Zhongli's War Against Erosion (And Why It's Important) | Genshin Impact Theory

[@DragonMJE]

I have finally honoured my contract... _This video was supposed to come out at the end of December 2023._ *Notes and Corrections Below (As I find them)* - I played Zhongli's second Story Quest during version 1.5 (right when it came out). As it turns out, after version 2.1, the following changes were made to how Zhongli addresses Erosion:- *Old: Zhongli: People abandon and surrender the things they love to pursue the right path. Perhaps this is the erosion imposed on me by the natural order of this world.* *New: Zhongli: People abandon and surrender the things they love to pursue the right path. Perhaps this is the erosion imposed on me by the Heavenly Principles.* This is actually a big deal, I should have been more careful... (In the footage I have Zhongli still used the term Natural Order). ============================================================== - I removed a section about the Aranara and their relation with memories. I will reuse it in a different video. - Ilmenite and Magnetite are common minerals so there isn't anything special with them in particular. It's just that being able to see a clean Ilmenite matrix is tough due to how that mineral crystallizes. So while an Ilmenite matrix in itself is not special, it is cool to be able to see how it actually looks in 3 dimensions for the first time. The main catch is that it happened naturally too, so that grain is literally the needle in the haystack. - The colours of the visible electromagnetic spectrum don't have to align with those of the Seven Elements. It's more about the concept itself. - The way Morax values "order" might be related to his story about erosion and the natural order.

[@3u760]

From Genshin wiki, in Chinese apparently Heavenly Principles = Natural Order (?) *Edit: You're right, they used the word 天理 and 天 usually means heaven/sky. But I think it's still fine that Celestia is the one who doing that because of what they did to Vennesa?

[@jamesreese4170]

Morax...satisfied that the contract has been honored, steps back into the shadows. Order has been sustained.

[@Patecr]

Something has come to my attention today. The subject of kalevala came up at school ( the national poem of finland or whatever) and a brief description of the book is "In the beginning, the divine being Ilmatar descends into the sea. A diving duck builds its nest on Ilmatar’s knee and lays seven eggs there. As Ilmatar shifts her knee, the eggs roll into the water, and from their fragments, the sky and earth are formed. Ilmatar gives birth to Väinämöinen, who is already an old man at birth. Väinämöinen becomes the leader of the people of Kalevala."

[@Patecr]

I believe that would be of relevance since khanrea is based on the nordic countries if im not mistaken

[@DragonMJE]

@@Patecr This is huge. I will talk about it in the future (if you don't want me to credit you for some reason then let me know in a reply, otherwise I will credit you by default).

[@NatureWatcher343]

Never in my life did it cross my mind that I would learn Geology when I installed the anime video game "Genshin Impact".

[@Azzywrld224]

You expect a hoyoverse game not to be full of real life information? 😦

[@HamSlacks]

Bro I learned geology, tarot, spiritualism. Symbolism. Magick, human history. Christianity, gnosticism, Hinduism etc. Genshin is literally the best game ever written to me

[@HamSlacks]

Which is ironically amusing to me. Considering the nature and existence of "forbidden knowledge" genshin has made me knowledgeable on so many weird ass topics.

[@BurghezulDjentilom]

​@@HamSlacks let me just point out that writing is different from world building. Regardless, we can all agree that it's way more impressive than anyone thought a free mobile game could ever be.

[@Kyosukedono]

Genshin Impact owes its high player count to covid. Genshin impact owes its high player retention to its lore, writing (which wasnt always good), characters and impeccable attention to detail.

[@MissusFail]

"Not because she is blue, but because she fucking blue balls us" ended me 💀

[@ShirouE]

Yeah lmao

[@RukkhaRukkha]

Sometimes I forget this guy is a Chemical Engineer lol... *Edit:* the video was worth the wait, it is so good.

[@skystudygirlera6414]

Woah he's actually a chemical engineer? That's so cool

[@Force-Multiplier]

The fact that *he still works in the funerary industry* tells you a lot about Zhongli and death

[@TheOrodrica]

I believe that the choice of that job is due to wanting to help with the rites of passage to the other world. In certain Asian beliefs, and to a lesser extent in the West, if you don't have a pleasant exit, you remain on this plane as an evil spirit, spirits that must be exorcised and that keep Xiao so busy. I think he took that job to fulfill another of his functions: protector of the people of Liyue.

