What Makes Grandmaster Varka Captivating?

Genshin Impact: The "Luna V" questline is now live. We have returned from Nod-Krai to Mondstadt, the very land where we first embarked on our adventure, and officially begun the Story Quest for Grandmaster Varka. As a powerful "Knight of Boreas" and a mysterious character whose foreshadowing dates back to the official 2018 comic, just what is it that makes him so captivating? Let's find out together.

1. Varka Character Profile 

1.1 Varka Basic Information

Name: Varka

Birthday: February 17

Vision: Anemo, worn on the left side of his coat

Constellation: Lupus Majoris

Occupation: Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius

Voice Actors:

Hao Xianghai (Chinese)

Joseph May (English)

Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese)

Park Sang-hoon (Korean)

1.2 Varka's Age

Although Varka appears young and handsome, seeming only in his twenties or thirties, clues from the current storyline suggest that the actual age of the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius is likely around 45. Varka's character story mentions that he was the matchmaker for Master Jean's parents and is of the same generation as Diluc's father. Using Diluc's life trajectory as a reference, it is known that Diluc's father passed away when Diluc was just 18 years old, having recently reached adulthood.

After that, Diluc left Mondstadt and traveled for four years. Upon returning to Mondstadt, he was active as the "Darknight Hero" for another year. Assuming Diluc's father was around 22 when Diluc was born, Varka, being of the same generation, would currently be approximately 45 years old.

Furthermore, some in-game details corroborate this from the side. In dialogue, Aino directly refers to Varka as "uncle," while Rosaria is even more blunt, calling him "old man." Venti's response to this is quite measured: he denies that Varka is still a "youngster" but also says he wouldn't call him "very old." These seemingly casual forms of address and comments all hint that Varka is indeed middle-aged.

2. Varka Personality: Embodiment of Freedom and Chivalry

Varka's personality is portrayed with remarkable nuance. He is both a leader who strictly adheres to the chivalric code and possesses far-sighted vision and an ordinary person who is humorous, easygoing, gentle, and considerate. He seamlessly integrates these seemingly contradictory traits, creating a vivid and multi-dimensional character.

2.1 Strategic Foresight and Formidable Wisdom

Varka's foresight began with a fateful choice. After completing the Hexenzirkel trials, he glimpsed a future where Mondstadt would be invaded by the "Wild Hunt" through the divinations of Witch B. Faced with the opportunity to save Dvalin and become a hero, he chose to forgo immediate glory. Instead, he resolutely led four-fifths of the Knights of Favonius on an expedition to Nod-Krai, proactively seeking out and severing the root of the threat.

He temporarily entrusted the duties of Grand Master to Jean, an act of trust in her and, more importantly, a profound long-term arrangement for Mondstadt's future. He also facilitated a three-party meeting involving Mondstadt, Venti, and the Hexenzirkel, securing the coven's promise of crisis aid for Mondstadt.

Upon arriving in Nod-Krai, the Grand Master won the trust of multiple factions through his exceptional capabilities: Flins, who has lived for centuries; Lauma, leader of the Frostmoon Scions; and Nefer, the inherently skeptical proprietor of the Curatorium of Secrets. This recognition is not only trust in him personally but also an affirmation of his strategic vision.

In the Story Quest "Lupus Majoris Chapter," Varka used his own heart to carry the soul of Boreas, delivering it to Andrius deep within the Ley Lines. This plan drew from the precedent of The Captain, who had borne a comrade's soul within his heart for five hundred years, and employed an anchor to fix the target location, much like how the Honorary Knight once retrieved an Ancient Name from the Ley Lines. It was a high-stakes gamble, yet also a meticulously calculated and well-considered, meticulous arrangement.

2.2 Humorous and Free-Spirited Temperament

Varka has never put on the airs of a Grand Master. He always maintains a relaxed and easygoing demeanor. In the Genshin Impact character teaser "[Varka: The Code of Chivalry]," the production team deliberately used a style described as "both abstract and hilarious" to present his story. The opening showcased Varka's handsome anime-style portrayal, which starkly contrasted with the "childlike drawings" that appeared later in the trailer, believed to be his own handiwork. This abrupt stylistic shift not only created numerous comedic moments but also cemented Varka's image as an artist with a "distinctly quirky art style." Reportedly, his artistic style was learned from Klee—no wonder Varka's self-portraits are so abstract. These abstract self-portraits became the inspiration for Varka metal badge, bringing the humorous and witty Grand Master into Travelers' daily lives.

He has a deep love for wine, having shared drinks with both Venti and Mavuika, possessing a capacity that rivals that of a god. However, he was once knocked out cold by a concoction he mixed himself. Even while on a distant expedition in the northern reaches, he could still joke with Venti over a call, suggesting hidden personal funds could be used to buy wine. He truly never forgets about alcohol.

Upon returning to Mondstadt, to escape the mountain of paperwork from Acting Grand Master Jean, he attempted to "make a quick escape" by accepting an invitation to play with Klee. Of course, Jean caught him in the end. His flustered reaction in that moment stood in sharp contrast to the dignity expected of the Grand Master. When Klee and Alice were placed in confinement by Jean, Varka secretly tried to use a key to free them, though he was, unfortunately, caught by Jean once again. Wherever Varka is, the atmosphere is always relaxed and joyful, and, of course, the artistic style is equally unconventional. 

Currently, merchandise such as Varka plush, acrylic stands, and keychains are available in the store. Travelers who are fond of this Grand Master should not miss out—bring this special piece of "Mondstadt joy" home!

2.3 Gentle and Attentive Patriarch

Varka shows particular care and fatherly concern in nurturing the "problem children." He adopted Razor, taught him swordsmanship, named him "Lupical" ("family" within the Wolf Pact), and even commissioned a custom weapon for him. He provided specialized physical training for Noelle, recognized her potential, and offered her spiritual support. He also likely prepared a "safe version bomb-making guide" for Klee, though he is often scolded by Master Jean for it. He is accustomed to using homemade "vouchers" to appease the "children" within the Knights. This educational approach of "teaching according to individual aptitude" not only helps the younger generation grow rapidly but also makes them feel valued and cared for.

Rosaria complains that he "nags like an old man," while Amber remarks that he is "powerful but not imposing; his presence makes people feel very relaxed." He understands every member of the Knights, acting like a true older brother, guiding and warming them with his sun-like radiance.

While in Nod-Krai, when Ineffa was away, he would often look after Aino, concerned about her diet and health. These mundane, everyday acts are a natural extension of his gentle nature.

2.4 A Mortal Who Rivals the Divine

Within the animated short and PV backgrounds provided for Varka in Genshin Impact, he is consistently portrayed as an ordinary human. He possesses no divine power, no extended lifespan, and no prescient wisdom and is ultimately unrelated to the laws of the heavens. Among the diverse cast of Nod-Krai, he alone is truly an ordinary human. Yet, it is precisely this ordinary human who, when everyone was at their lowest and morale had sunk, could step up to the responsibility of leadership, stand forward, and rally everyone's spirits. Faced with the corrupted remnant soul of Andrius, he used his own heart to carry the soul of Boreas, delivering it to Andrius within the Ley Lines. He has always upheld the knight's oath, passed on the burden of responsibility, and guarded the world he loves, carrying out the wishes from his heart with the pure life of a human. This is what makes him special.

Varka breaks the stereotype of the traditional "stern hero." With his reliable ease and responsible demeanor beneath a carefree exterior, he has become one of the most endearing characters in Genshin Impact. His charm lies in the greatness found within the ordinary, a perfect fusion of the "free wind" and the "code of chivalry."