Lohen and the Etherwing Moth: part 1 of my Ascension Material Series! Analyzing why Lohen uses the Etherwing Moth
Lohen and the Weathered Arrowhead: part 2 of my Ascension Material Series! Analyzing why Lohen uses the Weathered Arrowhead (and other hilichurl arrowheads)
Lohen and the Prismatic Severed Tail: part 3 of my Ascension Material Series! Analyzing why Lohen uses the Prismatic Severed Tail
Lohen and Shivada Jade: part 4 of my Ascension Material Series! Analyzing why Lohen uses Shivada Jade
Lohen and the Ascended Sample: Knight (Chess Piece): part 5 of my Ascension Material Series! Analyzing why Lohen uses the Ascended Sample: Knight
Lohen and the Books of Resistance: part 6 of my Ascension Material Series! Analyzing why Lohen uses the Books of Resistance
Other Analysis/Theory:
My Thoughts on Lohen’s Character Story
The Three "Parsifals" - Childe, Lyney, and Lohen: my theory on how these three have a lot in common, thanks to a Teyvat Legend
Lohen and His Family: analyzing Lohen’s dynamic with his family and how it affects him
Lohen and Adorno: how Adorno’s passing affected Lohen in various ways
Understanding Varka’s Role In Lohen’s Story
Lohen's Liebestod: From Target To Trust: breaking down Lohen's C6 and comparing Lohen's story to "Tristan und Isolde"
A Knight's Companion: Lohen and His Dry Humor
Short Stories:
The Day A Weapon Refused To Stay Quiet: a story about Lohen’s first time using a musket
first time on tumblr - kinda new to this, but expect some casual yelling, theories/analysis, in-game stuff, and me pretending that i'm completely normal about a guy whose entire personality makes the average person want to bash their head into a wall
i'll talk about Lohen from time to time, sharing my theories about his overall character and whatever else crawls out of my brain
an additional note: i will be giving my two cents on leaks, so feel free to mute if needed. if you'd like for me to ramble about something specific, go ahead and hit up that ask box, i'll do my best to answer!
the new event's out and unfortunately i've only seen a Lohen mention... our Vice Captain decided to call off this time T^T
so, fingers crossed we get another Weinlesefest around September! (around Genshin's anniversary!)
Weinlesefest celebrates the return of the Anemo Archon, so in my mind, wouldn't they celebrate the return of the Knights dispatched on the Expedition? (knowing that the "wind" brought them back home)
we haven't really had an event featuring Dornman Port, so it could possibly be held there, maybe even a trading event, since there is a market place! (it is a port after all)
the event could include another celebration for the Knights, meaning Lohen and Varka would be new additions to the event! we might get tidbits or retellings of what happened during the Expedition, possibly sharing their experience in Snezhnaya!
still, to have to wait until September for Lohen... aw.
so this is looking less likely, but interestingly enough, there’s been a bit of Lohen JP promo these past few days, despite Lohen’s content taking place in Mondstadt! also, Mika’s recent birthday letter mentioning Snezhnaya really has me thinking…
also, Lohen’s weapon, Disaster and Remorse might have ties to Snezhnaya as well (Imunlaukr lore + Sal Vind. lore!)
this all comes together somehow, but i’ll wait until after 7.0 to make the connections!
creating theories and writing analysis/shorts has been so much fun! i know that i’m starting small, and sometimes i might just be rambling, but i really appreciate everyone who’s taken the time to read or support my thoughts!
i was reflecting on how this started and got a little emotional (lol)
there’s been rough times (my accounts are still somewhat silenced on other soc med…) and there’s been times where i’ve really enjoyed seeing other perspectives of the stuff i write!!
it’s super cool how the internet unites fans ₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ ♡
all this to say thank you! i appreciate every single one of you <3 - wren
an extremely serious guide on social strategy from Mondstadt's sweetest Knight
disclaimer: results may include lifelong relationships, mild psychological damage, and an empty wallet
step 1: meet your new test subject friend
within a few minutes of meeting up with the Honorary Knight, Lohen convinces them into helping him convince Adorno that everything was fine... then, he brings out any Traveler's greatest weakness: Mora. lots of it.
somehow, the "friendship fee" works!
listen, friendship is 90% confidence, and 10% having enough Mora to make Paimon give in. trust him on this.
note to self: bubblegum works too.
step 2: express your affection for your new friend through psychological warfare
everything you know about friendship? forget it. don't even text them back.
Lohen has a better, surefire way of keeping friends close. real close.
for example, he digs traps so that when his friends fall in, they ask for his help!
sharing drinks with Lohen is loads of fun too!
//oh, what's that? your throat burns? just a minor side effect!
with him by his friends' side, they'll never need an antidote ever again!
and then there's step 3: test your friendship!
see, Lohen loves testing people.
whether it's alcohol tolerance or your nerves, Lohen will test, and test, and test, and test...
he likes keeping his friends at arm's length, and on their toes. like the caring friend he is, Lohen wouldn't want for his friends to grow predictable and inefficient!
with these steps, you too can be the best friend to ever friend!
