The Saga of Siblings (Sort Of): Delving Deep into the Diluc and Kaeya Enigma in Genshin Impact
Ah, Diluc and Kaeya. Mondstadt has its brooding Batman and charming, slightly shady captain. If Genshin Impact were a high school drama, these two would inspire fanfics and rumors. Let’s skip the shipping speculation and dive into the details. You’ve got questions, and we will answer them.
Unpacking the Age-Old Question: Just How Old Are Diluc and Kaeya Anyway?
First, let’s address the debate of who’s older. Is Kaeya, with his smirks and raised brow, the elder? Or is Diluc, grave with responsibility, truly the big brother? Let’s break it down like a poorly crafted Geo shield.
Kaeya’s Birthday and Age: Unmasking the Cavalry Captain’s Years
Curious about Kaeya’s age? You aren’t alone. People are debating the ages of Genshin characters everywhere. Let’s stick to what we know from the game.
- Birthday Reveal: November 30th. Mark that date! November 30th is Kaeya Alberich Appreciation Day. He is a Sagittarius. This could explain his adventurous spirit or his impulsiveness.
- Age at Game Start: 21 (Officially, Sort Of). Kaeya is acknowledged as 21 when the Traveler arrives in Teyvat. This should be straightforward, right? Not quite.
- The 25-27 Year Old Conundrum. Some sources list Kaeya’s age as 25-27. Confusing, right? Is it a typo? Did Kaeya lie for a spot in the Knights? For now, let’s stick with “21 at game start,” but keep 25-27 in mind. Genshin lore is rarely simple.
Diluc’s Birthday and Age: The Darknight Hero’s Timeline
Now, onto Diluc Ragnvindr. Let’s examine his age beneath that stoic facade.
- Birthday: April 30th. Another date for your Genshin calendar! Diluc is a Taurus. Practical, grounded, and perhaps a bit stubborn, fitting for a man who runs a winery and fights crime.
- Age at Game Start: Around 22. This detail settles the debate. Kaeya is 21, while Diluc turns 22 shortly after the game starts. Kaeya’s the spring chicken; Diluc just had his birthday cake.
- Seven Months (Minimum) Age Difference. Calculate the months. April to November equals at least a seven-month gap. Thus, Diluc is definitively older than Kaeya. Case closed. Or is it?
Relative Age: Diluc Takes the Crown (By a Few Months)
So, is Kaeya older than Diluc? Nope. Diluc is older by a margin of at least seven months. This detail shapes their dynamic, responsibilities, and maybe even squabbles over who gets the last grape popsicle.
Brotherly Bonds and Backstabs: The Complicated History of Diluc and Kaeya
Ages are settled. Now, let’s delve into their relationship: more complex than a Ruin Guard’s attack pattern.
“Brother” is a Loaded Term: Sworn Brothers, Not Blood Brothers
Let’s clear a misconception upfront: Diluc and Kaeya are not blood brothers. They are sworn brothers, or 义兄弟 (yì xiōngdì) in Chinese. This distinction is crucial, as it means their bond is based on choice, not shared DNA.
- Kaeya as 义弟 (Sworn Younger Brother). In Chinese, Kaeya is Diluc’s 义弟. This holds weight, indicating a deep commitment-based bond, distinct from being biological brothers.
- Crepus as 义父 (Sworn/Adoptive Father). Crepus Ragnvindr adopted Kaeya, further solidifying his place in the Ragnvindr family. Crepus calls Kaeya his “sworn son.” Here, “sworn” is key.
Growing Up Ragnvindr: A Shared Childhood Under One Roof
Despite not being blood-related, Diluc and Kaeya’s bond comes from shared experiences and probably some toys (or swords?).
- Raised by Crepus. They grew up under Crepus’s care, sharing a home and many childhood adventures (and maybe misadventures). This upbringing forms their bond.
- “Ragbros” Unite! (Or Not?). Fans call them the “Ragbros,” short for Ragnvindr Brothers. It’s a cute name capturing their intertwined lives, even if they are now more “Rag-enemies.”
The Day Everything Changed: Crepus’s Death and Kaeya’s Confession
The turning point arrives with Crepus Ragnvindr’s tragic death, the chaos in their lives.
- Crepus Dies on Diluc’s 18th Birthday. What a birthday bummer. Crepus dies on Diluc’s 18th birthday. Those celebrations are meant for joy, not tragedy.
- Delusion Disaster. Crepus’s death comes from a Delusion backfiring. He used it to protect his sons from a rampaging Ursa the Drake. Heroic? Yes. Tragic? Absolutely.
- Diluc’s Mercy Kill. Kaeya reveals that Diluc mercy-killed his father to end his suffering. Heavy stuff that drastically changes both lives.