[@KawaiiKittenz06]

Watching MyNameForNow to procrastinate from studying from my science exam only to have science to study me myself 💀

[@KawaiiKittenz06]

i lied i don't have science as a subject (for now)

[@Mani-oc6cy]

What makes all of this even more interesting is: 1. Gold is nigh-impossible to corrode (there are only like two chemicals capable of doing anything close to the normal corrosion everything else that can corrode is victim to). 2. Albedo notes in order to make gold naturally (something only Zhongli can do, as noted in Deshret's most recent weapon), you'd need 8x the power of Teyvat's current sun. Zhongli holds this power naturally, which may play into why he's not privy to erosion's symptoms. 3. He may be privy to multiple world orders due to the Mistful Elixir hinting he knows how the world was made and he's likely older than the human realm itself. Him being a light realm being (the "higher pyramid" Adepti, including himself, are already pure elemental beings just like the dragons) would support his overall oddities as well (which reminds me, only he and Neuvillette's SQs DO NOT match their "constellations").

[@mitab1]

Here's something funny, in the real world, gild can only be naturally created by the COLLISION OF TWO STARS, We are playing as a star in the game, but what if phanes is a star two? Also unrelated, but phanes in mythology is the god of CREATION and NEW life, and what phanes in genshin did? They created teyvat and created new life, HUMANS

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

For the 3rd point, I am not sure about how the Adepti and light realm stuff works. I don't think Zhongli's works the same way as Vishap does however, since Zhongli goes some way to distance himself from the type of elemental being that Azhdaha is. Still I wonder if, the Adepti could also be to Zhongli like what Jinn are to Nabu Malikata. Since Jinn are also elemental beings as well. In CN I think the Adepti are called Celestial beasts or something like that, which is interesting.

[@Mani-oc6cy]

@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks I think I'm kiiind of in agreement. I don't think Zhongli is a "Vishap" light realm being, but a light realm being *like* them nonetheless. Similar to the fungi in Nahida's SQ who are light realm pure elemental beings; just because you're not a dragon doesn't mean you can't be a pure elemental being of the light realm. He could be a dragon but not an elemental dragon. Everyone loves referring to Azhdaha's convo when they were both mostly being vague in embellishing each other ("im not stronger" "no u!🩷" "ur so benevolent" "no u!💜"). Despite them prioritizing being humble, Cloud Retainer's lore stands to dispute that interpretation ("Zhongli isn't an elemental being b/c it *sounds like* he's implying he isnt") bc not only does the history state, from a non-embellishing blunt POV, that ALL ancient Liyue Adepti are pure elemental beings, but history says their birth/physiology has nothing to do with the gods, and they appeared before them. Now combine this with the fact Zhongli is their *ancestor* .

[@Mani-oc6cy]

Their creation having nothing to do with the gods could PROBABLY mean they aren't from the human realm (a thing created by gods). I can see the point of the comparison and though the Jinn are elemental beings, they seem to be a different elemental being from the Adepti, Fungi, and LR beings in general, cause they're associated with gods, unlike LR beings. EDIT: I just looked back at Xianyun's Story in CN and the Adepti are referred to as "pure elemental beings" instead of "Celestial Beasts", multiple times. I don't think this means they can't be *both* though...

[@akashpeiris2428]

Also neuvillette doesn't have a constellation, he made that one up to avoid the question why he doesn't have one

[@kjohnson2396]

Came for the Genshin lore, stayed for the chemistry lesson.

[@citoyenneteavanttout7273]

You know Zhongli and his lore had always been full of peculiar choices. Also him being is the Golden God.... and that in itself a cunning coincidence, because Gold is space born, unlike other minerals that were formed from other compounds on earth, it's also for a reason that the traveler is reffered to as the "Golden Nara" by the Aranara... no wonder the porsuit of Rhiondottir for Gold.... Edit, that reminds me of something I said before that could or not find its place in your theory... If you've ever come across the ''Zhongli not beating the Fuhua allegation'' joke, it's actually rooted in the topic of memories. Fuhua was an immortal who ended up tied with Otto and had to join the Schiksal. She received a Mantis gene that allowed her to have unmatched vitality and *Absolute memory* , However, this faculty turned into a heavy burden as the accumulation of memories became heavier and heavier for her to subsume. This aligns with how Zhongli qualifies his erosion: not being able to let go of the distressing burdens of memories. This is why he describes himself as : _He who bears the weight of memory is destined to shoulder the burden of truth._

[@vhf3yd781nt]

oh I haven't heard that about Fuhua (haven't played hi3) but that's actually super interesting

[@jadepuguon1177]

So that means, Zhongli is more reliable than the irminsul because irminsul can be edited?

