For years, Genshin Impact players have speculated about the true identity of Paimon—our ever-present floating companion. Is she just comic relief? A helpful guide? Or something far more powerful, and even dangerous?
Two theories have risen to prominence in the lore community, both backed by in-game details, recent cinematic teasers, and world quest revelations:
- Theory 1: Paimon is Asmoday, the Ruler of Space—one of the four Shades.
- Theory 2: Paimon is the Heavenly Principles itself—the supreme Descender and ruler of Teyvat.
Both theories have staggering implications. If either is true, then the Traveler’s story—and the fate of Teyvat—could be headed for a world-shattering conclusion.
Let’s explore both possibilities.
The Lore Foundations: Shades, Descenders, and the Heavenly Principles
In Genshin’s world, the Heavenly Principles is the highest authority, a cosmic entity that conquered Teyvat long before the Archons, dethroning the original rulers—the Seven Dragon Sovereigns. From this conquest came four powerful agents: the Shades.
Each Shade governs a fundamental force:
- Naberius – Ruler of Life
- Ronova – Ruler of Death
- Istaroth – Ruler of Time
- Asmoday – Ruler of Space
These four correspond to Genshin’s five artifact slots: Flower, Plume, Sands, Goblet, and Circlet—where the Circlet of Logos symbolizes the Heavenly Principles.
The recent Gods’ Limits trailer and world quests have shown that the Shades are more than divine tools—they have personality, guilt, and even empathy. Especially Asmoday.
Theory 1: Paimon is Asmoday, the Ruler of Space
The theory that Paimon is a fragment of Asmoday is supported by multiple clues:
- Asmoday is the only Shade unaccounted for in the current story.
- She played a major role in past cataclysms, including the fall of Khaenri’ah and the separation of the Traveler twins.
- In the teaser, Asmoday’s potential guilt and desire to change the system may explain why a piece of her would break off—Paimon—to guide the Traveler on a new path.
This idea echoes Rukkhadevata becoming Nahida—a powerful god splitting off a smaller, more independent version of herself.
If Paimon is indeed a fragment of Asmoday, then her purpose may be to lead the Traveler toward becoming the new Heavenly Principles—a compassionate god guided not by order, but by memory, wish, soul, and persona.
Theory 2: Paimon is the Heavenly Principles Itself
A bolder theory proposes that Paimon is not a Shade, but the source itself—the full embodiment of the Heavenly Principles.
Clues supporting this include:
- In Gods’ Limits, Paimon’s design incorporates visual motifs from all four Shades.
- No NPC in Teyvat questions Paimon’s appearance or her ability to float—suggesting memory manipulation or normalization, possibly by divine design.
- Paimon seems to know everything—offering guidance, commentary, and insight far beyond what a simple mascot should.
In this scenario, Paimon may be the final judge of whether Teyvat deserves to continue or be reset. Her companionship is not just support—it’s observation. She walks beside the Traveler as the world’s last chance.
Traveler’s Role: The New Heavenly Principles?
Whether Paimon is Asmoday or the original Heavenly Principles, both theories converge on one striking idea: the Traveler is meant to ascend.
Clues from the Narzissenkreuz Ordo and quests like Caribert imply the Traveler is a Descender—a being from beyond the world who resists Teyvat’s system.
The Ordo speaks of the Four Orthants:
- Memory: The ability to retain truth even when Irminsul is altered.
- Wish: A desire to protect, change, or transcend fate.
- Soul: The unchanging core identity of the Traveler.
- Persona: The adaptable mask worn across Teyvat’s nations.
These aspects reflect the Traveler perfectly, suggesting they may evolve into a new kind of god—a humanized, empathetic replacement for the Heavenly Principles.
A Sobering Possibility: Traveler’s Erasure?
One of the most haunting ideas raised in the video is that Paimon may eventually overwrite the Traveler’s legacy. Much like Nahida replaced Rukkhadevata in memory, it’s possible that Paimon—if she is the Heavenly Principles—will carry forward the Traveler’s deeds, erasing their presence entirely.
To all of Teyvat, Paimon will have been the savior, while the Traveler fades silently from history.
This mirrors the player’s experience. When Genshin’s story ends, the player (like the Traveler) logs off—leaving behind a world they helped save but no longer influence.
Which Theory is True?
Both theories present compelling arguments:
- If Paimon is Asmoday, she is a repentant Shade trying to undo her sins.
- If Paimon is the Heavenly Principles, she is the very force watching over the Traveler, guiding them into their destiny.
The truth might lie somewhere in between—or even in a third theory we haven’t seen yet.
For now, all we can do is wait, explore, and speculate.
For more in-depth lore theories, visit ExploreGenshin.gg.
Source: Minsleif on YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions about Paimon’s Identity
Is Paimon confirmed to be Asmoday or the Heavenly Principles?
No. These are theories based on lore clues and are not officially confirmed by HoYoverse.
What is Asmoday’s role in the Genshin Impact lore?
Asmoday is one of the Four Shades created by the Heavenly Principles, governing the force of Space. Her actions influenced the fall of Khaenri’ah and the Traveler’s separation.
Why doesn’t anyone in Teyvat question Paimon’s existence?
This may indicate memory manipulation or normalization by divine will, suggesting Paimon’s nature is hidden from mortals by the Heavenly Principles.
Could the Traveler become the new Heavenly Principles?
Yes. Many lore clues suggest the Traveler is being guided toward replacing the current god system with a more human-centered one.
Will Paimon betray the Traveler?
There’s no indication she will. If anything, both theories suggest Paimon’s role is to protect and guide the Traveler, not harm them.
Could both theories be true at the same time?
Potentially. Paimon might be a fragment of Asmoday and also part of the Heavenly Principles’ essence, depending on how HoYoverse resolves the lore.
