Raiden Ei: Delving Deep into the Electro Archon of Inazuma
Raiden Ei, the Electro Archon of Inazuma in Genshin Impact, possesses great power. But who is Raiden Ei? Let’s explore her identities, relationships, motivations, and fun facts. Prepare for answers to questions you might not even know you had.
Unpacking the Identities and Relationships of Raiden Ei
Raiden Ei operates under many names and forms. This can lead to confusion. Let’s clear it up.
Raiden Ei and Raiden Shogun: Two Sides of the Same Coin (Sort Of)
You’ve heard “Raiden Ei” and “Raiden Shogun.” Raiden Shogun is a title meaning “Electro General.” It’s like “President” or “Queen.” In Genshin Impact, “Raiden Shogun” refers to the puppet body Ei created. “Ei” is the actual god, the mind behind the puppet. It’s a complex setup.
The big reveal? The figure known as “Baal,” the previous Electro Archon, is Raiden Shogun. This puppet is Ei’s masterwork. Raiden Ei is Makoto’s twin sister. It’s a complicated relationship, even in a magical world.
Twin Sister: The Ghost of Raiden Makoto
Don’t forget Raiden Makoto, the *original* Electro Archon. Makoto and Ei were twins. Makoto was peaceful, unlike Ei’s intense nature. Sadly, Makoto is gone in the present timeline. Her death’s tragedy affects Ei’s actions and motivations profoundly.
Scaramouche (The Wanderer): A Complicated Family Affair
Now for some family drama. Scaramouche is a sassy Harbinger. He’s also a prototype for the Raiden Shogun puppet. This makes him Ei’s brother, or perhaps her son, if you consider puppet-parent dynamics. Scaramouche sees Ei as his mother, as she created him.
Ei views him differently. She sees him as a failed project. He possesses emotions that make him unsuitable for her goals. Ouch. It’s a complicated relationship with parental detachment issues.
Yae Miko: The Kitsune Confidante
Amidst the family complexities, Yae Miko shines as a ray of sunshine. She’s Ei’s close friend and a steadfast companion across time. Yae Miko is a kitsune, a clever fox spirit. Their friendship provides Ei a connection outside her isolation.
EiMiko: Friendship Goals or Something More?
The bond between Ei and Yae Miko fascinates fans, leading to the “EiMiko” ship. This femslash pairing envisions romance between them. Whether it’s romantic or not, their connection is deep and complex, opening doors to interpretations and theories. Who wouldn’t want their OTP to be a god and a fox spirit?
Godhood and Power: The Electro Archon’s Arsenal
Now let’s discuss Raiden Ei’s divine aspects. She’s an Archon and wields Electro power. But what does this mean?
Archon Title: The Weight of Divinity
The Archon title carries weight. Raiden *Makoto* was the original Electro Archon. When she passed, Ei assumed the mantle, taking on governance of Inazuma. It’s a heavy burden, especially with twin sister angst.
Is Raiden Ei a God? A Resounding Yes
Yes, Raiden Ei is indeed a god. She serves as the current Electro Archon. Her power allows her to manipulate elemental energy at a magnificent scale. Her control over Electro is legendary, fierce enough to intimidate any adversary.
Original Seven? A Technicality
This detail can confuse players. While Makoto and Ei won the Archon War that defined Teyvat’s gods, Ei isn’t considered one of the “Original Seven.” Makoto ascended to Celestia and became the Electro Archon then. History favors certain narratives, holding an asterisk.
Plane of Euthymia: Ei’s Inner Sanctum
To cope with loss and chaos, Ei retreated to the Plane of Euthymia. This mental space acts as her refuge. It’s her personal retreat from the world. While her puppet ruled Inazuma, she sought eternity—an unchanging world free of suffering.
Loss of Gnosis: A Power Shift
The Gnosis connects an Archon to Celestia and provides power. After Inazuma’s story events, Ei lost her Gnosis. She entrusted it to Yae Miko. This act marks a shift in priorities for Ei. No longer clinging to absolute power, she embraces trust and change.
Backstory and Motivations: Why Eternity?
To understand Raiden Ei fully, we must explore her past and motivations for seeking eternity.
Isolation: A Fortress Against Erosion
Ei’s isolation protects her from “erosion.” In Genshin lore, erosion gradually degrades powerful beings over time, affecting memories and personalities. Having witnessed sisterly loss and calamities, she withdrew to shield herself from this fate.
Reason for Eternity: Pausing the Pain
Ei’s notion of eternity isn’t about her living forever. It focuses on freezing the world in static stasis. Her motivation arises from immense pain due to relentless time and progress. Change signifies loss for her, shaping her desire to halt progress.
500-Year Battle: The Puppet’s Rebellion
The quest for eternity didn’t lack struggles. For 500 years, Ei clashed with her puppet, Raiden Shogun. This conflict occurred not in physical form but as ideological clashes within the Plane of Euthymia. Her created puppet became rigid in policies that she later questioned.
Sacrifice of Body: A Twin’s Devotion
A poignant story emerges about Ei sacrificing herself so Makoto could ascend to Celestia. This act symbolizes their deep connection and marks her loyalty. It showcases love, even if her later methods become complicated.
Genshin Impact Specifics: Gameplay Tidbits
For gamers, here are Genshin Impact specifics about Raiden Ei.
Resolve Stack: Powering Up
Including Raiden Ei in your party brings a purple ring behind your active character. This ring indicates Resolve Stack accumulation. As party members use Elemental Bursts, Raiden Ei increases her power capabilities.
Resolve Stacks power her Elemental Burst, Musou Shinsetsu. This makes her a strong damage dealer. It’s a smart mechanic. It pushes energy management and burst rotations.
Who Can Defeat Raiden Shogun? Elemental Counters
Raiden Shogun is a tough boss. Certain elements are effective against her. Cryo characters like Ganyu and Ayaka work well. Pyro characters like Hu Tao and Yoimiya are also good choices. Their elements break her Electro shield. They deal high damage, changing the game against the Electro Archon.
Other Raidens: Across Universes
Now, let’s explore other Raiden characters in various universes.
Mortal Kombat: Thunder God No More?
Mortal Kombat fans know Raiden as the God of Thunder. However, in Mortal Kombat 1, he is no longer a god. Even thunder gods can be demoted in video games.
Metal Gear: Raiden, the Cyborg Ninja
In Metal Gear, Raiden is a main character. He is a cyborg ninja with incredible combat skills and a complicated past. He is very different from the Electro Archon. Be careful not to mix up your cyborg ninjas and shogun gods.
Based On: Raijin, the OG Thunder God
The name “Raiden” comes from Japanese mythology. Raijin, or Raiden-sama, is the god of thunder and lightning. The Mortal Kombat and Genshin Impact Raidens draw influence from this powerful deity. It is a name with much significance.
So, we explored the world of Raiden Ei. We discussed her identity, relationships, godhood, and motivations. We even looked at other Raidens. You now have a clearer view of this fascinating character from Genshin Impact. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear thunder.
