Ruu is one of the most emotionally impactful NPCs in Genshin Impact, playing a critical role in the hauntingly beautiful storyline of Tsurumi Island, a fog-covered region in Inazuma. As a ghostly boy with a cheerful personality, Ruu stands out due to his tragic backstory and deep connection to the Great Thunderbird, Kapatcir. His tale intertwines themes of sacrifice, friendship, and redemption, making him one of the most memorable NPCs in the game. In this article, we will delve into who Ruu is, his role in the storyline, how players interact with him, and the significance of his character in Genshin Impact’s expansive lore.
Who is Ruu? – Background and Appearance
Ruu is a young boy from an ancient tribe that once called Tsurumi Island home. He appears cheerful and full of energy, showing a deep love for singing despite the dark fate that has befallen his homeland. His character model shares some similarities with Chouji, another NPC in Genshin Impact, giving him a distinctive but familiar appearance.
However, Ruu is more than just another child NPC—he is a spectral figure trapped in a loop, experiencing the same events over and over. Unlike the rest of his tribe, who are merely “occurrences” stuck in a repeating day, Ruu is fully aware of his plight. This sets him apart and makes him one of the most unique and tragic NPCs in the game.
Ruu’s Role in the Genshin Impact Storyline
Ruu plays an integral role in the overarching story of Tsurumi Island. His storyline is deeply emotional, telling a tale of misplaced sacrifice, divine wrath, and the desire to break free from fate.
The Time Loop of Tsurumi Island
Tsurumi Island is trapped in an eternal time loop, where the day of its destruction repeats without end. Most of its past inhabitants exist as echoes, carrying out their daily lives as if nothing ever changed. However, Ruu alone remembers everything and attempts to change his fate.
Ruu’s Friendship with Kapatcir
The Great Thunderbird, Kapatcir, is a powerful divine entity who once protected Tsurumi Island. Ruu befriended Kapatcir through his songs, captivating the bird with his voice. However, as the island’s circumstances worsened, the tribe sought to appease the increasingly unhappy Thunderbird through ritual sacrifice, with Ruu offering his own blood as an offering.
Unfortunately, this sacrifice backfired, enraging Kapatcir rather than pacifying her. Her fury led to the destruction of Tsurumi Island, sealing its fate and trapping its inhabitants—including Ruu—in an endless cycle of repetition.
The “Through the Mists” Quest Line
Players encounter Ruu during the “Through the Mists” world quest chain, which takes place over several in-game days. The Traveler assists Ruu in attempting to complete a ceremony that has failed time and time again throughout the loop. However, as the quest progresses, the Traveler intervenes, disrupting the process and causing Ruu to feel betrayed.
Breaking the Cycle
With the help of the Traveler and Kama, a descendant of Tsurumi Island’s last true survivor, Ruu ultimately finds a way to break the time loop. This is accomplished through a final song directed at Kapatcir, using a Thunderbird feather. The song soothes the grieving Thunderbird and helps to lift the eternal curse that plagues the island.
Ruu’s Final Rest
Ruu’s journey concludes on Seirai Island, where he sings his final song. After this, his spirit is laid to rest, and he leaves behind a special feather—a Peculiar Pinion—symbolizing his essence. This feather later serves as an item that allows players to solve various puzzles left behind on Tsurumi Island.
Personality and Significance of Ruu in Genshin Impact
Despite being trapped in an endless cycle of tragedy, Ruu maintains a playful and uplifting personality. His story is one of the most heartbreaking narratives in the game, showcasing the tragedy of misplaced devotion and the consequences of well-intended but misguided actions.
Players are particularly drawn to Ruu because of his role in confronting the complexities of divine beings and their relationships with humans. His bond with Kapatcir and his unwavering hope to break the cycle of suffering make him a character beloved by those who experience his tale.
Artifacts and Lore Related to Ruu
Ruu’s association with the Great Thunderbird is reflected in the lore of Thundering Fury, an artifact set in the game. This set’s descriptions allude to events that mirror the themes of Ruu’s sacrifice and Kapatcir’s wrath over Tsurumi Island.
How to Complete Ruu’s Quest Line – A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Start the “Through the Mists” Quest
- Travel to Tsurumi Island after unlocking it in Inazuma.
- Speak with Sumida in Inazuma City to begin the quest chain.
Step 2 – Assist Ruu in the Rituals
- Complete the daily tasks helping Ruu across multiple locations.
- Interact with Kama to piece together more of the island’s history.
Step 3 – Disrupt the Ritual and Face Ruu’s Reaction
- The Traveler ultimately disrupts Ruu’s ceremony, leading to tense cutscenes.
- Gain deeper insight into what truly happened to Tsurumi Island.
Step 4 – Perform the Final Song
- Follow Ruu to Seirai Island and complete the last ritual.
- Free Ruu’s spirit and lift the time loop curse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruu
Who is Ruu in Genshin Impact?
Ruu is a ghostly NPC found on Tsurumi Island in Inazuma. He plays a central role in the island’s story and the “Through the Mists” quest line.
What happened to Ruu?
Ruu became a sacrifice in a failed attempt to save Tsurumi Island, which led to the Thunderbird’s destruction of the land.
Is Ruu a ghost?
Yes, Ruu is a lingering spirit, aware of the time loop that keeps him stuck in the past while most other ghostly inhabitants remain oblivious.
How does Ruu’s story end?
After breaking the time loop curse, Ruu is finally able to rest in peace, leaving behind the Peculiar Pinion as a memento.
What is the significance of the Peculiar Pinion?
It is a quest item that aids in solving puzzles across Tsurumi Island, symbolizing Ruu’s presence.
Can players help Ruu change the past?
No, players help him break the loop but cannot change the past events of Tsurumi Island.
Does Ruu have a connection to other Genshin Impact characters?
Ruu has a loose resemblance to Chouji, though their stories are separate.
Why was Kapatcir angry?
She misunderstood the sacrifice as a betrayal, which led to her destruction of Tsurumi Island.
What artifact set corresponds to Ruu’s story?
The Thundering Fury set reflects themes present in Ruu’s tale.
Is Ruu referenced anywhere else in the game?
Aside from Tsurumi Island, Ruu’s influence is mainly felt through the lore of artifacts and items related to his story.
The tale of Ruu in Genshin Impact is a haunting yet beautiful illustration of devotion, sacrifice, and the consequences of misunderstanding divine entities. His story remains one of the game’s most memorable narratives, leaving players with an enduring sense of sorrow and admiration.
Source : Kleexun
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