The Incredible Power of Immortality in Honkai: Star Rail
Delve into the captivating world of Honkai: Star Rail as it fearlessly explores the complex concept of immortality Brace yourself for a unique perspective that challenges conventional notions, making this an unmissable journey into the enthralling curse of eternal life
Highlights
Honkai: Star Rail delves into the intriguing notion of immortality, shedding light on the detrimental consequences of eternal existence and the myriad challenges that accompany it.This captivating game draws a clear distinction between individuals with extended lifespans, who traverse the realms for centuries, and immortals, who undergo reincarnation every 700 years.
In Honkai: Star Rail, the curse of immortality is connected to a tumultuous past with Yaoshi and the Abominations of Abundance. This leads to the unsettling transformation of individuals into zombie-like beings with gilded, plant-like appendages.
Despite its intergalactic theme, Honkai: Star Rail retains fantasy elements that will resonate with dedicated fans of the HoYoverse. One of the most prominent features is the unique abilities possessed by each character, all of which are intertwined with the formidable deities called Aeons.
Honkai: Star Rail Has a Different Take on Immortality
Notably, immortality plays a significant role in Honkai: Star Rail, capturing the attention of players upon their arrival at Xianzhou Luofu, the second destination of the Astral Express Crew's journey. However, the portrayal of eternal life in this game is far from being magical or idyllic, contrary to popular belief.
In Honkai: Star Rail, there exist characters with long lifespans and immortality. The distinction lies in the fact that those with long lifespans, like Tingyun and Yukong, live for hundreds of years before their eventual demise. On the other hand, immortals such as Vidyadharas Bailu and Imbibitor Lunae experience reincarnation after living for 700 years, while the Stellaron Hunter Blade seeks a way to bring an end to his immortality.
In order to comprehend the curse of immortality in Honkai: Star Rail, one must first delve into the tumultuous history of Xianzhou Luofu, particularly involving the enigmatic figure known as Yaoshi the Abundance. Millennia before the events of Honkai: Star Rail took place, Yaoshi graced the inhabitants of Xianzhou with the gift of eternal life, facilitated by the mystical Ambrosial Arbor. Consumption of its fruits transformed individuals into devout followers of Yaoshi, known as the Denizens of Abundance.
However, this divine gift came at a steep cost, as those bestowed with immortality would eventually succumb to the adverse effects and become the Abominations of Abundance. Afflicted by the venomous Mara, these unfortunate souls would undergo a ghastly transformation, akin to zombies, with grotesque golden plant-like appendages sprouting from their bodies. Additionally, the Mara-Struck would suffer the loss of their sanity, analogous to the tragic fate that befell Jing Yuan's esteemed swordmaster and prospective five-star character, Jingliu.
Lan the Hunt, known as the Reignbow Arbiter, successfully defeated Yaoshi and the Abominations of Abundance to rescue the Xianzhou Luofu. The Ambrosial Arbor was then sealed in Scalegorge Waterscape, under the guardianship of the Vidyadhara, draconic beings.
In Honkai: Star Rail, a Stellaron landed in the Xianzhou Luofu, spawning more Mara-Struck Soldiers and other Abominations of Abundance. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus emerged, aiming to discover a "cure" for immortality by becoming infected with Mara. Lord Ravager Phantylia the Undying, instead of granting them Yaoshi's blessing, used her powers of Destruction to transform them into the Antimatter Legion.
With the release of Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.2, players are given a glimpse into the impact of immortality on Blade. It is suggested that Imbibitor Lunae prevented his death, which explains Blade's anger towards him. During the Honkai: Star Rail Special Program, Kafka hints at their leader Elio promising Blade "a funeral." This is why the Stellaron Hunter's voice lines often depict him as relieved when he approaches death.
Honkai: Star Rail boldly tackles heavy subjects, such as Aeons deceiving and even killing mortals. While immortality is typically portrayed as a blessing in other forms of media, the game flips this concept on its head to reveal the other side. Even species with long lifespans discuss the challenges they encounter as they witness many of their human counterparts succumbing to old age.
The theme of immortality in Honkai: Star Rail seems to be emerging, especially as the Xianzhou Luofu arc is still ongoing. Players eagerly anticipate witnessing the Astral Express Crew's approach to the Stellaron and the resolution of the Abundance curse in the area. Additionally, they wonder if Honkai: Star Rail's Blade will successfully achieve his quest to regain mortality. Honkai: Star Rail can currently be enjoyed on PC and mobile devices, with a PS5 version set to launch in Q4 2023.
