How Strong is Skirk's Master "The Foul" Surtalogi？

Welcome back, Travelers! In this article, we'll integrate the newly released personal lore from Genshin Impact Version 5.7 to unravel the story of Skirk and her master, "The Foul." I'm certain you're also burningly curious about exactly how formidable Skirk's master's power truly is—let's dive in together through Skirk's own narrative!

1. Skirk and "The Foul" Surtalogi's "Bond"

Dainsleif's brother, Vedrfolnir-one of the Five Sinners known as "The Visionary"-once prophesied to Surtalogi, who was likewise a Sinner titled "The Foul":

"Sin infests the firmament; calamity unfurls across the universe. You are free, and none now may proscribe you-yet your destiny remains bound to that of this world. Indeed, you shall send your disciple here in the near future."

As foretold by "The Visionary," an untold span of time later, a planet in the far reaches of the cosmos faced annihilation. By chance, the passing "Foul" discovered a surviving girl-our protagonist of this chapter, Skirk.

Young Skirk's appearance starkly differed from her adult form: she possessed typical human limbs, and her pupils were not yet the vertical slits they would become. In those days, she was a child filled with wonder for the starry universe. One fateful day, an alien merchant fleet descended upon her planet. Initially, peaceful trade unfolded between the peoples. But abruptly, without warning, the aliens deployed armies to purge her world. Their reason? Discovering humanity's extraordinary adaptability to environments, they deemed the species a "threat."

It's worth noting that humans on this planet had always coexisted with the Abyss. While they hadn't mastered the technology to harness it flexibly, all bore traces of its influence. Thus, when "The Foul" addressed Skirk's genocide, he initially assumed her race was exterminated for gaining control over the Abyss. This implies two revelations: first, the Abyss remains relatively common across the cosmos, and second, it is universally despised.

We often perceive Teyvat as uniquely plagued by the Abyss-a world of exceptional calamity. Yet, long ago, the weapon "Sword of Descension" divulged a secret: something termed the "star-devouring darkness" exists in the cosmos, consuming myriad stars under a terrifying law-"all who exist must one day perish."

"The Little Witch and the Undying Fire," a book hinting at multiple members of the Hexenzirkel, repeatedly alludes to the universe's current state. From this, we can infer the behavioral logic of the First Descender: Why did they come to Teyvat? The fundamental reason may have been flight from catastrophe-perhaps their homeland perished, with disaster pursuing them. Why did the First Descender establish barriers at Teyvat's borders? Likely to shield its interior from cosmic scourges. It may be this firsthand witness of apocalypse that explains the Heavenly Principles' extreme caution toward external forces.

Based on available texts, I deduce that the primary threat to the cosmos remains, with overwhelming likelihood, the Abyss.

2. Genshin Impact's Story of "The Foul" Surtalogi

Surtalogi "The Foul" was originally the child of a Khaenri'ah death row prisoner, born within prison walls and raised on the streets. In his youth, he trained in orthodox Black Serpent swordsmanship. However, after years of refinement combined with his ascension through Abyssal power, his current combat style bears little resemblance to the original Black Serpent techniques-though faint traces linger as the foundation of his battle philosophy.

His apprentice Skirk naturally inherited fragments of this art. Thus, when she clashed with Dainsleif, he instantly recognized its origins. While Dainsleif has relentlessly pursued these traitorous Sinners to exact punishment, his quest for vengeance may prove futile. The Foul stands as the currently strongest character in Genshin Impact's lore by an overwhelming margin. Even if located, Dainsleif's present combat prowess could never subdue him.

Teyvat long since became too small for The Foul. A battle maniac who craves worthy opponents, he declared upon leaving: "Nothing left on this planet interests me anymore." Implicitly, this meant not even the Heavenly Principles remained a threat-no entity in Teyvat could defeat him or even spark his interest.

In Teyvat, supreme warriors are acknowledged as those wielding "power rivaling the world." Theoretically, after claiming a fraction of the world-defying power from the Abyss, The Foul's innate talents amplified this share to hundreds, even thousands of times its base strength. Hence, even among the Five Sinners, none can compare to him in combat capability.

Recall Dain's earlier absolute certainty regarding the Khaenri'ah curse: "The curse is utterly irreversible." Yet The Foul dismissed breaking curses with unsettling nonchalance. He once took Skirk across the cosmos, where planet-consuming weapons forged with stellar resources, deities coalesced from collective faith, and warriors chosen from billions-all fell like dust before him. Skirk has never witnessed him exert full effort.

The Foul proclaims himself the universe's greatest "Calamity." To him, neither Teyvat nor the cosmos at large holds any true adversaries.

