Uncovering the genius of Genshin Impact's Lotus of Haftkarsvar

This is my accidental second of time listening to Nilou's theme but honestly, this is a pretty fun deep dive for me - so satisfying to experience this track under a microscope. So fun.

[@MarcoMeatball]

So, I didn't realize I recorded this twice. But honestly, I'm not complaining. This is so satisfying.

[@kevinirmiter3669]

Watching the video and just listening to the music are different enough experiences that I didn't mind it. Plus, your analysis of the music was deeper this time.

[@bubbag02]

Not complaining either. Definitely worth a 2nd look, er, listen.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Yea i prefer this too!@@kevinirmiter3669

[@alanwong5440]

Doesn't matter, the music is gorgeous and it's worth the rerecord !

[@praveenneevarp4822]

I thought I was having Deja Vu vibes for a second lmao.

[@HHH-rf2hv]

Music: profound, elegant, beautyful, graceful Nilou: no thought head empty Dendro core: killing everybody

[@tadano-kunn]

Basically the whole Sumeru archon quest 😅

[@abesmith115]

You know, it's interesting. I've been noticing this trope in Chinese fiction of a character who is described as "pure". The way it's portrayed, the character appears oblivious or air-headed, but performs well in their field, oft-hailed as a genius. And it's always explained as the character having a natural disposition to have only kind thoughts, with evil thoughts passing through unnoticed, or something along those lines. It's often portrayed as a feminine virtue.

[@SpeedyAvatar]

Nilou having the expression of "no thought, head empty" is EXACTLY why I pulled for her, I relate so heavily to that look and I just love it and her the Bloom Nukes are a bonus ;D

[@atriyakoller136]

Idk about no thought head empty when it comes to Nilou. I honestly think she's a deeper character than that lorewise. But gameplaywise - yeah

[@derpity-moons3575]

@@atriyakoller136 I definitely agree she's more than people give her credit for- much more. She became a dancer and wholeheartedly devoted herself to that while living in a society that literally shoves the arts under the main city. I don't see enough people giving her credit for being asked out of the blue to join a freaking revolution- and she just went and agreed. Nilou's a nice girl but that doesn't mean she's an airhead or has no personality, we did get to see her go off in a debate after all. She has fortitude people just don't give her credit because they see her acting nice and immediately write off a nice character without a traumatizing past as 'no personality'.

[@purpled2992]

if you didn't know, haftkarsvar (haft keshvar) means seven nations and it's Persian, which means lotus of seven nations. she's one & only successor of goddess of flower, she resembles her with all the purity she has as well which is.. mostly "mistaken" by majority of the community as "no thought, empty head, no brain" blah blah which is very cliche and not pleasant to see, specially on such a valuable and amazingly artistic and cultural channel like yours Marco :) Also the name Nilou is a short or nick we call ladies with the name Niloufar in Persian. The whole Sumeru took examples of ancient western and middle Asia which used to be one nation or multiple peaceful nations built on knowledge and culture

[@arlecchino_fucker]

i've always thought this ost is really underrated but it's my fav demo ost ever i wish more ppl would acknowledge its beauty

[@syarifht5929]

its only 1 minute long, i stll think fischl die misomernacth fantasie underrated even after people hyping it up it still didnt get the hype it deserves

[@tipsfedora3714]

for a character so overlooked by the community long after her release, Nilou's music sure slaps insanely hard

[@anshnanavati]

What are you talking about overlooked, she's been insane from day 1 😂 The only thing people were saying is that she didn't have many team options before Nahida was released. She's the highest ceiling AoE team in the game. But agreed, it's my favourite character theme for sure.

[@AA-cf4es]

She's not overlooked, she's just incredibly boring and badly written. She is boring AF. She's good in her teams, she is part of meta, but her personality is no better than unseasoned rice.

