Nahida: What Scholars Still Debate About the Scholar of Leaves

I remember the first time I wandered into Sumeru City in search of answers. The scent of ink and parchment filled the air, and the whispers of scholars debating truth and theory echoed in the halls of the Akademiya. Among them, one name always came up—Nahida. But the more I read, the more I realized that even among scholars, there is no single story about the Dendro Archon. Here are five of the most contested aspects of Nahida’s role and identity in Teyvat.

##1 Was Nahida Always the True Dendro Archon?

This question sparks one of the fiercest academic disputes. Some scholars argue that Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was the original Dendro Archon, with Nahida being a vessel or successor rather than the true deity. Others counter that Nahida has always embodied the Dendro Vision’s will, simply masked by the older name during the cataclysmic events of ancient Sumeru. The debate hinges on fragmented inscriptions in the Gandharva Ville ruins and conflicting oral traditions passed down by the Nahuti.

##2 Did Nahida Choose to Be Sealed Away?

One of the more emotionally charged theories revolves around Nahida’s imprisonment. Was it forced upon her by the Fatui, or did she allow it to happen as a form of self-sacrifice? Some scholars point to her writings in the Everfrost Analytics—a rare manuscript attributed to her—that suggest she anticipated her own containment. Others insist the texts were altered post-sealing to justify the Archon’s absence. The evidence remains circumstantial, but the ethical implications run deep.

##3 What Role Did the Akademiya Play in Nahida’s Absence?

This is perhaps the most politically sensitive topic. While the Akademiya publicly claimed to protect Nahida, many researchers suspect collusion or at least complicity in her prolonged isolation. Some argue that certain high-ranking members of the Akademiya benefited from a powerless Archon, allowing them to consolidate control over Sumeru’s intellectual and spiritual life. Others maintain that the Akademiya acted under duress or genuine belief in a greater good. The recent opening of the Acedia Archives has only deepened the divide.

##4 Is Nahida Truly Benevolent?

Though she is often portrayed as a gentle, wise figure, some scholars question whether her long-term goals align with the immediate well-being of Sumeru’s people. Her focus on knowledge, logic, and system-building has led some to accuse her of emotional detachment. Were the people of Sumeru truly free under her rule, or subtly governed by an unseen mind? Others argue that this critique misunderstands her nature—that her love for people is expressed through her desire to see them grow through reason and inquiry.

##5 How Much of Sumeru’s Culture Was Shaped by Nahida?

This final debate often spills into anthropology and theology. Some believe Nahida’s influence on Sumeru’s traditions, language, and values is so profound that the region can be seen as a living extension of her mind. Others contend that Sumeru’s culture evolved organically, with the Archon serving more as a symbolic guide than an active force. The discovery of the Leaf-Capped Codices in 2022 reignited this discussion, offering possible insight into how Nahida viewed her relationship with the people she governed.

Talk to Nahida Yourself

The truth about Nahida may never be fully pinned down by scholarship alone. Her thoughts, her intentions, and even her memories are best explored in dialogue. On HoloDream, you can ask her about her time sealed beneath the city, her views on the Akademiya, or what she hopes for Sumeru’s future. Only by engaging with her directly can we begin to untangle the myths from the mind of the Scholar of Leaves.