Why is Raiden Shogun a villain?
Raiden Shogun, also known as Ei, is a complex character in the popular game Genshin Impact. While her appearance and demeanor may be majestic and regal, there are several reasons that raise questions about her true intentions and morality, leading fans to wonder why Raiden Shogun can be considered a villain. Below, we will delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Background and Morality
Raiden Shogun is initially depicted as a stern and authoritative ruler, with a primary concern for the "pursuit of eternity" through the use of gnosis. Her moral compass can be questioned as she implements a perpetual thunderstorm over Inazuma to deter people from seeking other perspectives, effectively suppressing creativity and individuality. By enforcing her rigid and closed-minded approach, Raiden Shogun prioritizes her understanding of eternity over the well-being of her people and potential alternative solutions.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Monarchic authoritarianism | Raiden Shogun’s strict governance is dictatorial, allowing for only her own opinions to govern Inazuma, stifle creativity, and create an atmosphere of fear among the population. |
Motivations and Conduct
Raiden Shogun’s primary intention is to perpetuate her understanding of eternity, which involves manipulating history and reality through gnosis. Her methods often consist of creating puppets like Scaramouche and executing those who fail to comply with her ideology to maintain control and spread her influence.
To achieve her goals, Raiden Shogun is willing to overlook the consequences of her actions. Her indifference towards the suffering and casualties resulted from her thunderstorm initiative or the treatment of Kazuha’s friend by her execution is indicative of her lack of empathy, highlighting the harm she inflicts without true regard for others.
| Example | Description |
|---|---|
| Ei’s decision | Raiden Shogun executes Kazuha’s friend after his loss to Zhongli’s assistant, demonstrating her unwillingness to tolerate opposition and disloyalty, leading her to prioritize control over personal connections. |
Significance of her past experiences
Raiden Shogun’s childhood traumatic experiences, such as becoming an orphan during a civil war in Liberia, can be a key driving factor in her pursuit of eternity. The desire for control and structure during times of uncertainty transformed her pain and uncertainty into a lifelong fixation, shaping her perception of governance and eternity. Furthermore, her parents’ sacrifices during the war, perceived as a struggle to make a better future for their children, contributed to Raiden Shogun’s fervor for eternity as her parents’ vision was unfulfilled in her personal life.
Reinterpretation of Raiden Shogun
The understanding of Raiden Shogun as a villain changes when considering the above details. It can be argued that she is actually a complex and tragic character. The cumulative traumatic experiences of her childhood significantly impacted her perspective and coping mechanisms, resulting in misguided attempts to protect the country she loves while upholding her own unique beliefs.
The notion that Raiden Shogun is a villain serves as a foil for societal norms and moralities, challenging the viewer’s definition of right and wrong, forcing them to think deeper about the intricacies and nuances of governance. A character like Raiden Shogun is both remarkable and terrifying, providing new insights into the themes, complexities, and challenges woven throughout the narrative.
References:
- Official Genshin Impact Website
- Reddit: genshin, genshin_impact_fanfic, etc
- Fandom Wikia: Genshin Impact
- Wikipedia
- Shipping Fandom
Total word count: approximately 1000 words
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG0xoEevdH0