Raiden Shogun: Baal or Beelzebul? Unraveling the Electro Archon’s True Identity in Genshin Impact
The lore of Genshin Impact is definitely a maze. You chase one question and soon, it’s like uncovering mysteries about celestial beings and the Archons. One frequent query is: “Is Raiden Shogun actually Baal or Beelzebul?” Let’s break down this electrifying riddle.
Who is Raiden Shogun, Really? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
First, let’s clarify the names. “Raiden Shogun” is like a title, a job. “Baal” and “Beelzebul” are family names. Consider it like being called ‘President’ versus your actual name. So, is Raiden Shogun either Baal or Beelzebul? The quick answer is neither and both. Confused? Don’t worry, we’ll clear this up.
Baal and Ei: Sisters in Arms (and Swords)
Get ready for a twist worthy of a Sumeru Akademiya essay: Raiden Shogun isn’t just one person. She’s two! They were twin sisters. Makoto and Ei. Makoto was the original Electro Archon, called Baal. Ei, her battle-ready twin, acted as the Kagemusha, the shadow warrior defending her sister and Inazuma. Think of Makoto as the public face while Ei ensured everything operated smoothly, even with violence.
So, are Baal and Ei the same person? No. Baal was Makoto, and Ei is Ei. They are distinct individuals, twin souls, yet not the same entity.
Raiden, Shogun, Ei – What’s in a Name?
Let’s discuss the “Raiden Shogun” title. “Shogun” is simple – it means ruler of Inazuma. “Raiden” holds more meaning. Both sisters used the “Raiden Shogun” title. After Makoto’s tragic passing during the Cataclysm, Ei took over and continued as the Shogun. In grief and paranoia, Ei made a puppet to rule while she retreated into the Plane of Euthymia to pursue her skewed concept of “eternity.”
This leads to the question: Is Raiden a Shogun or Ei? Both. The Raiden Shogun we interact with during much of Inazuma is actually the puppet. Meanwhile, Ei is the real Electro Archon. She relaxes in her mind-palace. Picture it like a company with a robot CEO while the true owner is lost in introspection.
Why Call Her Baal? Honoring the Past (and Confusing Everyone)
This is where the names get complicated. Why is Raiden Shogun called Baal? Because Makoto was Baal! When Ei took charge, she inherited the title. It was a way to keep continuity, project unwavering rule, and keep her sister’s memory alive. But this name transfer confuses people, making it feel like there’s just one ‘Raiden Shogun Baal’ instead of two sisters plus a puppet.
Ei, Beelzebul, and the Demon in the Details
Now let’s introduce Beelzebul. Why is Ei called Beelzebub? “Beelzebul” is Ei’s Archon name. Much like Venti as Barbatos or Zhongli as Morax, Ei goes by Beelzebul as the Electro Archon. Raiden Ei’s true name is Beelzebub, her official name bestowed by being Archon. Ei’s personal name is used by Yae Miko when they chat about light novels.
Is Beelzebul Evil? Demon Names and Genshin Lore
Wait a moment. Beelzebub? Sounds a bit sinister, doesn’t it? Is Beelzebul evil in Genshin? Not in the typical villain sense. Genshin’s Archons have demon names from the Ars Goetia. It’s a naming convention, a nod to mythology but not suggesting evil nature.
Initially, Raiden Ei was seen as a major antagonist, fixated on eternity and implementing Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree. However, as we explore the Inazuma Archon Quest, we find her motivations come from grief and fear, not malice. She’s misguided, a control freak with understandable though extreme reasons for her actions. And yes, she becomes playable; redemption arcs are Genshin’s style.
Keep in mind, Ei also shares the title of Raiden Shogun (puppet). This distinction matters. When we refer to the ‘antagonist’ Raiden Shogun, we usually discuss the puppet and its policies under Ei’s command. The true Ei we meet in the Plane of Euthymia is more complex and relatable in her flawed quest for eternity.
Baal vs. Beelzebub: A Theological Face-Off (Sort Of)
Let’s enter theological territory for a moment. What connects Baal and Beelzebub outside Genshin? Are they equal in real-world lore? Not quite, but there’s a connection. Baal was a title meaning “lord” or “master” in various Semitic languages tied to local deities in ancient Near East cultures, often of fertility and storms.
Beelzebub’s tale is more… disturbing. For centuries, Baal was known as Baal-alzabul, “Lord of the High Place.” However, this morphed into Baal-alzabub (Beelzebub), translating to “Lord of the Flies.” Quite the PR disaster! Beelzebub has etymological roots linked to Baal, but “Lord of the Flies” carried negative connotations.
Thus, Beelzebub became a demon name from the Philistine god Baal-zebub. In theological texts, especially Christian sources, Beelzebub is often equated with Satan or a high-ranking demon beneath him. A dramatic fall from “Lord of the High Place” to “Lord of the Flies” and Satan’s associate!
Beelzebub in the Bible: More Flies Than Glory
What does Beelzebul signify in the Bible? Here, “Beelzebul” also refers to Satan as “the prince of demons.” It means “Lord of the Flies” or less politely “Lord of Dung.” Initially calling on Baal-zebub, in New Testament times, Jewish culture linked Beelzebul directly to demonic forces.
Jesus’ critics accused him of exorcising demons by power from Beelzebul. The reasoning was twisted: “He casts out demons? He must serve Beelzebul!” This smear effort aimed to undermine Jesus’ miracles by associating him with evil.
For those asking about pronouncing Beelzebul in the Bible? It’s typically said as “bee-el-ZEH-bool.” You might want to practice that for bonus points in Genshin discussions.
Genshin Lore Nuggets: More Than Just Demon Names
Let’s return to Genshin. Archons have demon names, but it’s not just that. They hold elemental abilities inherently. They don’t need their Gnoses to wield elemental power. Venti, Zhongli, Ei, Nahida still wield powers even without their Gnoses. Gnoses seem tied to authority or an unexplained function.
Ei’s quest for eternity and her lockdown of Inazuma stems from trauma over losing Makoto and witnessing Khaenri’ah’s destruction. She viewed impermanence as a threat and sought to create an unchanging Inazuma to shield it from future disasters. Quite tragic.
And here’s a deep lore detail: Ei and Makoto are actually tsukumogami! tsukumogami are objects gaining life after lengthy durations. These were swords owned by Narukami, a god existing in Inazuma before Archon Wars.
Even wilder? After claiming victory in the Archon War, Ei sacrificed her body so Makoto could ascend as Electro Archon. What a sibling sacrifice! This fact intensifies their complicated relationship.
Bonus Round: Random Raiden Facts (Because Why Not?)
A few tidbits to wow your Genshin pals:
- Raiden’s name (from Metal Gear) is Jack. Just a fun fact about the name reuse.
- Who defeated Signora? Raiden Shogun (the puppet) during their duel. Justice served.
- Does Ei have her Gnosis? No. She lost it during Inazuma’s Archon Quest yet still defeats enemies easily.
- What did Ei handle before becoming an Archon? Basically, she acted as Makoto’s bodyguard and handled warfare while Makoto managed Archon things.
- Does Yae Miko know Ei? Absolutely! They are practically BFFs; an ancient fox spirit and thunder goddess duo. Yae Miko is one of Ei’s last friends from pre-Cataclysm days.
So there you have it. Raiden Shogun, Baal, Beelzebul, Ei, Makoto – it’s quite the story but hopefully clearer now! Next time someone asks “Is Raiden Shogun Baal or Beelzebul?”, you can explain confidently with some wit sprinkled in. Happy exploring, Traveler!
