Genshin Impact Snezhnaya Characters Lore Analysis

In previous articles, we already introduced Tsaritsa, Vodyanitsa, and Odette. This time, let's turn our attention to the other new characters featured in the Sudden Snow PV. Aside from digging into their backgrounds, we will also discuss relevant known important plot background information, hoping to provide some help for everyone to better understand this Trailer PV.

"Wolf Sniper" Alyosha

Alyosha" (Russian: Алёша) is a diminutive form of the common Russian name "Alexey" (Russian: Алексей). The name shares its etymology with the Latin "Alexius," meaning "defender.

This young man is not entirely unfamiliar to us. In the previous Snezhnaya preview PV, "Frozen Tundra Shrouded in Wind and Snow," Alyosha had already appeared fighting alongside the Traveler. At that time, it was evident that he was a character wielding a polearm and possessing an Electro Vision. Unexpectedly, he is proficient not only with a spear but also with firearms.

Alyosha Weapon Prototype

The rifle used by Alyosha in the preview PV is likely based on the famous Russian bolt-action rifle, the Mosin-Nagant (Russian: Винтовка Мосина). Originally adopted as a standard-issue weapon by the Russian Empire in 1891, it was one of the earliest military rifles to use smokeless powder. Due to its simple production, low cost, and high reliability and durability, the Mosin-Nagant served for a long period from the Tsarist army to the Soviet Red Army and was also copied and used by many countries. It is one of the longest-serving military rifles in history.

The Mosin-Nagant was heavily used during World War II, with various derivative models such as sniper and carbine versions. It is considered an iconic weapon of the Soviet Red Army, having endured trials of blood and fire. This rifle was also favored by snipers. For instance, Vasily Zaitsev, known as the "Ghost of Stalingrad," used a Mosin-Nagant rifle during the Battle of Stalingrad to eliminate a large number of Axis soldiers and neutralize several enemy ace snipers, becoming a renowned Soviet hero. The exploits of these legendary snipers added to the rifle's mystique.

Alyosha Coat Prototype

Alyosha's distinctive fur-trimmed hooded coat is also worth mentioning. Its design may reference the traditional fur garments of ethnic minorities in Russia's Siberian and Arctic polar regions, such as the Yakuts (Sakha: Сахалар), the Nenets (Nenets: ненэй ненэче), and the Chukchi (Chukchi: лыгъоравэтльат). Considering that Alyosha's attire differs noticeably from other Snezhnayans and carries strong ethnic characteristics, the setting of Snezhnaya may also encompass a range of minority tribal groups.

As for the scene in the PV where Alyosha clashes with Valeriy, it surely left a deep impression on viewers. Although it may simply be an artistic representation, the possibility that Alyosha has mixed Fae blood cannot be ruled out. After all, among Snezhnaya's six major Fae types, the Volkodlak includes the wolf-integrated "Wolf Clan," the Cirnareka Clan.

Note: Although the origin of the Fae lies in artificial lifeforms created by the Hyperboreans, with wildly varied appearances, theoretically there is no reproductive isolation between Fae and humans; they can interbreed and produce offspring. In fact, the Frostmoon Scions, as descendants, once established strict marriage laws for their people out of a desire to purify their "sacred bloodline" through eugenics. These laws specifically included a prohibition against marrying the descendants of Fae spirits.

"Bear Major" Valeriy

"Valeriy" (Russian: Валерий) is a very classic and popular Slavic male name. Its etymology traces back to the Latin "Valere," originally the ancient Roman noble surname "Valerius," which gradually took root in Slavic cultural circles over the course of history and evolved into its current form. The name carries the meaning of "strong, brave, healthy," evoking an impression of a tough and resilient man—which is precisely the first impression Valeriy gives.

Valeriy holds the rank of a Fatui Major. Previously, in the "Trials of the Brave Warrior" event, the lieutenant who sparred with the Traveler was a proud student of Major Valeriy. Those who have read the lieutenant's introduction and spoken with him should know that he is indeed a remarkable exemplary soldier. From him, we also learn that his instructor, Major Valeriy, is a strict yet kind-hearted teacher, and the soldiers he trains naturally share his unwavering will and upright character.

Now that Valeriy's image has been officially revealed in the PV, combined with descriptions of him, one can't help but notice some similarities to Capitano.

Similar to Alyosha's case, although Valeriy himself shows no apparent Fae features and appears to be human, considering the visual presentation in the PV, the possibility that Major Valeriy possesses Fae blood cannot be ruled out. Specifically, this would refer to mixed blood from the "Miscislavli Clan," i.e., the "Bear Clan," among the Volkodlak.

Of course, this could also simply be an artistic representation of combat.

"Vila Captain" Vesna

The name "Vesna" (Russian: Весна) means "spring." Its prototype is derived from the Slavic goddess of spring, who symbolizes the vitality of nature's renewal and is a deity celebrating youth, love, and hope. In mythology, Vesna is often depicted as a young, beautiful maiden with a radiant smile. She loves to wear a wreath woven from fresh flowers and walks barefoot upon the earth. Legend has it that wherever she steps, the ice and snow melt, grass and trees sprout, and a hundred flowers bloom.

