- Durin's original form was a colossal, disfigured Abyssal dragon.
- Created by Rhinedottir (Gold) using Abyssal energy.
- Responsible for the Cataclysm's devastation in Mondstadt 500 years ago.
- Slain by Barbatos and Dvalin, its corpse forms Dragonspine.
- Its corrupted blood and heart continue to influence Teyvat's environment.
The Abyssal Dragon: Durin's Original Form
Durin, a name now associated with a playable Pyro character, originally struck fear into the hearts of Teyvat's inhabitants. This ancient entity was a colossal, disfigured black skeletal dragon with glowing red eyes, imbued with the corrupting power of the Abyss. Its wings were veined, and its sheer size rivaled that of Dragonspine itself, where its remains now lie.
Created by the infamous alchemist "Gold" Rhinedottir, Durin was born from the abyssal depths and classified as a "Humus" creation. Despite its destructive nature, Durin possessed a gentle heart, wishing to befriend the people of Mondstadt and Dvalin. However, its Abyssal blood unintentionally caused devastation, leading to its tragic downfall.
Video Highlights:
- Durin's creation by Rhinedottir during the Cataclysm.
- Its battle against Venti (Barbatos) and Dvalin.
- The corrupting nature of Durin's blood and its impact on Dragonspine.
Durin's blood was highly toxic and saturated with Abyssal power. This corruption was so potent that it influenced Dvalin, leading to his transformation into "Stormterror," and continues to affect Dragonspine's environment.
Creation and Cataclysm: The Scourge of Mondstadt
Five hundred years ago, during a cataclysmic event, Durin emerged as a terrifying force in Mondstadt. Rhinedottir, its creator, considered it one of her "miraculous creations," yet it lacked the "will" to control its immense, abyssal strength. This inherent flaw sealed Durin's fate from the beginning, leading to widespread destruction.
The Knights of Favonius were severely weakened after a campaign in Khaenri'ah, leaving Mondstadt vulnerable. Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, awoke to the pleas of his people and, with Dvalin, confronted Durin. Their epic battle culminated in Dvalin delivering a fatal blow to Durin's neck, sending the dragon plummeting onto the mountain now known as Dragonspine.
Durin's Nature
- Abyssal Entity: Summoned from the sea of stars.
- Gentle Heart: Wished for companionship, not destruction.
- Unconscious Destruction: Unknowingly harmed Teyvat due to corrupted blood.
Impact on Teyvat
- Dragonspine Formation: Its corpse became the mountain.
- Ley Line Corruption: Poisoned Dragonspine's Ley Lines.
- Festering Desire: Parts used to forge a cursed sword.
Legacy of Corruption: Dragonspine's Enduring Scar
Even in death, Durin's influence persists, primarily through its corpse and the potent Abyssal energy it left behind in Dragonspine. The mountain itself became a testament to the dragon's fall, and its blood infused the environment, giving rise to unique phenomena.
Corpse as Dragonspine
Durin's massive body, after its defeat, became the very foundation of the Dragonspine mountain, forever scarring the landscape of Mondstadt.
Ley Line Infestation
The dragon's toxic blood seeped into Dragonspine's Ley Lines, revitalizing the Frostbearing Tree and creating Crimson Agate and Scarlet Quartz.
Active Heart
Durin's heart beneath Wyrmrest Valley remains "active," radiating life energy and attracting various entities, including the Fatui.
Subject Two's Escape
Rhinedottir's failed prototype homunculus, Subject Two, was swallowed by Durin but later escaped after the dragon's death, leading to further schemes involving Durin's blood.
The artifacts and materials found in Dragonspine, such as Crimson Agate and Scarlet Quartz, are direct results of Durin's lingering Abyssal energy interacting with the environment.
The Evolution of Durin: From Dragon to Human
The story of Durin doesn't end with its demise. Through complex alchemical processes and a desire for a different fate, a new form of Durin emerged. In the storybook world of Simulanka, a new Durin was created by Hexenzirkel witch Andersdotter, mirroring the original's gentle intentions but tragic circumstances.
Eventually, Albedo, another creation of Rhinedottir, orchestrated a miraculous transformation. By fusing the goodness of "Mini Durin" (the Simulanka counterpart) with the original Durin's core, and utilizing materials like the "flesh of an immortal monster" and Rhinedottir's "embryo," Albedo granted Durin a synthetic human body. This new, playable Pyro character now aims to integrate into Mondstadt society and create positive memories, striving to redefine the name "Durin."
| Durin's Forms | Description | Key Characteristics | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Dragon | Colossal Abyssal dragon, black skeletal appearance, glowing red eyes. | Unconscious destruction, corrupted blood, gentle heart. | Slain by Dvalin and Barbatos, corpse became Dragonspine. |
| Simulanka Dragon | Storybook counterpart, similar tragic desire for friendship. | Created by Andersdotter, wished to steal stars for its "mother." | Transformed into a marketable plushy by Nu. |
| Human Form (Playable) | Synthetic human body, Pyro character. | Fused with Mini Durin's goodness, created by Albedo. | Resides in Nod-Krai, seeks to build positive connections. |
The transformation of Durin into a human form represents a triumph of alchemy and hope, allowing the essence of the once-feared dragon to pursue a life of companionship and positive impact in Teyvat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durin's Original Form
Q: What was Durin's original form?
Durin's original form was that of a colossal, disfigured black skeletal dragon with glowing red eyes, imbued with the power of the Abyss.
Q: Who created the original Durin?
The original Durin was created by the alchemist 'Gold' Rhinedottir, using Abyssal energy during the Cataclysm.
Q: How did Durin impact Mondstadt?
Durin invaded Mondstadt during the Cataclysm, causing widespread devastation with its corrupted blood. Its corpse later formed the Dragonspine mountain, and its lingering Abyssal energy still affects the region.
Q: Is the current playable Durin the same as the original dragon?
The playable Durin is a new, synthetic human form created by Albedo. It is a fusion of the goodness of 'Mini Durin' (a storybook creation) and the original Durin's core, aiming for a different fate.