Shipping characters together in romantic relationships, also known as “shipping”, is a popular part of many fandoms. For the game Genshin Impact and its expansive cast of characters, shipping is quite common within the fanbase. One of the most shipped characters is Aether, the male playable protagonist. As the central character that all players control, Aether has many potential love interests and ships suggested by fans.
What is shipping?
Shipping refers to wanting two fictional characters to be in a romantic relationship. Fans will often passionately support certain character pairings and want to see them become canon within the story. Shipping can involve writing fanfiction about a pairing, creating fanart, analyzing scenes between the two characters for evidence of chemistry, and overall rooting for them to get together.
For Genshin Impact, the vast roster of unique and attractive characters offers many possibilities for different ships. Players who enjoy the shipping aspect of fandoms have ample material to imagine relationships between various combinations of characters.
Why do people ship characters?
There are a few key reasons why shipping is appealing for fans:
- It allows exploration of romantic dynamics between characters that are not canon. Fans can imagine “what if” scenarios.
- Shipping can satisfy desires to see more LGBTQ+ representation when canonical relationships lack diversity.
- It is a creative outlet for fans to expand on the official story and characters.
- Seeing a “ship” become canon can be exciting and validating.
- Shipping characters together is simply fun and allows fans to enjoy their favorite characters in new ways.
While shipping is not always supported by creators or accepted by all fans, it undeniably leads to creative and passionate engagement with fandoms.
Why is Aether a popular ship target?
As the male protagonist of Genshin Impact, Aether has many qualities that make him commonly shipped with other characters:
- He interacts with almost all major characters as the playable lead.
- His kind, heroic personality makes him likeable.
- His backstory of searching for his lost sister creates an air of tragedy and depth.
- His handsome anime-style design makes him visually appealing.
- The player’s ability to choose dialogue options allows projection of personalities onto him.
- As a protagonist, he is expected to have central relationships.
With so much screen time at the center of the story, access to engaging with all other characters, and a design to be an avatar for players, Aether is ripe for shipping potential. Fans are eager to explore his relationships, both platonic and romantic.
Who are Aether’s most popular ships?
Here are some of the most significant and widely shipped pairings involving Aether in Genshin Impact fandom:
Lumine
Lumine is the female playable protagonist and Aether’s sister. They were separated at the start of the game and Aether is currently searching for her. Some fans ship the two together romantically as an incestuous relationship. Others prefer to see them only as loving siblings.
Amber
Amber is one of the first characters Aether meets in Mondstadt. Her bright, cheerful personality often leads fans to ship her with Aether as she helps introduce him to the city and assists him on his adventure.
Jean
As the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Jean takes an interest in helping Aether find his lost sister. Some fans ship them as a mature, leadership-based pairing.
Lisa
The flirtatious librarian Lisa shows some early interest in Aether. This leads to shipping between the two, playing up Lisa’s coy, romantic side with the earnest protagonist.
Mona
Astrologist Mona meets Aether early in the Mondstadt arc and they help each other out. Fans often enjoy shipping the more reserved, intellectual Mona with the kindhearted Aether.
Ganyu
As a half-adeptus secretary for Liyue’s Qixing, Ganyu plays an important role in Aether’s journey. Some fans ship her shy, dutiful personality with the respectful protagonist.
Ningguang
The powerful Tianquan of Liyue’s Qixing takes an interest in Aether’s goals. Ningguang’s elegant personality contrasts well with Aether for their ship’s dynamic.
Keqing
Keqing assists Aether a few times on his adventures in her role as Yuheng of Liyue. Fans enjoy exploring the idea of the independent Keqing opening her heart to Aether.
Ayaka
Ayaka is an elegant nobility and skilled swordswoman in Inazuma. After assisting him several times, she and Aether are sometimes shipped together by fans.
Ei
Ei, also known as Raiden Shogun or Beelzebul, is the powerful Electro Archon ruling over Inazuma. Aether meets her during his time in Inazuma, leading to ships between the two.
Yae Miko
The mystical Yae Miko also plays a role in Aether’s Inazuma journey. Her coy and clever personality contrasts with Aether’s sincerity for an intriguing dynamic.
| Character | Region | Personality Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Lumine | Traveler | Determined, caring, powerful |
| Amber | Mondstadt | Cheerful, energetic, helpful |
| Jean | Mondstadt | Mature, intelligent, leadership |
| Lisa | Mondstadt | Flirtatious, relaxed, secretive |
| Mona | Mondstadt | Mysterious, intellectual, earnest |
| Ganyu | Liyue | Loyal, kind, shy |
| Ningguang | Liyue | Elegant, confident, ambitious |
| Keqing | Liyue | Independent, hardworking, sincere |
| Ayaka | Inazuma | Graceful, loyal, earnest |
| Ei | Inazuma | Powerful, regal, complex |
| Yae Miko | Inazuma | Mystical, playful, clever |
This table summarizes some of Aether’s most popular ships and their associated region and personality traits that draw fans to the dynamics between them.
