Theory: Raiden Shogun (Ei)’s Motivations and Pursuit of Eternity
If there is one thing I love about Genshin, it’s how everything has lore.
Every weapon, talent material, and even weapon ascension materials like the Narukami’s Magatama and Oni’s Mask set. I’m over here overanalyzing everything trying to figure out what ended up making Ei (Raiden Shogun) become so concerned about preserving eternity and if it’s the friends she lost along the way…
She isn’t the original Electro Archon of Inazuma, same goes for the rest of the Seven after Inazuma considering only Zhongli and Venti are he only original members of the Seven. So we don’t know if the OG Electro Archon was someone who preserved eternity or what ideal they held above all else. (it’d honestly be interesting about learning about the original Seven later on in the story and how they compare to the current new members.)
But playing several quests in Inazuma’s Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual series (and reading the Narukami’s Magatamas and Inazuma weapons lore that presumably are talking about the current Electro Archon), it’s apparent that over time that Ei has lost a lot of people in her life that were important to her that weren’t just comrades or subjects but her friends. It paints a more sympathetic version of the character besides from the cold hearted girlboss who soul snatched basically everyone in Act 2 of the Inazuma Quests (myself included TuT).
(edit to include this photo became mihoyo really released this trailer the day after my theory and i love it)
Kitsune Saiguu: a kitsune goddess who fought beside Ei and the others during what was likely the cataclysm and disappeared, trapped inside a place where a dark will broke down her body and memories into filth.
Sasayuri: Ei’s beloved tengu general who died during the war with Watasumi Island when Orobashi made the first strike as explained in the Sangonomiya Chronicles (although, keep in mind history is written by the victors and this novela was written by a Kujou. We’ll have to wait and see in 2.1 what the Watasumi people will say and knowing Genshin, this will probably be something a lot more gray than clear cut black and white with wrongs on both sides and this black nerd is here to see the history unfold).
Iori: a trickster tanuki bold enough to trespass who was friends with Saiguu and after she “disappeared” he would start doing pranks to try and trick her into coming back to play with him which ultimately got him turned into stone.
Chiyo: an oni woman (uwu specifically described as “lovely as the moon and mighty in battle”) that was a close ally of Ei’s who was eventually corrupted by a beast she encountered during the cataclysm and eventually turned her blade on Ei. Her fate is unknown after retreating with many injuries, though it’s speculated by some in Inazuma she was eventually killed by the Maguu Kenki.
Narukami’s Affection states: “Though their lives may be longer than any creature, they will at last come to their end. If those with limited lifespans hanker after eternity, then they can only pray that “Eternity” remembers them. And she did indeed answer their prayers, remembering them all, friend and foe alike, in her heart.”
Despite how she presents herself as cold and callous, it might be that Ei cares too much and has closed herself off to the rest of the world. Misguided as her actions are with closing the country and the Vision Hunt Decree, Ei does truly care about Inazuma and the people living in it and wants to protect them the way she thinks is best.
And as Yoimiya describes in her story quest that in Inazuma, Eternity is a state of tranquility where very little changes. I believe that Ei’s pursuit of Eternity is the boiling point of centuries of loss making her want to go to such extremes.
But I do thing with Ei’s fierce abilities, when the Fatui eventually try to take her Gnosis, I think Ei may be the first archon not to lose hers and keep it a while longer. Case in point that when Signora soul snatched Venti’s she called him a rat and even slapped him. Fast forward to Liyue and they go the contract route and don’t even attempt trying to sneak him the way they did Venti, indicating that at the very least there are some archons the Fatui (possibly fear and) respect a lot more than others.
2.1 shows the Fatui and Shogunate teaming up, hence meaning that the Fatu (possibly fear) respect Ei enough to not try and yoink her Gnosis because they know for a fact that’s asking for their subscription to Life to be abruptly ended. But we’re not gonna act like the Fatui aren’t calculating and menacing and may have likely struck up a deal with Ei to help her preserve Inazuma before claiming her Gnosis as possibly something discussed beforehand, betraying her and trying to catch her off guard, OR like another theory has suggested Ei’s Gnosis has already been taken and she’s doing what she can to keep Inazuma safe.
(And let’s not get started on how the actors said in the livestream that Scaramouche’s origins were going to be revealed in 2.1 this is gonna be one wild as fuck show.)
We won’t know til Act 3 drops next week though and I look forward to seeing what else we will be learning about the Electro Archon and Inazuma in 2.1 and the future Inazuma-centric patches to come. It’s great seeing everyone really excited about upcoming characters like Ei, Sara, and Kokomi and getting to know them, and it’s super nice seeing their voice actors super happy to announce the fact they helped bring these characters to life and can’t wait for the community to discover more about them.
Add your own additions and theories to this post and maybe drop who you’re rolling for. I’m think Raiden and Sara for my main account and Kokomi for co-op with the homies account.
Check out the Narukami Magatama lore copy and pasted under the cut if you haven’t already.
In the past, the ancients would climb the peak now known as Mt. Yougou and bend wood that had been charred by lightning into a hook to offer as an effigy unto the thundering force that lit up the skies and shook the earth. This shape would eventually become the “Electro Mitsudomoe” symbol, symbolizing the favor, wisdom, and might of Electro, and also the people who represent these values.
Those who belong to the Shogunate Commissions are those who administer and exercise power. In the monster-filled tales of the ancient past, those who were deeply trusted by the Shogun would bear talismans with this hooked design on their person, and just as the word “commission” means to “joyfully serve” in the old tongue, those who received her favor would return it with love and loyalty. Yet, after a certain point in time, nothing would be as it was before.
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