Is Sumeru a Desert? Unpacking Genshin Impact’s Arid Enigma (and its cultural cocktail!)
You’re wandering in Teyvat, dodging hilichurls, and solving puzzles. Suddenly, you enter Sumeru. What strikes you first? Sand. Endless sand. Deserts stretch beyond sight. So, is Sumeru just one large sandbox?
Well, yes and no. It’s not a simple “desert or not desert.” Sumeru is a geographical and cultural tapestry. It blends various real-world inspirations. A large section is desert. However, the ‘why’ and ‘what else’ make it fascinating.
Sumeru’s Roots: A Cultural Melting Pot
Sumeru defies easy classification. It’s not just “inspired by” cultures but a vibrant collage of multiple ones. If you search for a single real-world counterpart, you won’t find it. Players and lore fans debate Sumeru’s leanings toward Persia or India. They’re both right… as are those who suggest other influences!
Persia (and a dash of Zoroastrian vibes)
Persia plays a significant role in Sumeru’s cultural essence. Need proof? Check the character names! Kaveh, Faruzan, Nilou, and Dottore’s alias, Zandik, echo Persian roots. Nahida, the Dendro Archon, might take inspiration from Nahid, a Persian name tied to Anahita, a Zoroastrian goddess. Hoyoverse has left Persian breadcrumbs throughout Sumeru.
India: The Other Side of the Indo-Persian Coin
As Persia contributes charm, India is also prominent in Sumeru’s mix. The “Indo-Persian pantheon” concept makes sense here. This fusion resonates deeply within Sumeru’s essence. Picture vivid colours and rich traditions of Persia merging with India’s. That’s the flavour Sumeru offers.
Arabia and the Sands of Time
Head to Sumeru’s western regions. You’ll notice distinct Arabian and Egyptian influences, especially in the deserts. Think vast sands and ancient secrets. The name “Aaru,” linked to this desert area, means “calm” in Egyptian. Look closely at NPC names and architecture; Egyptian vibes are clear, particularly with pyramid-like structures.
North Africa (Berber Culture): A Hidden Gem
A slightly less obvious yet intriguing inspiration is North Africa, particularly Berber culture. Official sources note this as a key influence in Sumeru. While Persian, Indian, and Egyptian elements stand out, Berber touches add depth to Sumeru’s culture. This shows the careful research behind the game’s world-building.
Egypt and Mesopotamia: Ancient Echoes in the Desert
Let’s dive deeper into Egypt while considering Mesopotamia too. Sumeru, in desert form, nods to these old Middle Eastern civilizations. The architecture and names – Cyno, Candace, and Sethos scream “Egyptian.” Though Mesopotamian influences may be subtler, Sumeru’s ancient scholarly atmosphere evokes those cradle-of-civilization vibes. It’s like stepping back in time, albeit with improved visuals and elemental reactions.
Why So Dry? The Geological Lowdown on Sumeru’s Desert
The cultural tour ends here. Let’s explore why part of Sumeru lies dry. It’s not merely for dramatic flair (though it adds to the scene!). Actual (in-game) geological reasons explain Sumeru’s dry landscapes.
The Mountain Barrier: Nature’s Rain Check
Deserts don’t randomly appear. They need a geographical cause. Imagine a mountain range acting like a stubborn gatekeeper that blocks rain-bearing weather systems. That’s the situation in Sumeru. Mountains stand tall, stopping nice rain clouds from reaching certain regions, leading to desertification.
Rain Shadow Shenanigans: Funneling the Wet Stuff Away
Mountains aren’t the only cause. Sometimes rain redirects away. Picture an area that smartly (or not so smartly) funnels rain fronts away from itself. This “rain shadow” effect intensifies desertification. In Sumeru’s instance, the mountain barrier and rain diversion work together, creating a massive desert.
So, is Sumeru a desert? Absolutely some areas are! But it is a desert with a rich background, vibrant culture, and plausible geological reasons (in-game logic). This showcases Genshin Impact’s world-building prowess, making even sand and sun captivating. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to discuss elemental reactions with some sandworms.