[@citoyenneteavanttout7273]

@jadepuguon1177 it's not that simple, maybe as a record of sorts, but Irminsul does much more than just retain memories. But, if you think about it, it makes sense, otherwhise why would he sign a "contract" to not speak? none of the oder Gods seems to have. If he was as well subject to the changes in Irminsul, the contract he talls about serves no purpose 😂

[@SwitzalGame]

I just finished the video....and it all make sense... His playstyle voicelines, the famous : "I will have order", "This is order", "Order guide you" ---> related to the original order. And the skills voicelines: "Solidify", "Quake", "Crumble" --- pertains to erosion or the geological recycling that Teyvat must go through. Thanks for the video! It was worthh the wait and worth the 40mins++ long video

[@mitab1]

Actually, no, his original Chinese voice lines are about Heavenly order, or something like that,

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

@@mitab1 This is kinda true. As interesting as this theory is, it relies a lot on the EN translation not missing important nuances that are included in CN and by Jove there is. Like in CN, erosion is not spoken about being so much as a natural order of the world but more so an order of/under the Heavenly Principles.

[@driplord6150]

My GOAT Zhongli is just built different 💪🗣🔥💯

[@bawilove3422]

My work day just got 10x better

[@geboaebo]

I am genuinely curious about what your qualifications are now. Cause I've seen you go in detail into physics, history, literature, etc. and now also geology and chemistry. Not only that, but you made the samples yourself

[@veintiuno875]

bro is a jack of all trades

[@angela.luntian]

Bros the marionette ​@@veintiuno875

[@justacatwithasadface2692]

His qualifications is "smart boi"

[@1manshow10]

Bro is Zhongli himself

[@driplord6150]

Fr​@@1manshow10

[@_HuaCheng]

Zhonglis lore is so interesting I swear 😭 thank you for this video 🙏

[@HydrogenH1]

I find the dragon treatment of genshin impact to be similar to that of Fire Emblem. In Fire Emblem, all dragons are considered gods and are immortal. However that does not mean that their health doesn't deteriorate. More specific their mental health, as a life of eternity often makes them go mad bringing forth the need of human intervention as a means to preserve life. Really good video as usual. I love how you can easily relate these lore/theory videos to history and science. It makes the design choices for a lot of things stand out even more than before when you know the possible context behind. Can't wait for the next video

[@OnigoroshiZero]

The fact that some people think Capitano is stronger than Zhongli is hilarious.

[@citoyenneteavanttout7273]

You'd be bamboozled at the amount of people who are beyond clueless about his lore.

[@seph4707]

When Zhongli finally drops a line saying he "Can't Remember" something I'll be so sad.

[@tellmethesongoftherain6534]

Finally someone else who’s concerned about this

[@citoyenneteavanttout7273]

If you've paid attention to lore, you'd understand this is never gonna happen 😅

[@ReverseElectro]

The music choice in this video is fantastic. Also the Magnetite-Ilmenite grain you showed is very interesting 💛

[@sauce8148]

24:24 What's the music playing in the backround? Can anybody tell me please

[@snusnu2509]

7:25 video about zhongli turning into a geology lesson. Coulda seen that coming i guess

[@dreacho]

perfect time to upload, i just finished making my food

[@nivektheidk]

Damn I just finished eating ;(

[@rcruzcarvalho]

And that's why "One day, they stumbled upon an item known as the Heart of Naberius. Shortly afterwards, Rhinedottir disappeared." She's looking into it!

[@lora8166]

I smell a fellow scientist... And that's why I love your videos, even tho I need more brain power to really understand everything you say.

[@DrakeWurrum]

You seem to be suggesting that Rhinedottir is trying to synthesize... a dragon's wish-granting pearl? A genesis pearl, perhaps? HMMM....

[@kotarouinugami1745]

Or maybe, if she is incapable of grasping the "truth of this world" herself, she wants to create a child that will do it for her. Elynas and Durin are not only big and scary, they are also intelligent. Elynas, for example, could guide Mamere the painter in repairing a mechanical robot that is better than all the robots available in the modern day. Except maybe the robot who learned about lies from another quest. And of course, Albedo is known as a genius, even beyond what he learned from Gold.

[@Ozpawn]

One would say, a Dragon Ball? hmmmmmmmg

[@Sumwhatt]

I'm so excited this came out! Congrats on getting it off your to-do list! I think after that I still stand by my own personal theory about Zhongli's erosion. I think mine and yours can co-exist. To me, Zhongli has eroded significantly but it doesn’t look like what he or we would intuitively think it would look like. He went from a viscous, uncaring war-god, an "old block-head" as venti says, to a wise and deeply compassionate leader. It seems that his erosion has turned stone to dust- as to say, he now no longer has the personality traits of Morax, but more closely resembles Guizhong. Maybe at the finality of this he will be able to open the dumbell.

[@montse3139]

Oh, didn't remember the relation of Guizhong, dust and the stone dumbell!

[@citoyenneteavanttout7273]

That's my take too... the theory of yours aligns amazingly with his voiceline _'' Personally sealing away an old friend... this is just one form of erosion I have endured. People abandon and surrender the things they love to pursue the right path. Perhaps this is the erosion imposed on me by the Heavenly Principles. ''_ That would also make sense of why he prides himself on having an outstanding memory.