(i genuinely don't know why i wrote this but yes, Lohen and friends, quite the concept /j)
thinking about the (unintentional) parallels between Lyney and Lohen...
(this is probably because Lyney was my main DPS before Lohen but i can't stop thinking about it so...)
i don't know why, but i feel like if Lohen were to ever meet Lyney (or vice versa), they'd have a lot to learn from one another
will hoyo ever bless me with an interaction between them?
maybe, maybe not, but here's to wishful thinking!
Lyney's Rainbow Roses and Lohen's Cecilia
Lyney, using the language of flowers, incorporates flowers in his tricks and performances. he gives the Traveler an arrangement called "Delightful Encounter", which includes both a Lumidouce Bell and a Rainbow Rose, the description going into detail about how it is "an arrangement of Lumidouce Bells, which symbolize parting, and Rainbow Roses that represent passion".
Lohen incorporates a Cecilia into his interrogation when playing a form of torturous Russian Roulette with a captive, much like how Lyney uses flowers in his performance
Lohen also has official art from his initial reveal (livestream) showing him holding a single Cecilia; this is interesting considering it is "as intangible as the true heart of an unbound soul". very fitting for Lohen!
Cesar is to Lyney (and Lynette!) as Adorno is to Lohen
just how Cesar introduced Lyney and Lynette to magic while they were surviving, Adorno gave Lohen the guidance he needed, not restraint
both mentors didn't just teach skills, they gave each individual a direction (and a lesson) to follow for the rest of their lives
Lyney as the future "Father" and Lohen as the "Benevolent Knight"
especially with the recent event, it's shown how much the expectation of taking over Arlecchino's position as "Father" for the House of the Hearth weighs down on Lyney; i'd consider it an expectation after the fight against Arlecchino
Lohen is expected to take over his family's craft, and as a Vice Captain, he is expected to take on Adorno's title of "Benevolent Knight", despite himself pointing out that he seems the least like a Benevolent Knight on the surface
after enjoying their quests and content, i think they're both learning how to "inherit" a role without losing who they are as people
they both have (possibly) played Tabletop Troupe scripts!
run by Clorinde and Navia, Lyney has joined them in the past for a game of Tabletop Troupe's "Marechaussee Hunter: Judgement Day" as a Game Master, pointing out how he'd play with his siblings, also as a Game Master
surprisingly, it is insinuated that Lohen has played a round of Tabletop Troupe with Varka: "...Next time, remember to scope out the enemy and assign roles before charging into battle! Even Lohen knows that Tabletop Troupe isn't a solo game!" (Varka's Character Story 5) (it's easy to miss this detail in Varka's content!)
they both serve as "operatives" within their respective organizations
Lyney is a famous magician in Fontaine who secretly works as a spy for the Fatui and the House of the Hearth (in his character stories/content + commissioned content, he is painted as an assassin-like figure, using tricks to catch the "enemy" off-guard)
Lohen is a Vice Captain of the 5th Company of the Knights of Favonius whose methods have him sometimes operating in covert missions (an example being his mission infiltrating an underground auction thanks to the Northern Intelligence Network)
both characters have a history of gathering intelligence, infiltration, manipulation, ambushing, and reconnaissance (they do it all despite selling the idea of having "one skillset"; Lyney as a magician and Lohen as the Ranged Company's Vice Captain)
tampering with alcohol! (silly)
in Lyney's character teaser "Gloves of Wonder", he is shown de-escalating a situation between the bartender and an obviously intoxicated customer. he uses the art of misdirection to control the situation, making the intoxicated man believe that his drink had been switched out with cider, before revealing that it had actually been swapped out with an apple. the man, drunk, passes out
similarly, Lohen has his own share of tampering with alcohol! in his character story 3, he is shown delivering Dandelion Wine to Varka in apology, before it is revealed that he had slipped in a sedative
Lohen also has voice over lines describing how he dislikes the idea of consuming alcohol, viewing it as a tool, and even insinuates how he would swap out the drinks of drunken Knights who were too intoxicated to even notice that he'd switched out their drinks for something else
funnily enough, Lohen likes apple cider
both characters use the art of Misdirection to their advantage
it's shown that Lyney uses the art of misdirection in his performances! magic, in itself, is deception
his official profile contrasts truth and illusion, emphasizing that magic uses facades to reach people's hearts
Lohen does something similar, but in combat! his content describes him using disguises, smoke screens, hidden traps, and manipulative tricks instead of using straightforward, honest combat
in the end, they both "win" by controlling what others perceive
due to their beliefs, they both challenge authority
Lyney is shown challenging Arlecchino to protect the people he loves, despite knowing that he couldn't defeat her. his devotion to his chosen "family" and his siblings outweighs any possible fear of his "Father"
in a similar way, Lohen challenges Varka (yet, he stops himself before defying orders)
Lohen's initial meeting with Varka shows him ambushing the Grand Master, and then falsifying an apology with tampered wine, challenging his strength. then, his story evolves, taking it upon himself to become an examiner for the Grand Expedition prep, tying his application with a bow in the metaphorical sense of Varka's drink having been tampered with (yet again)
they both choose their own moral judgement over brainless obedience; Lyney respects Arlecchino, but his family comes first, and Lohen (although it might not seem like it on the surface) also respects Varka, but he ultimately will follow his own beliefs
Lyney's desire of a Delusion parallels Lohen's desire of power...
