What is Assassin’s Creed 1 Based On?
Assassin’s Creed, a popular action-adventure game series, has its roots in historical events and mythological figures. The first installment, Assassin’s Creed, takes inspiration from the novel Alamut by Slovenian writer Vladimir Bartol, which is based on the historical Hashashin sect of the medieval Middle East.
The Hashashin Sect
The Hashashin sect, also known as the Nizari Ismaili, was a mystical Islamic group that emerged in the 11th century. They were known for their extreme views and their willingness to take extreme measures to achieve their goals. The Hashashin were also famous for their assassins, who were trained to eliminate their targets silently and efficiently.
Vladimir Bartol’s Alamut
Vladimir Bartol’s novel Alamut, published in 1938, is a fictionalized account of the Hashashin sect. The novel tells the story of Hassan-i Sabbah, the founder of the Hashashin, and his efforts to create a new order in the Middle East. Bartol’s work is considered a classic of 20th-century literature and has been widely acclaimed for its vivid portrayal of the Hashashin and their way of life.
Assassin’s Creed 1
Assassin’s Creed 1, released in 2007, takes inspiration from Bartol’s novel and the historical Hashashin sect. The game follows the story of Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad, a member of the Hashashin, as he attempts to stop the Templars from obtaining the Piece of Eden, a powerful artifact that could give them control over the world.
Historical Accuracy
While Assassin’s Creed 1 takes creative liberties with the story and characters, it does draw inspiration from historical events and figures. The game’s setting, the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, is based on real events and locations. The game’s characters, such as the Templars and the Hashashin, are also based on real historical figures and groups.
Comparison to Historical Events
Here is a comparison of the game’s storyline to historical events:
| Event | Assassin’s Creed 1 | Historical Event |
|---|---|---|
| The Third Crusade | The game takes place during the Third Crusade, which was a real historical event that occurred from 1190 to 1192. | The Third Crusade was a military campaign led by King Richard the Lionheart of England, King Philip II of France, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule. |
| The Hashashin Sect | The game’s protagonist, Altaïr, is a member of the Hashashin sect, which was a real historical group. | The Hashashin sect was a mystical Islamic group that emerged in the 11th century and was known for their assassins. |
| The Templars | The game’s antagonists, the Templars, are based on a real historical group. | The Templars were a Christian military order that was founded in the 12th century to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. |
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed 1 is based on the novel Alamut by Vladimir Bartol, which is inspired by the historical Hashashin sect. The game takes creative liberties with the story and characters, but it does draw inspiration from historical events and figures. The game’s setting, characters, and storyline are all influenced by real historical events and figures, making it a unique blend of fiction and fact.