In July 2022, HoYoverse released the Genshin Impact interlude trailer A Winter Night’s Lazzo from the Teyvat Chapter, marking the first collective appearance of all eleven Fatui Harbingers. This trailer not only showcased stunning visuals and an impressive voice cast but also delved deeper into the game’s core lore. Within just four minutes, it was packed with rich cultural symbolism and philosophical undertones, offering players a deeper understanding of the Fatui Harbingers and the broader world of Genshin Impact.
The Chessboard Metaphor: The Power Map of Teyvat
The PV opens with the chessboard as its central motif, where the clash between black and white pieces directly mirrors the confrontation between Snezhnaya and the Heavenly Principles. The placement of the Anemo Archon’s Gnosis (queen) and the Geo Archon’s Gnosis (rook) reflects how Mondstadt and Liyue have already fallen under the Fatui’s influence. Meanwhile, the absence of the Electro Archon’s Gnosis (knight) alludes to Scaramouche’s defection. The endgame reveals white’s loss of advantage, foreshadowing that Snezhnaya has seized the strategic initiative.
Tracing the Prototypes of the Fatui Harbingers
The naming system of the Fatui Harbingers directly draws inspiration from the stock characters of 16th-century Italian Commedia dell’arte. This form of theater was characterized by masked performances, where each role embodied fixed traits so distinct that audiences could immediately grasp their nature upon hearing the name.
Each Harbinger bears two names: a codename and a given name. The codename is usually a two-word title paired with brackets, such as “Childe” or “Balladeer,” while the given name is a transliterated form, such as Tartaglia or Scaramouche. This dual naming convention reflects their very essence—one face is the mask presented to the world, while the other is the true identity bestowed by the Tsaritsa.
“The Jester” Pierro originates from the Pierrot archetype in Commedia dell’arte, a character known for the iconic teardrop under his left eye. In the artifact Mocking Mask, Pierro is reinterpreted as a descendant of Khaenri’ah, transformed from a figure of ridicule into one who scorns fate itself.
Recent official Genshin Fatui merch has unveiled the truth of the Harbingers’ constellations. These constellations not only correspond to their seats of power but also shed light on their identities and backstories. Whether it be Pulcinella’s formidable political authority, Pantalone’s immense wealth, or Dottore’s cruel experiments, the answers are destined to be revealed piece by piece.
The Motives and Stories of the Fatui Harbingers
The ultimate goal of all the Harbingers is unwavering loyalty to the Tsaritsa: to gather the seven Archons’ Gnoses in order to challenge the so-called “Heavenly Principles.” This shared objective unifies the core purpose behind all of their actions across the nations.
Childe and Liyue
As the youngest seat among the Fatui Harbingers, “Childe” Tartaglia is a warrior who craves battle and remains fiercely loyal to Snezhnaya. On assignment in Liyue, he once unleashed an ancient god, nearly causing a catastrophe. Yet behind the dangerous mask of this Harbinger lies a strikingly contrasting side: before his younger brother Teucer, he is the “best toy salesman in Snezhnaya,” gently weaving lies; when his family is in need, he is an unwavering protector; and in the crisis of Fontaine, he proves himself a reliable ally.
It is precisely this complexity and depth of character that makes him one of the least controversial yet most beloved Harbingers. The popularity of genshin fatui blind box speaks for itself. Looking ahead, as the story returns to Snezhnaya, the development of Tartaglia’s narrative is without a doubt highly anticipated.
La Signora and Inazuma
As the Eighth of the Fatui Harbingers, Rosalyne—better known as La Signora—plays a pivotal role in the Inazuma storyline. From the shadows, she fuels the tensions of the Vision Hunt Decree and ultimately challenges the Traveler in the duel before the Shogun. Yet her arrogance and underestimation of her opponent lead to her execution at the hands of the Electro Archon.
Her identity is torn between two worlds: the tragic past of the “Crimson Witch of Flames” and her present as a cold-blooded Harbinger. Though driven by vengeance, her obsession ultimately costs her life. La Signora’s death did not alter Inazuma’s political landscape, but it hastened the Shogunate’s self-reflection and dealt a heavy blow to the Fatui. Her exclusive artifact set and her dramatic fall continue to spark discussion among players. Through her tragic end, La Signora deepened the Harbingers’ portrayal as figures willing to sacrifice everything for their ideals, while also setting the stage for the contrasting actions of those who would follow.
Scaramouche and Sumeru
Scaramouche is one of the most controversial Harbingers and the first puppet created by the Electro Fatui. His life has been fraught with hardship. After being abandoned, he wandered the lands, befriending Katsuragi and forming bonds with the local people. However, Dottore’s deception led him to misunderstand the residents of Tatarasuna, forcing him to leave alone.
During his travels, he met a young boy and promised to live together, but the boy tragically died from illness. From that moment, Scaramouche no longer considered anyone a companion, roaming the world in solitude. Ultimately, he yearned to become a god, seeking greater power to challenge fate. Recognized by the Fatui for his potential, he embarked on the mission to seize the Archons’ Gnoses.
Arlecchino and Fontaine
The Knave Arlecchino, the Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers, leads the orphan organization House of the Hearth. She presents herself as a cold and calculating strategist, embodying both intimidation and protection—respected and relied upon by those she has adopted.
In Fontaine’s main storyline, she first tests the Hydro Archon Furina through an assassination attempt. Upon discovering that Furina is not a true god, she shifts to diplomacy, using a foretold crisis to expose Furina’s identity and negotiating with Naviette to secure cooperation in exchange for helping the people of Fontaine. Throughout this process, she rigorously trains the children of House of the Hearth, but her stern guidance hides a deep compassion. To protect them, she defies Snezhnaya’s higher authorities and even exiles the “Remnant” to allow them a normal life.
In the end, Arlecchino accomplishes her mission to obtain the Archon’s Gnosis while securing a new home for the children, transforming from a cold Harbinger into a complex figure who balances reason with emotion.
Capitano and Natlan
Capitano, the Harbinger, is a survivor of Khaenri’ah’s downfall, burdened with a curse of immortality and an obsession with restoring the ley lines. After fleeing to Natlan, he healed warriors infected by the Abyss using the Draught of Lucidity, earning a reputation as a hero. In his attempt to lay his comrades’ souls to rest, he initially tried to seize an Archon’s Gnosis but failed, eventually collaborating with the Pyro Archon to reconstruct the ley lines.
Along the way, he revealed his experiences in Khaenri’ah and, through wisdom and courage, persuaded the Pyro Archon to join him in combating the Abyss. In the end, he used the curse of immortality to exact revenge on the Heavenly Principles, breaking his own curse and restoring countless heroic souls to the ley lines. In doing so, he safeguarded Natlan while securing dignity and hope for the remaining people of Khaenri’ah.
With the chapter of Nod-Krai now unfolding, the masks and destinies of the Fatui Harbingers are gradually revealed. The final act approaches, Traveler—are you ready?
