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The Unfolding Curses of Teyvat: A Deep Dive into Genshin Impact’s Afflictions

At its heart, Genshin Impact is a story woven with threads of fate, power, and, significantly, curses. The concept of a curse isn’t a simple magical inconvenience; in Teyvat, curses are profound forces tied to divine will, historical trauma, and the very fabric of reality. They manifest in diverse ways, from geographical calamities to physical transformations, and are often the driving force behind major conflicts and character arcs. In essence, the curses in Genshin Impact are potent afflictions with deep lore implications that add a layer of complexity to the game’s narrative. They represent the consequences of both mortal and divine actions, shaping the world and its inhabitants in dramatic and often tragic ways.

The Khaenri’ahn Curse: A Mark of Divine Retribution

Perhaps the most prominent and far-reaching curse in Genshin Impact is the one inflicted upon the people of Khaenri’ah. This technologically advanced nation, untouched by the direct influence of the Seven Archons, was struck down by the gods during the Cataclysm. The nature of this curse is multifaceted and its implications are still unfolding:

Immortality for Purebloods: The core of the Khaenri’ahn curse, as described by the character Dainsleif, is immortality. Pure-blood Khaenri’ahns were deemed the “greater sinners” and condemned to an eternal, often painful, existence. This curse isn’t a blessing but a burden, isolating them from the natural cycle of life and death.
Transformation into Monsters (Hilichurls): Those with mixed ancestry were branded as “lesser sinners” and suffered a different fate. They were transformed into the creatures known as Hilichurls, their forms warped and their minds fractured. They wear masks to hide from the horror of their reflection and are stripped of their humanity. This makes the Hilichurls not just random enemies, but a tragic manifestation of the curse.
The Abyss Order: Fueled by the injustices inflicted upon them, many Khaenri’ahns formed the Abyss Order. This organization is dedicated to toppling the divine order that cursed them. They are a crucial part of the game’s narrative, driven by this inherited curse.

This curse has shaped the history of Teyvat for 500 years, with its influence continuing to impact current events. Characters such as Kaeya, known for his distinct pupil (a trait of Khaenri’ahn descent), also bear the implications of this historical tragedy, though not necessarily suffering under direct curse.

Tatarigami: The Manifestation of a Dying God’s Wrath

Another significant type of curse is the Tatarigami, most prominently featured in the Inazuma storyline. It’s born not of divine punishment, but the residual will and pain of a slain god:

Orobashi’s Curse: The Tatarigami that plagues Yashiori Island in Inazuma is the result of the death of the serpent god Orobashi. His dying emotions and power coalesced into a malevolent force, causing sickness, storms, and general chaos.
Suppression and Disruption: The Tatarigami’s power is initially contained by Narukami Pillars. When these pillars are disrupted, the curse’s influence intensifies, highlighting the fragility of order in the face of powerful, lingering emotions.
Resolution through Restoration: To abate the Tatarigami, the Traveler must repair the damaged pillars through the “Orobashi’s Legacy” World Quest series. This demonstrates that curses in Genshin Impact can be combated through intervention and restoration.

Unlike the Khaenri’ahn curse which is an enduring mark of fate, the Tatarigami is tied to a specific event, emphasizing how death and destruction can leave long-lasting, harmful imprints on the world. It is a direct representation of a god’s anguish left imprinted on a region and a testament to how emotions, even upon death, can carry immense power.

Other Manifestations of Curses

While the Khaenri’ahn and Tatarigami curses are prominent, others exist within Genshin Impact, often explored through smaller storylines and side quests:

The Curse of the Wilderness: In addition to those directly transformed into monsters, many fled the cataclysm and endured a “curse of the wilderness” during their escape. This shows the wide reaching effects of the great catastrophe.
Localized Curses: Specific areas in Teyvat sometimes suffer from localized curses, triggered by historical events or the presence of powerful entities. These can manifest as perpetual storms, unnatural plagues, or other disruptive phenomena.
Personal Curses: While rare, some characters have experienced a form of personal curse, often tied to dark or dangerous objects. They represent a more nuanced exploration of how curses can impact individuals.

