Genshin Impact has a hierarchical power system, and it is not the Archons that sit at the very top of Teyvat. Contrary to popular belief, Teyvat is under the governance of the Heavenly Principles. They are ‘Gods’ that descended on Teyvat and defeated the seven ruling sovereigns. After defeating them, the Heavenly Principles cast their ‘Shades’ to rule Teyvat in their stead in Genshin Impact.
These Four Shades are the Rulers in Genshin Impact, who are stronger than the seven Archons. They act as envoys or emissaries for the Heavenly Principles and are in charge of different aspects of Teyvat.
The latest Teyvat chapter, Interlude teaser: The God’s Limits, has finally revealed the identity of the Four Shades. All of them hold major importance in the story of Genshin Impact, and will likely have more to do in the upcoming 6.0 and 7.0 version arcs. So, here is a quick guide on all Four Shades in Genshin Impact.
1. Ronova: Ruler of Death

Ronova was first mentioned during the Natlan Archon missions. She established the rules in Natlan and helped Yohualtecuhtin, the Lord of the Night Kingdom, in creating the Night Kingdom.
Mavuika used Ronova’s powers through the Divine Throne to defeat the Abyss in Natlan. Ronova is also responsible for the Curse of Immortality placed on all natives of Khaenri’ah. The Curse of Immortality is the core of the resentment of the Abyss Order. As long as the Curse of Immortality remains, Khaenri’ah cannot be revived by the Traveler’s sibling.
So, we might get to see an altercation between Ronova and the Abyss Order in the story very soon.
2. Istaroth: Ruler of Time
Istaroth is the Ruler of Time in the world of Genshin Impact and is known to be worshipped by the Enkanomiyans. She was responsible for diverting the attention of the Traveler’s sibling away from Khaenri’ah during the Cataclysm.
She has the power to bestow “History” and might be responsible for the rich and diverse culture of Teyvat. Her appearance in the latest ‘The God’s Limits’ teaser seems to give the impression that she is constantly bored and fickle-minded. However, it can be her way of keeping suspicion away from her well-thought-out actions.
3. Naberius: Ruler of Life
Naberius is the Ruler of Life, and she appears to have merged with ‘Gold’ Rhinedottir at some point after the Cataclysm. Rhinedottir is one of the Five Sinners of Khaenri’ah and was responsible for the Cataclysm that occurred 500 years ago.
She decided to go against the Heavenly Principles and created artificial life, like Durin and Albedo, which eventually wreaked havoc in Teyvat. At some point in time after that, she devoured the ‘Gold’ Rhinedottir, and both of them currently share the same body.
4. Asmoday: Ruler of Space
Asmoday is the ‘Unknown God’ that the Traveler and Sibling first fight during the opening cutscene of Genshin Impact. It was Asmoday who separated the Travelers and sent them to Teyvat. She calls, or used to call, herself the sustainer of Heavenly Principles.
The latest teaser suggests that Asmoday has switched sides. This can only mean that she will be going against the Heavenly Principles. Whichever the case, Genshin Impact players can finally be at peace after learning the true identity of the ‘Unknown God.’
So, a major part of the Genshin Impact’s lore has finally been revealed. This is a good indication that Nod-krai may finally fill the gaps left in the story so far, as promised by the developers. We can only look forward to the upcoming Genshin Impact 6.0 update for more information. Until then, tell us your thoughts on the Four Shades or ‘Rulers’ being revealed in Genshin Impact.