Additional Analysis

Xiao is a character who has suffered a lot throughout his life, from slavery to war to isolation. Although at the time of writing this there is no explicit mention of it, it is rather clear that he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other forms of trauma. 

Trauma is capable of impairing emotional, social and psychological development. In a way it “freezes” one’s mind at the time of the traumatic event. Xiao, too, has been stuck in the past. 

He understands kindness and gratitude, but doesn't know how to interact with ordinary people, nor does he know what his place is among all the excitement and noise. This lonely state of existence is the source of his melancholy. It has caused time to stand still, leading to him still having a very young mentality even to this day. (Developer Insight #4)

Additionally trauma affects emotional regulation. It causes emotional numbing to protect oneself. Xiao is incapable of navigating or recognizing his own emotions and has trouble perceiving and responding to other people’s emotional states. He has difficulty identifying and expressing emotions and internal states, and has trouble communicating his own needs, wants, and wishes. He is emotionally detached and disconnected from himself, his emotions are dulled to the point that he believes he does not possess any.

At that moment, another special feeling blossomed in Xiao's heart. Loneliness? Peace of mind? Or was it his fears for the future? The young-seeming Adeptus searched his heart, only to find no answers. 

(Character Story: Vision)

Xiao: I am not human; I can't really understand the emotions of humans.
(Profile Voice-Over)

People with trauma often feel excessive shame and have a negative perception of themselves. They have difficulties reaching out to others for help. They are afraid of being a burden to other people, and they are scared and ashamed of being vulnerable. It is rare for Xiao to ask for aid or assistance, even — or especially — in times when he is injured or is suffering from the effects of his karma. Xiao feels ashamed and guilty for having needs and desires. And on the rare occasions that he makes a request, he anxiously expects rejection.

Xiao: It's just a flesh wound. I am fine. I shouldn't let myself be a burden to you.

(Perilous Trail)

Xiao: In the thousands of years that have passed, I have taken countless wraiths. If you want no trouble, stay away from me. See me as a weapon, and nothing more.  

(Profile Voice-Over)

Xiao: "Vision", desires? Hah... do not use mortal standards to consider Adepti, I do not have desires. 

(Profile Voice-Over)

Xiao: If you have free time, we can go to Liyue Harbor together...

Xiao: If not... never mind.
(Teapot Lines)

Additionally, shame and guilt causes people to avoid being centered or being in the spotlight. Xiao always tells people to call him by name instead of titles; he does not enjoy formalities nor being treated as special. He also displays discomfort or awkwardness when receiving praise, gifts or gratitude.

Xiao: Don't waste your delicacies on me.

Xiao: Eradicating demons is my duty. You don't have to thank me.
(Lantern Rite 2.4)

Xiao: Thank you for the trouble, there was no need to...

Traveler: Ahem...

Xiao: ...I'll take them. Thank you... and Guoba too.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Trauma can lead to people developing trust issues. They have been hurt in the past so they have to guard themselves, they have to be cautious, they have to question the motives of others and they have to hide any form of weakness.

Xiao: Was there anything else? I... am accustomed to eating alone.

Traveler: We'll leave you be then...
(Xiao Story Quest)

Xiao: So this is what you meant by bringing the festival to me... *sigh* Is there no end to the peculiarities of human behavior?

Xiao: Does this serve any grander purpose?
(Lantern Rite 1.3)

Flashbacks of the traumatic events may happen, causing the person to relive dark moments by being mentally transported to those times. Sometimes these instances can be unexpected. Anything could be a potential trigger. Sounds, smells or images (even innocent ones) could stimulate the brain. Nightmares are also very common.

Xiao: ...Agh... Hmph, remembered some unpleasant memories.
(Profile Voice-Over)

I've never liked dreaming. No matter what I see, I can neither control it nor easily escape. 

(Xiao Birthday Mail 2024)

Intrusive and disturbing thoughts, memories and feelings are a common effect of trauma. In Xiao’s case, these elements are depicted as dark thoughts and as the lingering voices of resentful spirits plaguing his mind due to his karmic debt.

Xiao: Their voices... I can always hear them. Their screams, their cries, demanding more death… 

(Profile Voice-Over)

Xiao: Mm. So maybe... these thoughts are my own form of insanity.
(Perilous Trail)

Those suffering from trauma will sometimes be offered medication to help with depression and sleep problems. Similarly, Xiao is known to take medication to help with the effects of his karmic debt.

