Paimon is the Traveler’s most loyal companion inGenshin Impact, having followed them across Teyvat in search of their twin. Despite this, many in the community view Paimon with suspicion as HoYoverse has yet to fully explain who she is and what her motivations are. Others have expressed that Paimon might be evil, and that she may betray the Traveler at some point in the story.
There are a number of hints inGenshin Impactthat point to Paimon’s supposedly evil nature. Even these don’t prove her evilness, they at the very least signal that there’s more to her than meets the eye. It’s worth looking through these hints and discussing whether all the fan theories about Paimon’s true nature hold water.
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Hints that Genshin Impact’s Paimon Could Be Evil
One of the most popular theories concerning Paimon suggests that she is the Unknown God from the very first cutscene of the game – the so-called “Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.” Players have noted that the two look somewhat similar, particularly in terms of their hair and the black star motif appearing on their attire. Paimon’s galaxy-esque cloak seems more reminiscent of Dainsleif’s design than the Unknown God’s, though both are undoubtedly among themost mysterious characters inGenshin Impact.
Another interesting piece about Paimon is found in the set ofWorld Quests surroundingGenshin Impact’sEnkanomiya. In the quest “The Subterranean Trials of Drake and Serpent,” the Traveler does battle with a Pyro Abyss Lector that calls himself “Enjou.” Originally, the Abyss Lector had disguised himself as a human and become acquainted with the Traveler. After being exposed, however, he tells the Traveler that they ought to be more careful with whom they trust, then singles out Paimon. He says, “Take that little fellow by your side. Perhaps you shall someday face betrayal from that corner too. Who knows?”
Many players take that as a means of foreshadowing Paimon’s future betrayal. Since Enjou had disguised himself as a human, some theorize thatPaimon’s getup inGenshin Impactis also some sort of disguise. However, other players aren’t too convinced, highlighting that anyone from the Abyss is not to be trusted. He could simply be trying to pry Paimon and the Traveler apart. Whatever the case, it seems the evil Paimon theories will remain theories for now. In fact, it seems flat-out unlikely, especially given how much Paimon seems to care for the Traveler.
Despite the naysayers, theorists have continued to think of Paimon’s greater, antagonistic role in the story. IfPaimon isn’tGenshin Impact’sUnknown God, another theory suggests that she could be a means for Celestia to keep an eye on the Traveler. Paimon almost never leaves the player’s side, so it’s possible that she’s keeping close to keep tabs on the Traveler’s progress, then relaying her findings to those who dwell in Celestia. This theory also hints at her inevitable betrayal.
Regardless of whether Paimon is evil, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s an anomaly inGenshin Impact’s world of Teyvat. There isn’t anything like her in the game, and even the characters react to her presence with surprise. Unfortunately, HoYoverse is still keeping its cards close to its chest, refusing to reveal much of anything about Paimon’s true nature.
Though perhaps it’s this last detail that is most telling about Paimon’s allegiance. “Paimon” is a name of a demon in the Ars Goetia, a real-life book that lists the names of different demonic entities. Interestingly enough, the Archons also have names taken from the Ars Goetia. Venti is Barbatos; Zhongli is Morax; Ei is Beelzebub; and Nahida is Buer. Surely it isn’t a coincidence that Paimon is named the way she is. However, until HoYoverse confirms anything, theGenshin Impactfan theorieswill remain fan theories.
Genshin Impactis available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.