[@ivana3263]

ngl my brain was malfunctioning a couple of times damn maybe i have erosion too

[@rajaryan-fe1oy]

Forbidden knowledge has arrived

[@ceravivace]

Oh no, this is the slowest 2hrs left of my shift can't wait to watch this!!

[@Dinofrogg]

Sometimes I wonder if zhongli is secretly the geo dragon sovereign. Maybe his secret contract is about him being silenced and keep his powers whilst serving under celestia.

[@konstoporom1506]

13:22 Thanks to you, I've just realised that hydro phantasm is a H2O molecule c:

[@diesdominus]

wouldn't that make teyvat and erosion kind of like nahida's first story quest? where something was build from risky "borrowed" (stolen) resources, and was doomed to revert back to it's original form

[@henoji777]

11:35 ty for showing us a cool rock pic! Love the enthusiasm and deep level of analysis you bring to your content

[@defiantmars9910]

IRL Alhaitham is cooking. It has been interesting to observe the properties of the Elements. I realized that each dealt with Memories in different ways, but this video articulates the Life related properties of each in a way I didn’t try think about before, besides the Primordial Seawater points from the Archon quest. Although it makes a hell of a lot more sense in retrospect with both Neuvillette and Apep’s guardian as examples.

[@locomeon_0]

I have definitely seen an uptake in editing quality! Great theory as always and can't wait to watch the next one :)

[@glittery_crocs.7490]

Apparently, according to Zhongli (as well as azhdaha) it’s implied that Zhongli’s erosion has to do with loneliness rather than memory. Since Zhongli has this curse that like, any person he befriends dies somehow and or looses theirs shit. Like, him and azhdaha were like, besties (azhdaha even writing moral a poem that might be about him) and he’s sealed away after erosion basically melted his brain.

[@citoyenneteavanttout7273]

Finally somebody gets it... It irks me that peopel CHOSE to ignore things that had been stated in lore in favor of their headcanon at THAT BIG OF A SCALE, it's not like he didn't say himself😅 people fail to comprehend that his real probelm is not that he will forget people, it's more like he'll outlive everybody and he'll remain lonely with his deep memories at the end of time (as Azhdaha said).

[@wi11svids]

As someone who watches a lot of science content on KZbin, I found the pivot to solid explanation of geology concepts to parallel in-game concept impressive

[@mateocastilla8811]

In the second story of nahida the fungus sacrifise their memoris and power to restour apep health

[@nara-yana]

*Nice video!* The Geology class part was really cool! In Teyvat, memories are shown to be pretty much *data* which, together with *elemental energy,* constitute it's *building blocks:* Irminsul recycles both, Leylines make 'em flow, there are pure elemental beings like Slimes, and then more complex beings which show data arranged as *material* _information_ like crystal flies and increasingly more complex organisms... There's even *corrupted* data as seems to be the case with the *Rift Rounds* and other Abyss creatures, as the melusines look at 'em and just see little doggos... Teyvat's "rules" seem to make everything less literal - thus, *Erosion* can probably _still_ be compared to *Alzheimer* in Teyvat, as memories and "power" (elemental energy) have already been stablished as "equivalent" during the Aranara quest / Rukkhadevata's sacrifice, just like Einstein proved that energy and matter are equivalent in our world. The *conservation of mass* (in Teyvat's case data/energy) rule seems to still hold too, so it's really cool to speculate on what happens to an *eroded God* there, but it's safe to say that there's more to it than their bodies and power beind returned to the realm. Again, really nice video!

[@epicwyvern8713]

Very interesting video! Pat yourself on the back dude, you cooked once again. I think its really cool to think along the lines of the elemental energy/knowledge paradigm that you have brought up in this video, such as erosion being a result of elemental energy returning to the light realm (which has the effect of making elemental beings lose their memories/mind), and also such as Neuvillette regaining a bunch of KNOWLEDGE after coming into possession of the authority of hydro. I think trying to understand what FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE could mean in this context is an interesting avenue to explore.

[@ShirouE]

Great video btw... Also, KZbin just changed their UI and now it looks horrible on my end... (they put the comment section on the right and the recommended videos right below the video player).

[@bawilove3422]

The erosion in geology section 10:30 reminded me of the Leonard's cutscene when he was talking about Pilos Peak in the Unreconciled Stars, "Where Ancient Stars Align".

[@SammiSkulz]

It’s already been debunked that Azhdaha is NOT a dragon lord. He was just a dragon who cried and Zhongli gave him eyes. He’s just a dragon creature.

