Decoding Dislike: A Deep Dive into the Wanderer’s Pet Peeves
The Wanderer, formerly known as Scaramouche, is a complex character brimming with a turbulent past. While he’s embarked on a path of redemption, shedding his identity as the Balladeer, echoes of his former self linger. Consequently, understanding what he dislikes is crucial to grasping his current persona and motivations. In short, the Wanderer fundamentally dislikes betrayal, manipulation, sweets, weakness (both in himself and others), and being defined by his past. He harbors particular animosity towards Dottore for his insidious involvement in his life and deceptive practices.
Unpacking the Wanderer’s Aversions
The Wanderer’s dislikes are not merely superficial preferences; they are deeply rooted in his traumatic experiences. He is a product of broken trust and repeated deception, shaping his worldview and influencing his interactions.
The Bitter Taste of Betrayal
The core of the Wanderer’s animosity stems from the betrayals he endured throughout his life. The blacksmith Mikage’s death, the abandonment by Raiden Ei, and the machinations of the Fatui all contributed to a profound sense of mistrust. Any situation that even remotely resembles betrayal triggers his deep-seated pain and resentment. This also explains the symbolism of his pre-name, Hifumi. Hifumi is Japanese and literally means 1, 2, 3, which can symbolize the three betrayals or the three stages in which the Wanderer lived his previous life; Raiden’s Puppet, Kunikuzushi, and Scaramouche (Balladeer).
The Sting of Manipulation
Closely tied to betrayal is the Wanderer’s aversion to manipulation. As Scaramouche, he was frequently used as a pawn by the Fatui, particularly by Dottore. This constant manipulation fostered a deep distrust of others’ motives and a hypersensitivity to any attempt to control or influence him.
A Sweet Tooth’s Antithesis
The Wanderer’s dislike for sweets is more than a mere culinary preference. It’s a symbol of his refusal to indulge in fleeting pleasures or superficial comforts. His preference for bitter flavors reflects his acceptance of the harsh realities of his past and his determination to confront them head-on.
The Burden of Weakness
Having been deemed a “failure” by Raiden Ei due to his inability to hold a Gnosis, the Wanderer is acutely aware of weakness. He despises it not only in himself but also in others. He strives for strength and self-reliance, often projecting an image of aloofness and self-sufficiency. This is demonstrated in a game when using the Wanderer in battle is his durability. When Scaramouche floats in the air, he is susceptible to enemy attacks. When hit, the Wanderer will fall down, leaving himself wide open until he can get back up, which also wastes time.
The Chains of the Past
The Wanderer wants to be free from the confines of his past identity. He resents being defined solely by his actions as Scaramouche and seeks to forge his own path. He dislikes reminders of his past mistakes and actively avoids dwelling on them. This is why his old names Scaramouche, Balladeer, and Kunikuzushi are not allowed.
Dottore: The Epitome of Disgust
Among all those who wronged him, the Wanderer reserves a special level of animosity for Dottore. Dottore’s manipulative experiments and disregard for the Wanderer’s well-being represent the worst aspects of the Fatui’s cruelty. This makes Dottore a constant reminder of the pain and suffering he endured. Following the restoration of his memories, the Wanderer still retained all of his traits as Scaramouche, simply stating what he sees in front of him. He is not fond of most of his former co-workers, especially Dottore as a result of his meddling with his life and his lies.
Wanderer’s Dislike: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Wanderer to delve deeper into his complex character.
1. Why can’t I use Scaramouche’s old names?
You cannot use Scaramouche’s old names (Scaramouche, Balladeer, Kunikuzushi) because he’s actively trying to distance himself from his past. Giving him one of these names would be a direct violation of his wish to forge a new identity.
2. Does the Wanderer remember his past as Scaramouche?
Yes, the Wanderer remembers everything that happened during his time as Scaramouche. While the world may not remember his existence as Scaramouche, he retains those memories, influencing his current personality and motivations.
3. Is the Wanderer a villain or a hero?
The Wanderer is more of an anti-hero. He was an antagonist in the past but is now working towards redemption. He is mentioned as the main antagonist of “Hues of the Violent Garden” event, the overarching antagonist of the Acer Palmatum Chapter I Story Quest, one of the two central antagonists of Chapter III of the Archon Quests (alongside Azar), the main protagonist/anti-hero of the Interlude Chapter: Inversion of Genesis, and …
4. What are the Wanderer’s strengths and weaknesses in battle?
The Wanderer is a powerful Anemo catalyst user, excelling at dealing consistent damage from a distance. However, his weakness lies in his durability. He’s vulnerable to interruption while airborne, making careful positioning crucial.
5. What is the Wanderer’s favorite food?
The Wanderer’s favorite food is Shimi Chazuke, a variation of Unagi Chazuke. This demonstrates a shift in his character, embracing the present and finding joy in simple pleasures.
6. How old is the Wanderer?
The Wanderer is around 400 years old. He was created after the Cataclysm, during the 100 years after Ei’s sister, Makoto, passed away.
7. Is the Wanderer a human?
The Wanderer is not human. He is an artificial being, a puppet created by Raiden Ei.
8. What motivates the Wanderer now?
The Wanderer is motivated by a desire for redemption and a chance to rewrite his own destiny. He seeks to prove that he is more than just a puppet or a discarded creation.
9. How tall is the Wanderer?
The Wanderer uses the “teen male” character model, placing him around the same height as characters like Bennett or Chongyun. The exact height is not officially specified by Genshin Impact.
10. Where did Scaramouche live before becoming the Wanderer?
Scaramouche spent most of his early life at the Shakkei Pavilion in Tatarasuna, Inazuma. This pavilion was supposedly built by Ei for him.
11. What is the significance of the name “Hifumi”?
The name Hifumi means 1,2, and 3, which can symbolize the three betrayals or the three stages in which the Wanderer lived his previous life; Raiden’s Puppet, Kunikuzushi, and Scaramouche (Balladeer).
12. How did Scaramouche obtain the Electro Gnosis?
Scaramouche obtained the Electro Gnosis by making a deal with Yae Miko. He spared the Traveler in exchange for the Gnosis, subsequently breaking ties with the Fatui.
13. Why did Scaramouche leave the Fatui?
After obtaining the Electro Gnosis from Yae Miko, Scaramouche broke ties with the Fatui and went into hiding. This marked a turning point in his life, setting the stage for his eventual transformation into the Wanderer.
14. Can I name the Wanderer after other Genshin characters?
Yes, the game allows you to name the Wanderer after other Genshin characters (Ei, Raiden, or Kusanali), though he may have a unique response depending on the name chosen.
15. What can the Wanderer do for character development?
The Wanderer’s journey from antagonist to anti-hero provides valuable insights into themes of redemption, self-acceptance, and the power of choice. His story can spark discussions about moral ambiguity and the complexities of human nature. To further explore these topics, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on game-based learning.