Morax, also known as Zhongli, made the decision to give up his Gnosis as part of a contract he made with the Tsaritsa, the Cryo Archon and ruler of Snezhnaya. This contract, which he referred to as “the contract to end all contracts,” holds significant implications and motivations behind his actions. In order to understand why Morax chose to give up his Gnosis, it is important to delve into the context and reasoning behind this decision.
First and foremost, it is essential to comprehend what a Gnosis represents in the world of Teyvat. A Gnosis is a divine essence that grants immense power and authority to the Archons, who are the elemental rulers of each region. These Gnosis are directly tied to the will and influence of Celestia, the realm of the gods, and serve as a symbol of an Archon’s dominion over their respective element.
Morax, as the Geo Archon and ruler of Liyue, possessed a Gnosis that bestowed upon him great power and authority over the earth. However, Morax’s decision to give up his Gnosis was not one made lightly. It was an act of sacrifice, driven by his deep-rooted sense of responsibility and his desire to protect the people of Liyue.
One of the key factors that influenced Morax’s decision was his observation of the people of Liyue and their deep reverence for contracts and agreements. Being an ancient and wise deity, Morax understood the importance of upholding promises and fulfilling obligations. He recognized that the contracts he had made with the people of Liyue were not just legal agreements, but also a sacred bond of trust and mutual benefit.
In his interactions with the people of Liyue, Morax witnessed their struggles and the burdens they carried. He saw the impact of the Vision Hunt Decree, a policy enacted by the Tsaritsa to forcefully collect Visions from the people of Teyvat. This policy threatened the freedom and autonomy of individuals, as their Visions represented their aspirations, dreams, and connection to their element.
Motivated by compassion and a desire to protect his people, Morax decided to take action. By giving up his Gnosis, he severed his ties to Celestia and relinquished his status as an Archon. This act allowed him to escape the Tsaritsa’s attention and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the people of Liyue would be spared from the Vision Hunt Decree. In doing so, Morax demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his people and his willingness to sacrifice his own power for their well-being.
Furthermore, Morax’s decision to give up his Gnosis was also influenced by his personal experiences and reflections. As an ancient deity who had witnessed countless cycles of life and death, he had become disillusioned with the eternal nature of his own existence. He questioned the purpose and meaning of his divine power and the role of an Archon in the grand scheme of things.
In giving up his Gnosis, Morax sought a new path, one that would allow him to experience life as a mortal and explore the world from a different perspective. He craved the simplicity and fragility of human existence, where every moment held significance and every decision carried weight. This desire for a more grounded and genuine experience is reflected in his interactions with the people of Liyue and his appreciation for their values and way of life.
Morax’s decision to give up his Gnosis was driven by a combination of factors. His deep sense of responsibility and desire to protect the people of Liyue, coupled with his disillusionment with his own divine existence, led him to make this sacrificial choice. By severing his ties to Celestia and relinquishing his status as an Archon, Morax demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his people and his willingness to sacrifice his own power for their well-being. This act not only solidified his character as a selfless deity but also allowed him to embark on a new journey, exploring life as a mortal and experiencing the world from a different perspective.