[@tipsfedora3714]

@@anshnanavati its just that in the cirles ive been around, the people im always with keep saying "skip her banner". i honestly never understood this sentiment because of all the things you just mentioned

[@prestigev6131]

I think the reason people didn’t go for her super hard is because while she’s certainly good, she really only has one team, bloom. Pretty similar but not quite as bad as itto’s reliance on mono geo

[@MiyuKawasaki]

​@@prestigev6131combat isnt the only reason. She was mostly absent in the story as well, and the patch she released (3.1), she didn't appear in the story at all, so her debut didn't make any sense

[@Zharque]

Fontaine music in general has been very consistent and great but Sumeru still has those standout pieces like this one which I haven't seen Fontaine surpass yet. It's a lot easier for me to "play" Sumeru music in my head than Fontaine music.

[@mcyanfei6320]

Well no sh*t, fontaine is only have been out for not even a month It takes time to get attached to the style of fontaine

[@Zharque]

@@mcyanfei6320 except this particular piece is from Sumeru Act II so it's not like it took ages for us to hear this song.

[@BliskDeather]

Act 2 of sumeru is literally one year old so this doesn't make any sense

[@Zharque]

@@BliskDeather that's not my point? If new players play that quest today they'd similarly find the song memorable, why does it matter how long the song exists for? It's not like it's a bgm that plays every time you're in Sumeru.

[@Synchronizebud]

​@@Zharquetrue, opening theme sumeru was banger. At that point i do believe hoyoverse isn't gaming company but music company!!

[@minako-chan1420]

Nilou's theme is really just captivating, it's one of my favorite Genshin OSTs.

[@aimm0408]

Which one is it?❤

[@thecinders]

@@aimm0408 the one in the video is nilous theme

[@eatsomeice179]

This whole song is Nilou's perspective about her Bloom Explosion. It start beautiful and harmless and then BOOM, 40k Dendro DMG instant delete. Isn't that beautiful? Like her dances and all the explosion "You don't know how much damage it's gonna deal here. But I promise, you might be dead" -Nilou (probably)

[@vietlongtranvo2774]

LMAO so true and at the the end when everything settle down (or dead), the music bring upon an elegant end to both her performance and battle

[@PrograError]

>| "You don't know how much damage it's gonna deal here. But I promise, you might be dead" -Nilou (probably) then again Ayaka be Yandere...

[@mencobasukses97]

"dendro dmg instant delete"... *sweats in kaveh*

[@rebbudesu5088]

I dont mind if youve revisited this track twice. As a nilou main it just makes me happy she gets recognition so much 😭

[@StyxDipped]

As a Nilou main, how do you recommend I build her? 😅 As much HP as possible yes but how much crit does she need?

[@user-ln9zc4zx5q]

I also mine her and she is like my favourite character in whole game!☺️☺️

[@rebbudesu5088]

@@StyxDipped im a bloom centered Nilou Main so essentially. I went all hp on her artifacts. I have 76k hp on her (I have her signature weapon). Crit isn't really recommended on her unless ypure playing vape nilou

[@niggachan_]

​@@StyxDippedno, just focus on hp

[@dirkstrickland135]

What a pleasant surprise! Composer Yupeng-Chen said in an interview that they were heavily inspired by Rimsky Korsakov's masterpiece "scheherazade" when searching for musical ideas for Sumeru. Here, Rimsky's motif is especially evident in Nilou's theme. As a fan of Rimsky's works, I was drawn to Nilou the moment I was initially exposed to the piano solo introduction of her theme in the archon quest cutscene. After I heard the Lotus of Haftkarsvar, I knew I had to get her. So many sleep on this piece and I am glad that you too find it captivating.

[@connoratwood7893]

nilou has been my #1 favorite character since her release. she's just so genuine, soft spoken, overall lovely, looks to see the good in all people. she's wonderful

[@araragisenpai4088]

I didn't even remember you covering it so it's a welcome refresher/addition to any previous analysis 😆

[@MarcoMeatball]

LOL

[@araragisenpai4088]

What can I say, I guess my 32 years old brain is already forgetful... 😅

[@SonicMasterEX]

Her theme is very unique, i instantly fall in love with her theme the moment I heard it on the trailer, especially on the guitar part. It makes me even happier when I found out it’s one of the few theme that got the YPC treatment (the other being Nahida) on the album. Knowing he’s taking much lesser role and more on the overwatching the music and still find some time to compose this makes this one of the most special theme in the entire game.

