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Unraveling the Enigma of Xiao: Age, Lore, and Legacy

Is Xiao 4000 years old? Absolutely not. While the exact age of characters in Genshin Impact is often shrouded in mystery, available lore firmly places Xiao’s age at over 2,000 years old, not 4,000. He’s an ancient Adeptus, a Yaksha who has served Liyue for millennia, but he doesn’t quite reach the venerable status of characters like Zhongli (Morax/Rex Lapis) or even Venti (Barbatos). Let’s delve into the details of Xiao’s past, his role in Liyue, and clarify some common misconceptions surrounding this intriguing character.

Deciphering Xiao’s Age: More Than Just a Number

Xiao’s age is a crucial part of his identity. As one of the last surviving Yaksha, he has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, fought against countless demonic entities, and carries the weight of an immense karmic burden. Understanding his age provides a better perspective on his personality, his motivations, and his deep-seated connection to Liyue.

His character profile explicitly states he is “over 2,000 years old.” This places him among the older playable characters, but considerably younger than the Archons. Remember, the Archons are gods who have existed since the Archon War, which took place several thousand years ago. Zhongli, for instance, is estimated to be around 6,000 years old, having been the Geo Archon since the very beginning.

The source of the “4,000 years old” claim is unclear, but it is demonstrably false based on in-game lore and character descriptions. It’s important to rely on verifiable sources, such as the game itself, official Genshin Impact wikis, and trusted community resources when exploring character lore. Speculation is fun, but should be distinguished from canon.

Xiao’s History: A Legacy of Pain and Duty

Xiao’s past is filled with tragedy and conflict. He was originally forced to serve an evil god who subjected him to cruel acts. Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon, eventually rescued him and gave him the name “Xiao,” which means “demon.” He became one of the five Yaksha, adepti warriors tasked with defending Liyue from the remnants of defeated gods and demonic forces.

The constant battle against these dark forces has taken a heavy toll on Xiao. The karmic debt he accumulates from slaying demons causes him immense pain and suffering. This is why he often isolates himself and is wary of forming close relationships. He fears that his presence will bring misfortune to those around him.

Despite his pain, Xiao remains steadfast in his duty to protect Liyue. He honors his contract with Rex Lapis above all else, even at the cost of his own well-being. This unwavering dedication is a defining characteristic of Xiao and a key reason why he is so beloved by the Genshin Impact community.

Dispelling the Myths: Common Misconceptions About Xiao

Several misconceptions surround Xiao, including his age, his abilities, and his personality. Let’s address some of the most common ones:

Myth: Xiao is the shortest character in Genshin Impact. Fact: While Xiao is considered one of the smaller male character models, there are other characters of similar height.
Myth: Xiao is emotionless and doesn’t care about anyone. Fact: Xiao is deeply compassionate, but his past trauma and the burden of his karmic debt make it difficult for him to express his emotions openly. He cares deeply for Liyue and its people, even if he doesn’t always show it.
Myth: Xiao is a bird. Fact: Xiao’s true form is not explicitly revealed in the game. While he is associated with birds (his Yaksha name, Alatus, means “winged,” and his design incorporates avian motifs), he is generally considered to be an illuminated beast, a type of Adeptus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xiao

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify aspects of Xiao’s lore and in-game characteristics:

FAQs

What is Xiao’s real name?

Xiao’s true name is Alatus. He rarely reveals this name to others, as it connects him to his painful past.
Why does Xiao wear a mask?

Xiao wears a mask to enhance his combat abilities, but it also amplifies the karmic debt he suffers from slaying demons. It’s a symbol of his commitment to protecting Liyue, even at great personal cost.
What is Xiao’s biggest fear?

Perhaps, Xiao’s biggest fear is being forgotten and abandoned. He is very passionate about Liyue.
Is Xiao an Adeptus?

Yes, Xiao is a powerful Adepti, one of the Yaksha tasked with protecting Liyue.
Is Xiao immortal?

As an Adeptus, Xiao possesses a form of immortality. He ages very slowly, if at all, and has lived for over two thousand years.
What is Xiao’s Vision?

Xiao wields an Anemo Vision, granting him control over the wind element.
Who is older, Xiao or Ganyu?

Ganyu is older than Xiao. Ganyu is over 3,000 years old.
What are the Yaksha?

The Yaksha were a group of adepti warriors tasked by Rex Lapis with defending Liyue from demonic forces. Only Xiao remains of the original five.
What is Xiao’s role in Liyue?

Xiao’s primary role is to protect Liyue from demonic threats. He operates in the shadows, often unseen and unthanked, but his contributions are essential to the safety of the region.
Who is Xiao voiced by?

Laila Berzins voices Xiao in the English version of the game.
What is Xiao’s connection to Rex Lapis?

Rex Lapis rescued Xiao from an evil god and gave him his current name. Xiao is deeply loyal to Rex Lapis and honors his contract above all else.
Does Xiao have any friends?

Xiao is rather isolated due to his past trauma and karmic debt. He has a complicated relationship with the Traveler, who he respects.
What is Xiao’s favorite food?

While Xiao rarely eats, he has a fondness for Almond Tofu, as it reminds him of the dreams he used to consume when he was forced to serve the evil god.
What makes Xiao a good character?

Xiao’s complex personality, tragic backstory, and unwavering dedication to protecting Liyue make him a compelling and beloved character. His gameplay style is also highly engaging, making him a popular choice for many players.
Is Xiao’s design based on any real-world mythology?

Yes, Xiao’s design incorporates elements of Chinese mythology, particularly the Vermillion Bird (Suzaku), which represents the South and is associated with fire and rebirth.

Beyond the Game: Learning and Engagement

The rich lore of Genshin Impact provides ample opportunities for learning and engagement beyond the game itself. Fan theories, discussions, and analyses of characters like Xiao contribute to a vibrant community. Furthermore, exploring the cultural influences behind the game’s characters and storylines can broaden our understanding of different mythologies and historical periods. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be used in education, promoting the use of immersive experiences to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Games are also about entertainment.