The most famous legend of this goddess is her eternal struggle with Morana (Russian: Марена), the goddess of winter and death, reflecting the Slavic people's imagination of seasonal change. Each harsh winter, Morana rules the land, bringing withering and cold. The approach of spring signifies Vesna gradually overcoming and driving away Morana, returning warmth and new life to the earth. In Slavic folk traditions, people hold ceremonies to celebrate the victory of this spring goddess, joyously welcoming the arrival of spring.

In the South Slavic regions, Vesna is sometimes also considered a general term for "spring fairies." These fairies are skilled in song and dance and are believed to be spirits dwelling in forests and mountains, governing nature and fertility.

Vesna and Morana, the struggle between spring and winter (Artist: nicollelalonde)

Vesna belongs to the Fae race, specifically the Vila, one of Snezhnaya's six major Fae types. The appearance of the Vila clan closely matches our traditional impression of elves. Their most distinctive feature is the beautiful membranous wings on their backs that allow them to fly through the air. It is speculated that when the ancient Hyperboreans created this category of Fae, they spliced genes from certain flying insects, such as dragonflies or damselflies.

This is actually not the first time the name "Vesna" has appeared. During Version "Luna VI," the Snezhnayan traveler Tyutcheva in Mondstadt's Millhaven, who studies perfume blending, mentioned "Miss Vesna of the Druzhna" to us. Tyutcheva wished to recreate a perfume once used by the legendary first Vila Grand Duke, Strezheva. It is said that even the Belyi Tsar was briefly captivated by that fragrance and gave it high praise. She had inquired about it with Vesna, but unfortunately, no one among the current Vila clan knows the ancient recipe anymore.

As for the Druzhna (Russian: дружи́на), it was already mentioned in the historical discussion about the Tsaritsa's post-coronation reforms in the earlier section on Odette. Its prototype is the military retinue of princes in medieval Slavic states, such as Kievan Rus'. Phonetically translated as "Druzhina," it can also be semantically translated as "personal guard." Within the game's world, the Druzhna is a long-established military organization founded at the dawn of Snezhnaya's existence. It is the orthodox, direct-line force sworn to serve the Tsar, traditionally composed entirely of Fae.

Five hundred years ago, after the Tsaritsa reformed the system and established a new army, the two major military groups—the Fatui and the Druzhna—began to coexist in Snezhnaya. It is currently unclear what the relationship between these two forces is like—whether they have maintained good cooperation over the long term or if there are disagreements and friction. The earlier Snezhnaya ecology preview short, "Laws of the Bitter Frost," also showed the Druzhna functioning as a city peacekeeping force, arresting criminals on the streets of Snezhnograd.

Vesna is likely an officer in the Druzhna, leading a unit composed of Vila soldiers. In the PV, we can hear her shouting commands to her troops, demonstrating a strong sense of loyalty and honor.

"Battle Maid" Danica

"Danica" (Russian: Даника) is a Slavic feminine name meaning "morning star" in Slavic languages. It is derived from the Slavic mythological morning star goddess Danitsa (Даница). Legend has it that the goddess Danitsa is the daughter, mother, or sister of the Sun, and also the lover of the Moon. Some Slavic folk tales even mention that the Moon's admiration for Danitsa sometimes arouses the Sun's jealousy.

Similar to mythologies from other parts of the world, the ancient Slavs initially perceived Venus, appearing in both the morning and evening due to its unique astronomical orbital pattern, as two separate stars (known in ancient China as the "Morning Star" and the "Evening Star"). They attributed multiple divine personalities to it, as is the case with the goddess Zorya (Russian: Заря), who shares the same origins as Danitsa.

The Sun God and the Three Zorya Sisters

Legend has it that the morning star goddess Zorya Utrennyaya and her sister, the evening star goddess Zorya Vechernyaya, are daughters of the sun god Dažbog. Each guards the sun's golden throne. Every morning, the morning star goddess is responsible for opening the gates of the heavenly palace for her father, allowing the sun god to ride his horse-drawn chariot across the sky to illuminate the earth. This goddess symbolizes the beginning of a new day, purity, and rebirth. At dusk, the evening star goddess welcomes the sun's return and closes the gates of the heavenly palace. This goddess symbolizes the peaceful end of the day, guardianship, and foresight.

In the East Slavic version of the myth, an additional goddess of midnight is included: Zorya Polunochnaya. This goddess is the most mysterious, said to guard the secrets of the deep night and the world. Together with the morning and evening star goddesses, she forms a triple goddess collectively known as the "Three Zorya Sisters." These three goddesses symbolize the eternal rhythm of day and night's alternation and the balancing power of light and darkness coexisting, forming the complete cycle of day and night, life and death, beginning and end.

However, in the game, this formidable-looking battle maid, Danica, has only made a brief appearance so far. Her identity and more information will have to be unveiled after Snezhnaya is released. Based on her actions in the train carriage scene, it is speculated that Danica may outwardly serve as the head maid attending to the Tsaritsa, while secretly acting as a "black glove" deeply trusted by the Tsaritsa—gathering intelligence and discreetly handling various threats.