[@impressive_clock]

As a Brazilian I might be biased, but the middle section reminds me a lot of Bossa Nova. Anyways this was one of the few trailers that made me pull for a character. Got her c1 and weapon, no regrets :)

[@figloalds]

The bossa nova aspect is blatantly obvious on the song "Dance of Sabzerus", they fully "came to Brazil"

[@edishasora5200]

@@figloalds bro pls which culture group is older do you think. dont even say jesus came from brazil just because he is so popular there

[@figloalds]

@@edishasora5200 I understand your concern, but bossa nova derived from Samba, which derived from Candomble, which derives from African Umbanda. I'm saying that "Dance of Sabzerus" is mostly bossa nova and thus it really went to Brazil I do expect more Brazilian culture from Natlan which seems based on ancient americas (Mayans, Inca, etc), considering the cultural references from the game are lenient in terms of time and geography (mixing Rome with France for Fontaine) Dance of Sabzerus is another song, not this one

[@JV-kn3yz]

​@@figloaldsthat would be awesome, but you know what people are saying? That Natlan is inspired in Spain. I'm like... ANOTHER european country???? Mondstadt is inspired in Germany, Fontaine in France, mixed with some English and Italian references, later we'll get Snezhnaya inspired in Russia which is kinda (sounds weird I know, but it is kinda) part european, and the big fatui group is full of italian names inspired on the most classical operas, which is the most european you can get, and now Natlan will be Spain?? WHY? We... don't need more?? I hope that's just an unfounded rumor. It would be MUCH more interesting if it were inspired on native americans.

[@JV-kn3yz]

​@@edishasora5200 excuse me, what the fuck is this comment 😂 Did anyone start a competition to see which culture is older...? Was genshin created 1000 years ago...? Did the creators say "we'll seek inspiration only on the most ancient cultures, newer stuff is outta here! Forbiden!!!"...? And what does JESUS have to do with THIS LMAO the "jesus is brazilian" is just a phrase that people say in brazil but everyone (yes, everyone in brazil) knows that's not literally true 😂 (i am brazilian by the way) so hearing you say "AnD dOn'T eVeN SaY hE's fRoM tHeRE" as if that would be something we would seriously claim is so absurd it made me laugh hysterically.

[@antheia__]

2:20 "it's like looking out and seeing like a commet in the sky" Nilou is literally stargazing during this part of the demo :0

[@3556DJE]

As a Latin person I appreciate it when ever I hear a acoustic guitar in Genshin’s OSTs. But I ABSOLUTELY can not get over the flute in this track. When the flute gets the spotlight I swear I get chills every time. It legitimately feels to me like Nahida herself just flooded all the experiences, knowledge, and emotions of all the grandmaster flutists into every single finger, muscle movement, and breath of the flutist who played in that moment. I’m not a musician so those notes could not be all that impressive, but this is how I feel about this utterly beautiful masterpiece.

[@n8w00d8]

It's not an acoustic guitar, it's a classical one. The differences are not big but there is some.

[@yharnamiyhill787]

Nilou and Kokomi's themes are my favorite. There is something about Hydro element that is so charming and welcoming. (I.E Candace, Nilou, Kokomi, Yelan - all are so similar.)

[@PrograError]

then again Fontaine is all bout the drama... . . . plus mama...

[@Ked676]

Nilou's theme is so beautiful once I had the idea of muting the game and listen to this song while playing as Nilou and just watch her dance as she fights. Then I realized I couldn't seen anything and was reminded her entire moveset centers around creating green explosions that cover the screen.

[@FJGenso]

I hope you cover more of the desert song, there are plenty of music from those regions that are just, DIVINE. People hate the desert area because of it's so tedious, but for me the desert and sumeru in general has the best quality music in the game.

[@radicaleroatope]

I think that Nilou is one of the most cared characters in game, maybe together with Nahida. The special detail in her moveset, the softness, every attack or skill that is like a sweet dance. And the fact that is a pure cinnamon roll with a heart full of kindness. In opposite, in game is an extremely powerfull unit, that can erase a floor in seconds with their dendro-bombs. Maybe seeing their personal mission, looks that Hoyo doesn´t cares about her. I don´t think that at all.

