Who was Altaïr based on?
Altaïr ibn La’Ahad, the main character of the first Assassin’s Creed game, has been a topic of discussion among fans and scholars alike. While there is no conclusive evidence to prove that Altaïr was based on a specific historical figure, this article will explore the various theories and facts that have been gathered over the years.
The Historical Inspiration
The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its blend of historical accuracy and creative liberty. The game’s developer, Ubisoft, has confirmed that the Assassin-Templar conflict is rooted in the historical rivalry between the Hashshashin and the Templars in the Middle Ages. However, Altaïr’s character and storyline are more open to interpretation.
The Ismaili Nizaris
One theory suggests that Altaïr was inspired by the Ismaili Nizaris, a Shia Muslim sect that existed during the 12th and 13th centuries. The Nizaris were a major power in the region, and their castles and fortifications still stand today. It’s possible that the game’s developers drew inspiration from the Nizaris’ history, politics, and culture to create Altaïr’s character and world.
The Templars
Another theory is that Altaïr was based on the Knights Templar, a Christian military order that played a significant role in the Middle Ages. The Templars were known for their military prowess, financial power, and influence on the Church. Some fans believe that Altaïr was inspired by the Templars’ strict hierarchical structure and their tendency to suppress knowledge and ideas that went against their beliefs.
Historical Figures
Some fans have pointed to historical figures such as Hasan-i Sabbah, the founder of the Nizaris, and Ibn Arabshah, a Syrian Assassin leader, as potential inspirations for Altaïr’s character. However, these claims are largely speculative and lack concrete evidence.
The Fictional Assassin Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its complex and often cryptic storyline, which can be difficult to decipher. It’s possible that Altaïr’s character and backstory were deliberately created to be mysterious and open to interpretation. The game’s developers may have wanted to leave some questions unanswered, allowing players to fill in the gaps with their own imagination and research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no concrete evidence to prove that Altaïr was based on a specific historical figure, there are several theories and facts that have been gathered over the years. The Ismaili Nizaris, the Templars, and historical figures such as Hasan-i Sabbah and Ibn Arabshah have all been cited as potential inspirations for Altaïr’s character and world. Ultimately, the Assassin’s Creed series is known for its blend of history, fiction, and speculation, leaving it up to players and fans to decide for themselves who Altaïr may have been based on.
Additional Reading
- Assassin’s Creed: The Official Novel by Oliver Bowden
- Assassin’s Creed: Altaïr’s Odyssey by Darby Larson
- The Assassin’s Creed: Encyclopedia
- The Ismaili Nizaris: A Historical and Cultural Context by Dr. Farhad Dafary
Appendix
- Table of Altaïr’s Abilities:
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Stealth | Altaïr is able to move quietly and undetected |
| Swordsmanship | Altaïr is an expert swordsman and can quickly dispatch enemies |
| Agility | Altaïr is able to jump and climb with ease |
| Health | Altaïr has a high level of physical health and can withstand damage |
Important Points
- Altaïr’s historical inspiration is still a topic of debate among fans and scholars.
- The Ismaili Nizaris and the Templars have been cited as potential inspirations for Altaïr’s character and world.
- Historical figures such as Hasan-i Sabbah and Ibn Arabshah may have also influenced Altaïr’s character.
- The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its blend of history, fiction, and speculation.
- Research and speculation are essential components of the Assassin’s Creed fandom.
References
- Assassin’s Creed: The Official Guide
- The Assassin’s Creed: Encyclopedia
- Wikipedia: Assassin’s Creed
- The Ismaili Nizaris: A Historical and Cultural Context by Dr. Farhad Dafary