By Anna C
Paimon is the Traveler’s loyal companion in Genshin Impact, but the mystery surrounding her motivations has led to some interesting fan theories.
Paimon is the Traveler’s most loyal companion in Genshin Impact, having followed them across Teyvat in search of their twin. Despite this, many in the community view Paimon with suspicion as HoYoverse has yet to fully explain who she is and what her motivations are. Others have expressed that Paimon might be evil, and that she may betray the Traveler at some point in the story.
There are a number of hints in Genshin Impact that point to Paimon’s supposedly evil nature. Even these don’t prove her evilness, they at the very least signal that there’s more to her than meets the eye. It’s worth looking through these hints and discussing whether all the fan theories about Paimon’s true nature hold water.
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Hints that Genshin Impact’s Paimon Could Be Evil
One of the most popular theories concerning Paimon suggests that she is the Unknown God from the very first cutscene of the game – the so-called “Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.” Players have noted that the two look somewhat similar, particularly in terms of their hair and the black star motif appearing on their attire. Paimon’s galaxy-esque cloak seems more reminiscent of Dainsleif’s design than the Unknown God’s, though both are undoubtedly among the most mysterious characters in Genshin Impact.
Another interesting piece about Paimon is found in the set of World Quests surrounding Genshin Impact’s Enkanomiya. In the quest “The Subterranean Trials of Drake and Serpent,” the Traveler does battle with a Pyro Abyss Lector that calls himself “Enjou.” Originally, the Abyss Lector had disguised himself as a human and become acquainted with the Traveler. After being exposed, however, he tells the Traveler that they ought to be more careful with whom they trust, then singles out Paimon. He says, “Take that little fellow by your side. Perhaps you shall someday face betrayal from that corner too. Who knows?”
Many players take that as a means of foreshadowing Paimon’s future betrayal. Since Enjou had disguised himself as a human, some theorize that Paimon’s getup in Genshin Impact is also some sort of disguise. However, other players aren’t too convinced, highlighting that anyone from the Abyss is not to be trusted. He could simply be trying to pry Paimon and the Traveler apart. Whatever the case, it seems the evil Paimon theories will remain theories for now. In fact, it seems flat-out unlikely, especially given how much Paimon seems to care for the Traveler.
Despite the naysayers, theorists have continued to think of Paimon’s greater, antagonistic role in the story. If Paimon isn’t Genshin Impact’s Unknown God, another theory suggests that she could be a means for Celestia to keep an eye on the Traveler. Paimon almost never leaves the player’s side, so it’s possible that she’s keeping close to keep tabs on the Traveler’s progress, then relaying her findings to those who dwell in Celestia. This theory also hints at her inevitable betrayal.
Regardless of whether Paimon is evil, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s an anomaly in Genshin Impact’s world of Teyvat. There isn’t anything like her in the game, and even the characters react to her presence with surprise. Unfortunately, HoYoverse is still keeping its cards close to its chest, refusing to reveal much of anything about Paimon’s true nature.
Though perhaps it’s this last detail that is most telling about Paimon’s allegiance. “Paimon” is a name of a demon in the Ars Goetia, a real-life book that lists the names of different demonic entities. Interestingly enough, the Archons also have names taken from the Ars Goetia. Venti is Barbatos; Zhongli is Morax; Ei is Beelzebub; and Nahida is Buer. Surely it isn’t a coincidence that Paimon is named the way she is. However, until HoYoverse confirms anything, the Genshin Impact fan theories will remain fan theories.
Genshin Impact is available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.
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I'm an avid Genshin Impact enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the game's lore and characters. My knowledge extends to the various fan theories circulating within the community, and I have closely followed the developments in the storyline. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about Paimon's mysterious nature and the fan theories surrounding her character.
The article discusses the enigmatic nature of Paimon, the Traveler's loyal companion in Genshin Impact. Despite being a central character, Paimon's motivations and true identity remain shrouded in mystery. The author highlights fan theories speculating on Paimon's potential evil nature and the possibility of betrayal in the future.
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Paimon as the Unknown God: One prominent theory suggests that Paimon might be the Unknown God introduced in the game's first cutscene, known as the "Sustainer of Heavenly Principles." Players have noted visual similarities between Paimon and the Unknown God, such as their hair and the black star motif on their attire. The article also mentions Paimon's galaxy-esque cloak, drawing comparisons with other mysterious characters like Dainsleif.
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Foreshadowing in Enkanomiya World Quests: The article references a specific World Quest in Genshin Impact's Enkanomiya, titled "The Subterranean Trials of Drake and Serpent." In this quest, an Abyss Lector named Enjou warns the Traveler about potential betrayal, singling out Paimon. Some players interpret this as foreshadowing, speculating that Paimon's appearance may be a disguise, leading to future betrayal.
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Paimon as a Tool for Celestia: Another theory posits that Paimon could be a means for Celestia to monitor the Traveler's actions. The constant presence of Paimon by the player's side raises suspicions, suggesting that she might be relaying information to higher powers. This theory also implies the likelihood of Paimon betraying the Traveler in the future.
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Paimon's Name and Allegiance: The article notes that Paimon shares her name with a demon from the Ars Goetia, a real-life book listing names of demonic entities. The fact that the Archons in Genshin Impact also have names from the Ars Goetia raises questions about Paimon's true nature. However, the article emphasizes that these connections remain speculative until officially confirmed by HoYoverse.
In conclusion, the Genshin Impact community continues to theorize about Paimon's role and allegiance, with various intriguing possibilities explored. The article acknowledges the uniqueness of Paimon in the game, the surprise characters express at her presence, and the studio's reluctance to reveal her true nature, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further developments in the game's narrative.
