Surtalogi

Surtalogi, also known as The Foul, is one of the Five Sinners of Khaenri'ah, Skirk's master, and the owner of the All-Devouring Narwhal. He was initially an ordinary knight born in Khaenri'ah, but after the Cataclysm 500 years ago, attained "world-shattering" power from the Abyss, whereupon he departed from Teyvat in search of more powerful opponents. After defeating numerous powerful enemies across the sea of stars, he eventually concluded that he had become the strongest in the universe, and that none remained who could challenge him. In order to sate his desire for a greater challenge, he decided to take on Skirk as his disciple in the hopes that she will eventually become powerful enough to match his strength.

Profile

Surtalogi was born in prison to criminals who were sentenced to death, spending his time wandering the streets and facing plenty of criticism. He and Dainsleif were both students of a teacher named Haden, under whom they learned the Black Serpent Bladework. Surtalogi once aspired to follow the code of knighthood, but was punished for doing so, resulting in the loss of various limbs.^[5] They were originally best friends, but their friendship ended after Surtalogi became one of the Five Sinners.^[6]

Surtalogi is the owner of the All-Devouring Narwhal, which he regards as a pet. When asked about what kind of entity Surtalogi is, Skirk states that he is likely a similar sort to Rhinedottir in "pursuing some form of perfection."^[7] Ever since obtaining the power of the Abyss, Surtalogi has traveled across the universe in search of an opponent who can best him. In his travels, he had encountered enemies that amassed resources and manpower to defeat him, but they were crushed without him even going all-out.^[8] He eventually concluded that he had become the strongest in the universe, to the point that none remained who could give him a satisfying battle.^[9] To that end, he has since sent Skirk away to train on her own, hoping that she will one day surpass him and grant him the battle he wishes for.^[10]

Appearance

Surtalogi is able to take on any form he desires. While traveling across the stars, he usually assumes the form of a humanoid wearing Abyssal armor and wields a claymore-like weapon.^[11] Those who long for his level of power may instinctively attempt to imitate his appearance as a representation of ultimate power. This includes the Dark Shadow of the All-Devouring Narwhal and Skofnungr.^[12]

Quests and Events

Archon Quests

• Song of the Welkin Moon
  • Act IV: An Elegy for Faded Moonlight
    • All Is Foretold

Story Quests

• Crystallina Chapter (Skirk)
  • Act I: Whispers Betwixt Stars and Night
    • Special Training (flashback)
    • Heart and Mind (flashback)
    • Unbounded (flashback)

Story

Before the Cataclysm

Surtalogi is the child of two prisoners who were condemned to death. While on the streets, he was criticized by others, but still maintained a sense of chivalry. Eventually, he became a knight of Khaenri'ah, tutoring under Haden. Initially, he wanted to follow the code of knighthood, but Haden, who sought to retain his prestige by sabotaging the next generation of knights, had him punished and Surtalogi lost various limbs as a result.

Surtalogi met Skofnungr and gave him motivation to fight for his life, causing him to deeply respect Surtalogi for acknowledging him. When Skofnungr was ten, Surtalogi stole forbidden knowledge in order to cure his condition. When Skofnungr realized he had fallen behind Surtalogi in training, he was too embarrassed to spar with him.^[12]

At an unknown point, Surtalogi was sentenced for an incident, which was handled by Rerir.^[13]

When King Irmin threw Vedrfolnir in prison for giving him a warning, Dainsleif called Surtalogi, Rhinedottir, Rerir and Hroptatyr to help him free his brother. However, Surtalogi, wishing to attain supreme strength, was unable to resist the call of the Abyss.^[13] He divided among his fellow sinners a "power that could destroy the world" before abandoning Khaenri'ah to its fate. Thereafter, they became known as the Five Sinners of Khaenri'ah and were reviled by the people for forsaking their nation in its hour of need.^[14]

After the Cataclysm

Before leaving Teyvat, claiming that he had lost interest in the world, Surtalogi offered to remove the curse of immortality from Skofnungr. Skofnungr declined, citing Surtalogi's own words that he told him back then, and Surtalogi respected his request. He told him that if he changed his mind, he should seek out his disciple, which he explained that Vedrfolnir had prophesied that Surtalogi would have a disciple from out in the universe and bring her to Teyvat. Seeing how accurate his prophecies were, Surtalogi decided to oblige. He then left him a gift for Skofnungr in the Primordial Sea. This gift was a weakened All-Devouring Narwhal, who Surtalogi had subdued so that Skofnungr could obtain some power from it.^[12]

Surtalogi met Skirk by chance when her planet was attacked by an unknown army. Keeping Vedrfolnir's prophecy in mind, he took her in as a disciple and proceeded to teach her the Black Serpent Bladework of Khaenri'ah. According to Skirk, Surtalogi originally trained in the traditional Black Serpent Bladework, but by the time he took her in as his disciple, his style had already incorporated many techniques from other sources.^[15] He also taught her how to wield the power of the Abyss, as well as the Seven-Shifting Serpent, a technique originating from the Khaenri'ahn Universitas Magistrorum that allows her to use Abyssal power to mimic the elemental energy of Teyvat.^[1][16] During the training, Surtalogi told Skirk to abandon the notions of fear and regret and she underwent rigorous training that broke and restored her body.