These varied manifestations illustrate that in Genshin Impact, curses are not monolithic but have diverse origins and effects, further enriching the world’s lore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding curses in Genshin Impact, providing deeper insights into this intricate topic:

1. Is the Khaenri’ahn curse still active?

Yes, the Khaenri’ahn curse is still very much active. Purebloods are still immortal and the Hilichurls remain transformed. The Abyss Order also continues to fight against the divine order.

2. What is Dainsleif’s role in relation to the Khaenri’ahn curse?

Dainsleif is a former Royal Guard of Khaenri’ah. He’s been cursed with immortality and travels across Teyvat, often opposing the Abyss Order despite his Khaenri’ahn origins. He has strong opinions towards the Adepti of Liyue for their alignment with Rex Lapis. He harbors a complex relationship with the Traveler, and is deeply affected by the events that unfolded 500 years ago.

3. Why does Lumine consider Dainsleif her enemy?

While she is often seen with him, Lumine considers Dainsleif her enemy because he works with the Abyss Order, whom she opposes. Dainsleif, on the other hand, seems betrayed and hurt by this declaration.

4. Is Kaeya directly cursed?

While Kaeya is from Khaenri’ah and has a distinct pupil, he has not been explicitly stated to suffer directly under the same immortality curse as the Khaenri’ahn purebloods. However, he carries the implications of the historical trauma and is, by association, affected by the nation’s curse.

5. What are the Narukami Pillars and how do they relate to the Tatarigami?

The Narukami Pillars are ancient constructs that suppress the power of the Tatarigami on Yashiori Island. They were built by Orobashi’s people prior to his death. Repairing them through the “Orobashi’s Legacy” questline weakens the Tatarigami’s curse.

6. What exactly is the Cataclysm in Genshin Impact?

The Cataclysm refers to the events of 500 years prior to the start of the game, during which Khaenri’ah was destroyed by the gods. This event unleashed numerous curses upon the people of Khaenri’ah and has shaped much of the game’s lore.

7. Why do Hilichurls wear masks?

Hilichurls wear masks to conceal their faces due to their shame and the horror they experience when they gaze at their own reflection. This is part of the curse that stripped them of their humanity after the cataclysm.

8. Who is the Sinner mentioned in the game?

The Sinner is an unseen, overarching antagonist who commands or is the source of the Abyss Order. Their true identity and goals remain a mystery but it appears they play a large role in the cataclysmic event.

9. What is the connection between the Abyss and the Khaenri’ahn curse?

The Abyss Order, comprised of cursed Khaenri’ahns, is a powerful faction with ties to the Abyss. They seek to destroy the divine order responsible for the curse and often act as antagonists.

10. What are the seven Archons’ role in the curses in Genshin?

While the Archons are powerful, they are not solely responsible for every curse. The Archons played a pivotal role in the destruction of Khaenri’ah, thus the main curse. However, other curses like the Tatarigami are the result of other circumstances.

11. What causes the storms and calamities linked to curses?

Curses often manifest as chaotic weather patterns and natural disasters. For instance, the Tatarigami causes storms on Yashiori Island. They are often symptomatic of unbalanced natural forces.

12. Is there a way to completely remove a curse in Genshin?

The game has yet to show a permanent removal of a major curse. However, certain localized curses, like the Tatarigami, can be weakened by human intervention.

13. Are there any characters who actively seek to lift curses?

The Traveler often encounters and aids individuals and locations affected by curses, attempting to weaken or resolve them. This showcases a hope for an end to the suffering caused by the curses.

14. What is the significance of Kaeya’s eyepatch?

Kaeya’s eyepatch covers a scarred eye and is often seen as a symbol of his past. It is not directly related to the curse itself, but to an altercation he had with Diluc after the passing of their adopted father.

15. Do all curses in Genshin originate from the gods?

Not all curses are direct acts of divine punishment. The Tatarigami, for example, originates from the dying will of a god. Other curses seem to be related to historical events and magical mishaps.

In conclusion, curses in Genshin Impact are not simple plot devices; they’re integral to the world’s lore, character motivations, and ongoing conflicts. They represent the devastating consequences of both divine and mortal actions, creating a rich and complex tapestry of interconnected narratives that are still unfolding. The study and exploration of these curses remains a core element of the Genshin Impact experience.

What is the curse in Genshin?