Genshin Impact: What is a Yaksha?

To say that there are many characters in Genshin Impact is an understatement. From humans to gods and everything in between, it’s easy to get lost in the fantasy world of Teyvat.

While playing the game, you probably came across the term “yaksha.” But what exactly does it mean? Is Yaksha a human? Is it a kind of a god? If you’re not sure, find out in this article.

Yaksha in the real world

As we try to understand what a Yaksha in Genshin Impact is, it’s important to know what it is in real life.

That’s right! The term “Yaksha” is not endemic to the game. In fact, the word has been used in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. And in these religions, Yakshas are a kind of nature spirit.

Accordingly, Encyclopedia Brittanica defines Yaksha in Hindu Mythology as:

“a class of generally benevolent but sometimes mischievous, capricious, sexually rapacious, or even murderous nature spirits who are the custodians of treasures that are hidden in the earth and in the roots of trees. They are powerful magicians and shape-shifters.”

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Yaksha in Genshin Impact

Now that we have an idea of what a Yaksha is in the real world, let’s go to the world of Teyvat.

During the Archon War, gods all over Teyvat fought against each other for reasons yet unknown. As it was a war, there were gods who came out victorious and those who fell in battle. But it was not over for those gods who have fallen. Their hatred lingered and caused curses, miasmas, and plagues all over Liyue.

As a solution, Morax, the current Geo Archon, also known as the God of Contracts, and Rex Lapis, asked for the help of a “fierce race of illuminated beasts.” Just when you thought that the Archon War was over, another war ensued. It was the seemingly never-ending war against the remnants of the fallen gods’ hatred.

The Five Yaksha in Genshin Impact
The Five Yakshas, Credit: HoYoverse

Now, this “fierce race of illuminated beasts” that Morax asked for help from was called the Yakshas. As illuminated beasts, the Yakshas are creatures with supernatural abilities. These include longevity, impressive combat prowess, and the ability to speak the human language.

Moreover, Yakshas can take humanoid appearances! And if you’re wondering if you’ll ever meet one in-game, you probably already have. Currently, only one Yaksha remains alive, and that is Alatus who now goes by the name Xiao, one of the playable Anemo characters in the game. While you’re here, you might want to take a look at our updated list of all playable Anemo characters.

Xiao, Credit: HoYoverse

So, what happened to the other Yakshas? There were five of them at first, but unfortunately, the other Yakshas succumbed to the Karmic Debt, a curse that resulted from fighting the manifestations of the fallen gods for so many years.

Xiao suffers from the Karmic Debt as well, but he is highly resilient. Because of this, he rarely involves himself in people’s affairs and would rather be on his own.

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