- The Confession Bomb: Khaenri’ahn Origins. On the same day of Crepus’s death, Kaeya confesses his Khaenri’ahn origins and that he was sent to Mondstadt as… a pawn. Talk about timing.
- “Spy” and “Liar” Accusations. Kaeya’s confession labels him as a potential spy and liar by omission. He had lived with Crepus, hiding this secret from Diluc.
Diluc’s Reaction: Naivete Shattered and Bonds Broken
How does Diluc respond to his father’s death and Kaeya’s revelation? Not well. Brotherly love takes a nosedive.
- Naivete Critique. Surprisingly, Diluc’s first reaction to Kaeya isn’t anger, but disappointment. He accuses Kaeya of being “too naive.” He views this as a betrayal of trust.
- Older Brother Responsibility. Diluc feels an older brotherly responsibility. He believes he needs to protect Mondstadt from Khaenri’ahn influence, even if it means moving away from Kaeya.
- The Fight: Blades Drawn, Trust Severed. Their conflict escalates into a fight. Blades are drawn; words are exchanged. The bond fractures, defining their paths.
Why the Bad Blood? Betrayal, Grief, and Khaenri’ah
Poor relations aren’t just about spilled grape juice.
or stolen toys. It’s a complex mix of betrayal, grief, and geopolitical intrigue.
- Post-Crepus Fight. The aftermath of Crepus’s death and Kaeya’s confession leads to a fallout. The fight is more than physical; it’s a symbolic rupture in their relationship.
- Kaeya’s “Spy” Confession. Kaeya its he is a spy from Khaenri’ah. This revelation wounds Diluc’s trust deeply. It casts doubt on their entire shared history.
- Grief Amplifies the Divide. Both grieve Crepus’s death. Yet, their grief drives them apart instead of uniting them. It’s a tragic case of shared pain leading to separation.
Crepus Ragnvindr: More Than Just “Dad”
Crepus Ragnvindr held Diluc and Kaeya together. He is not just Diluc’s dad; his death is the linchpin of their fractured bond.
Crepus’s Demise: A Father’s Sacrifice, A Son’s Grief
Let’s explore the circumstances of Crepus’s death.
- Died on Diluc’s 18th. The timing is brutal. The universe made Diluc’s life angst-filled. Mission accomplished, universe.
- Killed by Delusion Backfire. The Delusion backfired while Crepus tried to protect Mondstadt. This shows his protective nature and willingness to sacrifice for his sons.
- Mercy Killing by Diluc. A grim detail plays a crucial role. Diluc ends his father’s suffering. It’s an act of love and desperation amidst tragedy.
Kaeya’s View of Crepus: Adoptive Father, True Father?
Kaeya seems to view Crepus as more than just an adoptive father.
- “Adoptive Father” vs. “Father”. In notes from Hidden Strife, Kaeya calls Crepus his “adoptive father.” He puts “father” in quotation marks for his biological dad. Subtle but revealing.
- Crepus as “True Father”? This phrasing implies he sees Crepus as his *true* father figure. Crepus genuinely cared for him, unlike his biological father.
- “Sworn Son” (义子). Crepus calls Kaeya his “sworn son.” This term highlights their chosen family bond. Yet, their connection runs deep.
Diluc Ragnvindr: Beyond the Brooding
Now, let’s focus on the elder Ragnvindr brother, Diluc. He’s more than a moody winery owner. His backstory has layers, like a fine wine.
Ragnvindr Lineage and Pyro Prodigy
Diluc’s last name, Ragnvindr, connects to wealth and grape juice. But there’s more to this clan.
- Last Name: Ragnvindr. Yes, his last name is Ragnvindr. Congratulations, you ed a Genshin trivia question.
- Murata Clan Lineage. Diluc’s lineage hints at connections to the Murata Clan. They relate to Murata, the Pyro Archon. Vanessa, a hero of Mondstadt’s past, may be his great-great-grandmother.
- Vision at Age 10. Diluc received his Pyro Vision at age 10. While most kids were trading eggs, he was manifesting powers.
- Knights of Favonius Prodigy. Not only did he get a Vision; he ed the Knights at 10! He became the youngest Cavalry Captain at 14.
From Knight to… Winery Owner with a Vengeance
So, what caused his shift from knight to brooding vigilante?
- Why Diluc Hates the Knights. “Hate” is strong, but it fits. His disillusionment comes from how the Knights handled his father’s death.
- Grandmaster’s Insensitivity. The Grandmaster made an insensitive remark after Crepus’s death. He said they would have let Crepus in if he were alive. Ouch.