[@AntoniaSorell]

You cooked a Michelin meal with this one. Honestly, this might be the best video you’ve done. Thank you so much for your work!

[@StellaLuxNebula]

He gave us a science lesson in a genshin theory video. HE HAVE US A LESSON ON EROSION

[@sajindahal790]

Man, this whole connection between zhongli and rhinedottor is fascinating. On that note, the aerosiderite item descriptions just become even more sus. The black meteor that fell beyond the sea of clouds was most likely zhongli's work and the power that stained it must be the abyss. I wonder if the monster that this meteor hit was one of rhinedottor's creations and it's blood stained the meteor, similar to the effect that durin's blood had on dvalin. The description also just straight up mentions a great sinner, khaenriah and durin, so it all seems to be connected. I wonder of they even met at some point.

[@trashbuilds8351]

This is the most incredible lore video I've ever seen - you are able to take all these easter egg details and put them together into one cohesive story from start to finish with a plot climax akin to an epic movie - bravo!! I actually think watching this was more exciting than any of the actual game story/archon quests lol After watching this, I actually get a sense of what is going on in the game lol I also love the science lesson with Alhaitham & Zhongli as my teachers lol best science class ever

[@sylviagerlach2579]

That was so cool. I love your theories and the fact that you manage to bring the Genshin myths, religions, magic and real physics and chemistry together in such a way that it just takes my breath away. ❤

[@Swag-lo5xi]

i took a break from studying bio only to get a further biochemistry and geology lecture 😭

[@EchoNoir-]

I love this channel so much man.

[@manu-rn2fu]

I always wanted to know and understand more about the lore behind genshin (especially zhongli) and i have been not able to digest it while playing the game/watching other youtubers but this is EXCELLENT. thank you so much for making these videos for genshin nerds like me!!

[@dumper2dust]

listening to your voice is like going to church and listening to sermon. Halleluyerrr!

[@jabarilewis5665]

You may be right or wrong but even if that is the case this theory has truly shined bright.

[@toshi386]

Why Azdaha as dragon sovereign, Zhongli seems to fit more as dragon just like Nuvilette. Maybe that was the first contract of Morax as dragon reincarnated as human, he took the role of Geo Archon. He even had the dragon avatar that he used in the quest when the Traveler arrives in Liyue Harbor.

[@roseofbones]

we need more rock science segments in these lore videos 🙏🙏🙏

[@anonymouscommenter2425]

Meanwhile nahida with the encyclopaedic history of teyvat at her finger tips

[@SmugHomura]

What a cool video, really enjoyable and educational! Your enthusiasm, narration, knowledge, editing, examples: Superb.

[@undyingsaltedfish753]

thank you for sharing such a special natural phenomenon with us 🥺 ❤

[@nagorepalaciosdelafuente]

You gain a subscribe, I loved this video, and even made me appreciate and respect Zhongli more than ever, also the way I learn so many new things, I can only thank you for this

[@MissusFail]

Thanks for the upload! I always await your videos and i enjoy your theories

[@deathsinger969]

I love this video so much! Great work, you are definitely my favorite lore and theory channel!

[@dear_totheheart]

You are incredible, what an intellectual powerhouse, I came for Genshin lore and each video I'm blown away by so much included knowledge, concepts, and things for consideration - just spectacular quality, presentation, and thoughts throughout - bravo!

[@DragonMJE]

Please keep in mind that I made a big mistake in this video when I stated that the "Natural Order" differs from the "Heavenly Principles". I already addressed this mistake in my other videos, however, just letting you know to be safe.

[@dear_totheheart]

​@@DragonMJE Oh no worries - theory and any deviation or correction in hypotheses aside, I meant my comment more so to applaud your dedication in general and amazing ability to weave philosophical and theoretical concepts together into a convincing thesis and in such a refreshing manner that discusses and explores complex topics. I appreciate your nuanced, discerning approach and high quality output and wished to show I acknowledge the efforts this involves and to hopefully encourage you, thank you for your work and thoughts. Also, best wishes in best cultivating and applying them and skills in your own life beyond Genshin, seems like you have so much to contribute and offer the world~

[@widows_tear4533]

thank you for showing me that amazing natural phenomenon i’ve been enlightened

[@GreyVictory1510]

Seeing that crystallien structure was so cool. Nature can produce such fascinating things!

[@ramikpark8387]

The zhongli deepthrxxting at the beginning wws craaaayzay

[@Owudukan]

In cn it's explicatly stated azdaha is the geo dragon

[@Shiro-the-Hero]

I absolutely loved this video, thanks for all of your hard work! It certainly paid off and gave me lots of things to ponder about - as your videos usually do. Looking forward to everything else you're cooking up!

