In the expansive world of Genshin Impact, players often focus on the Archons, but there’s much more beneath the surface. Teyvat is actually governed by powerful entities known as the Heavenly Principles. These ‘Gods’ descended to Teyvat, defeating the seven sovereigns and subsequently casting their ‘Shades’ to rule in their stead. This hierarchical power structure is intriguing and significant, making it essential for any fan to understand these Four Shades, who are arguably the true rulers of Genshin Impact.
Each Shade holds a vital role in the unfolding story and lore of Genshin Impact. With the recent teaser for the Teyvat chapter, “The God’s Limits”, we have finally learned the identities of these influential figures. Here’s a detailed guide on each of the Four Shades, and what they mean for the future of the game.
1. Ronova: Ruler of Death

Ronova was introduced during the Natlan Archon missions. She’s the architect behind the structure of Natlan and collaborated with Yohualtecuhtin to establish the Night Kingdom. Utilizing Ronova’s powers, Mavuika managed to take down the Abyss in Natlan. Moreover, Ronova is pivotal in enforcing the Curse of Immortality on Khaenri’ah natives, a critical source of the Abyss Order’s grievances. This could lead to an explosive confrontation soon.
2. Istaroth: Ruler of Time

Istaroth, known as the Ruler of Time, has garnered worship from the Enkanomiyans. She played a crucial role in diverting the Traveler’s sibling’s focus during the Cataclysm. Beyond her powers, she appears to influence the rich tapestry of Teyvat’s culture. Despite her seemingly indifferent demeanor, there may be more depth to her character than meets the eye, suggesting that her motivations are far from trivial.
3. Naberius: Ruler of Life

Naberius, the Ruler of Life, has an intricate connection with ‘Gold’ Rhinedottir, having merged with her after the Cataclysm. Rhinedottir, one of Khaenri’ah’s notorious Five Sinners, notoriously catalyzed the Cataclysm 500 years ago. Naberius’s defiance against the Heavenly Principles led her to create artificial life forms such as Durin and Albedo, resulting in chaos across Teyvat. Their shared existence hints at their joint power and potential chaos.
4. Asmoday: Ruler of Space

Asmoday, the ‘Unknown God’, is the initial antagonist that players encounter in Genshin Impact. She is responsible for the separation of the Traveler and their sibling, claiming to be the sustainer of Heavenly Principles. Recent hints suggest a shocking twist: Asmoday may be shifting allegiances, possibly indicating a brewing conflict with the Heavenly Principles. This revelation brings clarity to her motivations, a mystery that fans have pondered since the game’s inception.
As the story of Genshin Impact continues to evolve, the significance of these Four Shades cannot be underestimated. They represent the intricate layers of lore that enrich the player’s experience. The release of the Genshin Impact 6.0 update is sure to fill in more details and tweak our understanding of these intriguing characters.
How does Ronova’s influence on the Curse of Immortality affect Khaenri’ah’s fate? Can Istaroth’s control over history truly reshape Teyvat? As players, our speculations and discussions can shape the narrative as we explore further. Your thoughts on these Rulers could pave the way for deeper understanding of Genshin Impact’s expanding universe.
For those eager to dive deeper into the realm of Genshin Impact and its intricacies, check out Moyens I/O for more insights and content. Keep exploring the fascinating layers of this epic saga!