As we look towards the future of Teyvat in 2026, the question of succession and divine power remains a compelling narrative thread. The Archon War established the rule of the Seven, but the world is not static. From the official comics, we know that the path to divinity is not closed; even mortals can ascend. In my analysis, drawn from pivotal in-game events and character lore, several figures stand out as possessing the unique qualities, immense power, or profound destiny that could one day see them claim a seat in Celestia. These are not just powerful individuals; they are leaders, protectors, and bearers of wills that resonate with the very essence of their nations.
Ningguang: The Mortal Pillar of Liyue
Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, has already demonstrated a sovereignty that rivals the divine. In the era where Rex Lapis entrusted Liyue to its people, she became the cornerstone of human governance. Her monumental sacrifice—destroying the Jade Chamber, a symbol of her life's work, to defeat the ancient god Osial—was an act of protection worthy of an Archon. She governs from the skies, her influence shaping the very economic and political foundations of the Geo nation. In a land learning to thrive without its prime deity, Ningguang embodies the potential for mortal leadership to evolve into something transcendent. Her strategic mind, unwavering dedication to Liyue's prosperity, and capacity for supreme sacrifice make her the quintessential candidate for ascension in a nation built on contracts and resilience.
Sangonomiya Kokomi: Heir to a Divine Legacy
The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island carries a legacy steeped in divinity and rebellion. As the descendant of the Sangonomiya Clan, which venerates the fallen deity Orobaxi, Kokomi is intrinsically linked to a god's will. More than just a spiritual leader, she is a master tactician who successfully led her people in a war against the Vision Hunt Decree, proving her prowess in the 'art of war' that defined the Archon conflict. Theories about her Vishap bloodline further connect her to the ancient, primordial powers of Enkanomiya. Kokomi doesn't just lead; she inherits. She carries the collective will of her people to defend their home, a purpose so potent it echoes the divine mandate of an Archon to safeguard their nation. Her potential ascension would be a fulfillment of a sacred, generations-old covenant.
Jean Gunnhildr: The Steadfast Defender of Freedom
Jean's entire existence is a testament to service and protection. As the Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius and a scion of the ancient Gunnhildr Clan, her bloodline has guarded Mondstadt since the Archon War itself. She embodies the Anemo Archon's ideal of freedom through tireless responsibility, shouldering the nation's safety in the absence of its leaders. Mondstadt has a historical precedent for mortal ascension, and Jean's profile fits perfectly. Her unwavering dedication, formidable combat skills, and pure-hearted devotion to her people are the very virtues that could attract the favor of Celestia. Should the time come for a new protector of the wind-swept lands, Jean's selfless leadership positions her as a natural successor to uphold the city's liberty.
Xiao: The Eternal Vigilant Yaksha
Among all candidates, Xiao is perhaps the most directly powerful and experienced. As a vigilant Yaksha and Conqueror of Demons, he has spent millennia in relentless combat, purging evil from Liyue as per his contract with Morax. His raw destructive capability surpasses that of most beings, and his lifespan exceeds even some Archons. While he is an Adeptus and not human, the path to godhood is about power and purpose. Xiao's entire identity is bound to the protection of Liyue, a duty he performs with grim, unwavering resolve. The karmic debt he bears is a testament to his sacrifices. Ascending to a formal Archon role would be a natural, if solemn, progression for this eternal guardian, transforming his endless battle into a recognized, sovereign guardianship.
Yae Miko: The Kitsune Successor
Yae Miko is already the spiritual and administrative power behind the Electro Archon's rule. As the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, she guides the people's faith in Raiden Shogun. Her divine Kitsune lineage grants her longevity and power, and her deep, personal friendship with Ei places her at the very center of Inazuman divinity. She was entrusted with the Electro Gnosis for five centuries, a clear sign of her capability and reliability. Clever, powerful, and intimately connected to the concept of Eternity, Miko is the only figure who could seamlessly assume the role of Electro Archon should the need arise. Her ascension would not be a usurpation, but a graceful transition upheld by centuries of shared history and divine service.
Alhaitham: The Logical Heart of Wisdom
Following the liberation of Lesser Lord Kusanali, Alhaitham rose from Scribe to Acting Grand Sage, placing him second only to the Dendro Archon in Sumeru's hierarchy. His candidacy for godhood is not based on brute strength, but on transcendent intellect and a profound understanding of human nature. He was the architect of the plan that freed Nahida, outmaneuvering the sages with flawless logic. A god of Wisdom requires more than knowledge; it requires the insight to apply it for the benefit of humanity, a principle Alhaitham holds in high regard. His analytical mind, commitment to a rational order, and demonstrated capacity to steer a nation through crisis embody the qualities of a potential Archon of wisdom in a modern, post-Forbidden Knowledge Teyvat.
Cyno: The Channeler of Divine Justice
Cyno, the General Mahamatra, is a unique case where mortal and divine power already intertwine. His enigmatic strength stems from a mysterious desert spirit he can channel, a power that allows him to purge evil—a fundamentally divine function. This connection, potentially linked to the legacy of King Deshret, sets him apart. Combined with his unwavering, almost ritualistic dedication to justice and law enforcement, Cyno operates with a mandate that feels celestial. He is a living bridge between the ancient divine power of the desert and the current order of Sumeru. An ascension for Cyno would likely see him fully embody the spirit of judgment he channels, becoming the literal deity of righteous retribution and desert wisdom.
Wanderer: The One Who Touched Godhood
The Wanderer's relationship with divinity is the most direct and tragic on this list. He was literally created by an Archon as a potential vessel, imbued with catastrophic power mirroring the Raiden Shogun herself. His journey reached its apex during the Sumeru crisis, where he was forcibly elevated into a false god, the 'Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom,' harnessing the Electro Gnosis. He has stood at the threshold. While he rejected that path, the experience and the inherent power within him are undeniable. His potential for ascension is not about ambition, but about capability and a complex, hard-earned understanding of both mortal and divine suffering. Should he ever choose to embrace that power again for a purpose beyond himself, the path is already etched into his very being.
| Character | Nation | Key Qualities for Ascension |
|---|---|---|
| Ningguang | Liyue | Supreme leadership, sacrificial will, economic mastery |
| Kokomi | Inazuma (Watatsumi) | Divine lineage, strategic genius, bearer of collective will |
| Jean | Mondstadt | Hereditary duty, selfless protection, unwavering dedication |
| Xiao | Liyue | Millennial power, guardian's contract, unmatched combat prowess |
| Yae Miko | Inazuma | Divine lineage, intimate Archon ties, centuries of stewardship |
| Alhaitham | Sumeru | Transcendent intellect, understanding of humanity, strategic leadership |
| Cyno | Sumeru | Channeled divine spirit, absolute justice, connection to ancient power |
| Wanderer | (Transient) | Artificial divine power, direct ascension experience, immense capability |
In conclusion, the future of Teyvat's celestial hierarchy is far from settled. These eight individuals, through legacy, sacrifice, power, or intellect, have demonstrated the archetypal makings of deities. As the traveler's journey continues into 2026 and beyond, the possibility of a mortal—or once-mortal—rising to join the ranks of the Seven is a thrilling prospect that continues to shape the world's lore and our understanding of power, responsibility, and destiny in Genshin Impact.