Unlocking the Mysteries of Teyvat: What is a Hypostasis?

The world of Teyvat in Genshin Impact is filled with many enchanting secrets and hidden wonders. From the existence of the Archons to the many exotic places on the continent, there’s always something new to discover. One of the most intriguing mysteries of this realm is the creatures known as the Hypostasis, elemental constructs that appear to be imbued with great power. Not many people know what Hypostases (plural) are and where they came from aside from the few writings and some side quests that mention them in the game. Are they mere constructs of the elements, or do they possess a deeper power that lies beyond our understanding? Join us as we delve into the unknown and discover the true nature of these enigmatic beings. Get ready to be thrilled, excited, and amazed as we uncover one of the many mysteries of Teyvat.

What is a Hypostasis?

The elemental Hypostasis in Genshin Impact are beings of pure elemental energy that take the form of cube-like shells with an exposed core at the centre. The core is in the shape of an octahedron, which contains the creature’s very essence. In Genshin lore, Sumeru scholars have been studying the very nature of Hypostases, but taking a closer look is almost impossible due to their hostile nature. What remains true, however, is that they possess an immense level of elemental energy that could even rival or exceed the elemental power of the Archons themselves.

How Are Hypostases Created?

Many creatures in Teyvat possess a noticeable and definite physical form that’s mostly unchanging. On the other hand, a hypostasis is a being that is formed purely from elemental energy, devoid of a physical form and is able to manipulate its elemental energy to create a shell-like form around its core. Those cube-like shells are more solidified forms of energy that have coalesced into a distinct shape.

Hypostases are believed to be created through the convergence of elemental energy from their respective elements, such as Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, or Geo, and are formed over time through natural processes. If we look at the description of the Electro Hypostasis in the game’s map, we can see that these beings are created at special locations in Teyvat where there is a clogged ley line or an over-abundance of elemental energy. Ley lines are a network of elemental energy that runs through the ground and almost everything in Teyvat. These veins of energy can sometimes become clogged where they overflow into the overworld. You can sometimes see Ley Line Blossoms form in some places, resulting from energy bursting out from the ground up. When a being is caught within such an explosion, they are bombarded with elemental energy until they are corrupted, losing their physical forms and becoming beings of pure energy.

Basically, Hypostases started out as normal, everyday beings. They could have been butterflies, Hilichurls, or even humans who pass by these overflowing Ley Lines and become infused with elemental energy. Over time, the energy coalesces and solidifies into their distinctive cube-like forms, relegating them to their elemental nature and giving them immense power. 

Who Created the Hypostases?

No one really knows if the creation of Hypostasis is a natural occurrence or if it’s a product of an experiment by an intelligent civilisation. By looking at the process of its creation, Hypostasis could be a natural phenomenon that occurs when elemental energy converges and overloads, affecting the beings around them. Alternatively, they could have been created by people or other beings capable of containing and harnessing the energy of the ley lines.

One theory devised by some players is that the ancient civilisation of Khaenri’ah, known for their advanced understanding of elemental energy, may have had a hand in creating Hypostases. If you look at all of the Hypostases in the game, you’ll notice that they are all located on a platform that looks very much man-made. The people of Khaenri’ah could have created the Hypostasis and sealed them within these platforms as containers or as a way to harness their energy. 

Some theorise that the Archons themselves create them as guardians of elemental power. It’s also possible that the Fatui may have a hand in their creation or are at least involved in making more of them, as seen in the Sakura Arborism quest in Inazuma, where a seemingly “dead” Electro Hypostasis is suddenly resurrected. However, the true origins of these powerful beings remain a mystery.

Genshin Impact Hypostasis –  Origin of the Name

The term “Hypostasis” actually came from the Greek word “hypóstasis” (ὑπόστασις), which refers to the underlying reality or substance of things. The term was mostly used in philosophy and religion, particularly in Gnosticism and Neoplatonism. Why the name was chosen was never explained by the developers, but they do fit many themes in Genshin Impact that also has religious and philosophical origins.

Hypostases are the only bosses in Genshin Impact to have a codename assigned. The names of each Hypostasis were actually derived from the Hebrew Alphabet, further contributing to their sense of mystery and ancient significance:

What the Developers Say

Interestingly, the design of the Hypostasis is quite unique as no other creature in the game resembles them, and there’s a good reason for it. According to the developers, they wanted to create a monster that could elevate a player’s experience and understanding of the different elements in the game. They want players to experience every element and how distinct they are through the same type of enemy. Thus, Hypostasis was born. Creatures that convey the “natural order” in a unique way while forcing players to employ a strategic approach to an enemy instead of just powering through.

Each Hypostasis boss corresponds to an element and a unique set of attacks, but they all remain in their inactive cube-like state until they are approached by the player. The cube-like appearance and transforming abilities of the Hypostasis were actually inspired by the angel Ramiel from the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and the flowing cube-like transformation of Galvatron in the Transformers: Age of Extinction movie. Ramiel’s shape and appearance, combined with Galvatron’s fluid transformation, gave the Hypostasis its distinct look and abilities.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Hypostases in Genshin Impact are a fascinating addition to the game. Their mysterious origins and powerful elemental abilities make them a challenge for players to face. They also serve as a way for players to understand and appreciate the different elements and their connection to the natural world. With the game’s ongoing development, it’ll be interesting to see if the true origins of the Hypostases will ever be revealed.

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