Zhongli: You speak of the young Adeptus of Guili Plains... *sigh* Still fulfilling his duty to this very day. Please give this Remedium Tertiorum to him on my behalf. Oh, yes... be sure not to let Paimon eat them. Nothing of this world can withstand the power of this medicine. (Profile Voice-Over)

People suffering from trauma may be terrified of harming others, so they tend to push people away. This is usually depicted as Xiao’s self-isolation due to the harmful effects of the karma he carries. This fear persists even when he is around people who are resistant to his karmic effects.

Xiao: The darkness that sullies my soul is harmful to mortals.

Xiao: The karma I carry is dangerous to humans. Keep your distance.

(Perilous Trail)

Xiao will often decline invitations, although deep down he appreciates the gesture. People with trauma often feel the need to be alone, but the offer of companionship, even when they reject it, means a lot to them. They are likely terrified of harming or scaring others off. Xiao doubts himself, not the Traveler.

The player's first offer to Xiao is to go to the Lantern Rite together to experience the atmosphere. Xiao instinctively refuses requests of this nature— not because he dislikes the idea, but out of avoidance. 

(Developer Insight #4)

Xiao: So this is what you meant by bringing the festival to me... *sigh* Is there no end to the peculiarities of human behavior?

Xiao: Does this serve any grander purpose?

Traveler: This way you can take part in Lantern Rite.

Traveler: Lantern Rite is meant to include everyone.

Xiao: ...Is that so? Human motives defy my attempts to fathom them.
(Lantern Rite 1.3)

At times, trauma can manifest as a feeling of having no control over one’s life or as living with someone they have no control over. For Xiao this is depicted by his karma. This feeling of lacking control is also the reason Xiao dislikes dreaming.

Traveler: Was he worried about his karma?

Hu Tao: You know him pretty well, huh?

Xiao: This matter is out of my control, so I need to be cautious.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

I've never liked dreaming. No matter what I see, I can neither control it nor easily escape. 

(Xiao Birthday Mail 2024)

Trauma can result in a mindset of fatalism: a person believing that they are permanently damaged and are beyond salvation. In difficult scenarios they might be prone to thinking in extremes, such as when Xiao’s immediate plan during Perilous Trail was to sacrifice himself, unable to believe in other possibilities.

Xiao: You may think of me as... your companion. You seek to find me salvation? ...You... really are a difficult being to comprehend. (Profile Voice-Over)

Guilt, in its various forms, is an emotion that often emerges from traumatic events. One way it can manifest is as survivor’s guilt, something which Xiao strongly feels as the last surviving yaksha. It can also manifest as guilt over things that needed done in order to survive. Xiao was forced to slaughter innocents when he was enslaved by an evil god and that heavily weighs on his conscience.

Back in a younger, more naive time, a god had gotten a hold of Xiao's weakness and forced him to serve as their bloodhound, in which capacity he was forced to perform cruel and violent acts. Many died at his hand, many hopes were crushed, and he was even forced into devouring his victims' dreams. As much as it pained him to do this, he was helpless to resist. (Character Story 2)

His past of service under the evil god had rid Xiao of his innocence and gentleness. All that remained within him was the means to kill and the weight of his sins. (Character Story 3)

Even when someone is forced to kill for the sake of protecting others, as can be the case for warriors or soldiers, they do not see themselves as noble or heroic.

Xiao: ...You could dress up the yaksha's life and call us valiant warriors, veterans of war, but... the truth is, we are slaughterers, and nothing more. (Perilous Trail)

Additionally, guilt and shame may lead to a compulsion of rescuing the needy. It is a way to prove themselves worthy through the act of helping others. This is likely the reason why Xiao signed a contract with Rex Lapis to protect Liyue, and continues to perform his duty even after the contract has been nullified. Even during festivities, he does not stop patrolling. Moreover, this compulsion is the reason that Xiao is so willing to sacrifice himself during Perilous Trail.

Xiao: I saw Bosacius underground. That's when I realized the horror of this place.

Xiao: A single blast can only create a very small opening. To send you back to the outside world, I may need to continuously channel power in order to keep the tunnel open.

Xiao: ...I know how to fight to the bitter end. I can do this.