after Lynette received her Vision, she was allowed to go on increasingly dangerous missions that Lyney couldn't join her on. in Lyney's character story, "He still desired to be beside her... this was his non-negotiable desire".
he asks Arlecchino for a Delusion because he believes that only greater power would let him continue to protect his loved ones, especially Lynette
Lohen reaches a similar conclusion: ordinary strength isn't enough. he continues to push himself even if others tell him to stop
they both seek dangerous power for selfless reasons (with possible selfish consequences)
...but both are stopped by the person they respect most
after Lyney had requested a Delusion, Arlecchino is angered, replying with "...would Lynette want you to do this?", attacking him where she knew it would hurt most
Arlecchino basically forces Lyney to realize that sacrificing wouldn't actually fulfill his wish to protect his family, or Lynette's wishes
similarly, Varka repeatedly tells Lohen to "confront his obsessions" instead of letting them consume him, telling the Traveler that he'd be the one responsible for pulling Lohen from the edge
having had lost his friend to the endless pursuit of power, Varka takes it upon himself to make sure Lohen wouldn't follow in Eroch's footsteps
both Arlecchino and Varka recognize that an endless pursuit of power can become self-destructive
and the irony!
in the end, both Lyney and Lohen aren't seen as "worthy" because they gain more power; they become worthy because they reject their belief that power alone is the answer they're looking for
Lyney begins to share the burden, becoming less of an overprotective sibling and more of a partner, protecting one another (his family) through their combined efforts, using trust, planning, and leadership
at the end of his Story Quest, Lohen accepts that the title of "Benevolent Knight" would be buried with Adorno, but he wouldn't give up learning what it meant to be a Knight, gradually understanding that protecting others not only required power, but compassion
other little details
choose strategy/intellect over pure brute force
charming (in their own ways!)
if they were in an improv. class they would pass with flying colors (acting and pretending seem to be very easy for them)
both "perform" a version of themselves they want the audience to see (the Traveler gets to see past it)
Lyney is cheerful in public, lonely and drained in private
Lohen is confident and sarcastic in public, but obsessive and emotionally tangled in private
they don't seek power for "glory", but to protect (themselves and their loved ones)
they're both archers, but also use an arsenal of other skills to fight
they both work dangerous jobs (okay this is cornplating)
i'd even throw in that they're both fun, elegant-looking, morally grey characters with a ton of controversy upon release! (so many mixed opinions...)
their appearances hide their true natures, and are equally complex characters with compelling backstories!
//this got super long lol
i'll probably add more if i think of anything! as a fan of both of these characters, (sorry Lyney, Lohen's sharing the spot for number one with you,,,) i love the way they were written...
lohen feels like what lyney could've turned into because of his trauma, yet he had somewhat of a ''support system" in the sense that he had people to care for and reasons to not seek vengeance and power over those (the noblemen) who hurt him and lynette. instead he focused his attention on lynette and the house of the hearth, protecting them both and "doing his duty" in fear of anything happening to him or lynette again.
however lohens trauma manifested into his fear of powerlessness, making him violent in order to make sure he always has control and to make sure nothing happens to him again
i love this sm,,, i agree, lyney was hurt, but thanks to that support system, he was able to pour that pain into the want to protect! his trauma was definitely softened by love, and i find that so interesting when compared to lohen, whose experience with love kind of became a cage for himself...?
love gave lyney something to want, to protect, while that same idea of love gave lohen something to lose... lyney's fear became devotion and responsibility, enduring for the people he loves! on the other hand, the people lohen loves become the source of his fear. once lohen has something precious, the possibility of losing it becomes unbearable (imo) love doesn't soothe his trauma, but it sure does amplify it, which is where his obsession with control and staying three steps ahead comes from!
somewhere down the line, lyney's love became his anchor, and lohen's love became his greatest vulnerability... (now that i think about it, this could go both ways!)
not too sure where i'm going with this either (my mind started thinking heavily-) but i love how you worded this!!
my mind is currently attached to this idea of Lohen returning to Mondstadt after everything (including the Story Quest) and maaaaybe giving Adorno’s advice a try… (headcanons incoming!!)
he doesn’t realize what’s changed after everything
like… tea! liquids and Lohen, they go together very well…
learning everyone’s weak and strong points has always been his specialty. understanding how their minds work, knowing immediately where to place who, with what weapon; he absolutely needs his team to be as effective as possible in neutralizing threats (despite his ability to be a one-man team)
he might catch himself learning that Gunther likes three cubes of sugar in his tea, or how Ursula prefers honey. Mika always lets his drink “cool down”, and Varka will almost always drink whatever’s placed in front of him. Jean… drinks paperwork. he didn’t want to focus too hard and get on her bad side.
