Skirk "Star Odyssey" : Sojourner from Starry Abyss

Honestly, I thought maybe Skirk's animated short had spoilers in it, so they had to wait until the new game version dropped to show it. I didn't expect it to just pop out of nowhere.

The video mainly shows a few flashback scenes from Skirk's past. Set to the theme song by Suzuki Airi, it paints this mysterious and intriguing picture of the solitary warrior, making her feel full of story. While it doesn't give away tons of new details, it's still cool to discuss, so this piece aims to share some thoughts on the short.

The short film commences amidst the celestial expanse beyond Teyvat's firmament, conclusively establishing Skirk's identity as an extraterrestrial voyager. In ancient days, it was "The Foul" Surtalogi-one of Khaenri'ah's Five Sinners-who "fractured the bounds of the false firmament," enabling the cosmically adrift Skirk to descend into Teyvat.

What is a Descender Genshin

"In Teyvat, beings arriving from beyond this world and capable of altering its fate are termed 'Descenders.'" The concept of Descenders is now familiar, with the protagonist Traveler explicitly designated as Teyvat's Fourth Descender. Yet Skirk, also originating from the outer void, remains unqualified for this title. Crucially, within the Narzissenkreuz Ordo questline, Master Rene de Petrichor presented a more precise definition regarding these so-called Descenders:

"Not every extraterrestrial entity qualifies for the designation 'Descender.'""Only a will powerful enough to rival an entire world may be granted such a title.""How does one cultivate a will capable of safeguarding a world, sustaining its existence, obliterating it entirely, or forging it anew?"

Skirk breached Teyvat's false firmament not through her own power, nor has her will attained the magnitude required to reshape the world's destiny. As emphasized by The Foul-who facilitated her entry-she presently remains merely a "trespasser."

Numerous symbolic details warrant attention within this descent sequence. The figure of Skirk, clad in ebony attire, trails phantom fishtail wisps behind her. Moreover, since her initial debut in Version 4.2's narrative, observable fin-like protrusions extend from her back. These uncanny biological traits confirm her status as non-human, inevitably invoking associations with the cosmic leviathan-the All-Devouring Narwhal-tied to her origins and identified as the catalyst for Fontaine's "Second Diluvium".

Skirk and All-Devouring Narwhal

In truth, this cosmic titan we once deemed a nemesis is neither driven by destructive impulses nor a mindless beast. Its profound purpose could paradoxically be deemed "noble" and "benevolent," yet it simultaneously manifests through transcendental extremism. Fontaine's post-Archon Quest artifact "Tears Among the Stars" chronicles the leviathan's origins:

The All-Devouring Narwhal has glided through starless seas, traversed myriad worlds, and even been venerated as a deity by certain civilizations. Like Durin and Elynas-behemoths whose natures we've discerned-though its actions yield cataclysmic consequences, its intent remains startlingly pure. It mourns civilization's inexorable decay across eons, perpetually shedding tears, thereby electing to "devour and preserve" all unfading things within its embrace. Thus, even at time's terminus, a new genesis shall awaken within its womb.

Given Skirk's distinct physiological traits and the pivotal "karmic bond" connecting her to the All-Devouring Narwhal, we might boldly speculate: Skirk's homeworld likely venerated this cosmic leviathan as a deity, only to be ultimately consumed by the Narwhal. Following her world's destruction, Skirk-as its sole survivor-drifted through the cosmos until discovered by The Foul.

Skirk Name Meaning

The etymology of "Skirk" traces back to the Old Norse "Skær," meaning "a gleam or shimmer" (tendency to emanate from celestial sources), resonating profoundly with her title "Void Star." If Skirk truly is the last survivor of a perished cosmic civilization, the imagery of a "flickering void-star" exquisitely mirrors her origins.

In the Version 5.7 trailer, Skirk's poignant line-"Why do you possess the powers of the All-Devouring Narwhal?" -hints at critical revelations. Her upcoming Story Quest will likely delve into this enigma, and we eagerly await its illumination.

Building upon the All-Devouring Narwhal's primal motive-"the irreversible extinction of civilizations across the cosmos"-we pivot to discuss the dire cosmic phenomena plaguing the reality beyond Teyvat. Viewers surely noted disturbing anomalies within the outer universe depicted in the cinematic: fragments of Teyvat's shattered satellites from past celestial battles and, above all, that ominous crimson-hued galactic backdrop that commands profound unease.

Astronomically, galactic reddening may signal a galaxy entering its terminal evolutionary phase, where stellar formation dwindles to near cessation, and dying red giants dominate its fabric. In essence, it heralds a galaxy marching toward demise.