(Perilous Trail)

To deal with trauma is to be at a constant war with oneself. A person with trauma kills parts of themselves in order to survive. Thus, their emotions are numbed, their desires are suppressed, their needs are neglected, their vulnerabilities are denied, their opinions are discarded and their identity is distorted, all leading to an existence detached and disconnected from themselves. 

What exactly is Xiao wrestling with? Xiao has spent many long years alone. But his battles have never been in vain. Because ultimately, the one with whom Xiao wrestles is himself.

(Character Story 4)

Xiao: I am not human; I can't really understand the emotions of humans.

Xiao: "Vision", desires? Hah... do not use mortal standards to consider Adepti, I do not have desires. 

Xiao: Today...

Xiao: Forget it, it's nothing. Good night.
(Teapot Lines)

Traveler: You haven't even recovered from your injuries yet...

Xiao: This is my purpose. Don't worry about me. 

(Perilous Trail)

Xiao: See me as a weapon, and nothing more.  

(Profile Voice-Over)

War veterans might feel alienated from others because of the acts and deeds they have committed. Xiao, too, feels alienated from other people and the world at large.

Xiao: I...don't like crowds.

Xiao: No cares in the world, so peaceful, so joyful... I am different from them.

Xiao: Too long have I spent slaughtering, accompanied by the burden of suffering that follows in its wake. Crossing paths with all those jubilant people will only make me...

Xiao: …Let’s end this topic here.
(Lantern Rite 1.3)

People with trauma, especially war veterans, have difficulties turning off their hypervigilance. They feel like danger is lurking everywhere. Xiao is constantly alert and rarely lets his guard down. Times of rest and peace feel strange and maybe even frightening to him.

Verr Goldet: Oh come on, they're not that bad! They're just used to being in survival mode out in the wilderness. You can't blame them for being on high alert. 

(Guest from Afar)

Traveler: (Is a yaksha who never lowers his guard capable of having dreams?) 

(Perilous Trail)

Xiao: Fighting monsters is nothing new to me.

Xiao: If anything... It is these brief periods of leisure between battles that I'm not accustomed to. 

(Imaginarium Theater) 

Xiao expects danger to lurk at every corner and he prepares for the worst-case scenarios. Even when he sleeps, Xiao covers his stomach for protection.

Xiao is often seen standing with arms crossed. Among Genshin’s characters, he is the one to use this particular body animation with the highest frequency. While gestures and body language can be interpreted in different ways depending on each person’s circumstances, it is likely that Xiao often does this unconsciously to guard himself. It is a defensive posture caused by unease, insecurity, stress, discomfort and fear.

It has been observed that some war veterans choose to return to the battlefield even after having the option to retire because they find it comforting. The familiarity and the numbness of the chaos keeps them distracted so that their mind never has a chance to slow down and process thoughts, memories and emotions that could lead to their mental crash. Xiao’s duty is continuously keeping him alert and therefore not giving him time to break down.

This is depicted as Xiao’s choice to continue on the path of slaughter even after he was freed by Morax, albeit now killing evil spirits to protect others instead of being forced to massacre the innocents. And it may also be symbolized by his karma — he cannot afford even an instance of negligence, otherwise he will lose his sanity.

Xiao: A moment of complacency, and I too will succumb to the darkness. An instant of negligence, and it will turn me into one of the monsters I swore to purge. (Endless Suffering Trailer)

Xiao’s words to Starsnatcher during Alatus Chapter: Act I are both a warning to the deceiver as well as a glimpse of the things Xiao believes about himself. Xiao’s suffering is the price he pays for his naivety (which led to enslavement) and for his endless slaughter (which led to karma) for which there is no redemption.

Xiao: One day, you will reap that which you have sown… For those who invite the infernal into their lives, there is no redemption. 

(Xiao Story Quest)

◇ ◇ ◇

During Xiao’s Story Quest, Pervases expresses the desire to taste Grilled Ticker Fish. Alas, it is an impossible dream for him because he is already dead and only his spirit remains, until it, too, must depart.

Pervases: *sigh* If only I could taste some authentic Grilled Ticker Fish once more… 

(Xiao Story Quest)

At the end of the quest, Xiao reminisces over Pervases and he decides to try his old companion’s favourite dish for the first time. This way Xiao might be able to connect with him or honor him in some way. The yakshas wished for a mortal’s life, and it is up to Xiao now to experience, on their behalf, the world they had dreamed of.

Paimon: Huh? No Almond Tofu this time? Well that's not like Xiao.