Lohen doesn’t care, he wasn’t even trying to notice, but he just did, out of habit…
so, one morning he’ll probably push the sugar bowl over to Gunther, because he’s just moving so slow… Gunther’s probably taken aback, slightly shocked at how Lohen simply knew that he liked sugar in his tea.
…but he doesn’t over think it, because well, that’s Lohen, he just knows.
Lohen catches the way Gunther’s expression changes, mentally reminding himself that Gunther was enjoying the morning, like every other average Mondstadter….
excusing himself, Lohen probably makes a bee-line towards a horde of monsters, a bit embarrassed.
if Lohen ever made his way through Dornman Port, he’d probably cringe at the state of Adorno’s flowers, the ones always in bloom outside his home.
Lohen knew a thing or two about flowers, but he wasn’t the type with a green thumb. what he does have is an eye for detail.
with a loud sigh, he’ll probably grab that rusty watering can and have a go, imitating Adorno’s movements precisely. all those days of watching him water his flowers weren’t for nothing, after all.
he doesn’t realize that bystanders were watching him proceeding to trim the leaves, once again pausing in his steps, fully aware.
he’ll probably make a comment or two about Dornman Port needing a gardener, quickly walking away and brushing himself off, slightly shaken by the fact that he’d been doing something normal.
it keeps happening, over and over.
things Lohen didn’t pay attention to become a part of his daily life, simply because there weren’t enough monsters to battle or missions to fulfill.
maybe he craved some sort of stability…? was that it?
stability, who needed stability? he’s been able to function just fine this entire time, and his routine was “extraordinary”; there was no time to seek something stable.
his body learns faster than his mind.
he felt off when that tabby cat didn’t try to rub against his leg one evening, during patrol. turns out the cat had been fine, getting a needed bath at the Cat’s Tail.
how did he learn that? well, he went to go look for the cat after patrol. he didn’t care, it just…
the thought sinks its jaws into Lohen’s mind. the thought of caring, of feeling… normal.
was it truly possible?
reflecting is scary. he rarely did so, pushing everything to the back of his mind because who cares?
sitting underneath the stars one night, he’s not joking, or loud, or teasing, but quiet. things really had changed, and a hint of fear accompanied those changes.
for someone who was always busy protecting Mondstadt’s peace, he realized that he’d never allowed himself to take part in that peace.
Lohen felt slightly guilty, knowing he should be adding in another round of patrol, yet he found himself immersed with the stars… and he let himself stay there.
he thought of something, a thought he was allowed to keep without having to justify it or write it down on some patrol log.
…Lohen would make up for the wasted time tomorrow. whether it was the time he’d wasted staring at stars, or the years he spent forgetting to rest, he didn’t know.
i keep thinking about Lohen’s kindness (which doesn’t really look like kindness on the surface)
i often explore the “darker” part of Lohen, focusing on his traumatic past and the way he manages his daily life despite it all, but i'd like to focus on the the way he shows love (or tough love, in this case)
Lohen's methods are often unsettling, i mean, he tests people, pushes them to their limits, not even holding back when scaring them. on the surface, it seems unnecessarily harsh...
however, when i think about why he does these things, there's a tiny pattern: he just wants everyone to survive, even after he's gone.
he's quite compassionate under all those layers, willing to carry the burden himself in most cases.
he's willing to be misunderstood too! others walk away thinking he's cold or manipulative, but they also walk away ready for what comes next, actively prepared for danger. he sacrifices his own reputation so that others have a better chance at living.
most characters show love through reassurance, while Lohen shows his love through preparation. he assumes that one day, he won't be there to save everyone, so instead of becoming their eternal guardian, the Knight's sharpest "arrow", he teaches them how to protect themselves.
i guess it comes with the job (he could die at any given moment) but the fact that he doesn't expect to always be around hurts a little T^T
i think the saddest part is that Lohen doesn't ask for that same kindness in return. he doesn't care about titles, or a fancy paycheck (mora-check?). he's just a Knight who quietly carries responsibility without expecting recognition or praise. he's constantly thinking about everyone else's survival, even before his own.
i mean, that's why he helped Theodore in his story quest. he cared about Adorno's life, Theo's life, hell, even the lives of the Knights if i really think about it. he just doesn't say anything, and that also kinda hurts!
