Is Xiao the Only Yaksha? Unraveling the Truth Behind Liyue’s Guardians
No, Xiao is not the only Yaksha, but he is the sole surviving member of the five most powerful Yakshas who served under Rex Lapis (Zhongli). While many Yakshas existed, these five were renowned for their strength and played a crucial role in protecting Liyue from demonic forces during and after the Archon War. The others succumbed to madness, karmic debt, or simply vanished, leaving Xiao to bear the weight of their shared burden. This article delves deep into the lore of the Yakshas, exploring their history, their fates, and Xiao’s unique position as the last of their most formidable warriors.
The Five Foremost Yakshas: A Legacy of Valor and Tragedy
The Guardians of Liyue
The story of the Yakshas is intertwined with the history of Liyue and the Archon War. Rex Lapis, recognizing the immense suffering caused by the war’s aftermath and the rise of demonic entities, appointed a group of adepti to become Yakshas—specialized demon hunters tasked with eradicating evil. Among these Yakshas, five stood out as the strongest:
- Bosacius (Marshal Vritras): An Electro Yaksha and the leader of the group.
- Indarias (General Musatas): A Pyro Yaksha.
- Bonanus (General Chizapus): A Hydro Yaksha.
- Menogias (General Kapisas): A Geo Yaksha.
- Alatus: An Anemo Yaksha, who later adopted the name Xiao.
The Dark Fate of the Yakshas
Despite their incredible power, the Yakshas were ultimately consumed by what is known as karmic debt. The constant exposure to demonic energy and the relentless cycle of violence took a toll on their minds and bodies, driving many to madness and despair. The specific fates of the four Yakshas besides Xiao are as follows:
- Bosacius is the Electro Yaksha, he survived the battle against the demons and was the last Yaksha to die, leaving only Xiao alive. However, after seeing so many of his kin succumb to karmic debt, he abandoned his duties and eventually became mad.
- Indarias, the Pyro Yaksha, succumbed to her karmic debt before her death.
- Bonanus, the Hydro Yaksha, driven mad by karmic debt, fatally wounded her comrade, Menogias, the Geo Yaksha, before presumably perishing.
Xiao: The Last Vigilant Yaksha
Xiao, the Anemo Yaksha, also known as Alatus, is the only surviving member of the original five. He continues to fulfill his duty as a vigilant protector of Liyue, battling the remnants of defeated gods and suppressing the lingering evil that threatens the region. He is burdened by the memories of his fallen comrades and the immense suffering he has witnessed. His resolve and dedication solidify him as a testament to the sacrifices made to protect Liyue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Yakshas
1. Who were the Five Yakshas?
The five foremost Yakshas were Bosacius (Electro), Indarias (Pyro), Bonanus (Hydro), Menogias (Geo), and Alatus/Xiao (Anemo).
2. What element was Xiao?
Xiao is an Anemo character, wielding the power of wind.
3. Did Zhongli create the Yakshas?
Zhongli, as Rex Lapis, commissioned the Yakshas, recognizing the necessity of a powerful force to combat the growing threat of demonic entities plaguing Liyue. They were adepti chosen to serve this specialized purpose.
4. Are Adepti and Yakshas the same thing?
Not exactly. Yakshas are a subgroup of Adepti, specifically tasked with demon hunting. Adepti is a broader term encompassing enlightened beings with supernatural powers.
5. What is Xiao’s real name?
Xiao’s true name is Alatus.
6. How old is Xiao?
Xiao is over 2,000 years old, making him one of the oldest characters in Genshin Impact.
7. Why is Xiao the last Yaksha?
Xiao is the last Yaksha because the other four succumbed to karmic debt, which led to madness, death, or desertion.
8. Was Xiao enslaved?
Yes, Xiao was enslaved by an evil god who exploited his weakness, forcing him to commit cruel acts.
9. Is Xiao the strongest Yaksha?
While all five Yakshas were exceptionally powerful, it’s difficult to definitively say who was the strongest. Xiao’s longevity and continued service suggest he is exceptionally resilient and skilled.
10. What is karmic debt?
Karmic debt is the negative consequence of constantly battling demonic energy and absorbing the residue of evil, which can lead to madness and despair.
11. How did Xiao get his Vision?
Xiao obtained his Anemo Vision after finding peace amidst despair.
12. Is Xiao a Yaksha or Adeptus?
Xiao is both a Yaksha and an Adeptus. He is an Adeptus who fulfills the specific role of a Yaksha.
13. What is Xiao scared of?
It’s implied that Xiao fears being forgotten or abandoned.
14. What happened to Bosacius?
Bosacius, the Electro Yaksha leader, survived for a time but eventually succumbed to karmic debt, abandoned his duties, and disappeared, leaving behind his belongings.
15. Who is stronger, Xiao or Wanderer?
The article suggests their damage outputs are comparable, but Wanderer may be more versatile in team compositions and exploration.
The rich lore surrounding the Yakshas contributes significantly to the immersive world of Genshin Impact. For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, exploring the narratives and character development can offer valuable insights. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers resources and information on how games can be used as educational tools, enriching the player experience and fostering learning through interactive storytelling and character-driven narratives.
The legacy of the Yakshas is a tragic but compelling tale of sacrifice, duty, and the enduring burden of protecting the innocent. While Xiao may be the last of the five most powerful, his continued vigilance ensures that their memory and their sacrifices are not forgotten.