Explore the Enigmatic Inazuma in Genshin Impact: More Than Just Pretty Cherry Blossoms
You want to explore Genshin Impact? Great choice! Let’s chat about Inazuma. Mondstadt offers breezy vibes. Liyue is bustling. Inazuma adds intrigue. This region is not just beautiful; it has deep history. An Archon rules this land, inspired by a fascinating era of Japan.
Inazuma: Land of Eternity and, Yep, Lightning
Inazuma (稲妻) means “lightning” in Japanese. It fits perfectly. This archipelago is not just scattered islands; it is a powerhouse with the Electro Archon, Raiden Shogun, in charge. Picture Shogunate-era Japan combined with elemental powers and walking gods. Raiden Shogun desires “Eternity.” Sounds simple? It’s not.
Raiden Shogun: The Two-in-One Eternity Queen
Raiden Shogun makes things complicated. Imagine your leader as two people in one. Confused? Everyone in Teyvat feels the same. The Raiden Shogun isn’t just one person. It’s a combo of Ei and a puppet. Ei, named 影 means “shadow,” is the true Electro Archon—the mind behind the throne. She has a twin sister, Makoto, the previous Electro Archon. Sibling rivalry, anyone?
Now, how old is she? Raiden Ei, the consciousness, could be ancient—over 3,000 years. Her puppet version? Young, about 400-450 years old. The next time you see the Raiden Shogun, consider the history and a finely crafted puppet. Oh, and her “real name”? It’s Raiden Ei, also known as Beelzebul. Not your usual naming.
Teyvat’s Grand Tour: Inazuma and Its Neighborly Nations
Inazuma fits into the larger Teyvat puzzle. Picture Teyvat as a world tour of distinct cultures, each with its own vibe, Archon, and elemental focus. Mondstadt channels Germany, emphasizing Freedom. Liyue represents China with bustling markets. Sumeru draws on Egypt and Mesopotamia; knowledge reigns there. Fontaine embodies chic France obsessed with Justice. Natlan has Indigenous American roots alongside fiery tradition. Snezhnaya is snow-filled and mysterious, offering major Russia vibes. Even Khaenri’ah, the lost nation, pulls from Germanic and Nordic myths. Inazuma stands out with its Japanese inspiration and focus on Eternity.
Inazuman Faces in the Crowd: Meet the Locals (and Not-So-Locals)
Inazuma is full of memorable characters. Some familiar faces have ties to this region. Kamisato Ayato. He’s well-known in Inazuma. He heads the Kamisato Clan; a big player in the Tri-Commission. Think of him as local royalty with political savvy. His sister, Kamisato Ayaka, shines alongside him.
Then there is Thoma. You might recognize him as the helpful housekeeper. His backstory shows homesickness that drove him back to Inazuma. He sailed over with a boat full of Dandelion Wine to check on the wine quality at home. Endless dedication to good wine!
Ever heard of Chiori? A fashionista from Fontaine? She actually hails from Inazuma! This “Thundering Seamstress” runs her shop, Chioriya, overseas, showcasing talent beyond swordsmanship. And look at Scaramouche; that moody puppet spent his early years in Inazuma, in a pavilion made by Chiori. A small world indeed!
Archon Assemble! The Divine Rulers of Teyvat
Let’s discuss Archons, the powerful figures of Teyvat. Each nation pledges loyalty to an Archon, representing an element and ideal. We covered Raiden Shogun (Ei and Makoto), Inazuma’s Electro Archons. Remember Makoto? Her Goetic name was Baal. Archons love their dramatic titles.
The Archon drama continues! Furina from Fontaine isn’t the real Hydro Archon; she is only the human half of Focalors, the true Hydro Archon, separated for complex reasons. Then there’s Nahida from Sumeru; this Dendro Archon also has history. Lastly, Natlan has Mavuika, the Pyro Archon and God of War. Every Archon adds their own flavor to Teyvat.
Bits and Bobs of Teyvat Lore: Because Details Matter
Teyvat is rich in details and lore that add life to the world. Celestia, that sky island? It’s where the gods supposedly reside. Paimon? Your ever-present friend might be from *beyond* Teyvat. Surprising.
Heard of Ochkanatlan? It’s an ancient civilization ruled by Och-Kan, a tyrant located north of Quahuacan Cliff. Sounds ominous.
Each nation holds a guiding principle. Mondstadt stands for Freedom, Inazuma for Eternity, and Fontaine embodies Justice! Neuvillette from Fontaine? He is the Hydro Dragon Sovereign—the Dragon of Water and an important figure.
Here’s a morbid note: Ei sacrificed her body so her sister Makoto could ascend to Celestia. Powerful sisterly love! Yet even with their victory in the Archon War, Ei isn’t deemed one of the *original* Seven Archons. What an intricate web of politics!
Fontaine may have had *two* Archons—a “current” and a “late” version. Talk about drama! Lastly, Xavier, that NPC with the Mikage Furnace in Inazuma? He originates from Petrichor, Fontaine. Fontaine exports talents widely across Teyvat. And Lyney? Fontaine’s Great Magician has a twin named Lynette. Twins, puppets, separated Archon halves – Teyvat has a theme of duality.
You have now seen a whirlwind tour of Inazuma and its role in Teyvat’s grand scheme. This region is captivating and complex with rich history and intriguing characters. Explore carefully, and avoid getting struck by lightning!
