The world of Teyvat, where Celestia floats high above, is filled with many mysteries. The gods that once walked upon this land have faded into legend, and the secrets of Celestia remain elusive. Yet one question burns bright in the minds of vision-bearers who peer skyward: does Celestia have a god? In this article, we will examine the evidence surrounding this question and attempt to shed light upon the truth.
The Nature of Celestia
First, to understand whether Celestia has a god, we must understand what Celestia is. Celestia is a floating island in the sky, obscured by clouds and magic. Glimpses of ornate buildings can be seen, but little is known of life atop the heavenly island. It is the domain of the archons and the seat of power from which the Tsaritsa’s Falcon of the West departed to seize the gnoses of the Seven. Some scholars argue Celestia may be the last remnant of the kingdom of the gods who once walked Teyvat.
Additionally, Celestia is closely tied to the concept of “heavenly principles,” divine rules that govern reality in Teyvat. The destruction of Khaenri’ah is attributed to its people defying the heavenly principles. Even Visions are granted by Celestia to those who align with the principles. This suggests Celestia acts as an arbiter and enforcer of elemental laws set down by the gods.
The Seven Who Rule Teyvat
The Seven Archons are the gods of the seven nations of Teyvat. Each represents one of the seven elemental powers. They rule from splendid palaces and are worshipped by the people of their lands. But did they create Teyvat? Or were they appointed as divine custodians by a greater power?
Some clues point to the latter. The true names and previous identities of the archons are hidden, suggesting they took on these mantles from another source. Venti admits he was never a creator god, but rather a spirit who inherited the Anemo Archon title from Decarabian. Zhongli also hints at contracts and duties he is bound to fulfill as part of being the Geo Archon.
Additionally, the existence of Celestia high above the archons suggests they are not fully in control. Just as they rule the lands below, so too does Celestia rule over them, monitoring their adherence to the heavenly principles.
The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles
A mysterious being known as the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles appears in the opening cutscene, obscuring the sky and imprisoning the Traveler as they attempt to leave Teyvat. She chastises them for trying to leave and cites a violation of “the rules of this world.” This character serves as the executor of Celestia’s will, enforcing the heavenly principles on lower beings.
The Sustainer displays immense power by sealing the Traveler and closing the passage between worlds. If such authority comes from Celestia, it implies the floating island hides even greater power able to govern reality itself. The Sustainer refers to a “throne” while making judgment on the Traveler, again hinting at a monarch ruling from Celestia’s heights.
The Second Throne
Scattered texts make vague references to a “Second Throne” situated in Celestia. This throne is described as the origin point of certain elemental powers and the source of sacred law. However, the throne remains empty with no one worthy to claim its power. One passage states:
“The false sky, upside-down, devoid of light, rests on the throne up high. The empty throne shall one day welcome its master.”
This strange throne is a seat of power in Celestia from which divine authority flows out across Teyvat. The archons derive their might from the heavenly principles, which in turn originate from this throne. Its vacancy implies that once long ago, a mighty god did indeed rule from Celestia’s pinnacle as master of Teyvat.
The Battle of the Twins
An ancient mural discovered in Enkanomiya depicts a great battle between twin gods. While their names have been lost, one twin is associated with light, the other darkness. They appear evenly matched as they fight across the ancient skies. This primordial clash may represent the genesis of Teyvat as a project of two creator deities.
Interestingly, the unknown god of light bears a sword resembling the Skyward Pride greatsword. This weapon is said to be a shard of the pillar that pins celestial to earth. The god of darkness wields a blade similar to the Mistsplitter Reforged, its mist-veiled edge able to sunder illusions. If these twins established Teyvat and Celestia long ago, perhaps one remained to preside while the other was banished or fled.
The Missing Sibling
The Traveler journeyed to Teyvat with their missing twin sibling, only to see them mysteriously disappear. The Traveler’s goal is to find and be reunited with them. Considering the Traveler’s great power, their original world, and their intention to leave Teyvat, they and their sibling may be gods in their own right. It’s possible the unknown god of the mural is this missing sibling who settled in Teyvat’s early days.
Strangely, the Abyss Order led by the enigmatic Prince seems intent on opposing Celestia and the divine thrones. Could the Prince be the Traveler’s sibling, banished long ago but now seeking to return? Their once lofty throne emptied while bitterness and darkness took root in their heart? Perhaps they will reveal more answers in time.
Seeker of Truth
An ancient poem titled “Seeker of Truth” is written from the perspective of one questioning divinity. They boldly ask, “But tell me, who made you?” This audacious query aimed at the gods implies the author believes even the archons and Celestia itself originate from a higher creative power. The poem continues:
“No matter the mortal or god, only through eternity can the answers be found.”
These cryptic words suggest divinity is cyclical, passing from one supreme being to another across the eons. While Celestia’s throne now lies empty, it awaits a day when a new seeker of truth may ascend to grasp its power and enlightenment.
Conclusion
Piecing together the clues, it seems likely there was once a supreme god in Celestia who created Teyvat and established the heavenly principles. They split their power into the seven elemental thrones that became the abodes of the archons. Without this progenitor deity, the Second Throne now stands vacant. However, the principles and hierarchy they ordained remains intact.
The archons derive authority from Celestia, but are not all-powerful creators themselves. They are custodians of Teyvat, subject to the binding contracts and duties laid down by their predecessor. Perhaps the Traveler’s lost twin sought that godlike power in a distant age. Or maybe the Abyss Prince plots to ascend and restore true divine rule.
The mysteries of Celestia’s empty throne endure, but its authority governs all of Teyvat still. And while the archons come and go, the heavenly principles endure. One day, the answers may be revealed to a worthy seeker.
| Archon | Element | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| Venti | Anemo | Mondstadt |
| Zhongli | Geo | Liyue |
| Raiden Ei | Electro | Inazuma |
| Dendro Archon | Dendro | Sumeru |
| Hydro Archon | Hydro | Fontaine |
| Pyro Archon | Pyro | Natlan |
| Cryo Archon | Cryo | Snezhnaya |
