The ancient lands of Teyvat have always been shaped by powers beyond mortal comprehension. Long before the Heavenly Principles established their dominion, dragons roamed the skies, their massive wings casting shadows across what would eventually become the seven nations. Nowhere is this draconic legacy more evident than in Mondstadt, where the history of these magnificent beings is woven into the very fabric of the nation's identity like intricate threads in a tapestry of time.

The Shadow Dragon: Durin's Tragic Tale

the-dragons-of-mondstadt-a-tale-of-power-tragedy-and-redemption-image-0

Durin's story begins not with fire and destruction, but with innocence and curiosity. Created by the brilliant alchemist Rhinedottir (also known as 'Gold') of Khaenri'ah, Durin was once considered one of her greatest achievements alongside Albedo. His origin story reads like a parent sending a child into the world, as Rhinedottir encouraged him to "go unto a lovely place, and display your own beauty there with pride."

The shadow dragon was drawn to Mondstadt like a moth to flame—not for conquest, but because he heard the "land of lovely songs" and wished to share his own melodies about the beauty of his homeland. How tragic that such pure intentions would eventually be corrupted! Durin's transformation from gentle giant to harbinger of destruction remains one of Teyvat's most heartbreaking tales.

By 1525 (500 years ago), during the Cataclysm, Durin descended upon Mondstadt with malevolence that seemed alien to his original nature. With the Knights of Favonius away fighting in Khaenri'ah, the city stood defenseless against his onslaught. It was only when Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, awakened from his slumber and summoned his draconic ally Dvalin that Mondstadt found salvation.

The battle was like two storm fronts colliding in the sky—chaotic, devastating, and ultimately fatal for Durin. His massive corpse crashed into what we now call Dragonspine, forever changing the landscape. Even in death, Durin's influence persisted as his corrupted blood seeped into the ley lines, revitalizing the Frostbearing Tree that had once been destroyed by Celestia's Skyfrost Nail.

As someone who's spent countless hours exploring Dragonspine, I can't help but feel a profound sadness when looking at Durin's remains. What might have been if he hadn't been corrupted? Would Mondstadt have gained another protector instead of a destroyer?

Mini-Durin: A Second Chance

In a twist that would make even the most hardened adventurer smile, 2024 saw the introduction of Mini-Durin during the Summertide Scales and Tales Event. This adorable version of the once-fearsome shadow dragon originated in Simulanka, a storybook world created by the Hexenzirkel member Andersdotter.

Much like his namesake, Mini-Durin faced fear and rejection despite his friendly nature. His large size caused accidental destruction wherever he went, leading the residents to misinterpret his actions as attacks. It wasn't until the Traveler and Wanderer intervened that Mini-Durin was transformed into a smaller, cuter form that wouldn't frighten others.

The parallels between the original Durin and Mini-Durin are as striking as the contrast between a thunder-filled night and a sun-dappled morning. Both sought connection but found fear; both caused destruction despite peaceful intentions. Yet where one story ended in tragedy, the other found redemption.

In one of 2025's most touching storylines, Albedo—himself a creation of Rhinedottir—performed the Art of Khemia to transform Mini-Durin into a synthetic human. Using Durin's blood from Dragonspine, flesh from an immortal monster from Mare Javari, and part of an embryo left by Rhinedottir, Albedo essentially used all of Mondstadt as his laboratory while Venti distracted the citizens with music during the Windblume Festival.

Dvalin: From Protector to Stormterror and Back Again

If Durin's story is a tragedy, then Dvalin's is an epic of fall and redemption. As one of Mondstadt's Four Winds and a friend to Barbatos for nearly 2,000 years, Dvalin has arguably the longest and most complex relationship with the city of freedom.

After his battle with Durin 500 years ago, Dvalin was poisoned by the shadow dragon's corrupted blood. Forced into hibernation within Decabarian's Tower, he slumbered while the poison worked its way through his system, making him vulnerable to the Abyss Order's manipulation.

When he finally awoke, Dvalin found a Mondstadt that had forgotten him and believed his friend Barbatos had abandoned him. The Abyss Order's whispers turned his confusion to rage, and he attacked the very city he once protected, earning the fearsome title of Stormterror.

It was like watching an old friend suffer from dementia—recognizing the form but finding the essence changed. Dvalin's eyes, once clear and bright with purpose, became clouded with hate and confusion. His majestic flights that once inspired awe now brought terror.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Traveler, Jean, Diluc, and Venti (Barbatos in mortal form), Dvalin eventually regained his sanity. Today in 2025, he occasionally visits Mondstadt, though he keeps his distance out of respect for citizens who might still fear him. When Venti calls, Dvalin answers, serving as transportation and protection just as he did in days of old.

Ursa the Drake: A Legend from the Pages

While not technically a dragon but rather a Vishap (a draconic descendant), Ursa the Drake deserves mention in any comprehensive discussion of Mondstadt's draconic history. Though absent from the game itself, Ursa's story unfolds in the Genshin Impact manga, where we learn it terrorized Mondstadt for approximately 1,000 years.

Ursa's most notable appearance came during the rebellion against the Aristocracy, when it was forced to battle the legendary hero Vanessa. Later, it would cross paths with the Ragnvindr family, attacking Diluc and his father Crepus as they returned to Dawn Winery. This encounter led to Crepus' tragic death after using a Delusion to protect his son.

The drake's story concluded at the hands of the Fatui Harbinger Dottore, creating a debt between Mondstadt and Snezhnaya that has yet to be fully explored in the game's narrative.

Dragons and Identity: What Makes Mondstadt Unique

The dragons of Mondstadt aren't merely monsters to be slain or obstacles to overcome—they're integral to understanding the nation's character. Like ancient redwoods whose roots run deep beneath the surface, these dragons have shaped Mondstadt's development in ways both obvious and subtle.

Mondstadt calls itself the City of Freedom, but that freedom was hard-won against threats like Durin and the corrupted Dvalin. Perhaps it's this struggle against draconic powers that has forged Mondstadt's fierce independence and appreciation for liberty.

The relationship between Barbatos and Dvalin also reflects Mondstadt's ideal governance—partnership rather than dominion, friendship rather than subjugation. Even in the case of Durin, we see attempts at understanding and redemption rather than simple destruction.

As we look to the future of Teyvat in 2025, with new regions still being unveiled and ancient mysteries coming to light, what other draconic tales might emerge? Will we learn more about the connection between dragons and the divine? Could other corrupted dragons be redeemed as Dvalin was?

And perhaps most intriguingly—what does the transformation of Mini-Durin suggest about the nature of life, death, and rebirth in Teyvat? Is this merely Albedo's scientific achievement, or does it hint at deeper cycles of existence that even the Archons might not fully comprehend?

The dragons of Mondstadt soar not just through its skies, but through its history, culture, and identity. Their stories, like ancient constellations guiding travelers through the night, continue to illuminate our understanding of Teyvat's most beloved city of freedom. And just as those constellations shift with the seasons, so too might our understanding of these magnificent creatures continue to evolve as new chapters in Genshin Impact's epic tale unfold.

🐉 🌬️ ⚔️