The Eleventh Fatui Harbinger is known by both 'Childe' and 'Tartaglia,' with Tartaglia being his official codename within the Fatui and Childe serving as his commonly used English alias. These names represent different aspects of his identity and how he is referred to in various contexts, particularly due to localization choices in the game Genshin Impact.
Understanding Tartaglia: The Harbinger's Official Codenames
Within the formidable ranks of the Fatui Harbingers, the Eleventh member is formally known as Tartaglia. This name is his designated codename, consistent with how all other Harbingers are identified by names derived from Commedia dell'arte characters. For him, Tartaglia is his name in this official capacity.
The Alias "Childe": Its Origin and Meaning
While "Tartaglia" is his formal Harbinger codename, the name Childe is prominently used, especially in the English localization of Genshin Impact. This alias is not a personal nickname but rather a direct translation of his original Chinese alias.
- Linguistic Origin: "Childe" is an archaic English word.
- Meaning: It refers to the son of a nobleman who has not yet attained knighthood. This meaning subtly reflects aspects of his background, perhaps hinting at his aristocratic origins or his unyielding pursuit of power and skill before reaching a perceived peak.
Why Two Names? Localization and Context
The existence of both "Childe" and "Tartaglia" for the same character primarily stems from localization decisions and the unique nature of his Harbinger codename:
- Commedia Dell'arte Naming Convention: All Fatui Harbingers adopt codenames inspired by specific Commedia dell'arte characters. Since "Tartaglia" itself is already a name from this traditional Italian theatre, it serves as his primary, official Harbinger designation.
- Avoiding Redundancy in Aliases: In languages that already applied Commedia dell'arte names as aliases for other Harbingers (e.g., "The Doctor" for Dottore), a distinct alias was necessary for the Eleventh Harbinger to avoid simply calling him "The Tartaglia." His English alias, "Childe," fulfills this role by directly translating his specific Chinese alias.
- Role-Playing vs. Official Title: "Childe" often appears in dialogues where he is interacting informally with the Traveler or other characters, portraying his more affable (or deceptive) public persona. Conversely, "Tartaglia" is used when referring to his official status within the Fatui or during more formal discussions related to his Harbinger duties.
Summary of Names
To clarify the distinction between these two significant names:
| Name/Title | Type of Name | Context / Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Tartaglia | Fatui Harbinger Codename | His official designation as the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger; derived from Commedia dell'arte. |
| Childe | English Alias | Commonly used alias in English localization; a direct translation of his Chinese alias, meaning a nobleman's son. |
In essence, the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger is Tartaglia by official title, and "Childe" is a widely recognized alias, particularly within the English-speaking player base, stemming from his localized designation.
