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Genshin Impact
Phanes (Heavenly Principles) Story and Lore
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The Heavenly Principles, also known as Phanes or the Primordial One in Genshin Impact, is the authority that oversees the entirety of Teyvat. See who the Heavenly Principles is, and everything we know about them in this guide!
List of Contents
Who are the Heavenly Principles?
The Primordial One and Phanes
In the in-game book, Before Sun and Moon, that can be obtained after the world quest Collection of Dragons and Snakes, the Heavenly Principles was described as the Primordial One who fought against seven dragon-lord sovereigns. This is supported by Neuvillette referring to the Heavenly Principles as a Usurper.
The book also theorised that the Primordial One may be Phanes, who was birthed from an egg and used the egg shell to separate the ''universe'' and the ''microcosm of the world.'' This alludes to the fake sky later discovered in the game.
The First Descender
The Heavenly Principles is referred to by Nahida as the "First Descender". Descenders are beings who are not originally from Teyvat, and currently, the only named among them are the Heavenly Principles and the Traveler.
As to where these "Descenders" descended from, or what criteria is being a Descender bound to, Nahida and those from the upper echelon of the Fatui Harbingers seem to know, but no one has divulged any information about them yet.
Who and What are the Descenders?
Created the Four Shades
| The Four Shades of the Heavenly Principles | |
|---|---|
 Ruler of Time, Istaroth |
 Ruler of Life, Naberius (and Rhinedottir) |
 Ruler of Space, Asmoday |
 Ruler of Death, Ronova |
During the battle of the Heavenly Principles against the Seven Sovereigns and the Dragon King which lasted for 40 years, the Heavenly Principles, created the four Shining Shades for reasons still unknown.
Istaroth, Ruler of Time
Istaroth is the Shade of Time who had contributed to the rise and fall of human civlizations since the beginning of time. They were also mentioned in the Space and Time for You archon quest.
Ronova, Ruler of Death
Ronova, the Ruler of Death, who helped Yohualtecuhtin establish Natlan's Night Kingdom. She was briefly involved in the Incandescent Ode of Resurrection archon quest.
Naberius, Ruler of Life
Naberius was the Ruler of Life, hinted at by Neuvillette who alluded to the Usurper appointing their own God of Life, as opposed to him being the original one. In the Paralogism archon quest, Albedo revealed that Rhinedottir had merged with Naberius and became the new Ruler of Life.
Asmoday, Ruler of Space
Asmoday is the Ruler of Space, and the true identity of the unknown goddess who attacked the Traveler and their sibling. At some point in time, Asmoday stopped appearing before the other Shades and her status is currently unknown.
An Authority Greater than the Archons
It can be remembered from Nahida's dialogue with the Dottore during the Archon Quest Chapter 3: Act 5, Akasha Rises, the Kalpa Flame Rises that she implied the arrival of the Heavenly Principles is so-dire of a consequence that the Doctor is not willing to make.
This means that the Heavenly Principles is an authority so powerful, that even a Fatui Harbinger who vows to seize the power of the Gods isn't willing to make a bet on.
Has Some Control Over the Archons
In Zhongli's story quest Act 2: No Mere Stone, the Geo Archon mentioned that Erosion is something that the Heavenly Principles have imposed on him, suggesting yet another superiority of the Heavenly Principles over the Archons.
The Archons and the Gnoses
Gnoses symbolize and serve as the conduit of an Archon's status and power, but it seems like these emblems represent a far more powerful force that is the Heavenly Principles. It was later revealed later that the Gnoses were made from another Descender.
Since the Fatui Harbingers are hellbent on seizing each Gnosis of the Seven Archons of Teyvat, it's highly likely that they know more than they let anyone on.
The Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah
The Cataclysm is a significant point in history from 500 years ago that led to a series of equally dire and drastic events that are interconnected to one another.
From the Archon Quest Chapter 1: Act 4, We Will Be Reunited the Abyss Twin was seen to have witnessed the fall of Khaenri'ah—with all the floating strings of crimson cubes, same kind of power that the Heavenly Principles possess.
Chapter 1 Act 4 Archon Quest Guide
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's Revelation
And back to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's story about what happened during the Cataclysm 500 years ago, it seems like all the Archons but her were summoned to the Nation of Khaenri'ah because of an impending doom.
What can be gathered from here is that the Heavenly Principles have something to do with the fall of this great nation and had been lying dormant since then, and had managed to overpower 6 Archons that had gathered in Khaenri'ah for the aforementioned doom.
Who is the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?
Egeria's Punishment
500 years ago, the former Hydro Archon Egeria created Fontainians from the Oceanid kind. The Heavenly Principles punished Egeria as she created humans behind their back.
As punishment, Fontaine will eventually be flooded with Primordial Seawater to cleanse Egeria's creations with the Hydro Archon weeping on her throne.
Egeria Voice Actor and Character Profile
Currently “Asleep”
During the Bedtime Story Quest, the Abyss Twin mentioned that the Heavenly Principles haven't woken up ever since the Cataclysm 500 years ago. Although, the Abyss Twin isn't exactly sure what would trigger their awakening, they are sure that the Heavenly Principles will wake up eventually.
This was further confirmed in the Teyvat Chapter Interlude Teaser: The Gods' Limits, where three of the four Shades discussed the Heavenly Principles' current state and the missing fourth Shade.
Teyvat Chapter Interlude Teaser: The Gods' Limits
In-game Mentions and Appearances
All Heavenly Principles Quest Mentions
| Appearance and Mentions | Quest Type |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 Act 4 - We Will Be Reunited | Archon |
| Chapter 3 Act 5 - Akasha Pulses, the Kalpa Flame Rises | Archon |
| Chapter 4 Act 5 - Masquerade of the Guilty | Archon |
| Chapter 4 Act 6 - Bedtime Story | Archon |
Genshin Impact Related Guides
Non-Playable Characters
Gods and Creatures
Human NPCs
Related Races and Species Guides
| Significant Races and Species | |
|---|---|
| Saurians | Melusines |
| Youkai | Heavenly Principles |
| Adepti | Aranara |
Comment
2 
Anonymous over 1 year
Anonymous over 1 yearNo, it isn't incorrect, idiot. That is a community-conceived idea, still calling her that. The Heavenly Principles have been mentioned quite a lot throughout the game, and it has always been referring to the character from the opening act of the game. In the final Sumeru Archon quest, Nahida says this: "I'm sure you remember the entity that changed your fate -- the Heavenly Principles." How does she know this, you ask? SHE CAN READ YOUR MEMORIES. She knows who we ran into at the start.
Author
Phanes (Heavenly Principles) Story and Lore
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Continuing on, for those who are relying on the fandom wiki, please stop. It is currently full of incorrect information. They still call the character "the Unknown God", yet the Archons, Yae Miko (whom first informed us of the name "the Heavenly Principles", other than them saying it), as well as the Fatui all refer to that being as "the Heavenly Principles". The word "sustainer" is completely irrelevant. Each time "the Heavenly Principles" has been used in-game, it is in a way as if we know it.