When I started playing League of Legends, I was curious about where each champion came from. Some were easy to figure out; humans were simply humans.
Vastaya had animal traits. Yordles were small and magical in their own way.
But then I saw Lillia. She looked like a deer, but she also had a flower growing on her head. She carried herself more like a spirit than a person. I couldn’t figure her out.
I remember asking myself, “So… what is she supposed to be?” That thought stayed with me for a while. Eventually, I started digging into her story. The more I read, the more I understood her.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what race Lillia is, where she came from, and why her lore stands out.
Lillia’s True Race in League of Legends
Lillia is known as a fae fawn, which means she doesn’t fall into the typical categories like human, Yordle, or Vastaya. She’s a unique creature born from the Dreaming Tree, making her part physical and part magical.
Lillia’s body exists, but her origin is more abstract; she was created from a dream.
This dreamborn nature gives her a special place in Runeterra, blending magic with the natural world in a way unlike other champions.
Her distinct race and origin explain why she feels so different and mystical compared to others. Simply put, she’s a rare fae being with close ties to the spirit realm and nature’s magic.
Lillia’s Origins in the Garden of Forgetting
Lillia’s story begins with the Dreaming Tree, a magical tree in Ionia. This tree grew from the seed of the God-Willow.
The God-Willow was once cut down by Ivern, and from its remains, the Dreaming Tree was born. The Dreaming Tree had a unique role. It collected the dreams of nearby people in its blossoms.
Most buds bloomed and released dreams. But one bud didn’t bloom. It fell from the tree instead. From that bud, Lillia was born.
She grew up in the Garden of Forgetting, caring for the tree and its blossoms.
Through those dreams, she got glimpses of the outside world and learned about people without ever seeing them in person. For a long time, her life was quiet and sheltered.
What Makes Lillia Look and Feel Different?
If you look at Lillia’s design, it’s clear she isn’t like anyone else. She has traits that show her dreamborn, fae nature.
- Deer-like legs and body.
- Purple fur and glowing eyes.
- A flower bud on her head that connects to her magic.
- A magical branch taken from the Dreaming Tree.
Her whole appearance tells her story. She’s timid and gentle, yet carries powerful magic.
Even though players sometimes try to compare her to Vastaya or Yordles, her body and backstory prove she’s different.
Why Lillia Left Her Home and Faced the World?
Everything changed when war spread through Ionia. People’s dreams became fewer, and the tree began to weaken. The blossoms turned sickly.
Lillia feared for the tree she saw as her mother and, for the first time, left her garden’s safety.
When she finally met humans, the experience was confusing. Her magic accidentally put them to sleep, and instead of peaceful dreams, she saw how twisted and heavy their dreams had become.
It was a frightening moment, but also a turning point. Lillia knew she couldn’t hide anymore and had to face the world despite her fear.
She carried a branch from her tree with her, and that branch became her staff. From then on, she wandered Runeterra, trying to bring dreams back to life.
Mythological and Symbolic Parallels
One of the things I enjoy about League lore is how it borrows ideas from myths. Lillia feels familiar in that way.
- She’s like a dryad, a tree spirit from Greek stories.
- Her deer-like form connects to old symbols of purity and guidance.
- Being born from dreams echoes folklore about spirits that protect sleep.
She might be unique to League, but she shares roots with myths that many cultures tell. That gives her story a deeper, timeless feeling.
Conclusion
Lillia stands apart from every other champion in League of Legends. She is not human, Vastaya, or Yordle. She is a fae fawn, a dreamborn spirit tied to the Dreaming Tree.
Her origin makes her one of a kind in Runeterra, and war pushed her to leave her garden home.
Her design, with deer-like features and a flower bud that carries magic, reflects that story. Her lore ties to myths of forest spirits and dream guardians, adding depth to her character.
Lillia doesn’t fit Runeterra’s usual races, but that makes her special. Her story defines her place in the game.
If you’re also interested in how Riot designs champions beyond lore, like their skins, check out my breakdown of the 5 Best Viego Skins Ranked: Effects, Models, and Value.
