Why Did Zhongli Give Away His Gnosis? Understanding the Geo Archon’s Motives
The question of why Zhongli, the revered Geo Archon, relinquished his Gnosis is a complex one, steeped in political strategy, personal weariness, and a deep-seated desire to see his nation thrive on its own merit. In short, Zhongli gave away his Gnosis as part of a meticulously crafted plan to test the resilience of Liyue and its people. After millennia of divine rule, he sought to liberate them from dependence on an Archon, allowing them to chart their own destiny. This action was not a sign of weakness, but rather a profound act of faith in Liyue’s ability to flourish independently. The deal with the Fatui was a calculated move, not a surrender. He used their desire for his Gnosis to engineer a scenario where the nation’s true strength would be put to the test, paving the way for its future without his direct guidance.
The Burden of Divinity and a Desire for Change
For thousands of years, Zhongli, under the guise of Morax, meticulously upheld his contract with Liyue. He ensured its prosperity and protected it from external threats. However, this constant oversight took its toll. The endless responsibility, the weight of decision-making, and the unchanging nature of his role as an Archon created a profound sense of weariness. He yearned for a different existence, one where he was not bound by the unending demands of a contract and the duties of a god.
This desire for change was not a sudden whim but a long-considered choice. Zhongli, with his keen intellect and foresight, recognized that true strength lies not in dependency but in self-reliance. He understood that Liyue, under his benevolent yet absolute rule, was becoming reliant on him and his divine intervention. To foster genuine growth and independence, he needed to step aside, forcing the people to confront their own challenges and emerge stronger.
The Grand Design and the Contract with the Fatui
To achieve his goal, Zhongli devised a plan that involved faking his own death and orchestrating the transfer of his Gnosis to the Fatui. This was a crucial part of his plan as it created the necessary chaos and uncertainty to test Liyue’s mettle. The contract with the Fatui, specifically with Signora, was not about losing power; it was about relinquishing the formal obligations and burdens of being the Geo Archon.
By handing over the Gnosis, Zhongli removed his own ability to directly enforce contracts, thus allowing Liyue’s people to face the consequences of their own actions without divine oversight. He wanted them to develop a sense of self-governance and responsibility, free from the influence of a god. This was a calculated risk, but one he was willing to take, trusting that his long years of leadership had instilled enough resilience and wisdom within the nation.
Why Not Just Retire?
One might wonder why Zhongli couldn’t simply step down without the elaborate charade. The answer lies in the unique dynamics of the Archons and their relationships with their respective nations. A direct abdication would have likely caused widespread panic and unrest in Liyue, which was accustomed to his steadfast rule. A more drastic and theatrical approach was necessary to force the people to adapt and evolve. Furthermore, the perceived loss of the Gnosis was a key element in testing Liyue’s resolve and leadership.
The use of the Fatui, a known antagonistic force, further served to add layers to his plan, forcing Liyue to react to a real, credible threat, thereby demonstrating their self-reliance. This complex strategy was not driven by malicious intent, but rather by the desire to ensure that his beloved Liyue could truly flourish independently.
The End Result: Liyue’s Independence
Ultimately, Zhongli’s plan worked. Liyue, initially shaken by the apparent death of their Archon and the theft of the Gnosis, rose to the challenge. The people rallied together, demonstrating their ability to protect themselves and their nation. The Liyue Qixing, previously acting under the shadow of the Archon, emerged as strong, independent leaders, guiding their nation with wisdom and capability. This successful test was exactly what Zhongli hoped to achieve when he surrendered his Gnosis, a powerful act that ultimately led to Liyue’s empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Gnosis?
A Gnosis is an object that resembles a chess piece, held by each of the Seven Archons. It acts as a direct link to Celestia and is proof of an Archon’s status.
2. Does a Gnosis give an Archon their power?
While the Gnosis enhances an Archon’s connection to Celestia, Archons primarily draw their power from a different source, meaning they retain their elemental abilities even without a Gnosis.
3. Did Zhongli become weak after giving away his Gnosis?
Zhongli did not lose his elemental powers after handing over his Gnosis. However, he admitted to having lost a considerable amount of his overall divine power and is weaker without it.
4. Are Archons powerless without a Gnosis?
No, Archons are not powerless without their Gnosis. They can still use their elemental abilities, as demonstrated by Venti, Zhongli, Ei, and Nahida after losing or forfeiting their Gnoses.
5. Who took Venti’s Gnosis?
Signora, a member of the Fatui, stole Venti’s Gnosis in the early part of the game’s storyline.
6. What chess piece is Zhongli’s Gnosis?
Zhongli’s Gnosis takes the form of a rook, a powerful chess piece often associated with defense and fortification.
7. Why did Zhongli want to stop being an Archon?
Zhongli wanted to stop being an Archon to test Liyue’s resilience and to release himself from the burden of divine rule. He believed Liyue needed to become independent.
8. What is the significance of the Fatui?
The Fatui are a powerful organization with their own agenda, making their involvement a significant and calculated element in Zhongli’s plan to relinquish his role as an Archon.
9. Do all Archons lose their Gnosis?
No, not all Archons have lost their Gnoses. Venti, Zhongli, Ei, and Nahida are the ones who have lost or surrendered theirs so far within the game’s story.
10. Are Archons the bad guys?
The narrative of the game presents a complex view of the Archons. While they are powerful figures, some have made questionable decisions. Overall, they’re not universally “good” or “bad”.
11. Is Venti’s vision fake?
Yes, it is widely known that Venti’s Vision is a fake contraption he created in order to blend in with other humans while still having access to his Anemo abilities.
12. Does Hu Tao know Zhongli is the Geo Archon?
No, it is implied that Hu Tao, the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, is unaware that her consultant, Zhongli, is actually the Geo Archon in disguise.
13. What does Childe call Zhongli?
Childe refers to Zhongli as “Zhongli-sensei,” signifying the respect he holds for him, as Zhongli taught him how to hold chopsticks properly.
14. Who are the original 7 Archons?
The original 7 Archons are the gods who emerged as victors of the Archon War 2,000 years ago. The game’s lore suggests the names of the Gnostic Archons such as Iao, Saklas, Seth, David, Eloiein, Elilaios, and Yaldabaoth but the game’s Archons are different from these and not directly named.
15. Who is the weakest Archon lore-wise?
Based on current information within the game, Venti (Barbatos) is considered the weakest among the Archons, particularly after losing his Gnosis.