Zenless Zone Zero: Understanding Proxy's Phaethon Codename

Zenless Zone Zero sets itself apart from other HoYoverse games by bringing animated, fully-voiced main characters to life. The story centers on the Proxy siblings, Belle and Wise, who together are known as "Phaethon." Unlike traditional playable characters, these siblings don’t fight directly but guide the game’s Agents through the enigmatic Hollows.

In this world, a "Proxy" is an unlicensed guide in New Eridu’s dangerous Hollows, often taking on risky, off-the-record jobs that the Hollow Investigative Association (HIA) would avoid. Belle and Wise, also called Phaethon, have gained "Legendary" status on the Inter-Knot network, making them one of the most respected Proxies in New Eridu. But what does "Phaethon" mean, and why was this mythological codename chosen for them? Let's delve into the origins of "Phaethon" and how it might connect to the Proxy siblings.

The Greek Myth Behind Belle and Wise's "Phaethon" Codename

In Greek mythology, Phaethon is the son of Helios, the sun god, and Clymene, an Oceanid. Known for his striking looks and fierce courage, Phaethon was also somewhat reckless—a trait that led to his downfall. When he tried to drive his father’s sun chariot across the sky, he lost control, prompting Zeus to strike him down with a thunderbolt. His body fell into the Eridanus River, where his sisters mourned him, and legend holds that his fiery crash left behind scorched lands, representing desert and wasteland environments.

Fans have speculated that Belle and Wise’s "Phaethon" codename might connect to this story, hinting at something significant in their past. Some believe the name references Helios Academy, the siblings’ supposed school before Eridu’s original city was destroyed by the Hollows. While we don’t yet know much about Helios Academy or the Proxy siblings' early life, "Phaethon" may hold clues about their origins and their fearless nature.

Possible Origins: Helios Academy and Research Institute

Another detail worth noting is the existence of the Helios Research Institute, which developed the Hollow Deep Dive System now used for exploring Hollows. This technology helps the Proxy siblings complete various commissions, adding to the mystery of how they came to be so skilled in Hollow navigation. It’s possible Belle and Wise had ties to this institute, or perhaps the “Phaethon” nickname originated there.

Both Helios Academy and the Helios Research Institute were established by Professor Arche, who first documented Hollow characteristics. As one of the seven inaugural “Void Hunters,” his research likely influenced the creation of Phaethon as we know it.

Why "Phaethon" Fits the Proxy Siblings

Many fans speculate that "Phaethon" reflects the siblings’ boldness and willingness to confront the perils of the Hollows. Just as the mythical Phaethon ventured where few dared, Belle and Wise accept dangerous tasks to support Agents in battling Ethereals. This allusion to Greek mythology may also foreshadow future events, potentially hinting at the siblings’ fates within the game's storyline.

Additional Parallels to Phaethon's Tale in Zenless Zone Zero

Interestingly, the Greek myth about Phaethon’s body landing in the Eridanus River might have inspired the city names of Eridu and New Eridu. In mythology, his body released a toxic vapor that killed birds flying overhead, eerily similar to the Hollows' dangerous aura around New Eridu. However, unlike Phaethon, Belle and Wise work to eliminate this "vapor" rather than spreading it, helping New Eridu endure in a harsh world.

In Zenless Zone Zero, "Phaethon" is more than just a codename—it’s a symbol of the Proxy siblings’ courage and possibly a hint at the sacrifices they might make. Fans continue to wonder just how much this ancient myth will play into their story and what risks they’ll face on their journey.