The highly anticipated “Moonlit Ballad of the Night” teaser trailer for Nod-Krai has finally dropped, and it’s a treasure trove of lore hints for Genshin Impact enthusiasts! This five-minute spectacle not only introduced us to over 11 new characters but also provided crucial insights into the upcoming Archon quest. While you can find details on the new characters in our Nod-Krai character list, this breakdown will focus purely on the tantalizing lore reveals.
1. Nod-Krai’s Hidden Connection to Mondstadt
The trailer surprised everyone with Varka’s face reveal, but his presence in Nod-Krai holds a deeper significance. When asked about his purpose, Varka cryptically replies, “I came here for the moon (Mondstadt).” The parenthetical “Mondstadt” in the English subtitles isn’t just wordplay; it strongly suggests a profound link between the moon goddess or lunar powers of Nod-Krai and Mondstadt, a region that predates the Seven Archons. This connection could unravel ancient mysteries surrounding both regions.
2. Unveiling the Primordial Being and Three Moons
One of the most captivating lore drops details an era before the Descendants arrived on Teyvat. This period, where life and death had no boundaries and willpower flowed freely, was ruled by a “Primordial Being”. This entity is said to have “made three moons rise from the Earth.”
While we’ve heard of the “Primordial One” (also known as the Heavenly Principles and the creator of Teyvat), it’s unclear if these two primordial figures are one and the same. Regardless, the trailer confirms the origin of the three sisters—the Iridescent Moon, Eternal Moon, and Frost Moon. With two of these moons already fallen and one illuminating the sky as a corpse, the Nod-Krai storyline will likely revolve around the enigmatic Frost Moon.
3. The Frostmoon Scions’ Rebellion and Fatui Intrigue
It wouldn’t be a Genshin Impact Archon quest without the Fatui meddling, and Nod-Krai is no exception. A brief appearance from Sandrone reveals that the “Frostmoon Scions have rebelled.” This rebellion is seemingly against Snezhnaya or the Tsaritsa. Interestingly, Columbina appears not as a Fatui Harbinger, but as the “Moon Maiden,” leading to speculation that she might be the one spearheading this rebellion against the Fatui.
4. The Ancient Shadow and Celestia’s Peril
Nicole Reeyn makes a fleeting appearance, warning that “beyond the Moonlight’s reach, an Ancient Shadow is brandishing its claws aimed at the stars.” This “Ancient Shadow” is almost certainly the Wild Hunt, which has known ties to the Abyss. Given that “stars” typically refer to Celestia and the Heavenly Principles, this line hints at the immense power lurking within Nod-Krai’s hidden depths—power that could potentially be used to challenge or even collapse Celestia itself.
5. The Slipping Veil of Lies and the Moon’s Fall
Columbina’s captivating presence as the “Moon Maiden” brings with it a prophecy of significant story implications: “In the water, the future mirrors the past, the veil of lies is slipping, the moon’s fall is nigh.”
The “Veil of Lies” is the most intriguing part of this prophecy. This likely refers to the hidden truths about Teyvat, from the “False Sky” to the very constellations themselves. It suggests that the Heavenly Principles have concealed the true nature of Teyvat, and these deceptions are slowly unraveling. Furthermore, Columbina’s mention of the “Moon’s fall” implies a direct connection between these lies and the moon. The eventual fall of the moon could be the catalyst for finally understanding Teyvat’s true identity.
6. The Mystery of Silver Blood
The trailer places a strong emphasis on Lauma, one of Nod-Krai’s new characters. During a unique ritual, she cuts her hand, and remarkably, her blood is silver in color, not red. This silver blood is then used to draw a crescent moon on her forehead.
While it’s currently unknown if this is a common trait among all Frostmoon Scions or exclusive to Lauma, the silver blood is significant. As it drips into the water, it transforms into the tendrils of the Wild Hunt. While this could be for cinematic flair, it strongly suggests a profound link between the Wild Hunt and the unique Lunar power prevalent in Nod-Krai.
7. The Wild Hunt’s Elusive Target
Our glimpse of the Wild Hunt in the trailer is brief but telling. It appears as hands reaching out, seemingly trying to grasp something. During its attack on Flinn, one of Nod-Krai’s Lightkeepers, Flinn states that the Wild Hunt has the “wrong person” before dissipating it. This interaction heavily implies that the Wild Hunt is actively searching for a specific individual, perhaps even the “Moon Maiden” herself?
8. Wanderer’s Unfinished Business
The trailer concludes with the appearance of the Wanderer. After parting ways with Alice and Albedo, he mentions an “old score to settle in Nod-Krai.” This “old score” almost certainly refers to “The Doctor” (Dottore), the second-ranked Fatui Harbinger, known for his cruel past and connection to Scaramouche (the Wanderer). This confirms Dottore’s presence and activity in Nod-Krai, even if he wasn’t directly shown in the teaser.
These eight details from the “Moonlit Ballad of the Night” trailer provide a captivating glimpse into the mysteries awaiting us in Nod-Krai. Did you spot anything else we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below!