Xiao: Ticker Fish was Pervases' favorite dish...

Xiao: I just want to... see how it tastes.

(Xiao Story Quest)

◇ ◇ ◇

Even when Xiao is doing what he knows best — his yaksha duties — he continues to look down on himself. We don’t have enough information about what Xiao was like as General Alatus, but in his own eyes, he couldn’t measure up to someone like Bosacius.

Xiao: Bosacius was the leader of the Five Yakshas under Rex Lapis's command. He could control Electro energy.

Xiao: Unlike me, he was both a formidable warrior and a talented commander.

(Perilous Trail)

◇ ◇ ◇

Xiao’s first birthday mail reveals that he doesn’t have any hobbies and doesn’t do much outside of his guardian duties even on a special day like his birthday.

There was nothing for me to do today. So, I decided I would find a Crystalfly for you — to put in your hair. I thought that... it would look nice.
(Xiao Birthday Mail 2021)

◇ ◇ ◇

Although amusing on the surface, Xiao’s voice lines about the weather reveal a sadder truth. Xiao is used to sleeping outside so natural phenomena like thunder and lightning are very common and completely normal to him. Similarly, he is unconcerned with and used to the changing weather due to spending most of his time vanquishing demons in the wild.

Moreover, Xiao lives in a perpetual state of passivity, accepting things as they are due to his trauma. He does not concern himself with his surroundings unless it’s about protecting humans and fighting demons.

Xiao: The weather has cleared? Hmph, I don't concern myself with the weather.

Xiao: Many mortals fear thunder. This I cannot understand, this occurrence is clearly so common. 

(Profile Voice-Over)

◇ ◇ ◇

Xiao finds it strange that the Traveler makes a request while preparing themselves for rejection. And yet, Xiao does the exact same thing later. This is another example of his trauma, his levels of denial and his lack of understanding that other people perceive him positively and want to spend time with him.

Xiao: ...Idle chatter?

Xiao: ...If you wish, I'll accompany you.

Traveler: I thought you'd refuse.

Xiao: Hm?

Xiao: To make a request but prepare yourself for rejection...

Xiao: Human interaction really is troublesome.

Xiao: If you have free time, we can go to Liyue Harbor together...

Xiao: If not... never mind.
(Teapot Lines)

◇ ◇ ◇

Xiao possesses a vision that is superior to that of mortals. He is capable of seeing things from very far away. Although this might be explained by him being an Adeptus, it is also likely a nod to his true form being a Peng (a bird). Certain species of birds have an incredible long-distance vision that can spot things from as far as 2 miles away (~3km).

Xiao: Look over there.

Chongyun: You mean the leaf?

Xiao: Something's written on it.

Paimon: What? You can see that from over here?

Chongyun: There's a poem written on it. The Conqueror of Demons has truly amazing vision...

(Waterborne Poetry)

◇ ◇ ◇

When Xiao makes an appearance, he often does so from high places. At other times, he is seen resting in trees. Xiao wishes to keep his distance from others to protect them from his karma. High places also offer a better vantage point to spot potential incoming threats. But another reason he displays this behaviour is likely due to being a Peng (a bird).

◇ ◇ ◇

Xiao is capable of falling asleep while standing. Although this could be attributed to him being an Adeptus, it is also likely a nod to him being a Peng (a bird). Birds sleep while standing upright.

Xiao: ...Who!? ...You think I had fallen asleep standing? Hmph, disrespect toward the Adepti! 

(Profile Voice-Over)

◇ ◇ ◇

In order for Illuminated Beasts and Adepti to don a human form, they must first cultivate themselves and cultivate the specific form they want to have. It is unknown how much influence their personal vision has on the appearance of their human form and how much of it is predetermined by their physical characteristics. But when looking at Madame Ping’s current appearance we can assume that their preferences are able to influence the form they take. As such, Xiao’s current appearance is likely his preferred form.

Xiao spends all of his time in the wild fighting against demons. A small, nimble and less noticeable appearance is therefore a much needed advantage for him. Though is it possible that his small size is also due to the way he feels internally about himself — a small being that should remain out of sight.

Rosaria: For cats... or really any animal that lives in the wild, a larger size doesn't exactly confer many advantages. What it actually does is make their appearance more noticeable and their movements less nimble.

