Is Aether a Villain in Genshin Impact? Unpacking the Traveler’s Destiny

The question of whether Aether, one of the two main protagonists in Genshin Impact, is a villain is complex and doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. Currently, within the established narrative of the game, Aether is not a villain. He is the chosen Traveler, the one who embarks on a journey to find his lost twin sibling and uncover the truth behind Teyvat’s mysteries. While the game presents his sister, Lumine, as the leader of the Abyss Order, an organization acting as a primary antagonist, Aether’s actions are consistently driven by a desire to reunite with his family and understand the forces at play in this strange world. However, the narrative does offer hints and possibilities that suggest Aether could potentially become a villain in the future, or at least, have his choices cast him in an antagonistic role. Let’s explore the nuances of this topic.

Aether’s Current Role in Genshin Impact

Throughout the game, Aether acts as a catalyst for change and a helper to the various regions of Teyvat. He helps resolve conflicts, aids the local populations, and forms alliances with different factions. Aether’s actions showcase a strong moral compass, his willingness to fight injustice, and a commitment to protecting those in need. This is a fundamental aspect of his character, and his motivations at present paint him as a hero, not a villain.

Aether’s journey is largely shaped by his desire to find his lost twin. This singular drive informs his interactions with the world around him and dictates the path he chooses to take. Furthermore, his consistent alliance with good-natured characters and his repeated opposition to tyrannical forces, like some of the Fatui Harbingers and even the Raiden Shogun, reinforce his heroic role.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion surrounding Aether’s potential villainy stems from two key areas:

1. The Inverse Role of the Twins: The game allows players to choose either Aether or Lumine as the Traveler. The twin not selected becomes the leader of the Abyss Order, an organization actively working against the established order of Teyvat and thus appearing as antagonists. The fact that Lumine can be presented as a villain (if Aether is chosen as the player character) creates a narrative symmetry where players might question if Aether, too, could follow a similar path. This is often the source of the idea of a canonical “evil twin,” and it influences the perception of Aether’s moral compass.

2. Future Narrative Uncertainties: The story of Genshin Impact is far from over. There are many unanswered questions regarding the true nature of the world, the Unknown God, and the motives of various factions. It’s conceivable that future plot developments could put Aether in situations where he makes morally ambiguous choices or is forced to align with characters who have traditionally been antagonists.

The Potential for a Darker Path

While not villainous currently, Aether’s actions are not without their implications. Aether’s sheer strength and his ability to wield elements without the use of a Vision make him an anomaly in Teyvat. This unusual power, coupled with his past history in traveling to many worlds, can make Aether a wildcard.

Furthermore, the search for his lost twin could lead Aether down a path of moral compromise. The more he learns about the Abyss Order and the potential reasons behind his sibling’s choices, the more blurred the lines between good and evil could become. It’s possible that a desire for revenge or a thirst for knowledge could corrupt him, leading him to adopt less ethical means to achieve his goals.

The game also hints at the possibility that the true nature of good and evil in Teyvat isn’t as clear-cut as it appears. The Archons, who are revered figures, have demonstrated questionable actions and motives. The Abyss Order, while seemingly evil, might also have legitimate grievances with the current status quo. All of this suggests a future where Aether could be forced to make difficult choices that challenge his perception of morality and potentially turn him into an anti-hero or even a true villain.

Conclusion

Currently, Aether is not a villain. He acts as a hero, striving for justice and committed to reuniting with his family. However, the ever-evolving narrative of Genshin Impact leaves the possibility open for him to potentially turn into a villain or anti-hero. The future actions of the protagonist and their motivations will be key in determining Aether’s true alignment. Ultimately, the player’s choices influence how Aether is perceived, but the seeds of potential darkness are definitely planted within the lore of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Aether the “Canon” Good Twin?

There isn’t a strict “canon” in terms of which twin is good or evil. The game is designed to allow players to choose their protagonist. However, Aether is often seen as the canonical “good” twin because in most promotional material, it is Lumine who is portrayed as the leader of the Abyss Order.

2. Is Lumine a Villain?

If you choose Aether as your playable character, then Lumine is portrayed as an antagonist, the leader of the Abyss Order. Her actions are in opposition to the current order of Teyvat and often place her against the Traveler.

3. Are Aether and Lumine Evil?

Whether Aether or Lumine is “evil” depends entirely on which twin you choose to play as. The twin not chosen becomes the antagonist. Neither twin is inherently evil, rather their actions are dictated by their roles in the story based on player choice.

4. Is Aether Stronger than Lumine?

Gameplay-wise, there are slight differences in stats, but neither twin is inherently stronger than the other. Lumine has a higher charged attack damage bonus while Aether has an attack speed boost, but these aren’t substantial and do not define which one is stronger. The twins’ strength is equal.

5. What is the Abyss Order?

The Abyss Order is an organization that acts as one of the main antagonists in Genshin Impact. They are composed of beings from the Abyss, who are hostile to the current rulers of Teyvat and are seeking to undermine their authority and possibly destroy the world.

6. Who is the Unknown God?

The Unknown God, also known as the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, is the overarching antagonist who separates the twins at the beginning of the game. She’s the initial force that sets the twins on their respective paths.

7. Are the Archons Evil?

The Archons are not inherently evil. They are powerful god-like beings that rule over the seven regions of Teyvat. Some have questionable actions and motives, but they are not portrayed as outright malevolent. Their actions are often tied to the specific challenges they face.

8. Is Paimon Evil?

While it is a common theory, there is no conclusive evidence within the game that Paimon is evil. There are several hints that suggest there may be more to her than meets the eye. Her true nature remains one of Genshin Impact’s many mysteries.

9. What are the 7 Archons?

The seven Archons are the gods who govern the seven nations of Teyvat. They each control a specific element (Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo). These include figures like Venti, Zhongli, Raiden Shogun, and more.

10. Who is the Cryo Archon?

The Cryo Archon is known as the Tsaritsa, and she is a key antagonist, who appears to be plotting against the established order of Teyvat.

11. What is the meaning of the Traveler’s Dull Sword?

The Traveler uses the Dull Sword because it symbolizes their unknown power. The sword seemingly scales with the Traveler’s level, implying that their power is still growing. It also could simply represent that they are now a stranger in an unfamiliar land and have no connection to the world, so they must start from scratch.

12. How Old is Aether?

While his true age is unknown, Aether is at least over 500 years old based on the timeline of Genshin Impact. He has also traveled across many worlds before landing in Teyvat.

13. Is the Wanderer a Villain?

The Wanderer, formerly Scaramouche, is an antagonist-turned-playable character. He has a complicated history and has done villainous acts in the past, but his current path is more complex, making him an anti-hero at worst.

14. Will Genshin Impact Ever End?

Given its current development and the vast narrative planned, Genshin Impact’s story is far from over. It is unlikely that the main story will conclude anytime soon. New regions, characters, and story arcs are consistently being released.

15. Who is La Signora?

La Signora, or Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter, was a major antagonist and a Fatui Harbinger. She was known by her codenames The Fair Lady and the Crimson Witch of Embers. She has since been defeated by the Traveler in combat.