Who was the first assassin in Assassin’s Creed lore?
The Assassin’s Creed series is renowned for its rich and intricate lore, which spans centuries and numerous games. The franchise’s primary storyline follows the exploits of various assassins as they battle against the Templar Order to shape the course of human history. Within this complex narrative, the question of who the first assassin is often arises. In this article, we’ll delve into the Assassin’s Creed lore to provide a definitive answer to this query.
Bayek and Aya: The Founders of the Hidden Ones
In Assassin’s Creed: Origins, set in Ancient Egypt, we encounter Bayek and Aya, who are often referred to as the first true assassins. They were members of a group known as the Hidden Ones, the earliest incarnation of the Assassin Brotherhood. Bayek and Aya played a pivotal role in shaping the Assassin Order and establishing its creed. They fought against the forces of tyranny, using their skills and expertise to bring justice to a world plagued by corruption.
Altair: The Mentor and Leader
Fast-forwarding to Assassin’s Creed, we find ourselves in the world of medieval Middle East, where we encounter Altair, the first playable protagonist in the series. Although Altair wasn’t the first assassin in the traditional sense, he was a mentor and leader of the Assassin Brotherhood. He mentored Hassan-i Sabbah, the founder of the Hashshashin (a group that inspired the modern-day Assassin’s Creed concept), and guided him in the development of the Assassin Order.
Ezio Auditore: The Italian Renaissance Assassin
In Assassin’s Creed II, set in Renaissance Italy, we meet Ezio Auditore da Firenze, another influential assassin in the series. While Ezio wasn’t the first assassin in the classical sense, his contributions to the Assassin Brotherhood and the struggle against the Templars cannot be overstated. He was a highly skilled warrior and strategist, known for his intelligence, cunning, and unwavering commitment to the Assassin cause.
The Link between Altair and Ezio
The connection between Altair and Ezio lies in the fact that they share a common ancestor, Desmond Miles. Desmond, the protagonist of the modern-day storyline, discovers his connection to the Assassin Order and uses his ancestors’ skills to further the Brotherhood’s goals. This direct lineage establishes a link between the two Assassins, highlighting the ongoing legacy of the Assassin Brotherhood across the centuries.
The Evolution of Assassination
Throughout the Assassin’s Creed series, we witness the evolution of assassination from Bayek and Aya’s initial steps in Ancient Egypt to Altair’s leadership in medieval Middle East, and eventually to Ezio’s contributions in Renaissance Italy. Each of these individuals, although not necessarily the "first" assassin in a strict chronological sense, played a significant role in shaping the Assassin Order and the world around them.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is challenging to pinpoint a single "first" assassin in the Assassin’s Creed lore, we can confidently say that Bayek and Aya, as the founders of the Hidden Ones, played a crucial role in establishing the Assassin Brotherhood. Altair, as a mentor and leader, guided the development of the Assassin Order, while Ezio Auditore’s contributions in Renaissance Italy helped solidify the Brotherhood’s position against the Templars. The Assassin’s Creed series is rich in complex characters, intriguing plotlines, and historical context, making it difficult to determine a single "first" assassin. Instead, we should appreciate the collective contributions of these characters to the Assassin Brotherhood and their enduring legacy.
Important Dates in Assassin’s Creed Lore:
- Ancient Egypt (Assassin’s Creed: Origins)
- Medieval Middle East (Assassin’s Creed)
- Renaissance Italy (Assassin’s Creed II)
- Modern Day (Assassin’s Creed)
Key Characters:
- Bayek
- Aya
- Altair
- Hassan-i Sabbah
- Ezio Auditore da Firenze
- Desmond Miles
Legacy of Assassination:
- Founding of the Hidden Ones (Assassin’s Creed: Origins)
- Leadership of Altair (Assassin’s Creed)
- Contributions of Ezio (Assassin’s Creed II)
- Lineage through Desmond Miles
- Ongoing struggle against the Templar Order
By exploring the rich tapestry of Assassin’s Creed lore, we can better understand the complex and intertwined history of the Assassin Brotherhood. While Bayek and Aya can be considered the "first" true assassins, Altair’s mentorship and Ezio’s contributions cement their places in the legacy of the Assassin Order.