What appears to be an elegant maid's polite inquiry is actually intimidation like a sharp blade.

"Crimson Flame Noble" Noy

The name "Noy" (Russian: Ной) is the Russian form of the Hebrew masculine name נֹחַ (Nóakh), meaning "rest" or "comfort." The most famous bearer of this name is the prophet Noah from the Bible, who, as a righteous man, was instructed by God to build the ark before the great flood.

Although Noy appears in only a single scene in the PV, his distinguished appearance alone reveals his noble status. His words mention that the current strife in Snezhnaya over support for or opposition to Project Stuzha is already quite peaceful compared to the chaos of Snezhnaya's era of contention for supremacy and the drastic changes of the reform era. This suggests that he has lived through a long span of years, likely marking him as a figure of considerable seniority among the Fae.

Noy's race clearly does not belong to one of Snezhnaya's six common Fae types. It is speculated that, similar to Flins's affiliation with the "Lantern Fae," he belongs to an ancient and mysterious rare species.

In fact, Noy and Flins are likely old acquaintances. When Flins chose to abandon his noble status and depart from Snezhnaya five hundred years ago, it was described that "until the red flames burned across every inch of the frozen tundra, that wisp of blue fire fell completely silent in people's stories." Noy's appearance in the PV is accompanied by crimson flames. There is a considerable possibility that the "red flames" mentioned in Flins's story refer to him.

Both Flins and Noy have long hair

Flins was once "a wisp of blue fire guiding the souls of the dead across the frozen tundra" (after arriving in Nod-Krai, Flins continued his work as a vigil keeper). If Noy is his successor in the homeland, the meaning of his name—rest and comfort—would perfectly correspond to the duty of comforting spirits.

"Torch Scholar" Mitya

The name "Mitya" (Russian: Митя) is a diminutive form of the common Eastern Orthodox masculine name "Dmitry" (Russian: Дми́трий). It is the Russian form of Demetrios, originating from the Ancient Greek Δημήτριος, which literally means "devoted to Demeter," indicating a follower of the goddess of earth and harvest, Demeter (Ancient Greek: Δημήτηρ), or a devotee of the earth.

There are many historical figures named Dmitry. Considering that Mitya's design clearly incorporates scholarly elements, it is possible that the character pays homage to the great Russian scientist and founder of the periodic law of elements, Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev (Russian: Дми́трий Ива́нович Менделе́ев).

One can see that Mitya wears a brooch shaped like an atomic model, which is one of the reasons for speculating that the character pays tribute to Mendeleev

Within the game's world, it is speculated that Mitya may be a member of Snezhnaya's research institute, the "Royal Energy Commission of Snezhnaya." As a genius, he might even hold a high position, which aligns with the PV scene showing him responsible for maintenance in front of Kresnik's Torch.

Note: It is currently unclear what energy source powers Kresnik's Torch, which releases immense energy to withstand the blizzards. In Fontaine, we have seen the highly potent yet dangerous Arkheium Ore, and in Nod-Krai, we have witnessed the utilization of Kuuvahki energy. Considering Snezhnaya's Russian-inspired background, it is plausible that Kresnik's Torch employs a form of energy similar to nuclear power. After all, the world's first nuclear power plant was the Soviet Union's Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant (Russian: Обнинск).

Based on this speculation, aside from the possibility of paying homage to Mendeleev, the name "Mitya" might also be inspired by the Soviet scientist Dmitry Ivanovich Blokhintsev (Russian: Дми́трий Ива́нович Блохи́нцев), who led the construction of the world's first nuclear power plant.

Information about Kresnik's Torch has been mentioned in NPC dialogues in Nasha Town as early as Version "Luna I." As a city built upon the frozen tundra, Snezhnograd relies on an artificial heat source to combat the harsh natural environment and sustain its normal operations. This towering steel structure, named Kresnik's Torch, is the culmination of generations of scientists from the Energy Commission.

The prototype of "Kresnik" (also spelled Krsnik) originates from the Slavic mythology of the Slovenian region. He is the god of light, the summer solstice, fire, and thunder. This golden-haired deity resides in a fantastical realm known as the "Land of the Rising Sun" or the "Ninth Kingdom," ruling over a golden sacred mountain that symbolizes the world's axis. Legends say he wields a divine weapon and drives his golden chariot across the sky, bringing fire and heat to the world. He sometimes transforms into a stag with golden antlers, associated with the myth of the summer solstice. Similar to Heracles in Greek mythology, Kresnik also accomplished his Twelve Labors.

Kresnik's Torch functions similarly to the Generator in Frostpunk—it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the heart of the city. In the PV, as this towering steel structure malfunctions and shuts down abnormally, all of Snezhnograd is enveloped by biting winds and snow, gradually freezing over. This is precisely the omen of an impending crisis and the ultimate trial...

Sudden snow is coming. Where will the story go from here? Stay tuned for more story！