The Tragic End of a Pirate Assassin: Why Edward Kenway Was Killed
Edward Kenway, the charismatic pirate-turned-Assassin protagonist of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, met his untimely demise in 1735. He was killed by mercenaries dispatched by Reginald Birch, the Templar Grand Master of the British Rite. The primary motive behind this assassination was to steal Edward’s journal, which contained extensive research on the First Civilization and the location of various artifacts, knowledge that was invaluable to the Templars. Birch also aimed to take Haytham Kenway, Edward’s son, under his wing to indoctrinate him into the Templar Order from a young age.
The Events Leading to Edward’s Death
Edward Kenway’s life after the events of Black Flag was marked by a deepening commitment to the Assassin Brotherhood and a growing interest in the mysteries of the First Civilization. He settled in London, purchased a mansion in Queen Anne’s Square, and continued his research, meticulously documenting his findings in his journal.
Reginald Birch, a cunning and manipulative Templar, recognized the significance of Edward’s research. The knowledge contained within the journal could significantly advance the Templar cause, providing them with crucial information about powerful artifacts and the locations of strategic sites. Birch also saw an opportunity to exploit young Haytham’s potential, molding him into a loyal Templar agent.
Under the guise of friendship, Birch became a close confidant of Edward, subtly gathering information about his research and daily routines. He carefully planned the break-in, ensuring that the mercenaries were well-equipped and ruthless enough to eliminate any resistance. The attack was swift and brutal. Edward, caught off guard, bravely confronted the intruders in a lengthy sword battle, but ultimately succumbed to a fatal stab wound to the chest.
The Aftermath: Haytham’s Indoctrination and its Impact
Following Edward’s death, Birch wasted no time in seizing Haytham. He took the boy into his care and began the process of indoctrinating him into the Templar ideology. Haytham was trained in combat, strategy, and the Templar philosophy, effectively transforming him into a formidable agent of the Order.
Haytham’s rise within the Templar ranks would have far-reaching consequences, shaping the events of Assassin’s Creed III and Assassin’s Creed Rogue. His unwavering dedication to the Templar cause and his conflict with his son, Connor, played a pivotal role in the ongoing struggle between the Assassins and the Templars in the American colonies. You can explore more about the influence of games on learning through organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Edward Kenway officially an Assassin when he died?
Yes, Edward Kenway was officially an Assassin at the time of his death. After the events of Black Flag, he dedicated himself to the Assassin Brotherhood and actively worked to further their cause. His research into the First Civilization also contributed significantly to the Assassins’ knowledge and understanding of the world.
2. How old was Edward Kenway when he died?
Edward Kenway was 42 years old when he was assassinated in 1735. He was born in 1693.
3. Did Edward Kenway know that Birch was a Templar?
No, Edward Kenway was unaware that Reginald Birch was a Templar. Birch skillfully concealed his true allegiance, cultivating a facade of friendship to gain Edward’s trust and access to his research.
4. What was the significance of Edward Kenway’s journal?
Edward Kenway’s journal contained detailed information about the First Civilization, including the locations of artifacts and strategic sites. This knowledge was highly valuable to both the Assassins and the Templars, as it could potentially give either side a significant advantage in their ongoing conflict.
5. What happened to Edward Kenway’s wife, Tessa, after his death?
There is no specific information in the Assassin’s Creed lore about what happened to Edward Kenway’s wife, Tessa, after his death. Her fate remains unknown.
6. Could Edward Kenway have survived the attack?
While Edward Kenway was a skilled fighter, the attack was carefully planned and executed. The mercenaries were likely instructed to eliminate him swiftly and efficiently. Given the element of surprise and the number of attackers, it is unlikely that he could have survived the encounter.
7. Did Haytham Kenway ever avenge his father’s death?
Haytham Kenway did not explicitly seek revenge for his father’s death. He was already deeply entrenched within the Templar Order by the time he learned the truth about Edward’s assassination. His loyalty to the Templar cause ultimately superseded any personal vendetta he might have harbored.
8. Was Edward Kenway’s death necessary for the plot of the Assassin’s Creed series?
Yes, Edward Kenway’s death served as a crucial plot point in the Assassin’s Creed series. It set the stage for Haytham’s indoctrination into the Templar Order and the subsequent conflict between Haytham and his son, Connor. Without Edward’s death, the events of Assassin’s Creed III and Assassin’s Creed Rogue would have unfolded very differently.
9. Why didn’t the Assassins protect Edward Kenway?
The game does not specifically state why the Assassins weren’t protecting Edward. Given that Birch acted in secret, the Assassins may have been unaware of the threat he posed or the extent of Edward’s research. It’s also possible they lacked the resources or information to provide adequate protection for Edward in London at that time.
10. Is Edward Kenway’s death considered canon in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
Yes, Edward Kenway’s death is considered canon in the Assassin’s Creed universe. It is a firmly established event that has been referenced in multiple games and supplementary materials.
11. How did Edward Kenway’s skills as a pirate help him as an Assassin?
Edward’s experience as a pirate honed his combat skills, particularly in sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat. His resourcefulness, adaptability, and ability to navigate treacherous situations also proved valuable assets in his role as an Assassin.
12. Did Connor Kenway ever learn the full details of his grandfather’s death?
It is not explicitly stated whether Connor Kenway learned the full details of his grandfather’s death. However, given his access to Haytham’s journal and his understanding of the Templar Order’s methods, it is likely that he pieced together the truth about Edward’s assassination.
13. What impact did Edward Kenway have on the Assassin Brotherhood?
Edward Kenway significantly contributed to the Assassin Brotherhood through his research into the First Civilization and his efforts to combat the Templar Order. His actions helped to shape the course of the Assassin-Templar conflict in the Americas and beyond.
14. Why is Edward Kenway considered one of the strongest Assassins?
Edward Kenway is considered one of the strongest Assassins due to his exceptional combat skills, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination. He was a master swordsman, skilled in stealth, and possessed a strong moral compass that guided his actions.
15. Could Edward Kenway have changed Haytham’s Templar allegiance?
While it’s impossible to say for sure, it’s plausible that Edward, had he lived, could have influenced Haytham’s path. Edward’s charm and moral flexibility, combined with a father’s influence, could have potentially swayed Haytham away from the Templar Order. However, Haytham’s own rigid beliefs and the deep indoctrination by Birch make it a difficult question to definitively answer.
Edward Kenway’s death remains a significant moment in the Assassin’s Creed saga, underscoring the brutal realities of the Assassin-Templar conflict and highlighting the enduring legacy of the Kenway family. His story continues to resonate with fans, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.