Are Templars good or bad in Assassins Creed?

Are Templars good or bad in Assassins Creed?

In the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the Templars have long been portrayed as the ultimate villains, with their sole purpose being to eradicate all forms of freedom and free will. But are they truly evil, or are there other factors at play?

The Templar Doctrine

The Templars are an order of Christian Knights who believe that they can achieve a utopian world by controlling every aspect of human life. They advocate for a hierarchical system in which the Pope holds the highest authority, and each level of society is clearly defined. This, in turn, would bring order, stability, and progress.

The Assassins vs. Templars

In contrast, the Assassins are a group of rebel warriors who fight for the cause of freedom, human rights, and personal liberation. They believe in anarchy and the decentralization of power, arguing that humanity is naturally entitled to its own free will and should not be subject to the whims of external authority.

Why Are the Templars Considered "Bad"?

In Assassin’s Creed, the Templars are depicted as merciless, ruthless, and driven by a desire to destroy all that is beautiful, free, and original in the world. Their pursuit of power and control often leads them to sacrifice human life, dignity, and happiness. Some significant factors that contribute to this image include:

• Massacres and torture: Templars have been known to commit atrocities such as the slaughter of innocents and the use of brutal methods to extract information.

• Manipulation and exploitation: They often exploit those around them, using false promises and manipulation to get what they want.

• Disregard for human life: The Templars have no qualms about killing anyone who gets in their way or does not conform to their way of thinking.

Not All Templars are Equal

It is crucial to note that not all Templars are created equal. Some, like Régis Rousseau and Lucy Thorns, are shown to have more nuanced and moral agendas. They question the moral implications of their organization and the harm caused by some of their actions. Rousseau eventually becomes an Assassin himself.

The Grey Areas

The Assassin’s Creed storyline is not black-and-white; there are complex motivations and moral ambiguities at play. The Templars believe they are working for a greater good, albeit misguided. The Assassins often use violent means to achieve their goals, even when their intentions are honorable. This moral grey area invites the reader to think critically about the themes presented and the characters’ motivations.

The Evolution of Templars

Over time, the Templars in the Assassin’s Creed universe evolve, and their leaders grow more ruthless and dictatorial. This could be due to the pressure and criticism they face from various organizations, including the Ezio Auditore de Firenze, an assassin who has become one of the most significant players in the series.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Templars can be seen as villains or even anti-heroes in the Assassin’s Creed saga. Their motivations may vary, but their methods often lead to devastating consequences for humanity. While not all Templars are as clearly evil as some are presented, their actions ultimately contradict the values of the franchise’s protagonists.

To make a conclusion, Are Templars good or bad in Assassin’s Creed? Unfortunately, the answer seems straightforward: they are indeed seen as the main antagonists, driven by a ruthless and controlling ideology that suppresses human freedom and potential.

Table: Mainstream Templar Characters’ Evil Deeds

Note: Please keep in mind that this article is meant as a summary of the overall storyline and not meant to be taken as historical accuracy.