Who is Aether Shipped with in Genshin Impact? An In-Depth Look at the Traveler‘s Most Popular Ships
As the protagonist of Genshin Impact, Aether has been paired by fans with a number of different characters in the world of Teyvat. With his kind personality and heroic deeds, it‘s no wonder Aether has caught the eye of many in the Genshin fandom as an ideal romantic partner. Let‘s analyze the most popular ships involving our favorite traveler and what exactly draws fans to these pairings.
1. Xiaother – The Classic BroTP Turned Ship
One of the most beloved ships in the Genshin fandom, Xiaother (Xiao x Aether) transformed from a heartwarming broTP into a widely embraced romantic pairing. As two of the most powerful warriors in Teyvat who‘ve endured pain and suffering, Xiao and Aether connect on a deep emotional level. Fans are moved by how the usually aloof Xiao softens around the traveler and confides his struggles, showing a vulnerable side few are privileged to see.
Moments like Xiao promising to protect Aether and keep him from harm are interpreted as romantic by fans hungry for this rare gentleness from the vigilant yaksha. On AO3, Xiaother makes up over 15% of all Aether ships and fimfiction regularly trends on Twitter during new Xiao content updates. Data from polls on Reddit and Discord put it as Aether‘s most popular Genshin ship overall.
Xiaother fan art by Fish Gums@tumblr
The striking visual aesthetic of a dark, brooding Xiao contrasted with the softer, golden-eyed Aether is a huge part of the appeal. Their moon and sun dynamic gives this ship a poetic, destined feel. Many loyal Xiaother fans eagerly await more scenes exploring their heartfelt bond in future game updates.
2. Venther – The Playful Archon Crush
Venther (Venti x Aether) springs from the eccentric bard archon‘s obvious fondness for the traveler. Venti clearly cares a great deal about Aether, supporting him on his journey and wanting to bring him joy in little moments. Fans gush over Venti‘s "archon crush" and find his antics around Aether adorable.
On Reddit polls, Venther places high as one of the top 10 Aether ships. On AO3 it accounts for around 12% of fics tagged with Aether. Fans are drawn to their cute, playful dynamic and how openly Venti dotes on the traveler. The pairing inspires countless romantic fan art images and cosplay photos.
Many Venther fans point to hints like Venti insisting on a dance with Aether at the tavern and his eagerness to partner up during Windblume Festival as possible signs of attraction. Only time will tell if Mihoyo expands on this popular ship tease!
Venther fan art by @Sesield on Twitter
3. Aether x Ayaka – The Gentle Snowflower Romance
This popular heterosexual ship stems from Ayaka‘s overt fondness for Aether after he helps her experience life outside of her duties for a day. Ayaka clearly grows quite attached to the traveler, stating she wishes to support him as he supported her. Fans gush over their sweet meet-cutes like the flower petal scene and claim it‘s the closest Genshin has come to canon romance.
On AO3, Ayaka x Aether fics make up over 9% of his total. Twitter polls and Reddit discussions frequently place them high in Aether ship rankings. Fans are drawn to their gentle, mutual yearning and how Ayaka‘s refined femininity pairs attractively with Aether‘s handsome heroism. It‘s no wonder fan art for this wholesome ship dominates online spaces like Pixiv and Weibo.
Many eager Ayaka x Aether shippers await a future story quest or events that could confirm the blossoming romance fans detected. For now, fan content creators take matters into their own hands with heartfelt comic dubs andromantic animated videos realizing the dream of this princess fairytale love.
4. Aether x Keqing – The Sweet, Slow Burn
Unlike flashier ships, Aether x Keqing has a small but loyal fanbase drawn by the promise of a sweet, gradual office romance. It‘s less common than other Aether ships but accounts for a solid 4% of AO3 content. Fans were first intrigued by Keqing‘s sincere letter to Aether on her birthday. Her admiration for his help and honesty was seen as a sign of budding attraction.
The appeal lies in their contrasting personalities – Keqing‘s serious, workaholic nature balanced out by Aether‘s optimism and giving spirit. Fan writers enjoy crafting storylines where work-obsessed Keqing learns to open up and embrace joy thanks to the traveler‘s influence. Their office romance starts slow but leads to deep self-growth and fulfillment as opposites attract.
5. Kaether – The Unlikely Rebel Pairing
This ship between rebellious, flirtatious Kaeya and the good-natured traveler has a devoted fan following drawn to their opposites attract dynamic. On Twitter, Tumblr, and AO3, fans share fan art and stories about the sexy, bantering couple. Kaeya‘s playful teasing of Aether strikes fans as potential interest, though he shows that side to many.
Kaether accounts for around 3% of Aether‘s total fanfics on AO3. The pairing does well in polls and discussions among Western fandom spaces but lacks traction in Asia. Fans enjoy Kaeya coaxing Aether out of his polite shell to embrace his more carefree, mischievous side. Their contrasting looks and personalities lend spice to this clashes with authority ship.
6. ChiTher – The Fan-Favorite Frenemies
No analysis of Aether ships is complete without Childe x Aether or ChiTher. Despite starting as enemies, fans were quick to detect chemistry between the confident Fatui Harbinger and earnest traveler. On AO3, ChiTher makes up 3% of Aether fics but consistently trends on Twitter during Childe content updates.
The popularity stems from their opposing values, goals, and styles highlighted in dramatic story scenes. Fans enjoy pitting Childe‘s chaotic nature against Aether‘s lawful good morality. ChiTher fan art and fic excels at angsty intimacy, forbidden tension, and enemies to lovers tropes.
Their dynamic inspues countless "corrupting the hero" type fanfics and artworks that become viral hits, especially in China. Each new encounter in game reignites hype for this clash of ideals ship amongst the most passionate Genshin shippers.
Other Notable Ships
While the above are clearly the most dominant, Aether has been paired with almost every character under the sun by fan creators. Here are a few other fairly popular ships in the mix:
Aether x Lumine – Controversial due to being siblings, but has a fanbase drawn to their close bond and complementary personalities
Aether x Zhongli – Zhongli‘s gentle guidance and support of Aether strikes some fans as parental but others as romantic
Diluc x Aether – Rivals to allies arc inspires shipping, though much less popular than other options
Scaramouche x Aether – Scara‘s villainy and clash with Aether inspires enemies to lovers intrigue
The Appeal of Shipping Aether
As Genshin‘s protagonist, Aether inspires interest from fans of many characters who may view him as an ideal romantic partner. His compassionate spirit, heroic deeds, and close bonds with other characters lays the foundation for compelling ships. Without defined canon relationships, fans have free rein to explore his dynamics through creative pairing.
Aether‘s role as the player avatar means he can be molded to suit most storylines and aesthetics. As a blank slate character, he projects an approachable everyman quality. This allows fans to live vicariously through him in romantic fantasies with their other favorite characters. His equal appeal to those interested in heterosexual and LGBT+ pairings expands the shipping potential exponentially.
While all relationships in Genshin remain ambiguous, the sheer amount of quality fan content proves many find Aether endlessly shippable. His bonds inspire such devotion that we‘re sure to see thriving ship communities as long as fans remain drawn into the enchanting world of Teyvat.