Surtalogi had once traversed the universe with Skirk in tow, seeking an opponent who could best him, while adding to his own strength by devouring his fallen adversaries. One civilization gathered the resources of their entire star system to forge a weapon, while another manifested a god by the unity of their beliefs. None of the numerous warriors and civilizations were victorious, and Surtalogi has yet to find an opponent worthy of his full strength.^[8]

After teaching her all he knew, Surtalogi sent Skirk away, commanding her to rebuild a life and telling her that they would still communicate through the Abyss, but would one day return and take her "life" and reduce it to ashes, stating that fear was the catalyst for human evolution. He also revealed to her during their training that he was training her in the hopes that she could surpass him in the future, as he sought a challenge that his previous disciples were unable to grant him.

At an unspecified point, Surtalogi assigned Skirk the task of seeking out Anacharsis.^[17]

Character Mentions

Character Stories

Character	Stories
Skirk	Character Story 1 Character Story 2 Character Story 3 Character Story 4 Character Story 5 Her Answer The Seven-Shifting Serpent

Character Voice-Overs

Character	Voice-Overs
Skirk	Hello  Media:VO_Skirk Hello.ogg Media:VO ZH_Skirk Hello.ogg Media:VO JA_Skirk Hello.ogg Media:VO KO_Skirk Hello.ogg I am Skirk, disciple of Surtalogi, "The Foul." You've proven your strength to me along your journey, and earned the right to speak to me as an equal. Now, let me witness how your fate unfolds. About the Power of the Abyss  Media:VO_Skirk About the Power of the Abyss.ogg Media:VO ZH_Skirk About the Power of the Abyss.ogg Media:VO JA_Skirk About the Power of the Abyss.ogg Media:VO KO_Skirk About the Power of the Abyss.ogg Master taught me how to wield the power of the Abyss, and from surviving Khaenri'ahn research, I learned how to channel that power and make it mimic the elemental energy of Teyvat. The fact that you and I don't need a Vision to use the elements implies that our aspirations do not require the approval of the gods. Something to Share  Media:VO_Skirk Something to Share.ogg Media:VO ZH_Skirk Something to Share.ogg Media:VO JA_Skirk Something to Share.ogg Media:VO KO_Skirk Something to Share.ogg Master tells me he first trained in the traditional Black Serpent Bladework of Khaenri'ah, but by the time he took me on, his style incorporated many techniques from other sources. That is what it means to be a true martial artist: constantly learning and adapting, always testing and overcoming your limits. Otherwise, you will stagnate. About Surtalogi  Media:VO_Skirk About Surtalogi.ogg Media:VO ZH_Skirk About Surtalogi.ogg Media:VO JA_Skirk About Surtalogi.ogg Media:VO KO_Skirk About Surtalogi.ogg Very few people manage to earn themselves a name like "The Foul" and live up to it. I'm sure whoever gave him that name must have truly despised him. Master's certainly done his fair share of disgraceful things, and the fact that he is a former knight who turned his back on the chivalric code doesn't exactly make things any better. And yet, plenty of people still choose to follow him. They're drawn to his strength, composure, and confidence, and the fact that he's candid with everyone regardless of their background. He's not driven by emotion — he's on a mission to become a version of himself that is complete and perfected... That's why he's as powerful as he is. It's also why he's so dangerous. About Dainsleif  Media:VO_Skirk About Dainsleif.ogg Media:VO ZH_Skirk About Dainsleif.ogg Media:VO JA_Skirk About Dainsleif.ogg Media:VO KO_Skirk About Dainsleif.ogg At one time, he was Master's rival. At another, they were best friends, apparently... I had hoped he might give me some more information about Master, but the moment he recognized my style of bladework, he got very agitated and demanded to know Master's whereabouts. I don't want to deal with him. Hopefully I don't run into him again any time soon. Favorite Food  Media:VO_Skirk Favorite Food.ogg Media:VO ZH_Skirk Favorite Food.ogg Media:VO JA_Skirk Favorite Food.ogg Media:VO KO_Skirk Favorite Food.ogg Back when I was training with Master, I'd frequently end up covered in cuts and bruises from head to toe. There was this particular kind of bug — I don't remember what it was called — but he always used to catch some and grill them for me after a session. Said it'd help with my recovery. They were plump little things. You knew they were done on the grill because they'd glow a beautiful golden color. Crispy shell on the outside with savory flesh in the middle... It's been so long that I don't really remember how they tasted, but I do remember I used to love them as a kid.

Gallery

The game piece representing Surtalogi during Archon Quest All Is Foretold in Song of the Welkin Moon: Act IV - An Elegy for Faded Moonlight.

Quest Stills

Heart and Mind Quest Still 3

Heart and Mind Quest Still 5

Videos

Version 5.7 "A Space and Time for You" Trailer - Genshin Impact -NewVersion -Trailer -GenshinImpact-2

"Star Odyssey" Animated Short - Genshin Impact

Trivia

• In addition to the claymore-like weapon he is often seen with, Surtalogi is also proficient with bows and once wielded Gusisnautar.
• Surtalogi once came across a copy of Vera's Melancholy during his interstellar travels. While he did not read it, he remembered the first few lines he saw and later referenced one to Skirk after taking her as his disciple.^[9]

Etymology

• Surtalogi is the name of the bright sword or flame wielded by the Fire Jotunn Surtr from Norse Mythology.

Other Languages

Change History

References