Does Basim Become Loki? Unraveling the Truth Behind Assassin’s Creed’s Most Complex Character

The question of whether Basim Ibn Ishaq fully transforms into Loki within the Assassin’s Creed narrative is complex, but the answer, in essence, is yes, but not in a simple “possession” sense. Basim is the reincarnation of the Isu Loki, inheriting his memories, personality, and desires. Mirage showcases Basim’s journey towards accepting and embracing this inherited identity, culminating in a union with Nehal, representing the dormant memories of Loki. This merging effectively completes the process, making him the fully realized reincarnation of the Norse god of mischief within the Assassin’s Creed universe. He isn’t merely possessed; he is Loki, reborn and remembering.

The Layers of Basim: Assassin, Loki, and Something More

Basim’s character arc is one of the most compelling in the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise, precisely because of its multi-layered nature. He’s not just a straightforward protagonist turned antagonist; he’s a character grappling with the echoes of a past life as a powerful Isu, Loki, a being wronged and seeking vengeance. To understand Basim’s transformation, we need to delve into the key components that make up his identity:

• The Assassin: Basim starts as a street thief in Baghdad, driven by a desire for justice and belonging. He joins the Hidden Ones (the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood) and rises through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. This is the Basim players experience firsthand in Mirage, a Basim who is actively shaping his own destiny.

• The Reincarnation: Unbeknownst to himself (initially), Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, an Isu from a technologically advanced civilization predating humanity. The Isu, often mistaken for gods in human mythology, possessed advanced knowledge and technology. Loki, a member of the Æsir, the Isu faction associated with Norse mythology, suffered a great injustice, which fuels Basim’s actions.

• The Integration: The pivotal moment comes when Basim unlocks his buried memories of Loki. This is gradual, hinted at in Mirage and fully realized in Valhalla. The trauma and desire for revenge consume him, driving him to manipulate events and betray those around him. The merging with Nehal, a manifestation of Loki’s lost memories, essentially “completes” Basim’s transformation, solidifying Loki’s influence.

Unpacking the Isu and Reincarnation in Assassin’s Creed

The Assassin’s Creed series has consistently explored the concept of the Isu, an ancient precursor race that shaped human history and mythology. The Isu possessed advanced technology that humans interpreted as magic or divine power. Within this framework, reincarnation is presented not as a mystical phenomenon, but as a scientific process wherein Isu memories and personalities are encoded within the human DNA, potentially surfacing in later generations.

This explains how Eivor is a reincarnation of Odin, Sigurd of Tyr, and, crucially, Basim of Loki. However, the extent to which these reincarnations are aware of their past lives varies. While Eivor and Sigurd demonstrate glimpses of their Isu heritage, Basim fully embodies Loki, driven by his memories and desires. This difference highlights the complexity of the reincarnation process within the Assassin’s Creed lore.

The Significance of Nehal

Nehal is not just a figment of Basim’s imagination or a simple hallucination. She represents the fragments of Loki’s personality and memories that were initially suppressed within Basim. She acts as a constant reminder of the injustice suffered by Loki and fuels his desire for revenge. By the end of Mirage, Basim accepts Nehal, effectively merging with his past self and becoming the complete reincarnation of Loki. This union solidifies his role as a primary antagonist in the overarching Assassin’s Creed narrative.

Why Basim’s Transformation Matters

Basim’s journey from aspiring Assassin to the embodiment of a vengeful Isu has significant implications for the future of the Assassin’s Creed series. He’s not merely a villain; he’s a complex character driven by understandable motives. His desire to reunite with his “children” – Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel – hints at a potential future storyline involving these iconic figures from Norse mythology. Furthermore, Basim’s knowledge of the Isu and their technology makes him a formidable adversary, capable of challenging the Assassins and Templars alike.

Understanding the Nuances of Basim’s Character

The nuances within Basim’s character present ripe opportunities for educational analysis, specifically within the realm of storytelling and narrative design. As the Games Learning Society recognizes, video games offer powerful platforms for exploring complex themes. Delving into Basim’s multifaceted identity and intricate motivations provides valuable insight into how game developers can craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on multiple levels. For more information on games and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Basim and Loki

1. Is Basim still Loki in Mirage?

Yes, but not in a fully realized way. Mirage depicts Basim’s journey towards embracing his identity as the reincarnation of Loki. The game ends with him joining hands with Nehal, representing the repressed memories of Loki, thus becoming a more complete reincarnation.

2. Are Basim and Loki the same person?

Yes, in the sense that Basim is the reincarnation of Loki. Basim Ibn Ishaq is a human being who carries the genetic memories and personality traits of the Isu Loki.

3. Why did Basim betray Eivor?

Basim betrays Eivor (Odin’s reincarnation) because he seeks revenge on the Æsir, including Odin, for their treatment of his “son” Fenrir.

4. Is Basim a good guy or a bad guy?

Basim’s morality is complex. He is a sympathetic character with understandable motivations (revenge for perceived injustices), but his actions in Valhalla are undeniably villainous.

5. Why does Basim hate Eivor?

Basim hates Eivor because Eivor is the reincarnation of Odin, one of the Isu who wronged Loki in his past life.

6. Is Basim Altair’s father?

No, Umar Ibn-La’Ahad is Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s father. However, some theories suggest Basim could be a distant ancestor, explaining their similar appearances.

7. What did Basim do to Sigurd?

Basim manipulated Sigurd, feeding his ego and contributing to his suffering in England, all part of Loki’s plan for revenge.

8. Why does Basim look like Ezio?

The resemblance between Basim and Ezio is likely a deliberate design choice to hint at a possible ancestral connection. One possibility is that Ezio is a descendant of Basim.

9. Is Eivor a reincarnation of Odin?

Yes, Eivor is the reincarnation of the Isu Odin, though she doesn’t fully realize or embrace this identity to the same extent as Basim/Loki.

10. Is Basim Assassin or Templar?

Basim starts as an Assassin but his Loki persona takes over his actions and ultimately puts him at odds with both the Assassins and Templars.

11. Why does Basim look different in Mirage?

Basim’s appearance in Mirage reflects his younger self, before the full realization of his Loki identity and before the events that occur in Valhalla.

12. Did Basim have a son?

In Valhalla, Basim talks about having a son who was taken from him, mirroring Loki’s relationship with Fenrir in Norse mythology. Fenrir is considered Loki’s son in the myths that Basim remembers.

13. Does Eivor know Basim is Loki?

Eivor doesn’t fully grasp the extent of Basim’s identity as Loki, nor does she remember her own connection to Odin. She is mostly unaware of her Isu identity.

14. What happened to Basim in Valhalla?

At the end of Valhalla, Basim is freed from his imprisonment in Yggdrasil and takes on the role of the modern-day protagonist, setting the stage for future storylines.

15. Who are Basim’s children?

Basim, as Loki, desires to reunite with his “children” from Norse mythology: Fenrir, the World Serpent Jörmungandr, and Hel, the goddess of the underworld. This suggests their potential involvement in future Assassin’s Creed narratives.