3. Master-Apprentice Relationship Between Skirk and "The Foul" Surtalogi

In his youth, Surtalogi pursued power at all costs. Yet when he finally obtained strength sufficient to overturn all plots, he grew apprehensive-dreading an eternity of invincibility and a life condemned to tedium. Thus emerged his desire to take an apprentice, precisely as foretold in his dialogue with "The Visionary" years prior.

"The Foul" believed becoming his disciple was no boon for Skirk. His rescue stemmed solely from recognizing her talent; he hoped she would grow potent enough to challenge him one day. Consequently, his instruction-whether imparting combat arts or sparring-was exceptionally harsh. Their bond bore no resemblance to conventional master-apprentice ties, devoid of sentimental attachment. The Foul acted decisively, enforcing promises ruthlessly. Skirk regarded him with fear and respect, overshadowing any affection.

Skirk's species coexisted inherently with the Abyss, granting physical resilience superior to ordinary humans and compatibility with its power. Through studying Khaenri'ah's remnants, Skirk devised a technique to mimic elemental energy using Abyssal force. Hence, though an outworlder never blessed by gods or granted a Vision, she freely commands Cryo abilities. Her altered appearance likely stems from prolonged Abyssal corruption.

In Genshin Impact, the Abyss and Serpent often intertwine. Past PVs implied the "Serpent" brought "pollution." Sumeru's lore explicitly labels "Marana"-an Abyss-linked entity-as "serpent venom." Her vertical pupils likely manifest this erosion.

After becoming The Foul's apprentice, ceaseless training caused Skirk's limbs to necrotize repeatedly. Each time, he "reassembled" them. This hellish cycle persisted. Her limbs are now reshaped by Abyssal energy-meaning she retains neither original hands nor feet.

The Foul deemed fear empowering and emotions burdensome. Under his influence, Skirk mastered emotional restraint, rendering her excessively rational. To further her growth, he declared he would one day return to annihilate everything she cherished. Knowing her master's nature, Skirk trains relentlessly, desperate to defeat him and avert oblivion.

While permitting Skirk freedom to explore the world, forge bonds, and build a future, he imposed a covenant of destruction. This aimed to burden her with more to lose; deeper bonds would amplify dread of his coming. Fear, he believed, would ignite her latent power-an outcome he welcomed. Yet Skirk refuses this design. To shield others, she grew isolated, purposely avoiding human contact. Thus in Teyvat, she counts few as true friends.

4. What Happened After Skirk Came to Teyvat in Genshin Impact?

We've known from earlier lore that Alice-Klee's mom-patrols the world's borders. Straight up, Skirk's basically seen as a "trespasser" in Teyvat. So Alice reached out to her, partly on duty, partly out of curiosity. Their chats confirm Alice gave Skirk her current identity and nudged her to stop bottling up emotions. Though not exactly old pals, the Traveler and Skirk vibe as fellow "space drifters" stranded in Teyvat.

Maybe "once bitten, twice shy"-Skirk treats her apprentice Tartaglia way better than "The Foul" treated her. Their dynamic's awkward, but her care's real, like keeping him from losing limbs and distancing him while he's still weak.

When Skirk talks about Childe, it's got that "talking about my kid" vibe. "The Foul" was a battle junkie-someone who loved fighting-and Childe mirrors that trait perfectly. Skirk took him on as a student for two reasons: First, after waking the All-Devouring Narwhal, he gained combat skills to survive it. Second... she probably saw "The Foul" in him.

They met when Tartaglia was 14-he'd fallen into the Abyss escaping bears and wolves. Master and apprentice trained for three months (only three days passed on the surface due to time distortion). Under Skirk's guidance, Tartaglia's talent bloomed. Back on the surface, few could rival him. The Fatui quickly made him a Harbinger. Fun fact: Childe's Elemental Burst name is a combo of all Skirk's move names! Even funnier: Skirk jokes he loses because "he shouts technique names half a breath slower than me." (Obviously teasing)

Current Childe's strong enough to make Skirk fight him seriously with both hands, but catching up to or surpassing her? No way. Yet he's barely 20-a human with crazy potential compared to millennia-old monsters. Calling him "one to watch" fits perfectly.

A prodigy with sky-high promise, mirroring his master... If this story continues, Tartaglia might just take down "The Foul." Here's hoping that day comes!

Thanks for reading this article! Not sure if you've gotten to know Skirk and her master better now? I'm pretty sure this piece also answered some of the burning questions Travelers had in mind. If you found it useful, keep an eye out for our latest posts and merchandise!