[@shadycactus6146]

oh hell yeah - i don’t have any particular strong feelings about nilou herself, but this is easily my favorite of the demo tracks, and that is a Very High bar to clear

[@V-Yakuru]

Finally you've listened to this music! There's one is lowkey one of my favorite characters OST. The part where you said "feels like watching up and seeing a comet" was so on point, but you already know that Genshin music can make you visualize scenes so nicely... Great video ans great ost choice, keep it up marco!

[@nat_sukashii]

NILOU MY BELOVED 💙 I LOVE the slow beginning and overall buildup of the soundtrack, ending it all with the last step of her dance, gracious and delicate like flowing water~ I want to learn and dance along aaaaaaa~

[@ewelinablum5026]

So excited for the video! In my opinion one of the most beautiful genshin tracks, so ethereal and unique. Every piece that revolves around Nilou is gorgeous. If you haven't already, you should definitely check Inebriatrion of Raghs-e-Nilou from the Shimmering Voyage vol.3 album. Absolutely stunning and emotional as well

[@justincross2212]

My favourite part of this is the Bass drop. You feel like being submerged but not drowning.

[@Wreck_RS]

ChaconneScotts piano cover of Dance of Sabzeruz was so good really got me to start listening to Genshins ost’s

[@Progeusz]

i adore this theme. It lures you in and blows you away. Mesmerizing experience.

[@GGABueno]

The bit at 1:20 reminds me SO MUCH of Brazilian music somehow. I absolutely love this piece.

[@llNightRoudll]

yep that's straight up bossa nova, it's crazy how it blends with middle east instruments, perfection

[@AnimusVolare]

I love Nilou sm and everything about her ;_;

[@ahamilaag192]

So good that you wish it lasted a bit longer. That's how you know it's a banger.

[@Bliss467]

I loved this format of listening to the full song first then breaking it down so well. Your insight is always excellent! I know in some longer songs that’s not quite feasible, tho

[@Kurumi_6_10th]

only a god tier theme for a goddess tier waifu 😭😍🛐💙💙

[@mzshmkn]

this song never fails to make me emotionalllll thanks for breaking it down

[@Poketoa]

The guitar comes in at 1:06 and I get the sense of for that moment, you have a friend there with you. The usual Sumeru soundscape pulls away for that moment, and to a western ear that guitar and piano sounds much more familiar. It goes from “What is this place? I don’t know where this is, but it’s beautiful,” and it pulls back to “I am your friend, let me show you this place.” And then it soars even higher.

[@th4t1dud3]

Hey Marco, just in case you didn’t know, The Stellar Moments albums are all character themes. Volume 3 in particular covers 2.3 to 3.2 characters. It might be a fun idea to listen to the album and make guesses to which characters they are related to.

[@BrianSkyVG]

The beggining reminds me a lot of the Desert, the desert music was incredible, even the deserts can be bored.

[@stewie_]

Truly a stellar moment. got goosebumps all over

[@zeromailss]

I know this is first and foremost a character trailer music but goddamn I hate how short it is, I wish it was longer because it sounds sooo good

[@RealFoxZZ]

Nilou’s theme fr gets me emotional

[@ramadhanisantoso2973]

of course it's gotta be battle music. Nilou just hit us with hydro wave then the next thing we realize, bloom cores exploded on our face

[@me25ow90]

That bass right as the music picks up at 0:43 with headphones is so good my god

[@eightyeight2379]

My headphones vibrated hard just like how I got chills 🥶

[@pepita2437]

Will you react to all Sumeru character's trailer music? Can't wait for Alhaitham's, and Kaveh's soundtrack.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Yup!

[@skadihuntress]

I think my favourite character themes have to be nilous (this song), dori, faruzan, rosaria, yanfei, signora, and raiden

[@FriedIcecream03]

He just described the demo's scene by just hearing the song. daym

[@user-rr1il8bz9l]

Dance of sabzeruz sent me off to the moon

[@etoile7402]

born and raised in Turkey, the soundtrack of Sumeru feels so much home to listen. i adore the mixture of the Ottoman and Asian cultures and its the most beautiful thing ever. still not over them using one of our wedding songs for Dori’s theme xD

[@kosn4smw]

ahhh Nilou's theme !!!! . Such a wonderful song , i am in so much love with this theme and so angry that i lost my 50/50 to tighnari when nilou's banner was up :)

[@Andygotblurred]

The bossa nova starts and i pick up the cat and start dancing, both for this and dance of sabzeruz.

