Are the Templars the bad guys in Assassins Creed?

Are the Templars the Bad Guys in Assassin’s Creed?

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has been a staple of gaming for over a decade, with its rich storyline and complex characters. One of the most iconic and intriguing aspects of the series is the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars. But are the Templars truly the "bad guys" in Assassin’s Creed? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and motivations of the Templars, and explore the moral ambiguities that make them a fascinating and complex villain.

The Templars: A Brief History

The Templars, also known as the Order of the Knights Templar, were a real-life Christian military order that existed from the 12th to the 14th century. In the Assassin’s Creed universe, the Templars are a fictionalized version of this historical organization, with their own motivations and goals. According to the game’s lore, the Templars believe that humanity is flawed and that the only way to achieve true order is through the elimination of free will. They seek to control and manipulate society through a hierarchical system, with themselves at the top.

The Templars’ Goals

The Templars’ ultimate goal is to create a world where they can impose their own brand of order and control. They believe that this can only be achieved by eliminating the concept of free will, which they see as a threat to their authority. To achieve this, they use a variety of tactics, including assassination, manipulation, and mind control.

The Assassins: A Counterbalance

The Assassins, on the other hand, are a group of rebels who believe in the importance of free will and individual freedom. They see the Templars as a threat to humanity’s very existence and are determined to stop them at all costs. The Assassins are a decentralized organization, with cells operating in secret across the world. They are led by a mysterious figure known only as the Mentor, who guides them in their fight against the Templars.

The Moral Ambiguity of the Templars

So, are the Templars truly the "bad guys" in Assassin’s Creed? The answer is not a simple one. While the Templars are undoubtedly a villainous organization, they are also a complex and nuanced one. They believe that their actions are necessary to achieve a greater good, and that the ends justify the means. This moral ambiguity makes them a fascinating and sympathetic character, and raises important questions about the nature of morality and ethics.

The Templars’ Motivations

The Templars’ motivations are rooted in their belief that humanity is flawed and that the only way to achieve true order is through the elimination of free will. They see themselves as the only ones who can bring about a new era of peace and stability, and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. This includes using brutal and violent tactics, as well as manipulating and controlling others.

The Assassins’ Counter-Narrative

The Assassins, on the other hand, believe that the Templars are a threat to humanity’s very existence. They see the Templars as a force that seeks to control and manipulate others, and are determined to stop them at all costs. The Assassins believe that individual freedom and free will are essential to humanity’s survival, and are willing to fight to the death to protect these values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Templars are a complex and nuanced villain in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While they are undoubtedly a villainous organization, they are also motivated by a twisted sense of morality and a desire to achieve a greater good. The Assassins, on the other hand, are a group of rebels who believe in the importance of individual freedom and free will. The eternal struggle between these two groups raises important questions about the nature of morality and ethics, and makes for a fascinating and engaging storyline.

Key Takeaways

• The Templars are a complex and nuanced villain in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
• They believe that humanity is flawed and that the only way to achieve true order is through the elimination of free will.
• The Assassins, on the other hand, believe in the importance of individual freedom and free will.
• The eternal struggle between these two groups raises important questions about the nature of morality and ethics.
• The Templars’ motivations are rooted in their belief that they are the only ones who can bring about a new era of peace and stability.

Table: Templars vs. Assassins

Bibliography

• Assassin’s Creed: The Complete Novel by Oliver Bowden
• Assassin’s Creed: The Official Guide by Matt Miller
• The Templars: History and Mystery by J. F. C. Fuller