This aligns explicitly with descriptions in "The Little Witch and the Undying Fire"-a landmark literary work** released alongside the "Imaginary Reverie" game mode-which details our universe's current state: A cosmic-scale calamity spreads; all external existence seems to wither toward an exhaustion-driven apocalypse under some pervasive influence, with stellar civilizations extinguishing at accelerating rates, vanishing without a trace.

Beyond this tome, multiple in-game clues foreshadow this universal crisis. For instance, as indicated earlier regarding the All-Devouring Narwhal, its archive description contains statements evoking the "Fermi Paradox."

Within the "Finale of the Deep Galleries" artifact set-which chronicles the historical saga of Hyperborea, the pivotal ancient realm known as "the Golden Realm"-an immortal stellar voyager originating from a god-tier civilization likewise imparted prophecies of the cosmos' terminal fate to Nibelung.

Moreover, Skirk's character profile explicitly records her mentor, The Foul, discussing the cosmic catastrophe with fellow sinner "The Visionary" Vedrfolnir. The Version 5.7 trailer further features Skirk's revelatory line: "Forty-two of them have died out in the past few months alone; something has been leeching power from this world like a parasite steals nutrients from a host."

Synthesizing these accounts with additional in-game narrative clues, it becomes discernible that Phanes, the Primordial One-forger of Teyvat-most likely emerged as another last survivor of an advanced civilization. After witnessing his homeworld's irreversible annihilation amidst cosmic doom, Phanes embarked upon an odyssey bearing his civilization's legacy, ultimately selecting Teyvat as a colonial sanctuary. Upon descent, he comprehensively remodeled the planet using his ancestral civilization's blueprint, rekindling human life and nurturing a new civilization.

This rationale seemingly elucidates why Phanes established the "eggshell" (the Phantasmal Sky) to isolate the world from the cosmos upon arriving in Teyvat and why he maintained an almost obsessive adherence to his ordained order. As a refugee, his objective was to transform this planet into a civilizational "Ark" capable of surviving the cosmic cataclysm. This aligns with the original meaning of "Teyvat" and echoes the All-Devouring Narwhal's archive description:

"Perhaps the universe has perpetually sought to infiltrate Teyvat,""or perchance a higher power erected barriers to shield this realm."

We anticipate that Skirk's Story Quest will not only unveil her past but also unravel pivotal truths about Teyvat's relationship with the external cosmos. Concerning the future of civilizations facing existential threats, Skirk has proclaimed her resolution: "One day, we shall return to the true cosmos."

The Appearance of Teyvat

Returning to the cinematic-this marks our first glimpse of Teyvat from beyond its boundaries. The entire planet is encased within Phanes' Phantasmal Sky, an "Eudaemonia Angel"-like barrier. Yet the Foul could tear open a stable rift permitting extraterrestrial transit. Consider that Mavuika, the Pyro Archon of Natlan, required the Death Sovereign's power to briefly fracture the Phantasmal Sky during her Archon Quest. This juxtaposition underscores The Foul's incomprehensible might, affirming earlier accounts that each of the Five Sinners wields power rivaling entire worlds.

Subsequent scenes shift to Fontaine, where Furina and Neuvillette witness the "falling star" streaking across the firmament-Skirk's descent. This frames the chronological context: We know Egeria perished during the Khaenri'ah cataclysm, whereupon her familiar, Focalors, ascended as the new Hydro Archon. To liberate Fontainians from the Heavenly Principles' unjust decree, Focalors devised her magnum opus: Inviting the newborn Hydro Sovereign Neuvillette to govern Fontaine, while her human counterpart Furina assumed the divine masquerade, initiating the five-century-long "Solo Performance Without Intermission."

This confirms that Skirk's descent likely occurred sometime after the Khaenri'ah cataclysm-marginally later than the 500-year benchmark. By this era, nations across the continent had risen from the ruins of the Obsessional Calamity, restoring civilizational order.

Why must Skirk defeat her master, The Foul?

Thereafter, guided by The Foul's decree: "If you seek a means to defeat me, walk the path I once walked.", Skirk embarked upon her solitary odyssey across Teyvat.

The Foul's statement proves profoundly enigmatic: Why must Skirk "defeat" him? Is this a mentor-student covenant, or does a complex entanglement bind them-blending gratitude with enmity? In earlier official promotional materials, Skirk stated she devoted most of her existence to ceaseless Abyssal training; her obsessive pursuit of strength stems from an "unfinished objective." Could this objective be to overthrow her master? The Version 5.7 trailer further depicts Skirk clashing violently with The Foul. Truth remains veiled until her Story Quest's release-for now, let intrigue deepen.

As for the latter line: "But remember... You do not belong there, it is not your home.", it radiates boundless desolation and solitude. Despite wielding formidable power, Skirk finds no sanctuary in this world. Indeed, she belongs nowhere here-but does a warm "home" still await her return? It is unequivocal that "solitude" constitutes her intrinsic essence**, the core motif defining her character.

