Honkai: Star Rail’s third update introduced the new planet Amphoreus. This new planet is filled with references to Greek and Roman mythology, from its name to its characters and beyond. But these references aren’t just specifically mentioning Greek and Roman gods and heroes, Honkai: Star Rail’s new planet has a distinctly Grecian feel to its design. Nevertheless, with Greek mythology’s gods and heroes making such an immense impact throughout pop culture, it’s no surprise that Amphoreus is filled with many references to these mighty warriors.
In order to keep this article on the shorter side, this article defines a reference to a hero or god from Greek or Roman mythology when the name of that god or hero is mentioned. This narrows the pool of references as several of Amphoreus’ characters seem to pay homage to Greek and Roman gods or heroes without using the same names. Additionally, references to monsters, philosophers, and Greece and Rome’s many key historical players are excluded from this article.
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Amphoreus NPCs Have Familiar Names
Amphoreus has over eighty NPCs and that number will keep climbing as future updates for the new planet are already scheduled. Yet, some of these NPCs have more bearing on Honkai: Star Rail than others.
Some of the smaller NPCs have big names to look up to. For example, Daidalos, the Chief Engineer of Kremnos Arena, is briefly mentioned in the Arena Maintenance Log. His name is a clear reference to Daedalus, one of the most famous engineers in Greek mythology and the creator of the Minotaur’s Labyrinth and father to Icarus. Daidalos’ name is proof of how dedicated to immersive storytelling HoYoverse is. This character has only shown up by name so far in Honkai: Star Rail, yet this naming choice is immediately revealing.
Other small-time NPCs that players actually interact with feature some of the most recognizable names from Greek and Roman myths. Characters like Gaia, Peleus, Cassondra, and Iason practically have the same names as the Greek gods and heroes they are referencing. Gaia is clearly based on Mother Earth, Peleus is named after the father of Achilles, Cassondra, who acts as a fortune-teller in Janusopolis, is a reference to the Oracle Cassandra, and Iason is only one letter away from the hero, Jason. Iason notably names the dromases after other Greek myths, with their names being Asterion, Euphemus, Castor and Pollux, and Heracles.
There are a few names that partially obscure the characters they are referencing, like Demetria, Apollonia, Aphrea, and Ulixes. Star Rail players caught up on their Greek mythology will know that Demetria and Apollonia are references to the Greek gods Demeter and Apollo respectively. However, Ulixes is the Latin form of “Ulysses”, another name for the Greek hero Odysseus. Aphrea is also a tricky situation. While Aphrea sounds similar to Aphrodite, the link that clearly binds the Greek goddess of love to Aphrea is the character’s marriage to Vulcan, which is the Roman title for Hephaestus. Aphrodite and Hephaestus are married, confirming that Aphrea was named after the love goddess.
Roman mythology has its fair share of NPC references as well. NPCs Bacchus and Fortuna are both named after Roman gods. Bacchus is the Roman form of the Grecian Dionysus and Fortuna is the Roman goddess of luck. However, one of the more important NPCs in Amphoreus’ storyline is based on a Grecian character. Elder Caenis of the Council of Elders seems to be modeled after Caeneus.
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Titans Reference Greek Mythology Constantly
Amphoreus’ many titans also clearly reference Greek and Roman mythology. Titans like Thanatos, Mnestia, and Zagreus all directly reference Greek gods with their names. Thanatos is the Greek personification of death, a fitting name for the Death Titan. Mnestia and Zagreus are more obscure references. Mnestia is likely derived from Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory, and Zagreus seems to be an Orphic version of Dionysus. These names are fitting for Titans that represent romance and trickery.
Titans Cerces and Oronyx, who could possibly be one of the Chrysos Heirs, could be referencing Greek gods and heroes in their names as well. Cerces sounds similar to Circe, a sorceress that has appeared in several adventures, most notably the Odyssey. Oronyx seems to refer to the goddess of night, Nyx. Considering the Titan’s tie to Evernight, this reference seems logical.
However, Kephale has the most obvious reference to a character from Greek mythology despite not sharing a name. The Titan Father of Amphoreus is shown holding up the sky, a direct reference to Atlas. Missing Kephale on this list would be lunacy despite the fact that he technically does not fit the guidelines set at the beginning of this article.
The Chrysos Heirs Subtly Reference Greek Mythology
The Chrysos Heirs are arguably the most notable characters in Amphoreus, as they will allegedly all be playable characters. Aglaea, who was introduced to Honkai: Star Rail in Version 3.0, was the first Chrysos Heir to join the game. She shares her name with one of the Greek charities. Mydeimos, who will be joining in Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.1, seems to share a name with Deimos, the Greek god of terror and son of Aphrodite and Ares. This name is fitting considering that Deimos takes the Path of Destruction and seeks the Coreflame of Strife.
Two unreleased and alleged Chrysos Heirs also reference Greek mythology. Hyacine, who is currently an NPC but was confirmed as a Chrysos Heir in the Golden Epic trailer, could be directly referencing Hyacinth. This tragic character was the lover of Apollo before he was struck down by a jealous former lover. Phainon shares a similar role to Hyacine, as he has been confirmed to be a Chrysos Heir in the Golden Epic trailer but is currently an NPC. His name could be a reference to Phaenon, a sky god specifically of the star Cronus.
HoYoverse has also referred to Greek and Roman heroes and gods through the names of locations, specifically Janusopolis. This name is derived from Janus, the Roman god of doorways, which perfectly suits the City of the Thousand Gates. Janus is also referred to in Amphoreus’ history as the Passage Titan. Even readables have received the reference treatment, with the “Dromas Herakles’ Twelve Trails” being available for players in the Grove of Epiphany. These constant references show how dedicated Honkai: Star Rail is to Amphoreus’ theming. Future versions will surely uncover more references to Greek and Roman gods and heroes.
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- Released
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April 26, 2023
- ESRB
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T for Teen