Why is Collei Traumatized? Unraveling the Layers of Her Past in Genshin Impact

Collei’s trauma stems from a confluence of devastating experiences in her early life. Born with Eleazar, a debilitating disease, she was ostracized and abused. Her parents, desperate for a cure, entrusted her to Barnabas, a charlatan who then delivered her into the hands of the Fatui and the notorious Dottore. Subjected to inhumane experiments involving Archon Residue, Collei endured physical and psychological torture, leaving her with deep-seated fear, anxiety, and a profound distrust of others. This combination of physical sickness, social isolation, betrayal, and scientific abuse forged the foundation for her lasting trauma.

The Seeds of Trauma: Eleazar and Early Isolation

Collei’s journey begins with a heavy burden: Eleazar, a disease characterized by the potential for loss of control over her body. This condition led to societal rejection and abuse, creating a hostile environment that instilled in her a deep sense of insecurity and vulnerability. Being physically vulnerable and constantly facing negativity, she was unable to form a positive view of herself.

Social Stigma and Mistreatment

The stigma associated with Eleazar turned Collei into an easy target. The article states “she was treated poorly wherever she went; she was often abused by passing pedestrians, had stones thrown at, and pushed around”. This consistent mistreatment by strangers fostered a sense of otherness and reinforced the belief that she was undeserving of kindness or respect. This is a classic example of complex trauma, stemming from repeated and prolonged exposure to harmful experiences.

Parental Desperation and Betrayal

Driven by desperation to cure their daughter, Collei’s parents made a decision with devastating consequences. Their choice to trust Barnabas, and handing Collei over to him, in the hope of curing her of Eleazar, ultimately led her directly into the clutches of the Fatui. This act of what Collei likely perceived as abandonment and betrayal by the very people she should have been able to rely on for safety and love is a crucial component of her trauma.

The Crucible of Experimentation: Dottore and the Fatui

The most significant source of Collei’s trauma undoubtedly lies in her experiences as a test subject under Dottore. The inhumane experiments involving Archon Residue were not only physically agonizing but also deeply psychologically scarring.

Archon Residue and its Effects

The injection of Archon Residue into Collei’s body induced tremendous pain and instability. The very nature of the experiment—manipulating her body with unknown substances—caused her body and mind to be constantly on alert. This is likely what made her lose control of her body, as mentioned in the article.

Psychological Torture and Loss of Control

Beyond the physical suffering, Dottore’s experiments robbed Collei of her agency and control over her own body. This lack of control can lead to feelings of helplessness, vulnerability, and existential terror, all of which are potent drivers of trauma. The article states “various inhumane experiments”. This vagueness suggests the experiments were designed to break the will of the subjects.

The Lasting Scars: Post-Traumatic Manifestations

Collei’s experiences have left lasting scars that manifest in various ways, significantly impacting her behavior and relationships.

Distrust and Fear of Intimacy

One of the most prominent manifestations of Collei’s trauma is her distrust of others. The betrayal by Barnabas and the abuse she suffered under the Fatui has made it difficult for her to form meaningful connections. Even a playful attempt to touch her triggers extreme fear and discomfort, highlighting her hypersensitivity to physical contact.

Panic Attacks and Emotional Instability

Collei is prone to panic attacks and breakdowns, indicating a dysregulation of her nervous system. Her traumatic past is easily triggered, leading to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness. These panic attacks are likely a result of her previous inability to escape the inhumane experimentation conducted by the Fatui.

Aversion to Being Touched

The article makes a point to say “Even just trying to touch her might cause extreme fear and discomfort”. Being touched can be a trigger for those who have suffered trauma. Touch can be a reminder of the trauma they experienced, and the powerlessness they felt when someone was controlling and hurting them.

Healing and Growth

Despite her difficult past, Collei is actively working towards healing. Her relationship with Amber, Cyno, and Tighnari plays a pivotal role in her recovery. They provide a safe and supportive environment, allowing her to gradually rebuild trust and learn to cope with her trauma. This is especially evident in her unwavering loyalty and adoration towards Amber.