[@alexanderericson8628]

Another thought is that it's not eroding into the light realm but into the void realm, which would be the problem and why Rene warned that this was the final cycle something that has been repeated many times in game. Since everything is reversed in Theyvat for some unexplained reason. The mission we are set out for could be. The switch in the alchemical process Khemia could be behind this.

[@noxmoonstone]

you said Capitano? ohohoh I'm so here for it! great video! it's always nice to learn about real life science from a genshin lore video! I'm not a big brainer, so i cannot really contribute to the discussion but i can say thank you for your informative and indepth analysis of every topic that you choose to speak of. i find your narration the most coherent and logical among the lore theorist community. can't wait for your next video and for now I'm off to rewatch everything your channel has to offer for the 30th time (no jokes here)

[@CroixMalig]

Now I finally understand what an adeptus is 😅 and i know zhongli better now. I’ve always known he is not an ordinary god like the rest of the seven. Will bingewatch your other videos. Thank you for the massive work!🎉

[@DragonMJE]

Keep in mind that I made a massive mistake in this video when I said that the Natural Order is different from the Heavenly Principles. That is not true, Zhongli was referring to the Heavenly Principles when talking about the Natural Order. More context in the pinned comment. That single mistake makes this video the worst one I've made so far (and hopefully it remains the worst one).

[@RenakoAmaori]

Amazing video,new sub here ,will be waiting for more videos like this and all the efforts you put in this video and all the extra important in making comparison to make us understand the story/speculation ❤

[@burningpapersun1]

I had to listen to this a couple of times but that was a good break down. Ive also been trying to find the Angels Egg anime but that's been something else.

[@TheOrodrica]

Dear Streamer I came here for a dose of entertainment and distraction and instead got myself a natural philosophy and earth science class.... thank you for that.

[@3u760]

Oooh, thank you for making this video. I agree for the most part of this video but I have a slight different view for what's going on with dragons and light/human/void realms. (Sorry, this is going to be a lot). For 27:00, I think the graph is not like that. Based on Breeze Amidst the Forest book, "Typically, when life arises from the elements, it either descends and becomes a slime, or ascends and becomes a crystalfly. Rarely does this process give rise to dangerous elemental monsters. Elemental dragons are rarely seen and have the powers to match the gods of old." So, if that's accurate then the bottom would be the slime, the upper middle would be dragons < gods, and finally, the pinacle is crystalfly (?) Okay, before the human realm, there are light realm and void realm, right? Let's start from the fact that the game keep vilifying dragons (I mean, 'history is written by the victors' and that would be PO so it technically makes sense) But why we fight the dragons? As Paimon said, it's because we needed an antagonist in the story. (But keep in mind, it goes both ways) - Something I found when people say that traveler acquiring elemental powers but it's dragon-like compared to the archons, I think it's not necessarily because they sided with the dragons. Much like erosion, it's physics. Yep, now what happened with that? Thanks to Baizhu SQ, I can't believe I didn't do it sooner, it had the missing piece of the puzzle. I'll just go forth and say that Changseng is Paimon to traveler's Baizhu. Yes, instead of taking care of a sick patient, traveler is taking care of the sick world. We're very cleary the solution for all problems of this world. "This world is full of unsolved mysteries..." that's what we said, very direct comparison to the Thelxie event. But of course, all credit to Paimon because it's not that traveler who has the ability to purify abyssal problems, it's all on her. (Which is a very interesting discourse for Bond of Life mechanic for me but that's for another time). Basically, what I mean is traveler absorb the abyssal energy from the statue of the seven. 🙂 - Dragon is, inherently abyss leaning. Because dragon is enemy, and I think the so-called enemy in this game eventually converge into something called 'the abyss'. Which is funny, dragon is from light realm, right? Well, right when they referred to as the 'dragons', the moment they get defeated by PO until they submit/go into the dark and shunned the light, they even become more dragon-like. Or should I say, serpent-like (adaptation). Until they become more like the dark, more abyssal, suited to become the proper enemy, an abyss dragon. Actually, it so much easier to think that 'dragon' is like a title. I always think that all beings are elemental (which is also what dragon is, but like, depends on the portion) that's why Narzissenkreuz Adventure Team says that what matter is the 'essence' (they actually said the purpose defines the essence but I'm thinking about blood). But the game aware of this by calling something a 'dragon', they usually from the old world, and recent dragons are probably the descendant of them (the one that's not turn into human preferably, very side-eyeing Nuvilet rn) * For Dragon King Nibelung, (which I think is already an abyssal dragon the moment PO defeating it) if you remember Fischl's Drama Phantasmagoria from 2.8 summer event, the evil dragon ate so much of dreams that it fell asleep, until for a brief moment, the princess was able to defeat the sleeping dragon at the end. Idk, sounds like happened before/foreshadowing. 🤔 - I don't know if Azdaha was one of the sovereigns but the fact that his yin is the one who pro erosion, 'malevolent', and his yang is pro human, 'benevolent'. And yang is clearly light-leaning, reminds you of why PO is probably Phanes, 'the light-bringer' the *true lord* over the seven lights (dragons) of the light realm. So if anything that erosion leads to, I think it's into the abyss (earth). Which, by the way, pro separation between light and dark. Abyss is dark, is reality, is material. The gnostic makes sense in this way, but now you see why everyone in the game is full of contradiction. Like you said, the end is like the beginning. It's entropy, it's all entropy. It's the fight between transience and stillness.

