[Spoilers] Is Hydaelyn a primal?

[BillyKaplan]

So basically, I feel there is significant cause for concern that the force we have been working for may in fact be the very thing we are working against. Or at least it needs to have some more screen time to explain exactly why Hydaelyn is any different from the primals or 'gods' that we have been going around slaying since day one of the game.

I think the biggest difference is the flow of energy. Other Primals drain the land from aether whereas Hydaelyn gives it freely, she's the source of it all, including our monstrous strength.

[Malkria]

I think the biggest difference is the flow of energy. Other Primals drain the land from aether whereas Hydaelyn gives it freely, she's the source of it all, including our monstrous strength.

There is no evidence she isn't though. Consider this, if you have one small pipe draining a pool from the deepest region, how long would it take for you to notice? As compared to many small pipes all draining from different sections of the pool? It might just be that we haven't seen her effects....or maybe we have. The Garlean Empire might be in the 'shallow' section of said pool, and explain why they can't use magic unlike the rest of the world. It also might explain the burning hatred they have for primals, even if they might have forgetten every reason why. But a primal draining a land to the poin't it's people can't use magic? That would be a very good reason.

[BillyKaplan]

There is no evidence she isn't though. Consider this, if you have one small pipe draining a pool from the deepest region, how long would it take for you to notice? As compared to many small pipes all draining from different sections of the pool? It might just be that we haven't seen her effects....or maybe we have. The Garlean Empire might be in the 'shallow' section of said pool, and explain why they can't use magic unlike the rest of the world.

It could also be the piping in their area is broken. Deserts and flourishing meadows form naturally, think of it like that and that they just don't get enough aether flowing their way. Be it naturally or because Eikons messed it up in the past and that's why they're so against it now remains to be seen though, I agree.
As for Hydaelyn drinking from the pool, she's ultimately the one supplying water into it too.