- Knights’ Inaction and Cover-Up. The Knights wanted to hide the Delusion’s role in Crepus’s death. This fuels Diluc’s anger and resentment.
- Resignation and Vengeance. Furious and disillusioned, Diluc resigns and dedicates himself to vengeance, becoming the Darknight Hero.
Diluc’s Quirks: Grape Juice and Snezhnayan Bans
Diluc has some intriguing quirks beyond the brooding.
- Alcohol Aversion. He has a strong aversion to alcohol. He dislikes its taste, particularly when he’s working.
- Grape Juice Obsession. He prefers non-alcoholic drinks like grape juice. He even developed special versions after returning to Mondstadt.
- Snezhnaya Ban. Diluc is banned from Snezhnaya. Rumor has it he attracted the Fatui’s attention during his quest for vengeance.
Love Interests and… Jean?
Does Diluc have a love interest? The answer remains elusive and intriguing.
- Donna’s Unrequited Crush. Poor Donna has a huge crush on Diluc. She dreams about him constantly, while he probably just sees her as the “flower girl.”
- Jean and Diluc: A Budding Romance? The most popular pairing is Jean. Despite his feelings, he shares a complex relationship with her.
- “Classic Romance Trope”. Their dynamic resembles a classic romance. Will they overcome their duties and find love? Only time will tell.
Kaeya Alberich: More Than Meets the Eye Patch
Now, let’s examine the enigmatic Kaeya Alberich. He’s a charming Cavalry Captain with many secrets behind his eye patch.
Khaenri’ahn Origins: Pawn or Prodigal Son?
Kaeya’s origins are mysterious, indicating he’s not your average Mondstadter.
- From Khaenri’ah. Kaeya hails from Khaenri’ah, the fallen nation. This secret shattered his bond with Diluc.
- Khaenri’ahn Pawn. He was sent to Mondstadt as a pawn, meant to serve his homeland’s interests.
- Abandoned in Mondstadt. His biological father abandoned him in Mondstadt, leaving him vulnerable—until Crepus saved him.
Vision and “Sus” Behavior
Kaeya’s Vision and demeanor raise eyebrows among players.
- “Weird” Vision. Kaeya’s Cryo Vision is considered “weird” by some. Speculation surrounds its connection to his background.
- Region-Based Vision Frames. Lore reveals Vision frames relate to the region acquired. Since Kaeya was in Mondstadt when he got it, his frame is Mondstadtian.
- “Sus” Captain Kaeya. Kaeya earns a “sus” label due to his hidden origins and enigmatic personality. Is his loyalty to Mondstadt genuine?
Hilichurl Speculation and Bisexual Tendencies
Further theories delve into kaeya’s romantic inclinations and hilichurl notions.
- Hilichurl Kaeya Theory? Yes, you read…
- Right. Some theories suggest Kaeya might have been a hilichurl. His father called him “the last hope of Khaenri’ah.” Kaeya understands hilichurl language. Wild, right? Probably false, but Genshin lore does surprise.
- Not Black, But Brown. Discussions about Kaeya’s race exist. Canonically, he is brown, not black. Representation matters. Acknowledging nuances is key.
- Bisexual Kaeya? Fans note Kaeya’s flirtations with characters like Sara and Albedo. His dialogue remains unchanged by the Traveler’s gender. This leads to the popular headcanon that Kaeya is bisexual. Hints lie within those looking.
Feelings, Actions, and Lingering Questions: Diluc and Kaeya’s Emotional Rollercoaster
Despite fights and betrayals, hints show Diluc and Kaeya’s bond may still exist. A flicker of brotherly love might be buried underneath.
Does Kaeya Love Diluc? And Vice Versa?
The million Mora question: do these two still care?
- Kaeya’s Lingering Love. Despite their issues, Kaeya’s love for Diluc lingers. His actions and dialogue express profound affection for his brother.
- Diluc’s Secret Letters and Vase. Diluc keeps Kaeya’s letters and a vase he received. This suggests he cherishes their past. Stoic on the outside, yet sentimental inside? Classic Diluc.
- “Still Cares”. It’s theorized Diluc remains silent about Kaeya’s Khaenri’ahn origins because he cares. Exposing Kaeya would bring dire consequences, and despite anger, Diluc may not subject him to that. Silent protection fits a reluctant big brother.
Forgiveness and Betrayal: Unresolved Wounds
Have they forgiven one another? Did Kaeya truly betray Diluc?
- Diluc Forgives Kaeya… in a Bad Ending? An animatic depicts Diluc forgiving Kaeya, labeled a “bad ending.” Interpret that as you wish. Perhaps forgiveness is seen as weakness in their current dynamic?
