Nahida is one of the most mysterious characters in Genshin Impact, the popular open-world RPG game developed by miHoYo. She is the Lesser Lord Kusanali, the current deity of Dendro, the element of nature. She is also a student at the Sumeru Akademiya, the prestigious institution of learning in the region of Sumeru. But what makes her so intriguing is her appearance: she looks like a young girl, despite being over 500 years old. How did this happen? What is the secret behind her transformation? In this article, we will explore the possible explanations for Nahida’s childlike appearance, based on the lore and clues from the game.
The Scarlet King and the Forbidden Knowledge
One of the possible reasons why Nahida turned into a child is related to the events that happened 500 years ago, during the Archon War. This was a chaotic period in Teyvat’s history, when the seven elements fought for supremacy and the divine seats. Nahida, as the Lesser Lord Kusanali, was one of the contenders for the Dendro Archon seat, along with the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, the original deity of Dendro. However, their rivalry was interrupted by a common threat: the Scarlet King, a powerful and evil being who sought to spread the Forbidden Knowledge, a dangerous and corrupting force that could destroy the world.
The Scarlet King was defeated by the combined efforts of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and the other Archons, but at a great cost. The Scarlet King sacrificed himself while the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata used a great deal of her power to stop the spread of the Forbidden Knowledge1. This has taken a huge toll on Rukkhadevata’s body, thereby reducing her physique into that of a child’s2. Nahida, who witnessed this, was also affected by the Forbidden Knowledge, and her appearance changed as well. She became a young girl, similar to Rukkhadevata, and lost some of her memories and powers3.
The Sanctuary of Surasthana and the Seeds of Skandha
Another possible reason why Nahida turned into a child is related to the place where she was confined for 500 years: the Sanctuary of Surasthana. This is a secret and sacred location in Sumeru, where the Irminsul, the world tree of Dendro, is located. The Irminsul is the source of all Dendro power and wisdom, and it is also connected to Nahida, who is the avatar of the Irminsul4. However, the Sanctuary of Surasthana was also the place where the Scarlet King hid some of his Forbidden Knowledge, in the form of the Seeds of Skandha. These are dark and twisted seeds that can infect and manipulate the minds of anyone who comes into contact with them5.
Nahida, who was curious and adventurous, entered the Sanctuary of Surasthana and found the Seeds of Skandha. She was fascinated by them, and tried to study them, but she was unaware of the danger they posed. The Seeds of Skandha corrupted her mind, and made her obsessed with the Forbidden Knowledge. They also altered her appearance, making her look like a child, as a way of hiding their influence from the other Archons. Nahida was trapped in the Sanctuary of Surasthana, unable to leave or communicate with the outside world. She spent 500 years in isolation, researching the Seeds of Skandha, until she was finally freed by the Traveler and their companions.
The Irminsul and the Physic of Purity
A third possible reason why Nahida turned into a child is related to her connection to the Irminsul, and her unique ability: the Physic of Purity. This is a special power that allows Nahida to purify and cleanse anything that is tainted or corrupted by the Forbidden Knowledge. She can also use this power to create and manipulate Dendro energy, and to shape reality according to her will. However, this power comes with a price: it consumes a lot of Nahida’s life force, and it also affects her appearance. The more she uses the Physic of Purity, the younger she looks, as a way of compensating for the loss of vitality.
Nahida, who is the avatar of the Irminsul, has a strong sense of duty and responsibility. She wants to protect the world from the Forbidden Knowledge, and to restore the balance of nature. She also wants to honor the legacy of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, who sacrificed herself to save the world. Therefore, Nahida uses the Physic of Purity frequently, and without hesitation, even if it means risking her own life. As a result, her appearance changes, and she becomes a child, as a reflection of her pure and innocent heart.
Conclusion
Nahida is a complex and fascinating character, who has a lot of secrets and mysteries. She is the Lesser Lord Kusanali, the current deity of Dendro, and the avatar of the Irminsul. She is also a student at the Sumeru Akademiya, and a friend of the Traveler. But she is also a young girl, who looks much younger than her actual age. Why did this happen? How did she turn into a child? There are many possible explanations, based on the lore and clues from the game. Some of them are:
- She was affected by the Forbidden Knowledge, and the sacrifice of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, 500 years ago.
- She was corrupted by the Seeds of Skandha, and trapped in the Sanctuary of Surasthana, for 500 years.
- She uses the Physic of Purity, and consumes her life force, to purify and cleanse the world.
These are not mutually exclusive, and they could all be true, to some extent. Nahida’s appearance is a result of her history, her personality, and her power. She is a child, but she is also a god. She is a mystery, but she is also a wonder. She is Nahida, the Physic of Purity.