Sumeru: Deserts and Jungles of the Nation of Wisdom
Sumeru is one of the most geographically diverse and culturally complex regions in Genshin Impact. Divided into lush rainforests and vast deserts, the nation represents a fusion of nature, knowledge and ancient history. Home to the Akademiya and the God of Wisdom, Sumeru’s landscapes tell two parallel stories: one of thriving jungle civilizations guided by scholarly pursuit, and another of forgotten desert empires shaped by loss, decline and ancient ambition.
The Dual Geography of Sumeru
The defining feature of Sumeru is its dramatic geographical split. The eastern half is covered by dense jungles, towering trees and humid valleys, while the western half consists of dry expanses, golden dunes and monumental ruins. These two ecosystems differ not only in appearance but in culture, wildlife, traditions and history.
The rainforest represents life, renewal and intellectual growth. It is filled with vibrant colors, flowing rivers and interconnected communities. The desert, in contrast, symbolizes memory, mystery and ancient grandeur. Its ruins and sealed temples hint at a civilization that once rivaled the greatest empires of Teyvat.
The Rainforest: Jungle Civilizations and Scholarly Wisdom
The eastern rainforest of Sumeru is home to the nation’s heart of knowledge. This area includes locations such as Gandharva Ville, Sumeru City and the Avidya Forest. These lands are symbolized by Dendro’s connection to growth, balance and natural harmony.
Sumeru City, perched above cascading terraces and waterways, serves as the center of the Akademiya—the most prestigious institution of learning in Teyvat. Scholars from all branches of academia gather here to study botany, linguistics, history, magic and countless specialized fields. The city’s architecture blends natural materials with scholarly design, reflecting both wisdom and ecological consciousness.
Outside the city, the rainforest is filled with unique flora and fauna. Enigmatic creatures such as fungi-based organisms, forest spirits and Aranara inhabit the deep woods. The Aranara, mystical beings tied to dreams and nature, emphasize Sumeru’s spiritual connection to the forest and its role in preserving ancient traditions.
Rainforest Culture and Traditions
The people of the rainforest live in harmony with nature. Their customs focus on sustainability, spiritual connection and intellectual pursuit. Storytelling, herbal medicine, music and ecological knowledge play a vital role in village life. Temples hidden beneath roots, vine-covered ruins and ancient pathways reveal a long history of coexistence between humans and the natural world.
The rainforests also explore themes of consciousness, dreams and identity, especially through quests involving memory, imagination and the blurred boundary between the real and the mystical.
The Desert: Legacy of King Deshret
To the west lies the Sumeru Desert—an immense, scorching landscape marked by colossal pyramids, abandoned oases and technology far more advanced than it first appears. This region once belonged to the ancient empire of King Deshret, a powerful ruler whose civilization fell long before the rise of the Akademiya.
The desert is divided into multiple subregions: the golden dunes of the Hypostyle Desert, the harsh sands of the Upper and Lower Setekh regions, and the ruins of the Mausoleum of King Deshret. Each area contains hidden passageways, underground cities and relics of forbidden knowledge.
The desert tells a story of ambition, tragedy and collapse. King Deshret’s desire to bring ultimate wisdom to humanity ultimately led to catastrophe. The consequences of this downfall still echo through the sands, influencing the lives of the desert tribes today.
Desert Tribes and Culture
The inhabitants of the desert, including the people of Aaru Village and roaming mercenary clans, possess a distinct cultural identity. Their traditions revolve around survival, honor and remembrance. Oral history, passed down through generations, preserves the legacy of King Deshret’s people—those who once thrived under the desert sun.
Desert culture places great value on independence and resilience. The tribes often operate outside Akademiya authority, embracing their own spiritual practices and forms of governance. Ancient deities, long-lost technologies and forgotten rites shape everyday life in the sands.
Contrast Between Rainforest and Desert
Sumeru’s two halves often contrast sharply, not only in geography but in ideology. The rainforest represents structure, knowledge and scholarly order, while the desert symbolizes emotion, memory and spiritual legacy. This tension reflects the broader themes of Sumeru’s storyline: rationality versus intuition, institutional control versus individual freedom, and knowledge versus wisdom.
Despite these differences, both sides contribute to Sumeru’s identity. Their coexistence creates a region shaped by duality—growth and decay, innovation and tradition, light and shadow.
Important Locations
- Sumeru City — academic capital and home of the Akademiya.
- Avidya Forest — lush rainforest of scholars, spirits and wildlife.
- Mawtiyima Forest — mystical area connected to dreams and the Aranara.
- Mausoleum of King Deshret — central desert landmark filled with ancient mechanisms.
- Aaru Village — cultural center of desert tribes and followers of ancient traditions.
Conclusion
Sumeru is a region shaped by duality—lush jungles filled with wisdom and deep-rooted tradition, and arid deserts echoing with the legacy of a fallen empire. Together, these landscapes form one of the most intricate and symbolic regions in Teyvat. Through its rainforests, deserts, scholars and tribes, Sumeru explores themes of knowledge, memory and the delicate balance between intellect and spirituality. Whether wandering through sunlit canopies or descending into ancient ruins, players experience a world where history and nature intertwine in unforgettable ways.