In the mysterious underwater world of Enkanomiya, The Phaethons’ Syrtos is a world quest that weaves together lore, exploration, and emotional stakes. This quest takes players deep into the history of the Sunchildren royal figures who once held spiritual and political significance in Byakuyakoku and invites the Traveler to help bring peace to their restless souls. With multiple steps that range from puzzle-solving to combat and sentimental encounters, this quest is one of the most touching and lore-rich experiences in Genshin Impact.
Unlocking the Quest
To begin The Phaethons’ Syrtos, players must first meet certain prerequisites. This world quest is located in Enkanomiya, specifically at the Evernight Temple. However, you cannot simply walk in to start it.
Pre‘Quests and Requirements
- You need to completeThe Subterranean Trials of Drake and Serpent. contentReference[oaicite0]
- You also have to finishHyperion’s Dirge, another Enkanomiya quest that grants you the Divine Bridle. contentReference[oaicite1]
- After those are done, head to the Evernight Temple in its shaded (Evernight) form. contentReference[oaicite2]
- At the temple, you’ll discover two Seelies floating nearby. Guide both of them to their respective posts beside a barrier. Once both Seelies reach their spots, the magical barrier disappears. contentReference[oaicite3]
Once the barrier is removed, you can speak to an afterimage spirit who reveals herself to beClymene, the key NPC for this quest. contentReference[oaicite4]
The Story Behind the Sunchildren
Clymene explains the tragic history of the Sunchildren in Byakuyakoku. These were seven chosen infants who, according to tradition, were born from the Dainichi Mikoshi, the artificial sun that the people worshipped. contentReference[oaicite5] Although the Sunchildren held a ceremonial role, they were manipulated by the nobility, and their innocence was exploited. Clymene bore some of the guilt and responsibility for their fate, and now she asks the Traveler to help her pay respects to them.
The Quest Objectives
The core task in The Phaethons’ Syrtos is deeply symbolic you need to offer aSango Pearlat each of the seven royal tombs scattered across Enkanomiya. contentReference[oaicite6] These tombs are marked on your map after you speak with Clymene. contentReference[oaicite7]
Royal Tomb Locations
The seven tombs are spread out in key areas such as near cliffs, temples, and platforms in Enkanomiya. contentReference[oaicite8] Be warned some tombs are guarded by dangerous enemies. For example, the tombs around the Serpent’s Heart often have Electro Abyss Lectors patrolling nearby. contentReference[oaicite9] Defeating these foes may be required before placing the Sango Pearl.
Using the Divine Bridle
After you place all seven Sango Pearls, return to Clymene. She will open a path called the Soul Guide’s Locus, a quiet, mystical platform where she wants you to place a special item called theDivine Bridle. contentReference[oaicite10]
The Divine Bridle is obtained by completing theHyperion’s Dirgequest. contentReference[oaicite11] Once you give her the bridle, a cutscene plays the spirits of the Sunchildren rise, memories are shared, and Clymene finally experiences a moment of closure. contentReference[oaicite12]
The Hidden Objective Sunchildren Afterimages
Even after the main quest is completed, there’s a hidden exploration objective the Sunchildren Hide and Seek. contentReference[oaicite13] Throughout Enkanomiya, you can find seven afterimages (ghostly versions) of the Sunchildren.
- Switch between Evernight and Whitenight modes to spot each afterimage. contentReference[oaicite14]
- Interact with all seven to complete the hidden objective. contentReference[oaicite15]
Completing this hidden step grants the achievement The Children of God Shall Dance. contentReference[oaicite16]
Rewards for Completing the Quest
When you finish The Phaethons’ Syrtos and hand over the Divine Bridle, you’ll be rewarded with
- A large amount of Mora (in-game currency) contentReference[oaicite17]
- 30 Primogems, which are valuable for wishing on banners contentReference[oaicite18]
- 3 Hero’s Wit, a resource used for character experience contentReference[oaicite19]
If you also complete the afterimage objective, you get the special Wonders of the World achievement. contentReference[oaicite20]
Lore and Themes Why This Quest Matters
What makes The Phaethons’ Syrtos especially moving is its rich lore. The Sunchildren’s story is more than just a quest it’s a portrait of tragedy, political manipulation, and redemption. Clymene’s role as their caretaker adds emotional weight, as she reveals her guilt and longing.
The quest also echoes Greek mythology. The name Phaethon comes from the mythological son of the sun god Helios, while syrtos is a traditional Greek dance. contentReference[oaicite21] In a poetic sense, The Phaethons’ Syrtos means the dance of the children of the sun much like the Sunchildren dancing as spirits once more.
Tips for Players
Here are some practical tips to make this quest smoother
- Prepare for combat Some tombs are guarded by tough enemies like Abyss Lectors. Bring appropriate characters and a balanced team. contentReference[oaicite22]
- Gather Sango Pearls in advance These can be found around Watatsumi Island and Sangonomiya Shrine. contentReference[oaicite23]
- Be careful with navigation Enkanomiya’s map is vertical, and gliding will be necessary to reach some tombs. contentReference[oaicite24]
- Complete Hyperion’s Dirge first Without the Divine Bridle from that quest, you cannot complete The Phaethons’ Syrtos. contentReference[oaicite25]
- Switch to Evernight mode To find the afterimages for the hidden objective, change the temple’s lighting mode. contentReference[oaicite26]
The Phaethons’ Syrtos is a standout world quest in Genshin Impact’s Enkanomiya region. It combines exploration, combat, emotional storytelling, and mythology in a way that deepens the game’s lore significantly. By guiding two Seelies past a barrier, offering Sango Pearls at seven tombs, and ultimately using the Divine Bridle, the Traveler helps Clymene honor the lost Sunchildren and bring peace to their spirits.
Beyond merely completing tasks, this quest invites players to reflect on sacrifice, memory, and forgiveness. It pays respect to the forgotten rulers of Byakuyakoku and offers a moving conclusion to a piece of Enkanomiya’s history. For players looking to experience one of Genshin Impact’s richest lore quests, The Phaethons’ Syrtos is not to be missed.