Lohen's kindness isn't soft or gentle, it's scary. it makes people dislike him, turning away without a second thought (which probably works to his benefit considering there was probably a horde of monsters right around the corner or something), but i think it's what makes him feel so real.
in my head, when i love someone, not only would i want to give them my all, i'd also want to make sure they live forever (don't think that's possible, but the sentiment's there!)
at the end of the day, he'd rather someone hate him and stay alive than like him and end up dead. this difference is what makes his character so interesting... he doesn't express love through comforting words, not even an embrace, but through training; preparedness. to push people towards a future that may not even include him, and he's 100% aware of that fact. that's Lohen's way of loving, bittersweet and a little scary.
that the kidnapping can also be perceived as his parents, the ppl he loved and ppl that loved him most, inadvertently teaching him that the only person he can truly rely on to save him when it matters is himself
so like a cycle, he is imparting the same lesson on those he loves in a more controlled environment the way his loved ones did him
i keep thinking about Lohen’s kindness (which doesn’t really look like kindness on the surface)
i often explore the “darker” part of Lohen, focusing on his traumatic past and the way he manages his daily life despite it all, but i'd like to focus on the the way he shows love (or tough love, in this case)
Lohen's methods are often unsettling, i mean, he tests people, pushes them to their limits, not even holding back when scaring them. on the surface, it seems unnecessarily harsh...
however, when i think about why he does these things, there's a tiny pattern: he just wants everyone to survive, even after he's gone.
he's quite compassionate under all those layers, willing to carry the burden himself in most cases.
he's willing to be misunderstood too! others walk away thinking he's cold or manipulative, but they also walk away ready for what comes next, actively prepared for danger. he sacrifices his own reputation so that others have a better chance at living.
most characters show love through reassurance, while Lohen shows his love through preparation. he assumes that one day, he won't be there to save everyone, so instead of becoming their eternal guardian, the Knight's sharpest "arrow", he teaches them how to protect themselves.
i guess it comes with the job (he could die at any given moment) but the fact that he doesn't expect to always be around hurts a little T^T
i think the saddest part is that Lohen doesn't ask for that same kindness in return. he doesn't care about titles, or a fancy paycheck (mora-check?). he's just a Knight who quietly carries responsibility without expecting recognition or praise. he's constantly thinking about everyone else's survival, even before his own.
i mean, that's why he helped Theodore in his story quest. he cared about Adorno's life, Theo's life, hell, even the lives of the Knights if i really think about it. he just doesn't say anything, and that also kinda hurts!
Lohen's kindness isn't soft or gentle, it's scary. it makes people dislike him, turning away without a second thought (which probably works to his benefit considering there was probably a horde of monsters right around the corner or something), but i think it's what makes him feel so real.
in my head, when i love someone, not only would i want to give them my all, i'd also want to make sure they live forever (don't think that's possible, but the sentiment's there!)
at the end of the day, he'd rather someone hate him and stay alive than like him and end up dead. this difference is what makes his character so interesting... he doesn't express love through comforting words, not even an embrace, but through training; preparedness. to push people towards a future that may not even include him, and he's 100% aware of that fact. that's Lohen's way of loving, bittersweet and a little scary.
the new event's out and unfortunately i've only seen a Lohen mention... our Vice Captain decided to call off this time T^T
so, fingers crossed we get another Weinlesefest around September! (around Genshin's anniversary!)
Weinlesefest celebrates the return of the Anemo Archon, so in my mind, wouldn't they celebrate the return of the Knights dispatched on the Expedition? (knowing that the "wind" brought them back home)
we haven't really had an event featuring Dornman Port, so it could possibly be held there, maybe even a trading event, since there is a market place! (it is a port after all)
the event could include another celebration for the Knights, meaning Lohen and Varka would be new additions to the event! we might get tidbits or retellings of what happened during the Expedition, possibly sharing their experience in Snezhnaya!
still, to have to wait until September for Lohen... aw.
back to my usual shit bc i almost forgot about this thought but then i saw disaster-remorse's name and i suddenly remembered about it so thx for existing buddy :3
(and congrats i now associate you with lohen analysis o7)
earlier today i saw a comment that referring to that one best friend guy in the giant robot from code: geass saying "he has the moral compass of a russian roulette wheel" and naturally this made me think of Lohen
except... im not sure if this rlly applies to him all that much
bc yeah, lohen's morals are pretty grey compared to your standard nice ppl chars, but the line suggests more about a constant and random change in morals and i dont know if lohen's morals change if at all. in fact, his mindset seems very consistent and straightforward
murder is okay, become the strongest, be in control, kill monsters and criminals
scare children as discipline, probe varka's limits, put knights through rigorous training, roofie subordinates as a test
yeah he is very morally dubious, but idk if his moral compass is trully the roulette wheel he weaponizes. it feels more like,
in my opinion, you're right! i agree, on the surface, Lohen seems like this random, disloyal guy, but as you mentioned, i'd also describe his morality as scarily consistent (terrifyingly even)
similar to what you've described, a roulette wheel is meant to be unpredictable, and while Lohen may come off like that, those close to him will learn that it's quite the opposite! (he could become a little predictable)
he operates like a machine (or a weapon!):
receives missions and completes them
stays in control, but works to become stronger
protects people, no matter what they've done
(unless they're a threat ofc)
he will use whatever methods available to accomplish his goal (no matter how "good", "bad", or "honorable" it may seem)
all of the examples you've listed are due to his consistently gray morals! he values results over his own comfort. he believes fear can make a great teacher, and hesitation can get people killed. he's an extremely pragmatic character behind all the smiles and the jokes lol
all this to say, i agree! he's much like an arrow, and his goals are actually quite similar to the other Knights; his moral compass is just calibrated to a completely different cardinal direction than everyone else's!