[@3u760]

Wait, didn't you say that Irmin is Solomon and the Archons are the demons(?) If that's correct then I think I agree with that. In a sense that, if we put Irmin = Nibelung aside: [Old World] Nibelung = Solomon (abyssal) 7 dragon sovereigns = demons (light) [New World] Irmin = Solomon (abyssal) 7 Archons = demons (light) ?

[@3u760]

I feel like I have to explain more about my reasoning on how traveler absorb the abyssal energy. Because, I'm wrong, and that doesn't explain the scene where traveler acquiring anemo elemental energy and it looks quite bright (not corrupted/red). But, someone got a good eye and notice that between Apep/traveler/samachurl/hypostasis and Nahida/vision havers, they got different dendro elemental skill manifestation. Apep/traveler/samachurl/hypostasis is more green and physical than Nahida/vision havers (they're more digital). They suspect that Apep is more abyssal than Nahida, because dark green/thorns (especially thorns) are the imagery of the princess from BP cutscene, Fischl, and Hexenzirkel. And I agree with them. Back to my reasoning, I still think that traveler absorbing the abyss energy, BUT, instead of the energy itself being the element (like anemo elemental energy), it's the *memory* of how to control the element (the abyss part for me). Let me explain: elemental energy is likely inherently light-based, like, they're really 'light'. Apep's family turn into elemental energy, which is 'light. Traveler elements are really all 'light'. But how could Apep and Nahida powers different? I think it's because of what they're *born* with, or, have different *knowledge* on how to do it. And that's their 'abyssal' differences. From Iniquitous Baptist description: "The nature of the 'Abyss' is essentially irreconcilable with the elements. However, even the elements of gods can be entrapped and distorted before they are subsumed to become tools of the abyssal will. Just judging from outcomes and practical use, "Abyssal powers" seem little different from elemental items, from ones as paltry as the Treasure Hoarders' elemental containers to those as powerful as Visions..."

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

This is honestly great reading and a perspective I didn't see before but also helps to understand why the Bathysmal Vishap hate the light from the tower in Enka. I think I still have a few questions but for now I want to understand how you extrapolate an evolutionary ladder from that excerpt in Breeze Amidst the Forest. Since to me it suggests that dragons = gods but you put gods above, something I personally don't disagree with albeit for different reasons.

[@3u760]

@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks No actually, I would agree. This would be an oversimplification (there are a lot of details I could tell you about but I can't write them all at once because of my limited words) so here's my interpretation for the whole thing: **** I thought the spectrum was: but now I think it's: (the former still could make sense for a different reason) **** -Light defeats dark, a protagonist defeats the antagonist, the hero defeats the evil dragon. -by that spectrum, If PO was more pure than the dragons, then the gods (who are PO affiliated) more pure than dragons too. So, dragon < gods (I assume they have abyssal differences because they have different elemental manifestation) - dragons = gods because they both elemental beings. The fact that humans (should not?) be able to morph, I think simply being an 'elemental being', you're granted to be able to shape-shift whatever you want (it requires energy tho). I think you also could blur the line between dragon/god while being an elemental creature. (And that could means anything too) -If everything is just a cycle, then it's not a stretch to think that traveler would be the PO for 7 Archons' dragons (in the next new world order, the 7 Archons = 7 dragons) so dragons = gods could make sense in this way too. (Based on a certain fiction from Yae Publishing House, mentioned in Yoimiya 1st quest, "The hero who slays the dragon becomes the next dragon.") (Fell Dragon's Monocle description: "But it is oft-said that heroes who live too long, live to become the evil dragon. And when many stories cross paths, perhaps one side's hero is another side's dragon.") **** -Impure dragons (from being able to wield other elements) would no longer have elemental dragon as their descendant (human). -Aside of dragons and elemental beings from the old world. We do have instances where dragon could be a god/man-made (Durin, Elynas, Azhdaha, Dvalin (he was from the heaven?)). Controversial, but I might also count Egeria in this too. -Durin was made as a humus. I don't know if abyss dragon also counts as an 'impurity', but it felt like it would be fit if that's being the case. I think the fact that Primordial Albedo emerged from dead Durin fulfill the situation? (Nigredo (Durin) -> Albedo (Primordial Albedo)?) But...... does Primo Albedo could be count as a human too if he could shape-shift? 🤔

