore is rife with tales of fallen gods and replaced rulers, a few of the original Seven Archons, who emerged victorious from the tumultuous Archon War, still maintain their positions. The survival, death, and replacement of these powerful figures are central to understanding the political and historical landscape of Teyvat. The narrative is cleverly woven, leaving players constantly questioning the true nature and fate of these god-like entities.
The Survivors: Pillars of the Old Order
From the information gathered, it’s clear that only two of the original seven Archons remain:
- Barbatos (Venti): The Anemo Archon, representing freedom and ruling over Mondstadt. While he prefers a hands-off approach, his presence is undeniable.
- Morax (Zhongli): The Geo Archon, formerly ruling Liyue. He faked his own death and relinquished his Gnosis to experience life as an ordinary mortal.
The fact that both these Archons willingly gave up (or had stolen) their Gnosis further complicates the question of what truly constitutes an Archon’s power and identity.
The Fallen: Whispers of Past Gods
The deaths and replacements of the other five Archons underscore the impermanence that even gods can face:
- Former Hydro Archon: Died during the Cataclysm 500 years ago, fighting the monsters of the Abyss in Tunigi Hollow. From her body, the Amrita pool was formed.
- Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: The previous Dendro Archon, who perished during the Cataclysm 500 years ago.
- First Raiden Shogun (Makoto/Baal): Died during the Cataclysm 500 years ago.
- The information gathered does not provide explicit information about the other two fallen Archons, leaving room for speculation and further reveals in the game.
The Replacements: New Gods, New Ideals
The death of an Archon creates a power vacuum, leading to the selection or emergence of a successor. These new Archons often embody different ideals and govern their nations in ways that reflect their own values.
- Beelzebul (Raiden Ei): The current Electro Archon, who took over after her sister Makoto’s death. She is a veteran of the Archon War.
- Focalors: Commonly understood to be the Hydro Archon ruling over Fontaine, whose ideal is Justice. The leaked information suggesting she split herself into two parts after the previous Archon’s passing, adds a very interesting layer to her story.
Gnosis and Archon Status
A recurring theme is the importance of the Gnosis, a chess piece-like artifact associated with each Archon. These seem to be a source of power. Though Archons can use elemental powers even without the Gnosis, it’s never clearly stated how much power they have while not possessing a Gnosis. The fact that Venti’s Gnosis was stolen and Zhongli relinquished his begs the question: Are they still truly Archons in the fullest sense?
FAQ: Delving Deeper into Archon Lore
Here are some frequently asked questions that explore the intricate lore surrounding the Archons of Teyvat:
1. Who are the original Seven Archons, according to Gnostic Texts?
The Gnostic texts mentioned by Epiphanius list several names as Archons: Iao, Saklas, Seth, David, Eloiein, Elilaios, and Yaldabaoth. However, these differ significantly from the Archons within Genshin Impact. The Genshin Impact Archons who survived from the Archon War are: Barbatos (Anemo), Morax (Geo).
2. What happened during the Cataclysm 500 years ago?
The Cataclysm was a devastating event that occurred 500 years before the events of the game. It involved the destruction of Khaenri’ah and the rise of monsters from the Abyss. This event led to the deaths of several Archons, including the former Hydro Archon and the first Raiden Shogun.
3. Was Khaenri’ah destroyed by the Archons?
Information from the game suggests that the Archons went to Khaenri’ah to destroy it but were ultimately beaten, forcing Celestia to step in directly to attack Khaenri’ah.
4. Is the Raiden Shogun evil?
The Raiden Shogun (Ei) is portrayed as a major antagonist in the Inazuma storyline, but she isn’t necessarily evil. Her actions stem from her desire to preserve eternity and protect Inazuma from what she perceives as threats.
5. Who is the weakest Archon?
Venti (Barbatos) is often considered the weakest Archon in terms of raw power, especially after Signora stole his Gnosis. His power may lie more in his ideals and his influence over the people of Mondstadt.
6. Are Archons still Archons without their Gnosis?
Yes, Archons are still considered Archons even without their Gnosis. Venti and Zhongli can still use elemental powers even after losing or relinquishing their Gnosis. But it is never clearly stated to what extend their power is affected.
7. How did the Hydro Archon die?
The former Hydro Archon died during the Cataclysm 500 years ago while fighting the monsters of the Abyss in Tunigi Hollow. Her sacrifice led to the creation of the Amrita pool.
8. Can Archons feel pain?
The information provided suggests that when someone inflicts pain on the Archon’s host, the opponent experiences the same pain. However, it is not stated whether this is the same for Archons as if they had a natural human body.
9. Who is the smartest Archon?
The Tsaritsa is often considered the smartest Archon, commanding Pierro and the Fatui Harbingers and masterminding complex plans. Her ambition and knowledge position her as a formidable figure.
10. How many Archons have died?
According to the information, five of the original Seven Archons have died and been replaced. It is never exactly stated how many Archons have died overall.
11. What are the ideals of the remaining Archons?
- Barbatos (Venti): Freedom
- Morax (Zhongli): Contracts
- Raiden Ei (Beelzebul): Eternity
- Focalors: Justice
12. Why is the Cryo Archon (Tsaritsa) seemingly antagonistic?
The Tsaritsa’s attitude changed after the destruction of Khaenri’ah. She now dedicates herself to rebelling against the divine and creating a new era of peace through war.
13. What is the significance of the Gnosis?
The Gnosis is a symbol of authority and connection to Celestia. It grants Archons significant power. The Archons’ power without the Gnosis has never been accurately stated though.
14. Why are there potentially two Hydro Archons?
Leaks and theories suggest the new Hydro Archon split themselves into two parts following the passing of the previous Archon. This might tie into the Hydro Archon’s ideal, Justice, and the concept of duality.
15. Are the Archons the bad guys?
The Archons are complex characters with their own motivations and flaws. The question of whether they are “bad” is subjective and depends on one’s perspective and understanding of their actions. The Games Learning Society has resources that explores the moral complexities of characters in video games, which can provide a different perspective on character motivations. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
The question of whether all the Archons are dead is a resounding “no.” However, the story is far more nuanced. The original pantheon has seen significant changes, with only Barbatos and Morax surviving from the Archon War. The deaths and replacements of the other Archons, along with the mystery surrounding the Gnosis and the actions of the Tsaritsa, create a captivating narrative that drives the overarching plot of Genshin Impact. As the game continues to evolve, players can expect to uncover more secrets and truths about the enigmatic Archons who shape the world of Teyvat.