[@Obando123]

Music is like story waiting to be told

[@Centsational_]

Hey marco thanks for reacting to this again ! :) Have you reacted to Genshin's Veluriyam Mirage OST on stream? Because I haven't seen any videos from you at all and I feel like you'd thoroughly enjoy some of the music in there !

[@justjuniorjaw]

Any plans for the Aranaras theme?

[@MarcoMeatball]

yes i have all of them filmed from a while ago.

[@justjuniorjaw]

@@MarcoMeatball nice!

[@alinavioleta86]

Proud Nilou main here ❤

[@KeqingMain278]

Finally some good content 😮

[@TurKlack]

You have to listen to "Keygen Church - Gebuerjeit" If you think their Ultrakill soundtrack inspires bloodshed, than this song tells a story in musical form.

[@FahrizalSurya]

Oh, certain group of players said that Nilou is like so hiddenly cunning and all (I can't explain the word).. and listening to your explanation here 3:43.. I now understand what they meant

[@Azem4144]

I'm still waiting for that one version played in the game...

[@kenjiryukage9729]

hey marco, I don't think you've reacted to "Maidens of Sanctity" yet. Would love to hear your thoughts on it. Similar vibes to the eternal oasis OST you reacted to before. :)

[@asteriastrale]

He has reacted to it on a livestream a while ago!

[@athomeagain]

Which one@@asteriastrale

[@MarcoMeatball]

no fear - ill be deeper diving it soon.

[@tangaucheplease9621]

So good

[@johanncanon02]

Nilou’s demo theme yasssss

[@punchline1729]

Fun fact "Haftkarsvar" in Persian (هفت کشور) means " 7 nations" though I'm still wondering why they would choose to use Indian instruments instead of Persian/Iranian Instruments.

[@aethernity8270]

U r wrong they used Persian /Iranian instrument for nilou theme I got this infro from the original soundtrack comments Like the flute used ney and Iranian setar,tombok etc Edit: damn after checking genshin wiki for this song production credit it's only bansuri(flute) no any other traditional credit

[@worm2976]

Does the "haft" part mean 7? I'm wondering if that's why we call a week (7 days) a 'hafta' 🤔

[@punchline1729]

​@@aethernity8270 I couldn't hear Setar in this track whereas It's easy to recognize Sitar- the Indian instrument, if you meant this certain track that is.

[@aethernity8270]

@@punchline1729 man right actually orginal song on hoyolab channel i actually said it Indian instrument but someone said they used Iranian instrument so I don't want to disrespectful so let it be Like sitar,bansuri sound i can easily recognise as a Indian

[@punchline1729]

@@worm2976 Correct haft means 7

[@kristiannereinierdelacruz3078]

I'm a simple man.... I see Nilou, I click the "Like" button right away

[@nowifi8063]

Skipped nilou first time cuz nahida but if she reruns imma go for her~ her theme is so gorgeous

[@fukhungyudarman3958]

You can do the Dance of Sabzerus' ost too.

[@mon_moi]

a little etymology: Haftkarsvar means 'seven lands' in Persian, though idk if the spelling is from Old, Middle, or New Persian

[@UnstopablePatrik]

5:49 Me in the shower.

[@pjokk6980]

You should listen to vordt of the boreal valley from dark souls 3. Have a great day

[@Canal25bits]

next video reacts the theme of primordial malzeno made by rith it's worth a lot just listen it's very good

[@mein2669]

lotus of haftkarsvar or dance of sabzerus?

[@Raphael-gd4ht]

I find it pleasurably weird how for some reason it felt sensual, kinda sexy if anything this music is. Then i remember how in the trailer for nilou, it really showcased the curves and waves of water both making you wet with perspiration and refreshment by its sheer beauty and ever so slightly.... seduction.

[@ZakariaAbderaoufBenyahia]

She's an Arabic Elegant

[@zealblaster]

i use her collect chest she always says "for you"

[@FaiGal]

Listening to this ost feels like I can understand why Dunyarzad would risk her health for everyone to witness this beautiful performance 🥹