Who Is Skirk? - Swordswoman Of The Abyss (Genshin Theory And Speculation)

Deep beneath the mystical realm of Tavat lies a shadowy and unforgiving abyss, a place shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Within this enigmatic abyss, a remarkable tale unfolds, one that revolves around a young boy named Ajax and a woman known as Skirk. This is the story of a chance encounter that would forever alter the course of Ajax's life. Join me on this journey as we explore the enigmatic persona of Skirk and unveil the potential behind her cryptic existence.

The Elusive Skirk: A Mysterious Figure in Genshin Impact

Skirk is a figure scarcely mentioned in the lore of Genshin Impact, a mysterious swordswoman dwelling in the abyss. It was within this abyss that Ajax, a young and spirited boy, found himself after an unexpected fall. Here, he crossed paths with Skirk, who would become his mentor, imparting to him the knowledge of the "Foul Legacy" transformation. Yet, the shroud of secrecy enveloping Skirk's identity remains largely undisturbed.

Ajax's three-month sojourn in the abyss felt like a mere three days upon his return to the surface. This temporal distortion hints at the otherworldly nature of Skirk's dwelling. Ajax, now known as Tartaglia or "Child," went on to join the enigmatic organization known as the Fatui, becoming the 11th of the Fatui's harbingers. His reputation as a formidable adversary in the field of battle is rivaled only by his lingering curiosity about Skirk's true power. Child revealed that Skirk could best him in combat with just one hand, a testament to her extraordinary prowess. He aspires to challenge her once more and compel her to employ both hands in the duel. The implication is clear: Skirk is an entity of unparalleled might, and should we ever find ourselves facing her, we must exercise extreme caution.

A Glimpse into Skirk's Enigmatic Power

Child's fighting style, a unique blend of bowmanship and the use of hydro swords, offers valuable insights into Skirk's identity and abilities. It is widely speculated that Skirk may have affiliations with the Abyss Order and that she may have drawn inspiration from an Abyss Herald, adapting their fighting style. Alternatively, she might be a hydro-based Abyss Herald herself, a prospect met with both intrigue and trepidation.

Child's "Foul Legacy" transformation, a form we confront in the Leeway Archon Quest, exhibits striking similarities to both the Hydro Abyss Herald and the Electro Abyss Lector. This coherence is no coincidence, as Child wields both hydro and electro elements in this form. This further underscores Skirk's potential association with the Abyss Order, or at the very least, her prior encounters with its members.

In the 3.5 update, we learn that Abyss Heralds and Lectors were endowed with blessings and power from a mysterious entity known as "The Sinner." It is conceivable that Skirk may have crossed paths with The Sinner or a comparable entity in her past, thereby gaining exceptional abilities without undergoing the transformation into a Herald or Lector.

Unveiling Skirk's Origins

Skirk's origins remain shrouded in obscurity. One possibility is that she hails from Khaenri'ah, the lost kingdom, and that the cataclysm led her to wander into the abyss. If she indeed has Khaenri'ahn origins, she may have encountered other Khaenri'ahns we've met throughout our adventures. Conversations with figures like Clothar Albert, who could have shared knowledge about the power of the abyss, may have influenced her path. Her encounters might also have included Pierro, a former royal mage from Khaenri'ah who became the director of the Fatui Harbingers, a faction with ambitions of seizing divine power.

Another intriguing character from Khaenri'ah is Danesliff, known for his involvement in the Girdle of the Sands and the cataclysmic events. It was mentioned that he fought alongside a one-armed sage from the Academia, a sage whose identity remains veiled in mystery. However, Child's claim that Skirk bested him using only one hand sparks a compelling theory. What if Skirk's exceptional proficiency with one hand arises from the fact that it's her only usable hand? This notion aligns with the tale of the one-armed sage, who ventured into the abyss beneath the Girdle of the Sands and never returned. If this were the case, Skirk's origins would likely be traced back to Sumeru, and she would have been a sage at the Sumeru Academia. Her purpose in the abyss would remain consistent: to acquire the power needed to defy the Heavenly Principles.

The art of the "Foul Legacy" transformation may have been gleaned from The Sinner or an entity of similar ilk. Alternatively, it could have been a skill honed during her tenure at the Sumeru Academia and perfected with Abyssal influence during her time in the abyss. The premise of a character utilizing knowledge acquired during their time at the Academia during the cataclysm isn't novel; the Crimson Witch of Flames wielded the art of Liquid Fire during that tumultuous period. Perhaps Skirk and the Crimson Witch share a history, as they would have attended the Academia simultaneously.

The Future of Skirk: Awaiting the Unveiling of a Mysterious Persona

Skirk's narrative in Genshin Impact is rife with potential. Though our current knowledge is primarily derived from Child's lore and voice lines, it is evident that she is intertwined with Child's story and Sumeru. However, we anticipate the prospect of further lore or a prelude to her introduction before the Sumeru region's release.

A tantalizing scenario is her possible involvement in the Fontaine region's Witch Trials, which center around the Hexen Circle. Skirk's inclusion within the Hexen Circle would infuse an element of mystique and intrigue, aligning with the circle's enigmatic reputation. Her exploration of the abyss could play a pivotal role within the group, as she seeks to unravel the mysteries of the power concealed within its depths. Her presence would provide a plausible explanation for her extraordinary capabilities.

As we look forward to potential developments, the introduction of a new Abyssal location within the game upon reaching Nishinaya is an intriguing concept. This locale would be closely tied to the young Ajax's plunge into the abyss, and it might be the site of our long-anticipated encounter with Skirk. The area would feature a captivating questline, and Skirk could make cameo appearances throughout the narrative. These events might culminate in a reunion with Child, facilitating a second act in Tartaglia's story quest. It is within this quest that we might unearth more of their hidden pasts and aspirations.

In the event that Skirk does not appear in Fontaine, we can only hope for a mention of her beyond the Manarconquests. The prospect of a new abyssal region being introduced upon reaching Nishinaya holds promise, offering a fitting setting for an eventual encounter with Skirk. In conclusion, the enigmatic persona of Skirk remains a source of fascination and wonder in the expansive world of Genshin Impact. The future promises to unveil