The Legendary Hero: Who Was Vanessa in Genshin Impact?
Vanessa: A Legendary Hero of Mondstadt
Vennessa was a hero of Mondstadt who lived around 1,000 years ago during the era when the Mondstadt Aristocracy reigned. As a ‘flame-touched Muratan’ enslaved by the tyrannical nobles, she served as a gladiator in the Colosseum and gained fame as the Lionfang Knight due to her undefeated streak.
Common belief is that Vennessa and her clan were originally from Natlan and were the ‘children’ of the Goddess of War, the Pyro Archon at the time. This proud lineage endowed them with fiery red hair, symbolizing their strength and character.
On the day of Ludi Harpastum, Vennessa ventured out to buy herbs for her sickly sister, Lind. During this outing, she encountered Venti, who had raised the ire of Barca Lawrence, heir of the Lawrence Clan. Seeking refuge, Venti hid behind her for protection, which forced Barca to stand down due to Vennessa’s formidable reputation. However, Barca later had his father purchase Vennessa and her clan, leading to her imprisonment.
In prison, Venti paid her a visit the night before her final battle, offering to break her and her people free. Vennessa refused, stating: “We must fight and claim our own freedom. We can not beg for it. We must not kneel for it. Freedom given freely is only a guise for another shackle.”
Despite despairing over her situation, Vennessa refused to give up. She fought against hilichurls under Ursa’s command—until Barbatos appeared in angelic form, enhancing her combat abilities and helping her drive Ursa away. With her promise fulfilled, Barbatos ordered Lord Lawrence to relinquish control of the city.
After successfully overthrowing the aristocracy, Vennessa led the city’s reconstruction and established the Knights of Favonius. She became its first Grand Master and the first Dandelion Knight. s of her life after the rebellion vary, but they all converge at her end—legend holds that she was recognized by the gods for her deeds and ascended to Celestia, marking the site at Windrise where the massive oak tree, the Symbol of Mondstadt’s Hero, now stands.
According to lore, after her ascension, Vennessa became the Falcon of the West. This belief is reinforced by a vague, cryptic comment from Dainsleif, the only in-game character who mentions her transformation into this legendary figure.
Thus, the tale of Vennessa lives on, recounting her glory, her defiance against tyranny, and her enduring legacy as the founder of the Knights of Favonius.
Vanessa’s Connection to Diluc: Family Ties and Legacy Explained
Vanessa’s Background and Legacy
- Historical Significance: Vennessa was a hero of Mondstadt who lived around 1,000 years ago, during the era when the Mondstadt Aristocracy reigned.
- Early Life: As a child, Vennessa lived with a nomadic people called the Muratan; they traveled across the land for many years, enduring many hardships and struggling to survive, which pushed them to fight back against their circumstances.
- Struggles and Motivation: A ‘flame-touched Muratan’ enslaved by the tyrannical nobles, she served as a gladiator in the Colosseum. Vennessa became known as the Lionfang Knight for her undefeated streak. Her harsh treatment under the aristocracy made her resent them, fueling her motivation to rebel.
- Revolution and Leadership: With the help of Barbatos and Ragnvindr, among others, Vennessa overthrew the aristocracy. After successfully overthrowing them, she established the current City of Mondstadt and the Knights of Favonius. She became its first Grand Master and Dandelion Knight.
- Legacy: Vennessa developed a strong bond with her remaining kin, shouldering the responsibility to protect and care for them, especially her younger sister, Lind. Known for her commitment to justice, her legacy is tied to the history of Mondstadt, and she is featured in the songs documented in the books titled ‘The Legend of Vennessa’.
- Divine Recognition: According to legend, Vennessa was recognized by the gods for her deeds and ascended to Celestia. The spot where she ascended at Windrise is where the massive oak tree — the Symbol of Mondstadt’s Hero — now stands, said to have grown after her ascension.
The Ascendance of Vanessa: From Gladiator to Falcon of the West
There have been multiple references to Vennessa, a hero from the Aristocracy era in the history of Mondstadt in Genshin Impact. She served as a gladiator and became known as the “Liontooth Knight” due to her streak of undefeated fights.
According to Genshin Impact’s lore, Vennessa, along with a bunch of other clans, fought against Ursa the Drake for the keys of the city. Lord Lawrence, the ruler of Mondstadt at that period, had overconfidently proposed the key of the city to Vennessa if she managed to defeat Ursa. However, Vennessa received divine boosts from the God of Freedom during the fight and managed to drive away Ursa the Drake.
After her death, it is believed that Vennessa ascended to Celestia at Windrise and took the form of a falcon. She then became the Falcon of the West, one of the Four Winds in Mondstadt.
Moreover, Vennessa is also the first to establish the Knights of Favonius, thus becoming the first Dandelion Knight. Additionally, she established the present city of Mondstadt and is known for her resilience and her never-give-up personality.
Despite her tough exterior, Vennessa was gentle and warm-hearted — traits not unlike her future successor, Jean Gunnhildr. She developed a strong bond with her remaining kin and shouldered the responsibility to protect and care for them, especially her younger sister Lind. Having a strong sense of justice, she was determined to fight for their freedom.
Vennessa’s origins trace back to Natlan, where she was the “children” of the Goddess of War. She was a hero of Mondstadt who lived around 1,000 years ago, during the era when the Mondstadt Aristocracy reigned. As a “flame-touched Muratan,” she was enslaved by the tyrannical nobles and served as a gladiator in the Colosseum, gaining the title “Lionfang Knight” for her undefeated streak.