in a mission, the Knights know that the arrow's been fired, and they can trust that it's going to land in the destination they're headed, but no one is able to tell what it will hit. that's Lohen!
would also like to take a moment to mention that i do see the reblogs and messages! i’m still not used to using Tumblr so just know that i see it, and i appreciate every message!! (i am very confused and struggle with replying lol)
//not Lohen related! moot requested for me to share my theory here, also on my twt! ^^
i can't stop thinking about Mitya and his possible angelic symbolism considering that i had read a ton about Dragonspine for Lohen, so here's why i think Mitya is Snezhnaya's version (or parallel) of scribe Ukko from Sal Vindagnyr and could possibly be blessed by an Angel:
(this will be very short considering the lack of info!)
Ukko was a scribe that was close to the Princess of Sal Vindagnyr, preserving the knowledge of their time
here are some parallels i found while reading:
both Ukko and Mitya are positioned (in the story) at the center of a civilization-ending frost
the scribe witnessed the fall of Sal Vindagnyr, once the blessings of the kingdom that sustained them disappeared (their land basically froze over) -> Mitya is actively witnessing the failure of the Kresnik's Torch, the "blessing" that would've stopped Snezhnaya from freezing over
both Ukko and Mitya are "scholars"
Ukko, as a scribe, preserved Sal Vind's history through stone inscriptions -> Mitya is introduced similarly, placed next to the Kresnik's Torch, as if attempting to decipher the ancient knowledge or secrets that hide within; also hinted to have connections to the Hvergelmir Institute (disproven by leaks)
Mitya shares a few symbols with the Angel in the Princess of Sal Vindagnyr’s mural (it could simply be a coincidence!)
- the “atom” on his clothes (the Angel’s “atom” in the mural)
- the singular Angelic symbol in his hair (the Angel’s wing, mirrored and rotated to match)
it could be that Mitya has an interest in the Angels, gained an interest in the Kresnik's Torch, and is now in the position to gather the knowledge needed to save Snezhnaya from freezing over, much like the Angel in the Princess’ mural
the Angel depicted in the Princess’ mural is seen handing the ppl of Sal Vindagnyr "knowledge”, so they could prosper and come back from their losses, if they listened and heeded the Angel’s words
(the mural in Dragonspine, created by the Princess of Sal Vindagnyr, telling the story of their interaction; the people of Sal Vind. and the Angel distributing Knowledge)
i'd like to repeat that so far, there is a (not confirmed, just looks like it!) singular Angelic, Seelie-like marking in his hair, which to me, means that he could be possibly "blessed" by an Angel to gain the knowledge necessary to guide us on how to save Snezhnaya, not necessarily being an Angel himself
i believe that Mitya could also be mirroring the Angel in the mural. he may be the key to repairing the Kresnik's Torch, if the people of Snezhnaya were to listen (if we're following the story in the mural)
as for what the people of Snezhnaya need to listen for? we'll have to find that out in the Archon Quest (or if we get more info along the way)
this is all just to say that Mitya might be the parallel to scribe Ukko and might have (or be) the “guidance of an Angel” in this upcoming region!
of course, this is just a theory, but i wanted to point out some parallels. also, if he reports to the Tsaritsa, then she could possibly be a parallel to the Princess of Sal Vindagnyr as well!
I also love your analysis posts! especially on the ascension materials. It’s so fun to see people analyze The Character™
hi anon!!! tysm for the ask!!
i’m so glad you enjoyed the ascension material series! i’m a little proud of that one considering that it basically started this entire page for me
seeing “The Character™” made me laugh, so thank you lol
i agree with you! i find it so amazing how one character can bring a whole community together, just thinking and discussing about said character
Lohen’s a well-written character who i believe deserves so much love and attention, characters like him are rare to come by (imo!) and seeing how he handles his trauma and overall growth really inspires me to keep going!
You like Lyney 😮 Are you planning on making more Lyney analysis?
hi anon!! thank you for the ask!
i do like Lyney!! before Lohen, Lyney was my main focus/DPS ^^
in all honesty, i don’t think i’ve written a Lyney analysis, just some of my thoughts jumbled with Lohen thoughts! i absolutely do love the idea of writing about Lyney, but i’d like to keep this page Lohen-themed!