- “Betrayal” or Punishment? Did Kaeya betray? Diluc sees it as betrayal. Kaeya may view it as necessary, even self-punishment for his lies. His words imply he anticipated Diluc’s rage and justified it.
- Kaeya’s Smirk: Sinister or Shocked? Kaeya’s infamous smirk at Crepus’s death raises questions. Is it sinister? Or shocked? The text hints at a “sinister thought” rather than a malicious intent. Context matters, even for Genshin smirks.
Why Does Diluc “Hate” Kaeya? A Misunderstanding?
Does Diluc truly *hate* Kaeya? Or is it more complex?
- Not “Hate,” But… Disappointment and Distrust. “Hate” feels extreme. Diluc shows disappointment and distrust due to Kaeya’s actions. Yet, likely a flicker of brotherly affection remains beneath.
- Shared Grief, Divergent Paths. Crepus’s death brought them grief. But rather than uniting them, it, alongside Kaeya’s confession, drove them apart. Irony at its finest.
- Diluc’s Naivete Accusation Revisited. Diluc’s call of naivete shows his concern, albeit expressed in a typically… Diluc way. He finds Kaeya’s actions reckless, stemming from a misunderstanding of the world’s dangers.
Other Relationships and Ages: A Genshin Character Roundup
Let’s briefly review some character relationships and age-related questions in the Genshin fandom.
Shipping Shenanigans: Diluc, Kaeya, and Beyond
Genshin shippers engage in a major pastime. Let’s review popular ships related to our Mondstadt brothers.
- Kaeya x Diluc: The Top Ship. Kaeya and Diluc rank high as ships. Despite animosity, “childhood friends to enemies (maybe to lovers?)” is a classic trope. The angst and tension offer shipping potential.
- “Hate Each Other” Dynamic (But Do They?). The “hate each other” dynamic is a strong draw for shippers. The unexpressed affection, complex history, and reconciliation potential fuel the ship fire.
- Jean x Diluc: A More “Canon” Ship? Jean and Diluc represent a “canon-adjacent” ship. Their mutual respect and hints of romantic tension illustrate a popular pairing. They’d make a powerful couple ruling Mondstadt.
- Donna x Diluc: The Unrequited One. Poor Donna. Her crush on Diluc serves a comedic role rather than serious ship. But, everyone deserves love, even if it’s unrequited for a brooding winery owner.
Age Comparisons: Tighnari, Cyno, Klee, Qiqi, and Zhongli
Age is a recurring query in Genshin. Let’s clear some age questions about characters.
- Tighnari vs. Cyno: Age Order. In Sumeru, Kaveh is the oldest. Alhaitham follows at two years younger. Then Cyno, with Tighnari as the youngest. Cyno is older than Tighnari. Age hierarchy rules.
- Klee’s “Actual” Age. Klee is a child. But how old exactly? In human years, she is around 10-12. However, considering elf aging in Teyvat, she might be older.
- Qiqi’s Undeath Age. Qiqi is hundreds of years old as a zombie. Her age prior to death is unknown, yet she was a child then. Zombie years are stranger than elf years.
- Zhongli: The Ancient Grandpa of Genshin. Zhongli is the oldest character at over 6000 years. Xianyun and Ganyu are runners-up at a mere 3700+. Zhongli stands as Genshin’s wise grandpa, a retired god too.
Combat Prowess and Hilichurlian Mysteries: Odds and Ends
Finally, let’s conclude with some combat-related queries and hilichurl trivia.
Combat Capabilities: Diluc vs. Kaeya
Who wins in a fight: Diluc or Kaeya? The eternal Genshin debate.
- Diluc’s Vaporize Dominance. In optimal team compositions (like Diluc Vaporize against Kaeya Melt), Diluc dominates in damage. Kaeya stands no chance in the damage race.
- Claymore Advantage. Diluc’s Claymore provides combat benefits, like stamina efficiency. Claymores excel at breaking Geo shields. Heavy hitters rule Genshin weaponry.
- Diluc: Rarer Than Rare? Diluc is a five-star character, making him rarer to pull than four-star characters like Kaeya. In gacha rarity, Diluc prevails. Yet actual combat effectiveness varies by team composition.
Hilichurlian Oddities: Masks, Greetings, and Dainsleif’s Immunity
Hilichurls hold numerous mysteries in Teyvat.
- Hilichurl Masks: Hiding from… Themselves? Why do hilichurls wear masks? Lore states it’s to avoid reflecting their “hideous faces.” Even monsters harbor insecurities.
- “Olah!”: Hilichurl Hello. To greet a hilichurl, say “Olah!”. It means “Hello!”. Add “Mi mu” for bonus credits.
