Are The Other Archons Dead? Unraveling the Fate of Teyvat’s Gods
The world of Teyvat in Genshin Impact is steeped in history, intrigue, and the remnants of a cataclysmic past. One of the most pressing questions players and lore enthusiasts constantly ponder is: Are the other Archons dead? The short answer is: it’s complicated. While not all of the original Seven Archons are necessarily “dead” in the conventional sense, their fates are varied, involving replacement, disappearance, or a shift in role and identity. The status of Archons in Genshin Impact involves nuances beyond a simple binary of alive or deceased.
The Shifting Sands of Archon Power
The Archon War, a brutal conflict that shaped the landscape of Teyvat, concluded approximately 2,000 years ago. Only two of the original victors, Barbatos (Venti), the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, and Morax (Zhongli), the Geo Archon of Liyue, remain. But what happened to the other five? This is where the mystery deepens.
While Barbatos and Morax are still around (though Zhongli no longer holds the title of Archon), the other nations have seen their rulers replaced. This replacement, however, doesn’t always equate to death. The narrative carefully dances around the topic, suggesting various possibilities like death, ascension, or even transformation. Let’s delve deeper into the known fates of the other Archons to better grasp the overall situation.
The Electro Archon Conundrum
The Electro Archon position is perhaps the most intriguing. While Raiden Ei (Beelzebul) currently holds the title, the original Electro Archon was her sister, Raiden Makoto (Baal). Makoto died during the cataclysm, a devastating event that occurred 500 years prior to the game’s present timeline. After her death, Ei took over as the Electro Archon and created a puppet to rule in her stead, while she secluded herself in the Plane of Euthymia. Ei, being a veteran of the Archon war, is still alive and in control. The situation surrounding the Electro Archon demonstrates that the role is not necessarily tied to one specific individual, but rather, it can be passed down or assumed.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and the Dendro Archon
The case of the Dendro Archon is also shrouded in mystery. Initially, the Dendro Archon was known as Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. However, due to the forbidden knowledge and the events of the Cataclysm, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sacrificed herself to erase the corruption in Sumeru. She was replaced by Nahida, the current Dendro Archon, who is essentially a completely new being, born from the Irminsul. However, some theories suggest that Nahida is a reincarnation or an aspect of the original Archon.
The Hydro Archon and Fontaine’s Fate
Fontaine, the nation of justice, presents another complex scenario. The original Hydro Archon died during the Cataclysm, battling the encroaching darkness in Tunigi Hollow. This sacrifice resulted in the creation of the Amrita Pool. She was replaced by Focalors. However, Focalors’ story ended in Version 4.2, where she sacrificed herself to free the people of Fontaine from a divine curse. Now, Furina is the human sovereign of Fontaine, not an Archon.
The Cryo Archon: The Tsaritsa’s Rebellion
While we don’t have definitive details on how she originally became the Cryo Archon, The Tsaritsa is still alive and actively pursuing a rebellion against Celestia. Her motives are shrouded in mystery, and her methods are certainly questionable, but there’s no indication she is dead.
The Unanswered Questions and Future Speculation
The fates of the remaining Archons are not explicitly detailed, leaving much to speculation and future story developments. This ambiguity is what makes the lore of Genshin Impact so compelling. Are some Archons merely in hiding? Have they relinquished their power and disappeared? The possibilities are endless, and each new update potentially sheds light on these questions. Ultimately, while some Archons are confirmed to be dead (in the case of Raiden Makoto and the original Hydro Archon), replaced(Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Focalors), or have relinquished their power (Zhongli), others remain alive (Barbatos, Raiden Ei, and the Tsaritsa). The story of Genshin Impact revolves around the continuous transition of power and the evolving relationships between gods and mortals, leaving plenty of room for future revelations.
The world of Teyvat is constantly evolving, and with it, our understanding of the Archons. As the Traveler continues their journey, more secrets are bound to be revealed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Archons
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Archons in Genshin Impact:
1. Are all 7 Archons alive?
As discussed, the answer is no. Some of the original Seven Archons are dead, replaced, or have given up their position.
2. Which Archons are known to be dead?
Currently, we know for certain that Raiden Makoto (original Baal), the original Hydro Archon, and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata are dead. Focalors also sacrificed herself at the end of the Fontaine Archon Quest.
3. Are Barbatos and Morax the only original Archons remaining?
Yes, Barbatos (Venti) and Morax (Zhongli) are the only two original Archons from the Archon War who are still actively present in Teyvat.
4. What is a Gnosis?
A Gnosis is a symbol of authority and a source of power granted to Archons by Celestia. It is not explicitly required for an Archon to wield elemental power, as demonstrated by Venti and Zhongli.
5. What happens when an Archon dies?
The lore suggests that Archons can’t truly be destroyed, but their physical form can be lost. They may then exist as pure essences, potentially waiting for an opportunity to reform.
6. Did the Archons destroy Khaenri’ah?
While the Archons played a role in the events surrounding Khaenri’ah, it’s suggested that Celestia ultimately intervened directly to destroy the nation.
7. Who is the strongest Archon?
Currently, many believe the Tsaritsa (Cryo Archon) to be the strongest, based on her ambition and the strength of the Fatui.
8. Are Archons still Archons without their Gnosis?
Yes, the Archons can still wield elemental power. This indicates that the Gnosis is more of a symbol of authority and possibly a means to access higher powers, rather than the sole source of their elemental abilities.
9. Why did Zhongli give up his Gnosis?
Zhongli relinquished his Gnosis as part of a contract with the Tsaritsa, ending his role as the Geo Archon and freeing himself from the responsibilities of rulership.
10. Are the Archons evil?
The Archons are not inherently evil. They each have their own motivations and philosophies, leading them to act in ways that may be perceived as good or bad depending on the perspective.
11. Can Archons feel pain?
The lore suggests that Archons can transfer pain inflicted on their host body to their opponent, essentially creating a psychological effect of pain.
12. Do Archons have genders?
Archons do not inherently have genders. Their bodies are constructs they choose to inhabit.
13. What is the Cataclysm?
The Cataclysm was a devastating event that occurred 500 years prior to the game’s current timeline. It involved the destruction of Khaenri’ah and the spread of corruption and monsters throughout Teyvat.
14. Who is the Archon of Fontaine now?
After Focalors’s sacrifice, Fontaine no longer has an Archon. Furina is the human sovereign of Fontaine.
15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning and game design principles?
To learn more about the educational aspects of games and the theory behind game design, please visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society provides resources and research on how games can be used for educational purposes and to engage players in meaningful learning experiences.