i did write about how Childe, Lyney, and Lohen could share a parallel (Parsifal!) and just recently, i wrote about the possible parallels between Lyney and Lohen (so, you can tell that he’s in the back of my mind lol)
Lohen’s character kind of activated that part of my brain that just loves analyzing his content, so i’ve been obsessed lately! i do like the idea of writing some Lyney analysis though
i could try making a Lyney themed page like this one? i’m not too sure if my analysis will be any new information though, considering that Lyney’s been out for a while. if it interests people, i wouldn’t mind it at all! i will think about it anon, thank you for the idea! ₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎♡
i showed your analysis to my friend who also really love lohen and he loves them so much.. literally he’s begging me to send more so he can read more food you’re cooking (he doesn’t have tumblr so i have to send him screenshots 😔)
also!! your stuff is so cool it’s an actual 5 star meal
i really like the one where you analyzed lohen’s relationship with alcohol!! it’s really interesting how he views it as a tool while the rest of Mond (or just Varka, but i assume most also view it the same) sees it as home in a way! it certainly gives him a sense of.. not belonging in a way? like he’s outcasted in a sense, but i don’t think he really minds that
hi! thank you for the ask!! i’m so glad you and your friend enjoy the random thoughts my mind comes up with!
i enjoyed writing that Lohen alcohol analysis because i know it’s a subject that’s been floating around since release and even i’m curious (as someone who also actively abstains from alcohol!) since i found it relatable ^^ i like how he doesn’t treat drinking like the majority of Mondstadt does, since he views it more like a tool instead of comfort. the difference makes him stand out, but i like how he doesn’t try to fit in; he just accepts that he works differently!
i definitely agree that Lohen is basically (sorta) an outcast, and he isn’t the type to be bothered by it. he seems like someone who’d rather be a step ahead than be understood, which makes him so, so interesting to analyze! (he does this all on purpose, and as heartbreaking as it may sound it’s also very inspiring!)
i laugh when i think about it, like he doesn’t bother to correct others’ perception of him, but in the end, those close to him will understand that he has good intentions, but produces wild and reckless results (lol)
and even then, he views it as an advantage, he gets to be alone whenever he wants, no one really has the guts to challenge him, and no one gets hurt (unless they undergo his special training)
i could go on and on about his personality (which is still evolving!!) he’s such a cool guy! thank you again for your ask, and if there’s anything specific you’d like for me to talk about, let me know! i love hearing what others have to say about these posts <3 i’m glad (and relieved) that i don’t sound too confusing! ₍ ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎
thinking about the (unintentional) parallels between Lyney and Lohen...
(this is probably because Lyney was my main DPS before Lohen but i can't stop thinking about it so...)
i don't know why, but i feel like if Lohen were to ever meet Lyney (or vice versa), they'd have a lot to learn from one another
will hoyo ever bless me with an interaction between them?
maybe, maybe not, but here's to wishful thinking!
Lyney's Rainbow Roses and Lohen's Cecilia
Lyney, using the language of flowers, incorporates flowers in his tricks and performances. he gives the Traveler an arrangement called "Delightful Encounter", which includes both a Lumidouce Bell and a Rainbow Rose, the description going into detail about how it is "an arrangement of Lumidouce Bells, which symbolize parting, and Rainbow Roses that represent passion".
Lohen incorporates a Cecilia into his interrogation when playing a form of torturous Russian Roulette with a captive, much like how Lyney uses flowers in his performance
Lohen also has official art from his initial reveal (livestream) showing him holding a single Cecilia; this is interesting considering it is "as intangible as the true heart of an unbound soul". very fitting for Lohen!
Cesar is to Lyney (and Lynette!) as Adorno is to Lohen
just how Cesar introduced Lyney and Lynette to magic while they were surviving, Adorno gave Lohen the guidance he needed, not restraint
both mentors didn't just teach skills, they gave each individual a direction (and a lesson) to follow for the rest of their lives
Lyney as the future "Father" and Lohen as the "Benevolent Knight"
especially with the recent event, it's shown how much the expectation of taking over Arlecchino's position as "Father" for the House of the Hearth weighs down on Lyney; i'd consider it an expectation after the fight against Arlecchino
Lohen is expected to take over his family's craft, and as a Vice Captain, he is expected to take on Adorno's title of "Benevolent Knight", despite himself pointing out that he seems the least like a Benevolent Knight on the surface
after enjoying their quests and content, i think they're both learning how to "inherit" a role without losing who they are as people
they both have (possibly) played Tabletop Troupe scripts!
run by Clorinde and Navia, Lyney has joined them in the past for a game of Tabletop Troupe's "Marechaussee Hunter: Judgement Day" as a Game Master, pointing out how he'd play with his siblings, also as a Game Master
surprisingly, it is insinuated that Lohen has played a round of Tabletop Troupe with Varka: "...Next time, remember to scope out the enemy and assign roles before charging into battle! Even Lohen knows that Tabletop Troupe isn't a solo game!" (Varka's Character Story 5) (it's easy to miss this detail in Varka's content!)