Collei’s journey, while marked by immense suffering, is also one of resilience and hope. Her story underscores the profound impact of trauma and highlights the importance of compassion, understanding, and supportive relationships in the healing process. To further understand trauma and its effects, resources are available at Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Collei’s Trauma

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Collei and her experiences:

1. What exactly did Dottore do to Collei?

   Dottore subjected Collei, along with other children, to inhumane experiments involving injections of Archon Residue. The specifics of these experiments remain somewhat vague, but they undoubtedly involved physical and psychological torture aimed at pushing the boundaries of human endurance and manipulating the Archon Residue within her body.

2. What was wrong with Collei?

   Collei was born with Eleazar, a disease that caused her to lose control of her body at times. This condition, combined with the subsequent Archon Residue experiments, made her physically weak and mentally unstable.

3. Why does Collei have Archon Residue?

   Collei was injected with Archon Residue as part of Dottore’s experiments. The Fatui sought to understand and control the power of Archons by experimenting on children.

4. How did Collei get cured of Eleazar?

   While it’s not a traditional cure, the divine essence infused into her during the experiments effectively neutralized the disease. It’s implied that the Archon Residue, in a twisted way, countered the effects of Eleazar.

5. What did Barnabas do to Collei?

   Barnabas, a charlatan claiming to be a healer, tricked Collei’s parents into believing he could cure her. Instead, he delivered her to the Fatui, where she became a test subject for Dottore’s experiments. He betrayed Collei and her family for the sake of the Fatui’s twisted goals.

6. Did Dottore experiment on children?

   Yes, Dottore is notorious for his unethical experiments, including those performed on children like Collei. He sought to unlock the secrets of Archon power through inhumane methods, and used Collei and other children as his subjects.

7. Did Cyno save Collei?

   Yes, Cyno played a crucial role in saving Collei. He rescued her from the negative aftereffects of the Archon Residue experiments and brought her to Sumeru, providing her with a safe haven.

8. How did Amber save Collei?

   Amber showed Collei unwavering acceptance and friendship, recognizing her true self despite her past. Amber’s support and faith in Collei were instrumental in helping her to heal and build trust. With the help of Cyno, Collei managed to seal her powers and bring them under control.

9. Why can’t we touch Collei?

   Collei’s trauma makes her extremely sensitive to physical contact. Even innocent attempts to touch her can trigger fear, anxiety, and panic due to her past experiences of abuse and experimentation. She becomes overwhelmed and goes into fight or flight mode.

10. What does Collei call Tighnari?

    Collei often addresses Tighnari as “Master,” reflecting his role as her mentor and guardian in Sumeru. This displays a hierarchy and the importance of her connection to Tighnari, as well as her respect for his wisdom and guidance.

11. Does Collei love Amber?

    Collei deeply admires and loves Amber. She describes Amber as her “rock” and expresses profound gratitude for her unwavering support and friendship. Collei sees Amber as the golden girl of Mondstadt and someone she can always rely on.

12. Is Collei better than Amber?

    In terms of gameplay, Collei and Amber have different strengths and weaknesses. Collei’s burst is more versatile, while Amber’s can out damage if all arrows hit. Collei has a better normal attack. Their individual value depends on team composition and player preferences.

13. What is Collei’s personality type?

    Collei is often described as an INFJ (Introvert-Intuitive-Feeler-Judger) according to MBTI. Despite her cheerful demeanor, she grapples with her past and the trauma inflicted upon her. This is often shown through her quiet nature and occasional panic attacks.

14. Why do people ship Collei and Tighnari?

    Some fans ship Collei and Tighnari due to their close relationship and the care they show for each other. Tighnari acts as a mentor and guardian to Collei, fostering a strong bond between them. Cyno has also thanked Tighnari for caring for Collei.

15. What are the main symptoms of Collei’s trauma?

    Collei’s trauma manifests in several ways, including distrust of others, panic attacks, emotional instability, aversion to being touched, and a general sense of anxiety and unease. Her symptoms highlight the lasting impact of her experiences and her ongoing journey towards healing.

Collei’s story is a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of trauma, but also a testament to the power of resilience, friendship, and hope. Her journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even the deepest wounds can heal with time, support, and a unwavering spirit.