Why Isn’t Alexios in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has finally arrived, offering an epic Viking adventure. As fans, we eagerly expected Alexios to join forces with Eivor, following their shared fate in Odyssey. However, Alexios’ absence from Valhalla has sparked curiosity about his whereabouts. In this article, we’ll uncover the reasons behind Alexios’ non-appearance, exploring the events that took place between Odyssey and Valhalla.
Spoiler Alert: The Fate of Alexios
Before delving into the reasons for Alexios’ absence, it’s essential to establish what happened to him during the events of Odyssey. As the main antagonist of Odyssey, Alexios Deimos, a member of the Cult of Kosmos, met a tragic demise at the hands of Layla Hassan. His eventual fate was to be immortalized as a cult artifact, his essence trapped in a vessel to be revived at a later time. This sets the stage for his non-appearance in Valhalla, as his character arc comes to a close in Odyssey.
The Chronology of Events
Understanding the timeline of events can help clarify why Alexios is not present in Valhalla. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes place in the early years of ancient Greece (431 BCE), whereas Valhalla is set in 9th century England (872 CE), a significant time gap between the two games. By the time of Valhalla, Alexios would have been trapped in a cult artifact for over a millennium, rendering him unlikely to be a part of the game’s narrative. This 1,200-year gap highlights the distance between the two game worlds, making it clear that Alexios’ presence is not feasible.
Kassandra’s Ascendancy
Another essential aspect to consider is the ascension of Kassandra as the protagonist of the Hidden Ones. As confirmed by the game’s novellas, Kassandra went on to become the powerful Isu, granting her the gift of immortality. With her now an immortal Isu, her character has transcended human limitations, making Alexios’ inclusion in the game unnecessary.
In-Game Logic
When analyzing the game from a narrative perspective, Valhalla’s storyline explores themes of family, tribe, and legacy. With Alexios no longer relevant due to his demise, his absence serves a greater purpose, allowing players to focus on Eivor’s journey and the historical context of the Viking invasion. By omitting Alexios, the developers have created a more compact, focused narrative that leverages the Viking setting.
The Impact on Eivor’s Story
Given Alexios’ absence, we can examine how it affects Eivor’s journey. As the protagonist, Eivor is tasked with forging alliances, battling enemy clans, and exploring England during the Viking Age. Without Alexios, the story can now focus more intensely on Eivor’s experiences, her relationships, and the world around her. This shift also creates opportunities for new conflicts, alliances, and villains to emerge, enriching the game’s narrative landscape.
Conclusion: Alexios’ Absence Makes Sense
In the end, Alexios’ absence from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is less surprising than initially thought. With his fate sealed at the end of Odyssey and his character arc concluded, his inclusion in Valhalla would be a deviation from the narrative’s natural flow. By omitting Alexios, the game has maintained a cohesive storytelling approach, allowing players to delve into the world of 9th century England, Eivor’s trials and tribulations, and the epic Viking saga.