Genshin Varesa: Character Analysis & Design Inspiration

With the arrival of Genshin Impact Version 5.5, we finally welcome the new character Varesa. Let's sum up this highly anticipated and unique character with a few key traits: superhuman strength, bottomless appetite, mastery of farming, wrestling prowess adored by children, and the charm of a pink-haired heroine.

Compared to other characters, Varesa's design stands out as a breath of fresh air. Let's delve deeper into her design philosophy!

The name "Varesa" likely originates from the Zulu mythological goddess of rainbows, rain, harvest, and agriculture, "Mbaba Mwana Waresa"-a perfect fit for Varesa's lore as a renowned orchard owner from the Land of Fertile Soil who supplies Natlan with the finest and most delicious produce.

In the Constellation "Mascara Luctatori," the term "Mascara" is often mistaken for the English "mascara" (cosmetic), but its true origin is Spanish "Máscara" (borrowed from Italian "Maschera"), meaning "mask." "Luctatori" derives from the Latin "Luctator" (wrestler) in the dative case, signifying "for the wrestler." Thus, "Mascara Luctatori" literally translates to "Wrestler's Mask," with the official Chinese Constellation name rendered as「斗士假面」("Warrior's Mask").

The mask is a cornerstone of Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) culture. For luchadores (professional wrestlers), the mask represents their "second self" and symbolizes their career. To protect the mask is to defend their identity, glory, and dignity-they never remove it in public. Removing the mask typically signifies retirement (sometimes, masks are wagered in high-stakes matches to challenge each other's honor as luchadores).

This tradition originated in the warrior rituals of Aztec and Maya civilizations, later evolving into a defining element of luchadores. Mask designs often draw from nature deities or spiritual symbols, as wrestlers believe donning the mask transforms them into the depicted deity, and their combat symbolizes efforts to reshape the world into a more fertile and vibrant realm.

Modern entertainment wrestling (e.g., WWE) has adopted mask culture to help athletes establish unique personas, enhance role-playing theatrics, and boost storyline entertainment (not to mention lucrative mask merchandise sales).

When her silhouette was first teased in the trailer, this horned girl didn't stand out-but her final design is strikingly adorable, making future Natlan characters even more anticipated!