Summary
Genshin Impactloves to have its lore packed to the brim with mystery and enticing questions. One of these such mysteries is Istaroth, god of time. Only ever mentioned in Inazuma and Mondstat, there is very little known aboutGenshin Impact’s Istaroth. To have such an important role in shaping history, fans expected to know more about her by now. However, with the recent events in Fontaine and Sumeru, her attention is sure to be drawn.
The changing of Irminsul history and the fulfillment of the Fontainian prophecy are both topics that would lure in a god of time such as Istaroth. And yet, strangely, the god remains silent. Due to her silence, fans believe HoYoVerse is saving her appearance for a potential Interlude chapter, likeGenshin Impact’s Wanderer. If not, she can be expected to be mentioned in a future Venti Story Quest due to their ties together.
Genshin Impact: Istaroth’s Potential Appearance
Necessary Background on Istaroth
It is important to take a look at what exactly Istaroth has done to be able to predict where she might appear. DuringRaiden Ei’s second Story Quest, Istaroth played a bigger role than anticipated. To help save Inazuma, she carried a seed from the future to the past—the Sacred Sakura seed. Interestingly enough, the people of Inazuma act as if the tree had always been there, but Ei herself had been curious about its sudden appearance. This event resembles what happened when Irminsul was tampered with.
However, when Irminsul was messed with, not even Nahida knew in the moment; she had prepared for the scenario, but she did not instantly know Irminsul was updated.
She isn’t the only one who has implied close ties to Irminsul; theGenshin ImpactHexenzirkeldirectly claim to study and work on it. Being able to tamper with history and common knowledge like this is highly impressive for witches, even for a god–but Istaroth is not just a god, she’s heavily implied to be one of the four Shades, having been around since Enkanomiya’s time at the minimum.
Istaroth’s Most Likely Appearances
If Inazuma were to have an Interlude chapter, since it’s currently the only nation without one (not including Fontaine, since the Archon Quest just got tied up), this would be an ideal place to have Istaroth appear. Her history there withthe Sacred Sakuraseed and Enkanomiya would be a good chance to finally give her the spotlight. And if she has passed on or is no longer divine, as this too is an option, it would be the only place that explaining it would make sense.
If not Inazuma, then Mondstat during a second one ofGenshin Impact’s VentiStory Quests might be her time to shine. Since this is where she was last recorded to be and so many Mondstat sayings reference her, it isn’t far-fetched to assume she could show up here. This would also double down on any potential ties to the Hexenzirkel due to their tie to Barbatos as well. After all, they directly challenged him, but he instead opted for peace. If Istaroth was in Mondstat, there are some potential ideas the quest may follow:
