What Country is Genshin Impact‘s Sumeru Region Based On? A Deep Dive
As an avid Genshin Impact player and content creator, I‘ve done a deep dive into the real-world inspirations behind the new Sumeru region. Right off the bat – Sumeru takes most of its cues from India, the Middle East, and Egypt. Let‘s break down the major cultural influences piece by piece:
Sumeru Draws Heavily from Indian Culture and Geography
Sumeru City encapsulates many aspects of Indian architecture and design. The multi-tiered towers, domed shikhara spires, elaborate carvings, and columned mandapa halls mirror architectural styles seen in Hindu temples across South India. The red and gold color scheme of most buildings also reflects the vibrancy of landmarks like the Meenakshi Temple.
Beyond architecture, the clothing and textiles of Sumeru NPCs prominently feature Indian styles. Many sport variations of the dhoti wrap pants and sherwani long coats adorned with embroidery and patterns. The saris and ornate jewelry of female characters also showcase Indian fashion. Even small details like the bindi-inspired gemstones on foreheads connect to Indian culture.
When it comes to names, many Sumeru characters have Indian name origins. For instance, "Alhaitham" likely stems from the Arabic "Al-Hakim" meaning "the wise one" – a fitting link for the studious land of wisdom. "Dehya" also shares roots with an Indian goddess of the same name.
Sumeru‘s densely forested and mountainous landscapes match India‘s diverse ecology as well. Local specialties like lotus heads and chili peppers parallel staple Indian produce. The focus on wisdom, enlightenment and guru-disciple legacies also reflect India‘s ancient knowledge traditions.
Middle Eastern Influences are Prominent in the Desert Areas
While Indian inspirations dominate the rainforest, Sumeru‘s deserts take cues from the Middle East. Vast sandy expanses like the Desert of Hadramaveth resemble the empty quarters of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and UAE. Specific locations like the Marsh of Pilgrimage reference the marshes and salt flats dotting the region.
Some Sumeru outfits also incorporate Middle Eastern styles. For instance, Dehya‘s sirwal style pants match traditional Emirati garments. The veil over Pantalone‘s face evokes ornate Middle Eastern masquerade masks.
Historically, ancient Mesopotamia was among the earliest cradles of civilization – a fact reflected in Sumeru‘s millennia-old academic institutions hoarding vast troves of knowledge. The city of Baghdad was a hub of philosophy and science during the Islamic Golden Age, much like Sumeru City with its Grand Sage and Akademiya scholars.
Egyptian Architecture and Mythology are Woven into Sumeru Lore
The rainforest zone integrates architectural influences from ancient Egypt, like the massive pyramid structures dotting Vissudha Field. Enormous sphinx statues and towering obelisks also match Egyptian iconography. Many ruins in Sumeru combine forest overgrowth with a sandstone Egyptian aesthetic.
In terms of mythology, Egyptian concepts about wisdom deities and the afterlife journey have strong parallels in Sumeru beliefs regarding sages and transcendence. The reverence for dendro and quest for wisdom echoes devotees of Thoth, the Egyptian god of knowledge.
Even some character names reference Egyptian mythology. "Cyno" likely comes from the Egyptian god Anubis, often depicted as jackal-headed. "Dehya" seems tied to a Central Asian goddess but sounds strikingly like the Egyptian serpent goddess "Wadjet."
With its diverse landscape spanning deserts, jungles and marshlands, Sumeru encapsulates vistas of all three real-world regions. Upcoming areas may even expand on Egyptian tropes with sweeping savannas and jagged valley rivers. As a passionate Genshin fan, analyzing these inspirations has given me greater appreciation for the cultural depth woven into each region!