Non-Romantic Ships
While romance is common, fans also enjoy shipping Aether platonically with other characters:
Paimon
Paimon is Aether’s constant companion and guide. Their friendship is very significant, leading to strong platonic shipping.
Venti
The carefree Archon Venti takes a liking to Aether. Fans ship their antics and adventures as trusted friends.
Xiao
The brooding vigilant Yaksha Xiao works with Aether at times. Some fans enjoy their contrasting personalities in a platonic ship.
Albedo
The scientist Albedo aids Aether on his journey multiple times. Their intellectual and earnest dynamic leads to friendshipping.
Rarepair ships
Rarepair ships involve more unusual or rare dynamics between characters. Some potential Aether rarepairs include:
- Chongyun – Shy, earnest exorcist from Liyue
- Xingqiu – Intelligent, tactical bookworm from Liyue
- Kazuha – Wandering samurai and poet from Inazuma
- Gorou – Loyal general defending Watatsumi Island
- Scaramouche – Antagonistic Fatui Harbinger
These rarepairs offer new dynamics and unexplored character combinations for fans to enjoy.
Controversial ships
Some Aether ships tend to be more controversial amongst fans, such as:
- Lumine – Incestuous implications
- Signora – Age difference; Signora is antagonistic
- Childe – Rivalry and occasional opposition
- Dainsleif – Mysterious, seemingly antagonist aligned
Relationships with major power imbalances, antagonistic characters, or family members tend to elicit more mixed reactions from fans.
Crack ships
Crack ships are very absurd, bizarre, or humorous pairings that are not meant to be taken seriously. Some potential Aether crack ships include:
- Paimon – She’s his emergency food after all
- Timmy’s Pigeons – Forbidden love
- Slimes – Ooey gooey romance
- The Unknown God – Ultimate enemies to lovers
- Statues of The Seven – Getting stoned with love
These completely ridiculous pairings are enjoyed for humor and highlight just how far shipping can go with fan creativity.
Fan preferences
Different fans have their own preferences and interpretations of Aether’s relationships. Here are some key camps of shipping preference:
- Self-inserters – Prefer to imagine themselves with their favorite characters
- Siblings – See Aether and Lumine as loving family, not romantic
- Haremfans – Enjoy imagining Aether paired with multiple love interests
- Purists – Only support canon in-game ships
- Multishippers – Open to many ships, often interchangeably
- Rarepair lovers – Specifically enjoy uncommon pairings
There is no right or wrong way to engage in shipping. Fans should be respectful of differing preferences in the community.
Why do people care so much about ships?
Shipping elicits passion because for many fans, it is a creative outlet and way to engage with beloved characters on a deeper level. Specific reasons fans care about ships include:
- Allows exploration of dynamics between characters
- Brings more depth, imagination, and fun to the fandom
- Platform for fan creativity through fanfiction, fanart, etc.
- Let’s fans feel a sense of closeness and possession over characters
- Satisfies desire for more representation and diversity
There is also the human tendency to become attached to ideas and relationships. When fans invest in a ship, it can become meaningful to their enjoyment and interpretation of a fandom.
How are different sexuality ships viewed?
Genshin Impact has been praised for including canon LGBTQ+ characters like Ningguang and Keqing. However, the game currently lacks openly queer male characters.
For fans seeking more diversity, shipping Aether with male characters provides an avenue for exploring LGBTQ+ relationships. Some popular homosexual ships include:
- Aether x Xingqiu
- Aether x Chongyun
- Aether x Kaeya
- Aether x Albedo
- Aether x Gorou
There are divisions though. Some fans eagerly support homosexual ships as a way to “queer” the characters. But other fans argue against changing an implied heterosexual character’s sexuality.
Representation is important in fandom. While shipping can help create more diversity, imposing sexuality changes on characters can also feel disrespectful to some fans.
Conclusion
Shipping will inevitably remain a major part of the Genshin Impact fandom experience. Aether as the protagonist will continue to be a focal point for new relationship imaginings and creativity. Fans find excitement, fun, and meaning through exploring different romantic dynamics between characters.
But fans should also remember to be respectful of differences in shipping preferences. Don’t attack or shame others for not sharing the same ship tastes. Stay open-minded and understand diversity is a positive.
At its best, shipping generates passion, artistry, analysis, and community. Through respect and imagination, fans can build on Genshin Impact in creative new directions.