In the Genshin Impact Teyvat Chapter Interlude teaser “The Gods’ Limits,” we finally see the Four Shining Shades—divine envoys of the Heavenly Principles. They include Naberius (Ruler of Life), Ronova (Ruler of Death), Istaroth (Ruler of Time), and Asmoday (Ruler of Space). Each represents a core structure of reality and surpasses even the Archons in power.
Naberius, who helped form Fontaine by appointing Egeria as Hydro Archon, eventually had her actions judged sinful by Celestia. Rhinedottir, one of Khaenri’ah’s Five Sinners, discovered Naberius’s heart post-Cataclysm. She fused with it, resulting in a shared consciousness—a realm of DNA strands and chromosomal eye designs. While Naberius laments the loss of agency, Istaroth and Ronova curiously tolerate Rhinedottir’s transformation, hinting at Naberius’s desperate survival.
Ronova’s Curse and Pierro’s Glare
Ronova’s backstory stretches back to Natlan’s founding. She helped Xbalanque, the first Pyro Archon, craft laws through the Sacred Flame Pilgrimage and build the Night Kingdom. But her darker role came during the Cataclysm, when she cursed full-blooded Khaenri’ahns with immortality. Her judgment was indiscriminate and eternal.
Teyvat Chapter Interlude Teaser: The Gods' Limits | Genshin Impact
byu/genshinimpact inGenshin_Impact
In the trailer, Istaroth warns her that she’s being watched—and standing ominously nearby is Pierro, the Jester and Fatui Director. A former royal mage of Khaenri’ah, he clearly hasn’t forgotten. Ronova’s wings resemble Inazuma’s Omnipresent God statue, linking her to Ei’s Eternity ideal—a concept rooted in stasis, which directly opposes the change-driven functions of the Four Shades. Ei’s belief in Eternity as sacred is framed as a reflection of Celestia’s slumber, raising questions about what loss drove the Heavenly Principles into sleep in the first place.
Istaroth’s Forgotten Role in History
Worshipped in both Mondstadt and Enkanomiya, Istaroth maintained her influence even after the rise of the Seven. She helped preserve Enkanomiya post-collapse and supported Barbatos during Mondstadt’s early days. She nurtured the Sacred Sakura in Inazuma and is credited for gifting history to Teyvat.
Her design features ink nibs and clock hands, underlining her dominion over time and historical record. When Ronova questions her, Istaroth says she “had to find some way to pass the time,” subtly tying her actions to the Traveler’s journey and hinting at greater involvement in the fate of the Twins.
Asmoday’s Defection and the Traveler’s Role (Genshin Impact_
Perhaps the biggest shock is the naming of the Sustainer—Asmoday, Ruler of Space. After confronting the Twins and separating them, Asmoday disappears. The Shades believe she’s changed sides, now loyal to a new master—possibly the Dragon King Nibelung or even the Traveler.
Hints that Asmoday and Paimon may be two sides of the same being suggest that divine judgment has turned into personal loyalty, even love. Paimon’s presence at the Traveler’s side could mean Asmoday’s rebellion was emotional, not strategic. Meanwhile, Pierro and the Tsaritsa plan to kill the Heavenly Principles while it sleeps.
Columbina and the Rise of the New Moon
The teaser ends with the Fatui hunting for Columbina, the Third Harbinger. Found among white flowers and glitching unnaturally, Columbina might be a remnant of the ancient Moon Sisters—divine lunar goddesses from before Celestia’s rule. Her humanoid angelic form suggests she was a high-status Seelie preserved through Frostmoon essence.
Genshin lore tells of the Frostmoon, still intact though dormant, awaiting reawakening. Columbina could be its vessel—the New Moon prophesied to spin fate anew. Her glitching may reflect instability in this form, and the Fatui’s intent to keep her from the Frostmoon Scions reveals just how powerful and dangerous she could become.
From Rhinedottir’s fusion with a god to Pierro’s plan to kill one, this teaser expands Genshin’s lore like never before. The Heavenly Principles sleep, the Fatui prepare to strike, and deep-rooted powers are awakening once more. If Columbina truly embodies the New Moon, the balance of Teyvat might be on the verge of collapse—or rebirth.
