Why does Altair have a finger missing?

Why Does Altair Have a Finger Missing?

Altair, the protagonist of the first Assassin’s Creed game, has been a topic of discussion among fans for years. One of the most intriguing aspects of his character is the fact that he has a missing finger. But why is that? In this article, we will delve into the world of Assassin’s Creed and explore the reasons behind Altair’s missing finger.

The Original Design

According to Ubisoft, the game’s developer, Altair’s missing finger was part of the original design concept. The team wanted to create a character that was unique and stood out from other protagonists in the gaming world. They experimented with different designs, including the iconic Hidden Blade, which was inspired by the medieval sword-fighting technique known as "daga".

The Creed and the Rite of Passage

In the Assassin’s Creed universe, the Creed is a set of principles that guides the actions of the Assassins. The Creed is rooted in the idea that the ends justify the means, and that the greatest good can be achieved by sacrificing personal comfort and convenience. When an Assassin reaches a certain rank, they are given a rite of passage, which involves severing their ring finger to symbolize their dedication to the Creed.

The Apple and the New Design

However, it was not always the case that Assassins had to sacrifice their fingers. According to the game’s lore, Altair used the Apple, a powerful artifact that allowed him to perfect the design of the Hidden Blade. With the Apple, Altair was able to create a new design that did not require the sacrifice of a finger.

The Historical Context

Historically, the use of the Hidden Blade was inspired by the medieval sword-fighting technique known as "daga". In medieval Europe, the daga was a short, double-edged sword that was used for close combat. The design of the Hidden Blade was influenced by the daga, and the missing finger was a nod to the historical context in which the game was set.

The Impact on Gameplay

The missing finger has a significant impact on gameplay. Without the use of the Hidden Blade, Altair would not be able to perform his signature move, which involves using the blade to dispatch enemies. The missing finger also adds a layer of realism to the game, as it makes Altair a more vulnerable and human character.

The Symbolism

The missing finger is also a symbol of Altair’s commitment to the Creed. By sacrificing his finger, Altair is demonstrating his willingness to go to great lengths to achieve his goals. The missing finger is a physical representation of the sacrifices that Assassins must make in order to fulfill their duties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Altair’s missing finger is a design choice that was made to create a unique and memorable character. The missing finger is a symbol of Altair’s commitment to the Creed, and it adds a layer of realism to the game. The historical context and the impact on gameplay are also important factors that contribute to the significance of Altair’s missing finger.

Additional Information

Here are some additional facts about Altair’s missing finger:

• Ring Finger: The ring finger is the finger that is typically severed to symbolize the Assassin’s commitment to the Creed.
• Alternative Design: The alternative design of the Hidden Blade, which does not require the sacrifice of a finger, was made possible by the use of the Apple.
• Historical Context: The use of the Hidden Blade was inspired by the medieval sword-fighting technique known as "daga".
• Impact on Gameplay: The missing finger adds a layer of realism to the game, making Altair a more vulnerable and human character.

References

• Assassin’s Creed (2007) – Video game
• Assassin’s Creed Wiki – Online encyclopedia
• Ubisoft – Developer of the Assassin’s Creed series