Why is Albedo 500 Years Old? Unraveling the Mystery of Genshin Impact’s Alchemist
The question of Albedo’s age is a recurring point of discussion among Genshin Impact fans. While he appears youthful and is often speculated to be around 18 years old, the reality is far more complex. Albedo is NOT 500 years old. This misconception arises from a common misinterpretation of the timeline. Albedo’s age is definitively under 500 years old, and chronologically estimated to be over 400 years old, placing his creation after a pivotal event in the game’s lore: the Cataclysm. The confusion stems from the Cataclysm, which occurred approximately 500 years before the game’s main storyline begins. It is during this period of turmoil that Albedo, a synthetic human, was created by the alchemist Rhinedottir (also known as Gold). Therefore, while it’s accurate to say he was created after a 500-year-old event, his actual age is significantly less. Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating character’s origins and shed light on the age-related questions surrounding him.
Albedo’s Origins: Born from the Ashes of Khaenri’ah
Albedo’s unique existence is tied to the tragic fate of Khaenri’ah, an underground nation destroyed during the Cataclysm. He was not born in the traditional sense. Instead, Albedo is a homunculus, a synthetic human created by Rhinedottir, a researcher from Khaenri’ah and a master alchemist. This act of creation occurred shortly after the destruction of Khaenri’ah, which means he came into existence after the Cataclysm, and that is why he’s under 500 years old.
Rhinedottir’s Masterpiece
Rhinedottir’s experiments were not confined to just Albedo. She was also responsible for the creation of Durin, the Black Dragon, and the Rifthounds. These beings share a connection with Albedo, hinting at a common origin and Rhinedottir’s powerful alchemical abilities. The fact that Albedo can feel the resonance of Durin’s life force further underscores their shared origins. Albedo’s connection to Durin, a being who’s life force has lingered since the cataclysm, adds to the speculation and confusion around his actual age.
The Concept of Albedo’s Time
Albedo’s existence as a synthetic human means he doesn’t experience the same type of growth as a typical human. This also makes it difficult to understand how time affects his body. He possesses a unique essence, linked to the alchemical processes used to create him. This means age is more a measure of time since his creation, rather than the years lived as a human might understand them. The fact that Albedo is over 400 and under 500 is a more accurate reflection of his age based on in game lore and clues.
Albedo and the Misconception of 500 Years
The confusion often stems from the widespread knowledge that the Traveler took 500 years to wake up following the events that led to the Cataclysm, and that the cataclysm occurred 500 years prior to the current events in Teyvat. Many conflate this timeframe and the information of Albedo being a creation from after the cataclysm, thereby mistakenly concluding that Albedo is, in fact, 500 years old. But as previously established, Albedo’s age is below the 500 year mark and is over 400 years old chronologically. This misunderstanding is compounded by the fact that Albedo appears relatively young, adding another layer of complexity to his enigmatic character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Albedo’s Age and Origins
To further clarify the nuances of Albedo’s existence, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Is Albedo human?
No, Albedo is not a human. He is a synthetic human or homunculus, created through alchemical means by Rhinedottir. This is a key factor in understanding why he does not age like typical humans.
2. How old is Albedo exactly?
While his exact age is not specified, it is established that he is over 400 and under 500 years old, as he was created after the Cataclysm. This means he has been in existence for slightly under five centuries.
3. Was Albedo born in Khaenri’ah?
Albedo was not born in the traditional sense. He was created in Khaenri’ah or shortly after its destruction, by Rhinedottir, a researcher from that nation.
4. Who is Rhinedottir?
Rhinedottir, also known as Gold, was a Khaenri’ahn alchemist and is the creator of Albedo. She was also the creator of Durin and the Rifthounds. She is a significant figure in Albedo’s backstory and lore.
5. What is Albedo’s relationship with Rhinedottir?
Albedo considers Rhinedottir his master. However, he also views her with a sense of distance. It’s important to note that Albedo does not have a traditional relationship with her, given his existence as a homunculus.
6. Why does Albedo have a connection with Durin?
Albedo and Durin are both creations of Rhinedottir. Albedo says he can feel Durin’s life force resonate with him. This connection hints at a shared origin and similar alchemical processes used in their creation.
7. Does Albedo age?
As a synthetic human, Albedo’s aging process is likely different from that of normal humans. It’s unknown whether he will age significantly, or at all, over time.
8. Why does Albedo appear young?
Albedo’s youthful appearance is a direct result of his creation as a homunculus. His physical development was likely fixed during his creation and remains unchanged since, making him appear to be roughly 18 years old.
9. Is Albedo related to Alice?
Alice is a long-term friend of Rhinedottir, making her a distant acquaintance of Albedo. There is no direct familial relationship between Albedo and Alice.
10. What does Albedo’s name mean?
The term Albedo is the fraction of sunlight that is diffusely reflected by a body. In this context, Albedo’s name is more of a reference to the white light emitted by his elemental attacks. Albedo itself is from Latin meaning “whiteness.”
11. Is Albedo weak?
In-game, Albedo’s abilities are not necessarily weak, but rather niche. His flower is vulnerable to being destroyed by bosses, and his attacks do not work on shielded enemies.
12. Is Albedo shy?
No, Albedo is not shy like Sucrose. He has a reserved and detached personality and finds little interest in interacting with others, but he’s far from timid.
13. Is Albedo evil?
No, Albedo is not evil. He is a researcher with a strong sense of curiosity. Despite his detached persona, he is not aligned with antagonistic forces in the game.
14. Why is Albedo not human?
Albedo’s status as a homunculus, a synthetic human, is central to his identity. His unique creation sets him apart from ordinary humans. He also has a very unique origin story, making him far from ordinary.
15. Is there a romantic interest for Albedo?
Albedo’s focus is primarily on his research and alchemical pursuits. He doesn’t show any romantic interest in anyone within the current game storyline. There may be fan-made romantic interests, but there is no official in-game romantic partner for Albedo.
Conclusion: The Enigma of Albedo’s Existence
In conclusion, while Albedo’s origins are intricately linked to the Cataclysm that occurred around 500 years ago, he himself is not 500 years old. He is a unique creation, a synthetic human, brought into existence by the alchemist Rhinedottir shortly after the destruction of Khaenri’ah. His estimated age, over 400 and under 500 years old, and his mysterious background make him a fascinating and enigmatic character in Genshin Impact. Understanding his creation as a homunculus and the timeline of events in the game helps clarify the common misconception surrounding his age. Albedo’s story is a testament to the depth of Genshin Impact’s lore, encouraging us to look beyond surface-level information and delve deeper into the world of Teyvat.