(Feline Fortress Furrdyssey)

◇ ◇ ◇

In the past, Xiao did not have a liking for being idle. Maybe he believed that he shouldn’t or doesn’t deserve to be at rest, that he must always busy himself with his duty, always serving Liyue. Additionally, being idle was likely uncomfortable for him due to his hypervigilance. But in recent times he has developed a fondness and a desire for idle strolls and outings with the Traveler.

Xiao: Actually reduced to a point of being idle, ridiculous. 

(Profile Voice-Over)

Xiao: All my dreams with you are of idle strolls and outings. 

(Xiao Birthday Mail 2024)

◇ ◇ ◇

Over time, Xiao has opened up and is willing to share his stories with the Traveler without them having to request it. Xiao no longer believes that his own thoughts have no value. Moreover, he no longer speaks of the yakshas with the negativity we saw during Perilous Trail.

Xiao: General Kapisas always said that we should live in the present and enjoy every pleasant surprise. Perhaps that's what I should do with what I'm feeling now.

Xiao: ...But I think he meant designing clothes for those around him.

Xiao: The clothes were intricately designed, but inconvenient to wear. Brother Bosacius never tried to hide his distaste in front of him.

Xiao: Rex Lapis did like his designs and even collected quite a few. The outfit he wears now was also designed by General Kapisas himself.

(Lantern Rite 3.4)

Xiao: Menogias was the only yaksha among us who had an interest in matters of ornamentation and design. 

(Lantern Rite 4.4)

Traveler: You've met her in this form before?

Xiao: I have indeed. I fought alongside her in this form on many occasions during the Archon War.

Xiao: Even so, Cloud Retainer was not always as ostentatious as you describe. You may be unaware, but her talent with adepti sigils is just as formidable as her skill in mechanics.

Xiao: The Archon War reached its peak after Guizhong's death. The Cloud Retainer who fought beside me in those devastating battles was taciturn and solemn, only speaking when she had to activate her sigils.

Xiao: After the war, Cloud Retainer retired to Mt. Aocang, only revealing herself to the occasional visitor, and always in her avian form.

Xiao: ...Although, I do believe there was an occasion some thirty odd years ago when she decided to don her human form. I believe it was for the purpose of—

(Xianyun Story Quest)

● Developer Insight #4: Character Stories (I) - "Vigilant Yaksha" Xiao

A developer blog that covers the creation process for Xiao (inspiration, design, writing, animations). You may have seen this already, but if you haven’t, I highly recommend reading it. Alternative link here.

● Opera Singer Reacts to Xiao: Doombane by MarcoMeatball

A musical analysis and reaction/discussion about Xiao’s Character Demo theme song “Path of the Yaksha” by an opera singer.

● Opera Singer Listens to The "Endless Suffering" Short by MarcoMeatball

A musical analysis and reaction/discussion about Xiao’s “Endless Suffering” short trailer by an opera singer.

● Filmmaker Reacts to Xiao: Doombane by Philip Hartshorn

An analysis and reaction/discussion about Xiao’s Character Demo “Doombane” by a filmmaker.

● Miscellaneous Trivia & Etymology

Cool trivia and etymology about Xiao, neatly organized on the wiki. You may have seen it already, but if not then I recommend taking a look.

● How Xiao's different names and titles came to be by baoboatree

A diagram explaining the fascinating origins of Xiao’s names and titles in Chinese.

● What the Yakshas' titles mean in CN by baoboatree

A thread detailing the meaning behind the Yaksha’s titles in Chinese and the various mythological/religious elements behind them. For Xiao specifically, take a look at this comment thread. 

● Xiao at Tunnel's End: A Musical Analysis by SonicPileDriver

A musical analysis and comparison between Xiao’s Character Demo and Perilous Trail’s “Moment of Life or Death” cutscene.

● Bird Call from Afar by berripluscream

A neat piece of trivia regarding Xiao and the background track Bird Call from Afar that plays in Qingyun Peak.

● Teyvat Food Notes: One / Two / Three / Four

Stories featuring or including Xiao. Unfortunately, it’s only in Chinese. If you can’t read Chinese, you could use a translator to get a general idea.

● Interview with the voice of Xiao, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka 

Interview with Xiao’s Japanese voice actor. You can find a translated version of it here.

● Interview with the voice of Xiao (Genshin Impact 2nd Anniversary) 

Anniversary interview with Xiao’s Japanese voice actor.

● Interview with the voice of Xiao, Laila Berzins One / Two

Interviews with Xiao’s English voice actress.