Later scenes in the cinematic depict landmarks Skirk traversed and people she encountered during her travels. Passing through Dragonspine, she met Alice. The renowned sorceress-perhaps discerning Skirk's extraordinary origin or sensing her solitude-extended an invitation to converse. What profound dialogue unfolded between them? Did this chance encounter amidst frozen wastes impart even fleeting warmth to Skirk's heart?

The narrative then shifts to the Sumeru Desert, where Skirk traces her fingers over ancient obelisks left by King Deshret's civilization, lost in contemplation. Before the majestic Mausoleum of King Deshret, she encounters that man-Dainsleif, the Twilight Sword. For Dainsleif, the Five Sinners represent traitors who betrayed their homeland; he has sworn vengeance. Recognizing that Skirk's swordsmanship originates from The Foul, Dainsleif confronts her with blade pointed, voice trembling with suppressed fury: "Who taught you swordsmanship? Where is he?"

Departing the desert, Skirk later wandered through Liuye's tranquil bamboo groves.

Thereafter occurred an encounter either serendipitous or fated: On Snezhnayan soil, Skirk-bound by destiny's threads-rescued another child similarly ensnared by fate, becoming his mentor. Within Abyssal rifts, she imparted her consummate swordsmanship without reservation. That child would become the Fatui Harbinger known across Teyvat as "Childe" Tartaglia. During Fontaine's prophecy crisis, Childe confronted the All-Devouring Narwhal-a creature intrinsically linked to his destiny-and it was through these events that we first encountered Skirk ourselves.

Skirk and Childe (Tartaglia)

Here, young Childe's remark to his master Skirk-"You gonna fight me with both hands today?"-references an event frequently recounted in lore. During his training, Skirk consistently engaged him single-handedly. When Childe conversed with the Traveler about his master in Fontaine, he mused whether his current strength might finally compel her to employ both hands.

While the oblivious Childe interpreted her single-handed stance as "an arrogant display fitting her stature" or "grace toward an inferior opponent," the truth was starkly different: Skirk feared gravely injuring her young disciple. Had she utilized both hands, even sparring sessions could have severed the young warrior's limbs. This scene also unveils the grim reality beneath Skirk's attire: Those are not garments, but Abyssal-forged flesh, regenerated after losing her original limbs.

This reveals that despite Skirk's stern and frosty exterior, she harbors distinct warmth toward her apprentice. She fretted over his safety, prepared meals for him, and even promised to savor sausage stew at the Childe family home. Skirk's difficulty lies not in lacking humanity, but in navigating social bonds. Her melancholic lute-plucking in the version PV stands as testament to her profoundly feeling heart-though such transcendent beings naturally drift apart from mortal concerns. We thus eagerly anticipate her Story Quest delving deeper into her psyche.

Beyond locations featured in the cinematic, Skirk also journeyed to Hyperborea-the lost Golden Realm at the northern ice sea's terminus, guided by The Foul's directives. Amid snow-entombed ruins, she unearthed Teyvat's pivotal historical secret.

This chronicle is enshrined within the artifact set "Finale of the Deep Galleries." Notably, Skirk's feather-like hair ornament strikingly resembles the "Deep Gallery's Distant Pact" Death's Plume piece from that set. Crucially, the "Frostmoon Scions"-a key faction debuting in Snezhnaya's Nord-Krai region-are whispered to be Hyperborea's last descendants.

Subsequent footage likely showcases Skirk's grueling Abyssal cultivation. Alone, she repelled legions of Abyssal horrors.

Intriguingly, while wielding Abyssal power, she battles Abyssal entities-a foe to the very darkness she commands. Origin matters not; humanity lies in defending human meaning.

This subtly implies the Five Sinners' truth transcends Dainsleif's judgment: Neither "those succumbing to temptation" nor "self-corrupted criminals," they voluntarily tread a thorned path, combating the impending apocalypse through misunderstood methodologies.

Standing solitary upon a peak of blades-this epitomizes a warrior's spirit, yet radiates boundless solitude...

The finale unfolds at a beach of profound significance: Our journey's primordial commencement point. The sand-etched mural depicts the opening scene where the Twins sought to depart Teyvat, only to be obstructed by the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.

After looking at the picture drawn in the sand, Skirk looked up at the starry night sky. A beautiful shooting star passed through her view, and then she closed her eyes. What was she thinking about in that moment? And what is she protecting or watching over, staying in this world? The animation ended on this beautiful and meaningful image, leaving us with so much to think about and plenty of unanswered questions.

Now, we'll just have to wait for the new version to find out! And don't forget to keep an eye out for more articles and merchandise about the new update!