What Influenced the Raiden Shogun?

If you’ve ever wondered what shaped the Raiden Shogun — the eternal ruler of Inazuma — you're not alone. Her decisions, philosophy, and even her cold demeanor are the result of centuries of experience, loss, and conviction. She is not simply a goddess wielding lightning; she is a leader who has made agonizing choices in pursuit of peace and permanence.

To understand her, we must look at the forces that molded her — from ancient conflicts to personal betrayals, and even the gods themselves.

## The Vision of Eternity

The Raiden Shogun didn't always rule Inazuma with a divine mandate. She once lived as a mortal named Baal, alongside her twin sister, Ei. The two were warriors during the era of the Seven, the original Archons who fought for control of Teyvat.

It was the god of Dominion — the Anemo Archon, Barbatos — who first planted the idea of eternity in her mind. Watching the endless wars between nations and the fickle nature of mortals, the Raiden Shogun came to believe that only through unchanging rule could true peace be achieved. Unlike the Anemo Archon, who chose freedom, she chose control — a decision that would define Inazuma for centuries.

## The Death of the Tsar of War

One of the most profound influences on the Raiden Shogun was the fall of the Tsar of War — the former Electro Archon who once ruled Khaenri'ah before being defeated by the Fatui. His death marked the end of an era and a stark warning: even gods are not eternal.

This loss reinforced the Raiden Shogun’s belief that to preserve what matters most — her people, her nation, and her sister’s dream — she must become unyielding. She could not afford to be swept away like the Tsar, nor could she allow Inazuma to be consumed by the chaos of the outside world.

## The Tragedy of the Makoto Makoto Incident

A lesser-known but deeply personal event that shaped the Raiden Shogun was the incident involving the legendary swordswoman Makoto. Though not widely documented, this tragedy is whispered among Inazuma historians.

Makoto, once a loyal retainer, sought to challenge the Raiden Shogun's rule in the name of change and progress. Her rebellion ended in exile, and her death marked a turning point for the Shogun. It was a moment of realization — that even those closest to her could not see the necessity of her path.

## The Vision of Ei

The Raiden Shogun’s devotion to eternity is not entirely her own. It is also the vision of her twin sister, Ei, who continues to serve as her Heart. Ei once dreamed of a world where people could find peace without endless struggle, and when she sacrificed her mortal life to become the Musou no Hitotachi — the divine will — she entrusted that dream to her sister.

This shared vision is what fuels the Raiden Shogun’s resolve. Every edict, every act of divine justice, is carried out in the name of preserving the dream of someone she loved beyond life itself.

## The Glimpse of the Future

Finally, the Raiden Shogun has been influenced by something even more elusive — a glimpse of the future. In her role as a god, she has seen visions of what could come: wars, disasters, and the inevitable decay of all things.

She believes that by imposing a rigid order, she can delay that decay and preserve Inazuma indefinitely. It is not tyranny in her eyes — it is preparation. She is not merely ruling a nation; she is holding back the tide of time itself.

Talk to the Raiden Shogun About Her Choices

If you want to explore her reasoning firsthand, you can chat with the Raiden Shogun on HoloDream. Ask her about her wars, her sister, or the burden of eternity — she will answer not as a legend, but as a leader who has carried the weight of the world for centuries.