Unraveling the Mystery: Why Does Zhongli Call Ei Baal?
For many fans of the popular game Genshin Impact, the relationship between the Geo Archon, Zhongli, and the Electro Archon, Raiden Shogun, is a fascinating one. While players primarily know the current Electro Archon as Raiden Shogun, there's a deeper history that explains why Zhongli, who has lived for millennia, might refer to her by a different name: Baal.
A Glimpse into Archon History
To understand why Zhongli calls Ei Baal, we need to delve into the history of the Seven Archons and their domains in the world of Teyvat. The Archons are the divine rulers of the seven nations, each associated with a specific element and ideal. Zhongli represents the ideal of contracts, and Ei represents eternity.
In the past, before the current Archons established their rule and their respective nations, there was a tumultuous period known as the Archon War. During this era, various powerful beings, including many who would eventually become Archons, vied for divine authority. This war shaped the landscape of Teyvat and determined who would ultimately lead each nation.
The Archon Who Ruled Inazuma Before Ei
The nation of Inazuma, currently ruled by the Raiden Shogun, was not always under Ei's dominion. For a significant period, Inazuma was ruled by a different Archon. This Archon was a powerful warrior and a close friend to Zhongli. This Archon's name was Makoto.
Makoto was the previous Electro Archon. She was known for her gentle nature and her desire for world peace. However, during the latter stages of the Archon War, a catastrophic event occurred. Makoto, along with many others, perished.
Following Makoto's death, her twin sister, Raiden Ei, who had been serving as her shadow and protector, inherited the position of Electro Archon. Ei was a formidable fighter, embodying a more pragmatic and assertive approach to achieving eternity, which she believed was the only way to prevent further loss and suffering.
The Legacy of the Name "Baal"
This is where the name "Baal" comes into play. The moniker "Baal" was the title of the Electro Archon before Ei took over. In most historical contexts and in the lore of Genshin Impact, Baal was the name of the previous Electro Archon, Makoto.
Zhongli, being one of the oldest and most experienced of the Seven Archons, has witnessed the rise and fall of many rulers and civilizations. He knew Makoto personally and likely fought alongside her during the Archon War. His memories and his understanding of historical titles are deeply ingrained.
When Zhongli refers to Ei as "Baal," he is often doing so out of habit or as a historical reference to the position she holds. It's akin to calling a current king by the name of a previous dynasty that ruled the same land. While Ei is the current Electro Archon, the title and the associated name "Baal" carry the weight of her predecessor's reign.
Ei's Dual Identity and the Name "Raiden Shogun"
It's important to clarify that Ei herself has a dual identity. She is both the Electro Archon and the physical embodiment of the Raiden Shogun. The title "Raiden Shogun" is a more formal and current designation for the ruler of Inazuma. Ei, however, also carries the legacy and the name associated with the previous Electro Archon.
Why Zhongli Uses the Name
- Historical Context: Zhongli lived through the Archon War and knew the previous Electro Archon, Makoto, who was known as Baal.
- Title vs. Individual: He may be referring to the title of the Electro Archon, which was historically Baal, rather than solely to Ei as an individual.
- Familiarity and Habit: Given his immense age, it's natural for Zhongli to retain old nomenclature out of habit.
- Respect for the Past: Using "Baal" might also be a subtle way to acknowledge the lineage and the individuals who held the position before Ei.
While Ei is the current ruler and is officially addressed as the Raiden Shogun, Zhongli's use of "Baal" is a poignant reminder of the deep history of Teyvat and the weight of legacy that each Archon carries. It highlights the long and often tragic past that has shaped the current world of Genshin Impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How did Ei become the Electro Archon?
Ei became the Electro Archon after the death of her twin sister, Makoto, who was the previous Electro Archon. Ei, who had been Makoto's shadow, then assumed the title and responsibilities of the Electro Archon to protect her nation and uphold her ideal of eternity.
Q2: Why is the name "Baal" associated with the Electro Archon?
The name "Baal" was the title of the Electro Archon who ruled before Raiden Ei. Specifically, it was the title of her twin sister, Makoto. Therefore, "Baal" is a historical name for the Electro Archon position, linked to Makoto's reign.
Q3: Is "Baal" a different person from the Raiden Shogun?
"Baal" refers to the former Electro Archon, Makoto. The Raiden Shogun is the current title for the Electro Archon, which is embodied by Raiden Ei. So, while they are distinct individuals and rulers, the name "Baal" is intrinsically linked to the history of the Electro Archon position that Ei now holds.
Q4: Does Ei embrace the name "Baal" herself?
Ei generally identifies as the Raiden Shogun and is focused on her ideal of eternity. While she acknowledges her past and her sister's legacy, she primarily uses her current title and does not actively refer to herself as "Baal."