they both serve as "operatives" within their respective organizations
Lyney is a famous magician in Fontaine who secretly works as a spy for the Fatui and the House of the Hearth (in his character stories/content + commissioned content, he is painted as an assassin-like figure, using tricks to catch the "enemy" off-guard)
Lohen is a Vice Captain of the 5th Company of the Knights of Favonius whose methods have him sometimes operating in covert missions (an example being his mission infiltrating an underground auction thanks to the Northern Intelligence Network)
both characters have a history of gathering intelligence, infiltration, manipulation, ambushing, and reconnaissance (they do it all despite selling the idea of having "one skillset"; Lyney as a magician and Lohen as the Ranged Company's Vice Captain)
tampering with alcohol! (silly)
in Lyney's character teaser "Gloves of Wonder", he is shown de-escalating a situation between the bartender and an obviously intoxicated customer. he uses the art of misdirection to control the situation, making the intoxicated man believe that his drink had been switched out with cider, before revealing that it had actually been swapped out with an apple. the man, drunk, passes out
similarly, Lohen has his own share of tampering with alcohol! in his character story 3, he is shown delivering Dandelion Wine to Varka in apology, before it is revealed that he had slipped in a sedative
Lohen also has voice over lines describing how he dislikes the idea of consuming alcohol, viewing it as a tool, and even insinuates how he would swap out the drinks of drunken Knights who were too intoxicated to even notice that he'd switched out their drinks for something else
funnily enough, Lohen likes apple cider
both characters use the art of Misdirection to their advantage
it's shown that Lyney uses the art of misdirection in his performances! magic, in itself, is deception
his official profile contrasts truth and illusion, emphasizing that magic uses facades to reach people's hearts
Lohen does something similar, but in combat! his content describes him using disguises, smoke screens, hidden traps, and manipulative tricks instead of using straightforward, honest combat
in the end, they both "win" by controlling what others perceive
due to their beliefs, they both challenge authority
Lyney is shown challenging Arlecchino to protect the people he loves, despite knowing that he couldn't defeat her. his devotion to his chosen "family" and his siblings outweighs any possible fear of his "Father"
in a similar way, Lohen challenges Varka (yet, he stops himself before defying orders)
Lohen's initial meeting with Varka shows him ambushing the Grand Master, and then falsifying an apology with tampered wine, challenging his strength. then, his story evolves, taking it upon himself to become an examiner for the Grand Expedition prep, tying his application with a bow in the metaphorical sense of Varka's drink having been tampered with (yet again)
they both choose their own moral judgement over brainless obedience; Lyney respects Arlecchino, but his family comes first, and Lohen (although it might not seem like it on the surface) also respects Varka, but he ultimately will follow his own beliefs
Lyney's desire of a Delusion parallels Lohen's desire of power...
after Lynette received her Vision, she was allowed to go on increasingly dangerous missions that Lyney couldn't join her on. in Lyney's character story, "He still desired to be beside her... this was his non-negotiable desire".
he asks Arlecchino for a Delusion because he believes that only greater power would let him continue to protect his loved ones, especially Lynette
Lohen reaches a similar conclusion: ordinary strength isn't enough. he continues to push himself even if others tell him to stop
they both seek dangerous power for selfless reasons (with possible selfish consequences)
...but both are stopped by the person they respect most
after Lyney had requested a Delusion, Arlecchino is angered, replying with "...would Lynette want you to do this?", attacking him where she knew it would hurt most
Arlecchino basically forces Lyney to realize that sacrificing wouldn't actually fulfill his wish to protect his family, or Lynette's wishes
similarly, Varka repeatedly tells Lohen to "confront his obsessions" instead of letting them consume him, telling the Traveler that he'd be the one responsible for pulling Lohen from the edge
having had lost his friend to the endless pursuit of power, Varka takes it upon himself to make sure Lohen wouldn't follow in Eroch's footsteps
both Arlecchino and Varka recognize that an endless pursuit of power can become self-destructive
and the irony!
in the end, both Lyney and Lohen aren't seen as "worthy" because they gain more power; they become worthy because they reject their belief that power alone is the answer they're looking for
Lyney begins to share the burden, becoming less of an overprotective sibling and more of a partner, protecting one another (his family) through their combined efforts, using trust, planning, and leadership
at the end of his Story Quest, Lohen accepts that the title of "Benevolent Knight" would be buried with Adorno, but he wouldn't give up learning what it meant to be a Knight, gradually understanding that protecting others not only required power, but compassion
other little details
choose strategy/intellect over pure brute force
charming (in their own ways!)
if they were in an improv. class they would pass with flying colors (acting and pretending seem to be very easy for them)
both "perform" a version of themselves they want the audience to see (the Traveler gets to see past it)
Lyney is cheerful in public, lonely and drained in private
Lohen is confident and sarcastic in public, but obsessive and emotionally tangled in private
they don't seek power for "glory", but to protect (themselves and their loved ones)
they're both archers, but also use an arsenal of other skills to fight
they both work dangerous jobs (okay this is cornplating)
i'd even throw in that they're both fun, elegant-looking, morally grey characters with a ton of controversy upon release! (so many mixed opinions...)
their appearances hide their true natures, and are equally complex characters with compelling backstories!
//this got super long lol
i'll probably add more if i think of anything! as a fan of both of these characters, (sorry Lyney, Lohen's sharing the spot for number one with you,,,) i love the way they were written...