[@mustafiedit2937]

if mihoyo add an erosion reaction in game it would be cool

[@herrschersfool]

i am so glad you make videos whilst having a job. if not i think id go insane thinking about what hoyo is cooking! luckily you’re here to be insane with all of us LOL

[@sua8638]

In the original text (Chinese) says the heavenly principles instead of "the natural order"

[@omarqataberi]

man I was reading the quest monologues in your voice 😭

[@thisisanalt]

Not sure if its relevant but in traditional western Alchemy, Cintrinitas is actually the third stage of the Great Work and is BEFORE Rubedo, (like you said) with the process being Nigredo->Albedo->Citrinitas->Rubedo, with later developments in Alchemy conflating Citiniritas as just being a part of the Rubedo phase rather than a seperate phase of the process itself. So the alchemist Reindoctor didnt so much replace Rubedo for Citrinitas as much as stopped the process at Citrinitas or else failed/did not know about the fourth process.

[@undyingsaltedfish753]

The Dragon's stone/heart reminds me of traditional Chinese beliefs of Dragons having Pearls of Wisdom!

[@moonieskii]

FNAF lore could never (Amazing video, you kept me engaged the entire 40 mins and earned a new subscriber)

[@Mani-oc6cy]

Also, don't really believe in Zhongli being a sovereign, but being a dragon seems to still be on the table. Adeptus is just a title, though all of them (the "true" ones anyway) are pure elemental creatures (like Apep's fungi who can ALSO shapeshift/adapt crazily) nonetheless. Cloud Retainer being an elemental creature doesn't change the fact she's a Crane. Same could be said for Zhongli. He refers to himself as a dragon too (at the end of Xiao's Chasm quest).

[@danieldodson6789]

That "fire of life" comment at 21:25 hits different after Natlan.

[@akinohikari1000]

I wonder if it is a coincidence that Morax's closest companion was Guizhong, the god of Dust, and what is dust if not the aftermath of an eroded mountain?

[@key_mochi7157]

This is PEAK Theorycrafting

[@Azzywrld224]

Stray clouds converge 🚫 Stray grounds converge ✅

[@ConfusedOwl92]

This video was an amazing treat. Hopefully your theory comes true.

[@dasytaylor]

We're witnessing a historical moment with this one

[@genshin_lore_enjoyer]

I love this theory, it's really interesting and works well on some my ideas. Like for example this erosion also can work on humans and open their true form In my headcanon all humans in teyvat started their path from dragons and was dragon alike

[@kumquats2842]

as a fellow scientist i love all the science in this

[@the_spider_in_your_bed]

i just became a geology, biology and chemisty major when i watched this

[@OlllllullllllO]

I love your videos i CANT WAIT for the arlikino and 4.6 one because of how much was dropped

[@squkyshoes]

Another correction to add to the pinned comment: While it may not have been intentional, the script made it sound like mountains can ONLY be created when two continental plates converge against each other. This isn't the case. Mountains are also born via the subduction of an oceanic plate under a continental plate. The Andes mountains in Chile are prime examples of this type of mountain creation. /Earth Science Minor in college.

[@oppaanja]

I've been waiting for this omg! Here we go boyssss!!!!

[@barbarajames9376]

Yippee!!! Geology in my Genshin video!!!

[@May-mb2cp]

7:42 I’m literally learning the exact same thing for school while watching this video lmao

[@BurghezulDjentilom]

"the god of war". Murata: "am I a joke to you??"

[@conffetigirl3977]

made my week thank you you are my favorite theory chanel

[@ezgtaiko]

I decided to stay when I heard Ludwig's theme

[@jollyhomse5129]

I like this theory, and i can see much of it happening, from the real meaning of erosion to zhongli's origins and the original order of the world, but i gotta disagree about one thing, which is glod's creations regarding the truth of the world. I think she was trying to make a descender, that's too tie closely with the truth of the world.

[@Nauda999]

From this video I got the sense that erosion is due to water interacting with minerals, but in desert with almost no water presence wind can erode rocks, even on the Moon, without any air or water, the radiation from the Sun can erode. Definition of erosion : Erosion is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water. I still think it is just manifestation of entropy and laws of thermodynamics. I would say that erosion doesn't affect hydrogen, helium and probably every other element, only chemical compounds. Erosion doesn't affect fundamental particles like quarks, leptons or bosons, at least I don't know how that would happen.

[@jaydhill9154]

thanks for showing us this cool phenomenon ✨️