Genshin Impact features a wide cast of characters inspired by myths, legends, and deities from cultures around the world. Among the many playable characters are several who are based on ancient gods or god-like beings. Determining the oldest among them requires looking into their origins in real-world mythology and folklore.
Key Gods in Genshin Impact
Some of the notable ancient gods and god-like characters in Genshin Impact include:
- Zhongli – Based on the Chinese god of geo, morals, and contracts
- Venti – Based on the Anemo Archon Barbatos from mythology
- Raiden Shogun – Based on the Japanese Shinto goddess of lightning, Raiden
- Yae Miko – Inspired by the Shinto goddess of the same name associated with shrines
- Ganyu – Half qilin, a legendary Chinese creature
To determine which among them is the oldest, we’ll need to look at the origins of these gods and creatures in their respective mythologies.
Zhongli’s Ancient Origins
Zhongli is inspired by the Chinese god of the same name that dates back to at least the Shang Dynasty in the 2nd millennium BCE. He is one of the oldest gods in Chinese mythology. Some key facts about the origins of Zhongli:
- First mentioned on Shang Dynasty oracle bones from around 1200 BCE
- Rose to prominence as a god of cities, building, and culture around the Zhou Dynasty in 1046 BCE
- Was known as a god of morality by the Warring States Period from 403-221 BCE
- Connected to contracts and promises since his early days as a patron of cities and builder of walls and buildings
So Zhongli draws from mythology and history stretching back over 3000 years in China.
Venti’s Divine Inspiration
Venti is inspired by Barbatos, the Anemo Archon in Genshin Impact’s lore. Barbatos is in turn based on mythological texts and occult writings tracing back to the 16th century:
- First mentioned in writings by occultist Agrippa in 1533 CE
- Described in writings on angelology, demonology, and goetia in the 16th-19th centuries
- Rose to prominence when adopted by Mitchell in the 1898 book The Book of Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage
- In Genshin lore, was an elemental being who became Mondstadt’s Archon in the cataclysm 2600 years ago
So Venti and Barbatos draw from relatively more recent, though still ancient, occult mythology dating back about 500 years.
Raiden Shogun’s Godly Lineage
The Raiden Shogun is inspired by Raiden, the Shinto goddess of lightning, storms, and thunder who has her origins in ancient Japanese mythology:
- Earliest mentions date back to the Kojiki and Nihongi texts from 712 CE
- Originally a male Shinto deity of storms and lightning named Raiden no Kami
- Later merged with a Buddhist deity to become a female goddess of thunder
- Has been revered for over 1300 years in Japanese religion and folklore
So the Raiden Shogun is inspired by a deity with roots that are over 1000 years old.
Yae Miko’s Spiritual Lineage
Yae Miko takes her name and inspiration from the Shinto goddess Yae Omiko revered for centuries in Japan:
- Yae Omiko was the object of worship at shrines beginning in the 10th century CE
- Associated with mountains, shrines, and mythology in areas like Kamakura
- Origins likely date back to prehistorical nature worship of mountains and spirits
- Has maintained spiritual relevance in Japan for well over 1000 years
Yae Miko channels a lineage spanning Japanese spirituality and myth for over a millennium.
Ganyu’s Ancient Half
As a half-qilin, Ganyu draws from the ancient Chinese mythological creature known as the qilin:
- Qilin origins date back to the 5th century BCE in classics like the Zuo Zhuan
- Described as a mythical hooved Chinese chimera with dragon and deer features
- Became a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and benevolent leadership
- Has been a fixture of Chinese legends and culture for over 2000 years
So Ganyu’s qilin half connects her to ancient Chinese mythology going back over 2000 years.
Conclusion: Zhongli is the Oldest God in Genshin Impact
Based on the mythological origins and history of these characters’ inspirations, the oldest god in Genshin Impact is Zhongli. Here’s a summary of their lineages:
| Character | Inspiration | Origin Age |
|---|---|---|
| Zhongli | Chinese god of geo | Over 3000 years old |
| Venti | Occult mythology | About 500 years old |
| Raiden Shogun | Shinto goddess | Over 1000 years old |
| Yae Miko | Shinto goddess | Over 1000 years old |
| Ganyu | Qilin mythical creature | Over 2000 years old |
Zhongli draws from Chinese mythological texts and lore dating back over 3000 years to the Shang Dynasty. This makes him the oldest god among Genshin Impact’s characters inspired by real-world mythology and folklore.
Zhongli’s endurance over millennia of Chinese culture and history befits his in-game role as the stoic, knowledgeable Archon who has lived for eons. His ancient mythical origins translate into the wise, experienced personality portrayed in Genshin Impact.
So when you next play as the reliable, solid Zhongli, remember that you are controlling a character whose roots trace back over 3000 years to some of the oldest legends in Chinese history. Zhongli’s staying power and perseverance over the ages is an important part of his character.
In conclusion, analyzing the mythological origins of Genshin Impact’s gods reveals that the oldest deity in the game is Zhongli, the Chinese god of geo whose history stretches back to the dawn of Chinese civilization during the Shang Dynasty. Zhongli’s enduring place in Chinese mythology for over 3000 years translates into his characterization as the steadfast Archon players know from the game.